Choosing iMAC over Mac Mini.....

Why would people choose iMAC over Mac mini? And why not? How much is the iMAC better than the Mac mini?
Looking for answers ASAP. thank you.

Well as of this writing the low end MM is $600.00 and the low end iMac is $1200.00 so we will use these as a base line, at a $600.00 difference!
The iMac you get a 3GHZ processor, the mini 2.26GHZ.
The iMac you get built in Speakers/microphone/camera/SD slot, the mini A built in speaker.
The iMac you can max memory to 16GB, the mini max memory 4GB.
The iMac comes will 500GB of HDD space, the mini 320GB.
Now the most impressive...
The display:
The iMac comes with a beautiful 21.5" LED IPS display, the mini none!
To purchase a comparable display alone will cost you at least $600.00, and it will not look as good as the iMac display.
Add the display and all the other features that the iMac has over the mini and you just get more bang for you buck with the iMac.
Now does that mean that it is a better deal?
Well not if you iMacs display goes out, with a mini you just get another one.
The great thing about the iMac is if you're new to Mac then you're definitely going to get the full Apple/Mac experience, unless of coarse you get one of these messed up iMacs they have been shipping lately.

Similar Messages

Connecting to dial-up internet with imac through mac mini?

I can't quite figure out how to do this. I have a imac g3 and mac mini connected with ethernet crossover. the modem on imac is dead, dial-up connecting though mac mini. i can go through the menus for connecting through internet through ethernet but can't quite get it to connect to the internet on the imac. should I connect to internet on mac mini-then go try to connect over ethernet on imac, or am I missing somthing else in the configuration?
Thanks

Here's Apple's documentation on how to set up your Mac mini so your iMac can share the mini's modem internet connection.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh336.html
Hope that does it.
K.M.
PowerBook G4 (15 FW800); 17 iMac G5; Mac mini 1.42 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Music Production | iMac or Mac Mini, help me make a decision

I've been playing the piano competitively for 12 years, producing classical and electronic music with Cubase SX on PC for 5 years.
Just to put you in proportion, the following specs were enough until recently - my productions became better and more complicated.
Additional 40% performance would completely satisfy my needs, no way I'll need more.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a387/GbeTech/Compspecs2.gif
I also have a pair of monitors, a LCD screen and a sound card (Juli@: http://www.esi-audio.com/products/julia/) that I would like to use.
- The monitors are obligatory to use.
- The sound card is obligatory _unless there is an option for a sound card with identical or better performance than the Juli@_.
Question: Is it possible to buy a sound card with similar or better performance than the Juli@ with either iMac or Mac Mini?
I can't afford a Mac Pro, as my budget is 2400$ max.
I'm trying to decide between an iMac, or a MacMini;
iMac
20"
2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
320GB HD 7200RPM
Wireless Mouse and Keyboard
1349$
MacMini
2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
320GB hard drive
1049$
iMac
Advantages
• A little better performance than the Mac Mini, but as both have better performance than my sufficient and current PC, I'm OK with either.
• More flexible about upgrading, changing hardware etc...
Disadvantages
• More expensive than the Mini, because the computer is actually a screen, which I don't need
MacMini
Advantages
• Possible to use my LCD screen
• Very cheap
Disadvantages
• Not really possible to upgrade anything significant.
*- Can I install my sound card into the iMac or the Mini?*
*- Is it possible to buy a sound card with the same or better performance than the Juli@?*
I prefer installing my card rather than buying a new one.
Can you help me decide?
Message was edited by: GbeTech

GbeTech,
I think it will come down to which machine you think you will enjoy using. You won't be able to use your Julia Sound Card in either machine.
I had a Core Duo 1.6Ghz Mac Mini with 2MB of Ram. I used both Logic 8 and Garageband on the Mac Mini with a Motu 896 and an external Firewire Drive using the ports on the Mac Screen. I never had any latency issues or crashes and recording was fine.
I play classical guitar and accordingly I need a system which is whisper quiet - the Mini was great in that regard.
I then switched to a 3.06Ghz iMac with 4MB of Ram. The iMac only has one FW 800 port and I was worried about daisychaining the Motu through the external Drive.
As it happened I've had no problems whatsoever using the iMac with the Motu and the External Drive. The iMac is as quiet as the Mac Mini - so for me I got a faster computer with no downside.
Having said that the old Mac Mini was quite adequate for my needs. My recordings are very simple - usually one stereo track and one mono audio track for each recording pass - if I multitrack (rarely now) multiply that by 3 plus a few synth/piano/bass tracks and I'm done. After mixing in Logic bounce as a Sound Designer file and then master using Peak 5. Quick simple process that produces fantastic results given recordings are made at home.
I use the above process for recording classical guitar. One thing though - do be careful in the type of External Drive you use - I had one that would click as it was being written to and my mircophone would pick up the clicks !! Changed to a quieter external drive and all is good.
If i'm messing around on an electric guitar - I use Garageband and plug the electric guitar straight into the back of the iMac using a cheap $2 1/4 to 1/8 jack - get a clean strong guitar signal which is then tweaked in Garageband.
I notice that you play classical piano - how you record may have a bearing on what machine you buy. If you simply use a midi keyboard then most probably either machine would be fine. However if you are using multiple mics around an acoustic piano you might want to look at Motu and the other interfaces out there, which in turn could influence your decision.
Hope the above helps.
Kind Reagrds

