Core Duo mac mini vs. Core 2 Duo iMac

I am interested in getting a new mac. I would like some advice from others about some of the new models. I do a lot of iPhoto with my Nikon D50 and iMovie and iDVD. I am assuming that a new Core Duo mac mini will be a significant upgrade from my current G4 mini, but I am wondering how much more performace I will see by getting a Core 2 Duo iMac. I am just not sure if I will notice the increased L2 cache or the better video card. again, there is nothing professional, but would like good performance. I am currently using a 19" Dell monitor that I am happy to keep, but will unload it if I get the Imac - not a problem.

The Core Duo Mac Mini lacks the graphics processor, and the RAM upgradeability of the iMac. Also it lacks the Firewire 800 you can get on the 24" model, and the larger hard drive capacity you can get on the iMac build to order. The Mac Mini internally can only get up to 200 GB internally, and with build to order, 500 GB can be put in the 17" and 20" iMac, and 750 GB in the 24" iMac. You'll find hard drive capacity a must in movie production, and the speed of the hard drive will be better. I'd even partition that hard drive to keep space for temporary files on movie projects. No need to get rid of your Dell display when getting the iMac as the iMac supports dual-display with a stretched desktop across both displays! Apple claims a 39% increase in speed for the MacBook Pro Core2Duo which was just released over a similarly configured MacBook Pro CoreDuo. Since iMovie and iDVD will be able to take advantage of the processor, I'd go for the Core2Duo in a heartbeat.

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