Mac recommendation

~J~ · 27 Jan 2009 at 12:45

Can't believe I'm actually thinking about this, so here goes:

Looking to invest in a Mac at the end of this week and would like a few pointers on which would be the better option based on my requirements.

PLEASE don't give me any PC v Mac arguments, I've been a PC user for nearly 30 years, it's my work, need it for my work and the Mac is purely to meet the following criteria:

An additional computer to browse the internet,
A computer to pick up emails BUT *only* if I can 'sync' them with my PC. Don't want emails scattered across machines,
A place for photos to be stored and a more easier way of looking, editing, organising them,
Work would 'like' me to look at porting some stuff over onto the iPhone/iPod so would be nice to have a little machine to do a bit of programming, but NOT essential.

Have been looking at both the Mac Mini and iMac (the high end Mac Mini, and low end iMac).

Mac Mini seems ideal because I've already got a 24" Dell with DVI input, so no need for another monitor, but the iMac may have that bit more for future proof.

Any major pro's / con's regarding the two that I should be aware of?

Would the purchase of a Mac Mini + Keyboard + Mouse (nearly £500) be better spent in purchasing the iMac at about £200 more?

Slogan · 27 Jan 2009 at 12:51

If you're looking at the Mac Mini then it would be advisable to wait until they're updated. The iMac itself is also due for an update soon as well.

I think you would be happy with either machine although the all-in-one-ness of the iMac is very tempting.

~J~ · 27 Jan 2009 at 12:54

OK, thanks for that Slogan.

Any ideas of when the upgrade will be, are we talking weeks or months?

Maccy · 27 Jan 2009 at 13:02

Have a look on here - http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

Spyhop · 27 Jan 2009 at 19:08

I'm a big fan of the laptops over the Mini or iMac.

Use them in lid-closed mode with with an external display/mouse/keyboard and they're effectively desktops, and obviously double as a portable when that is useful.

~J~ · 27 Jan 2009 at 20:05

wush said:
I'm a big fan of the laptops over the Mini or iMac.

Use them in lid-closed mode with with an external display/mouse/keyboard and they're effectively desktops, and obviously double as a portable when that is useful.

Now that I didn't know (lid-closed mode) That may be of value!

Thanks for that.

yashiro · 27 Jan 2009 at 21:50

* An additional computer to browse the internet,

Anything can do this.

* A computer to pick up emails BUT *only* if I can 'sync' them with my PC. Don't want emails scattered across machines,

This is dependant on the SOFTWARE used. Keeping various imap and pop accounts all in tune can often be a pain. If it's exchange based, use office.

* A place for photos to be stored and a more easier way of looking, editing, organising them,

Software again. Can be done on any machine. iPhoto garners a good following with some folk.

* Work would 'like' me to look at porting some stuff over onto the iPhone/iPod so would be nice to have a little machine to do a bit of programming, but NOT essential.

I wouldn't like to compile at home on a mini if my work PC was decent.

Bottom line
The Mac Mini was a nice little box and is still 'capable' but it's old and by no means fast. It's also horrifically overpriced.
iMac has a cool factor. They're very quiet, the screen is nice and the top end one isn't bad.

I'd probably get a laptop but this may be over budget.
. Plug it into the monitor at home.
. Mail on the move.
. Any problems with code transfers you can just take your whole system into work.
. Can carry it around to easily demo iphone apps to people.
. It will be a different experience overall. If you're generally bored of PC's.
. You will really feel you NEED a PC mouse at first though.

Push comes to shove: Mini vs. iMac, iMac is better. Just don't get the Apple Mouse.