Compare iMac to Mac Mini

I've been wondering about buying the Mac Mini but would like to know how it compares to the iMac. Would I be happy with it's performance? Can it do all the things the iMac does? Also, the new Mini's use usb 3 and all my equipment uses usb2.

Your best bet is to become familiar with the three main MINI models (each with upgrade configuration
order specs) and the five main iMAC models, most with specs that do not equal the other group. Look
into each of these two main sections for each group, and after you select any one -as if to buy- a list
of additional items or custom specification upgrades may be chosen, at additional cost. That is where
you can see if any one from the MINI group and after the same process, in the iMac group may meet
with your needs. The need based on two years after you buy, since you cannot upgrade RAM in MINI
and other aspects are not user-accessible. And the AppleCare optional extended plan is recommended.
See all models here:
http://www.apple.com/mac/
Compare:
http://www.apple.com/mac/compare/
http://www.apple.com/mac/compare/desktops.html
The Mini may use a variety of displays, including several digital televisions; and some great ones.
Including the 27-inch Thunderbolt display, from Apple. You can have more than two displays with
the Mini depending on the kind & type, and the graphic processor. Adapters to use displays are
available, as the different technology types use specific kinds of adapters... these are optional.
See them in Store page, and note the upgrade options, after clicking on the one(s) for detail:
•Mac MINI:
http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/mac-mini
•iMac:
http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/imac
•official Apple refurbished + clearance store pages:
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac
{If you choose one of the refurbished/clearance items, there are no configuration options in their
specific area. Accessories not included or offered there should be sought out in the main Store
page online, or considered later from an authorize reseller or an Apple Store.}
There is no direct comparisons between the two main groups. Each has a low-end model, and if you
are looking ahead, I would not consider those. There is one exceptionally higher grade iMac 5K and
it too has a configuration-to-order option sheet in the online store.
The USB3 is faster by a wide margin than USB2.0, the older is slower yet is supported at its native
original speed in the newer USB3. External hard drives of a USB3.0 spec can be helpful if they are
of 7200-RPM spin rate; they may be used via the faster TB data cable via adapter, as available.
Other than the ability to configure your order page (see store, click in item you are thinking about,
then look at the list of options and accessories, processor &/or graphic upgrade, RAM upgrade, etc
these are not upgradable after they ship. - The 27-inch iMac may still offer RAM access; check spec.
An official Apple retail Store, the store online and the main Store number should be able to help
you with specific questions once you are more aware of the options. Those are avenues to ask
and look at products directly. It does help to know the options in the online Store, as they may
not be available in the local Apple retail store or at the authorized independent reseller locations...
You can also look into the specifications at Everymac.com including model histories of most Mac;
and also get & use the MacTracker.ca download specification database to also compare specs.
Hopefully once you detail your expectation of what you hope to do, a year or two after purchase,
that may be helpful in choosing one of these completely different model series configurations.
Good luck & happy computing!

Orange Livebox & iMac 24" & Mac mini network, slow transfer using appletalk

Hi everone
I have my 2 computers (imac 24" C2Duo and Mac mini) connecting wirelessly to my Orange Livebox wireless router to access the internet.
I want though to set up an local network to access filesharing over both of the computers. I found a tutorial and managed to turn on Appletalk and filesharing in system prefs.
The problem is that when i transfer files it takes ages to copy them over, i have full signal on both computers, and they connect really fast to the internet.
I used to have it set up on another wireless router (netgear) and it was much faster than that,
Has anyone got a similar problem? or possible solution?
many thanks in advance!

looking through i was wondering if i bought a new aiport express base station and connected it to the livebox would it be better?
the mac mini is core duo so doesn't support n speed but my imac would would they both work? any advice would be appreciated!

LDAP and NFS mounts/setup OSX Lion iMac with Mac Mini Lion Server

Hello all,
I have a local account on my iMac (Lion), and I also have a Mac Mini (Lion Server) and I want to use LDAP and NFS to mount the /Users directory, but am having trouble.
We have a comination of Linux (Ubuntu), Windows 7 and Macs on this network using LDAP and NFS, except the windows computers.
We have created users in workgroup management on the server, and we have it working on a few Macs already, but I wasnt there to see that process.
Is there a way to keep my local account separate, and still have NFS access to /Users on the server and LDAP for authentification?
Thanks,
-Matt

It would make a great server. Bonus over Apple TV for example is that you have access via both wired ethernet and wireless. Plus if you load tools from XBMC, Firecore and others you have a significant media server. Cost is right too.
Many people are doing this - google mac mini media server or other for more info.
Total downside to any windows based system - dealing with constant anti-virus, major security hassels, lack of true media integration and PITA to update, etc.
You should be aware that Lion Server is not ready for prime time - it stil has significant issues if you are migrating from SNL 10.6.8. If you buy an apple fresh Lion Server mac mini you should have no problems.
You'll probably be pleased.

Can I use backup from iMac on Mac mini?

My iMac just went into the Apple Store shop today for a new disk drive. I have a cloned backup of it from Super Duper, on an external drive. Is there any way I can boot from that drive on my Mac mini? Thanks.

As long as the version of Mac OS X on the backup drive is the same or newer than what came from the factory installed on the mini it should boot fine.
Dah•veed

Using iMac and Mac Mini together to share screen and data

I may buy a Mac Mini in addition to my iMac 27" (Mid 2011), mostly so that I can use it for slide show presentations via a digital projector. But I don't have a separate monitor (or suitable TV), so I wouldn't be able to use the Mac Mini other than with a projector. Not a good idea. So I backed away a bit.
TDM Mode
Then I found that I could use an iMac screen as a monitor if I connect the two via a Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt cable in Target Display Mode, TDM (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3924). A short cable costs $35.
Then I thought about those times when Photoshop is tying up my computer for hours while I batch process heaps of images (you can't use Photoshop while it is batch processing), and I wondered: why not jump across to the Mac Mini during those times?
I store all my data on external firewire drives. Nothing on the OSX drives. This leads me to a few questions. Assume I have the Mac Mini connected to my iMac in TDM via a Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt cable.
Ques 1
What is the best way of being able to access my data files (on external firewire drives connected to the iMac) via the Mac Mini? A scenario might be:
I've started a batch process on the iMac which ties up Photoshop and much ties up;
I switch the screen to display the Mac Mini;
I want to access my data on the firewire drives, drives that the iMac is already accessing.
Ques 2
Can I use the thunderbolt connection to not only transfer screen data, but ordinary data?
Ques 3
Or should I run an ethernet cable between the two and set up a network?

One question, how does this affect syncing to iTunes? Will it recognise the iPhoto drive on both computers (depending which one has the drive at that time) if I sync photo albums to my iPhone and iPad?
iTunes will always sync with the last iPhoto library that has been used on the computer. If you make sure, that the drive has been connected, before you launch iTunes, it will work, like Old Toad said.
Also, if I do it this way doesn't it become vulnerable due to not being connected at all times to time machine?
if you use the drive with the library the mainly on your iMac, you could exclude it from the TimeMachine backup of your Laptop. Keep it connected to the iMac, when you are not using it on the LapTop.
What would be the process if I only wanted to do this periodically and wanted to keep the main library on the iMac. Could I work on the drive on the macair and then save it back to the iMac? How do I do that without duplicating the files? If I just select copy and paste, will it only overwrite the changed files?
You would have to copy the entire library back and forth again and again, or use iPhoto Library Manager, to merge the changes into the library on the iMac. It would not be an easy workflow.

IMac vs Mac Mini

I am looking to buy a new desk top, mainly to edit videos. Anyway, which of the two (iMac 17-in/Mini-1.66) would be better for editing? It would be a non-issue if they had the same clock speed/graphics card/etc... but they don't. I am leaning towards the Mini. Budget and space are an issue, which is why I'm not going with the PowerMac.
Thanks in advance, LVC
iMac G3 Mac OS X (10.4.6) iBook G3

I spend a few days in Vegas… I experienced a lot of hospitality … ;-)
I lay my chips on the MacMini, for a simple reason:
the IntelMacs allow natively monitor spanning, meaning, you're able to connect TWO screens… which expands your desktop dramatically!
my scenario:
editing a movie (in iM), but need to "adjust" many stills, so Photoshop is running too… on screen II; simply drag'n drop/swap stills from one screen to another… same with a 3D app, I use for creating... ehm, 3D-things...
aside videowork: I' doing sometimes translations (into German, don't get afraid) - screen I: english, screen II: german…
as I like to say:
If you use the metaphor of a "desktop", it shouldn't have the size of a coffeetable!!
... and I can not afford a 30"......, poor me....
MacMini! if you need later a bigger, wider or more screens - go with that...

Connecting iMac to mac mini

recently purchased a Mac mini since the hard drive on my intel iMac was about to fail. Almost all of my files where saved on firewiredrives but there are a few things to still be transfered from the old computer. I was able to set them up to see each other via bluetooth, but is it possible to transfer data via the ethernet ports?

Hey Drack1cba,
Thanks for the question. There are a few options for accomplishing this goal, some of which are outlined in the following article.
OS X Mavericks: Transfer files between two Mac computers
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH14409
Thanks,
Matt M.

Using an iMacas a Mac mini display?

My old iMac of 2001 vintage is on its last legs. Can I use it as a display with a new Mac Mini? If so is it straightforward?

Short answer - no.
Start saving for a new display.

Finder: connecting iMac to Mac Mini server

Hello,
When I connect in the Finder to the Mac Mini Server (Snow Leopard Server), it takes on our iMac Snow Leopard 90 seconds on a fixed 1 Gbps network.
Why does it take so long ?
Connecting our iMac with Leopard takes only a few seconds.
Thanks,
Hubert

Yes.
I just tried to connect in the finder to a Windows XP Pro PC. Before I could look at my watch, I had access to the Windows XP filesystem.
I tried it also with my MacBook to connect to the server in the finder. Here too, it takes only a few seconds.
I do not understand why it takes 90 seconds on the Snow Leopard iMac.
Hubert

Clone 24" iMac into Mac mini

I plan to purchase a Mac mini for my entertainment center. I rather not go through installing everything I need (3rd party wise). I was thinking about cloning my late 06 iMac since it has everything I need already. The iMac is completely up-to-date. Does anyone see any issues with this?

Yes, the videocard drivers likely are different. The hard drive capacity is also smaller on the Mac Mini. Use the migration assistant.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25773

Which would be faster... Old Imac vs Mac Mini

Maybe a stupid question but there you go , if so I apologise in advance .
Which would be faster my aging iMac Intel Core Duo 2.16, or one of the new bread of Mac Minis .. primarily for photoshop and lightroom. Im trying to weigh up replacing the hard rive on the old imac see how long it lasts or just biting the bullet and buying a mac mini ... I don't like the new glossy screen imacs as I would in mainly b&w images and way to reflective
many thanks simon

SOme comparison charts to be found here http://www.marketingtactics.com/Speedmark/
My guess would be that the new Mini is faster than the old iMac.
Stefan

IMac vs Mac Mini, some doubts

Hello!! Good evening ;-) First of all, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Manu and I am from Spain. I´ve been always a Windows and PC user, but now I´m thinking about the posibility of changing to Mac platform, but I have some doubts.
I´ve been thinking about buying a Mac Mini, because I have the keyboard, a good display and the mouse, everything... However, I´ve seen that it comes with Intel HD 4000 graphics. I want to use the computer to edit some videos but, specially to some graphic design with Photoshop, or to play some games. I would configure the Mac Mini like this:
Core i7 de Intel de cuatro núcleos a 2,6 GHz
SDRAM DDR3 de 16 GB (dos módulos de 8 GB) a 1.600 MHz
Unidad de memoria sólida de 256 GB
Guía del usuario (Español)
Kit de accesorios
Thi price is 1.448,99 €, so I would loke to have enough computer for at less 4 or 5 years, but with this integrated graphics on the processor, do you think so?
I´ve also been seeing the graphic cards that iMac includes, but it isn´t also very powerful, even it is a dedicated card.
What do you think about?
Thank you very much ;-)
Manu.
PD: sorry for my english!! I hope you understand me

Refurbished machines change by the hour, you need to check frequently and be ready to buy when you find a model that will fit your needs.
BTW I asked the moderator to remove one of your posts, you were asking for speculation on unreleased products. Please read the Terms of Use you agreed to, specifically it says:
Submissions
Stay on topic. Apple Support Communities is here to help people use Apple products and technologies more effectively. Unless otherwise noted, do not add Submissions about nontechnical topics, including:
Speculations or rumors about unannounced products.
Discussions of Apple policies or procedures or speculation on Apple decisions.

Choosing iMAC over Mac Mini.....

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for