Hmmmm, from what I understand and what I read, a Mini and an Imac are
quite different in terems of the IMac is running on a G5 and the Mini
is a G4. The speed differences might not seem like much, but we're
talking two different processors including difference in frontside
bus speeds and the like. I'm not so sure I'd say a Mini is quite the
same as an IMac without the screen.
My wife has a Mini and I have the IMac and I feel for what I wanted
to do the IMac was the better choice, but that doesn't mean the Mini
is a slowch for a machine, in fact its a damned impressive little
bugger.
I think its really what you want to do and if you need the horsepower
of the G5 vs the G4.
I think the Mini only goes to a 1.5Ghz processor or so that's what I
was told when I got her Mini, wish I could have gotten more ram for
it, ah well ay 512 seems to be serving her well.
Ah, and as far as space, I don't think the IMac takes up any real
space either. We're talking a thin box with a screen, what, about one
and a half or two inches thick? Ay on its stand yu even have some
space under it provided you don't block the intake vent. I got my usb
hub and multicard reader under there and loads of desk space.
Scott
On Jan 13, 2006, at 10:23 AM, Travis Siegel wrote:
The biggest difference, is the screen. If you don't need one, then
don't bother with the imac, get the mini, and max it out, it'll
cost about the same, and you'll get more hardware for your funds.
On the other hand, if a screen is necessary, or you don't have one
you can use, then by all means, go with the imac. Especially since
the new imacs come with the cameras installed by default, it makes
conferencing easier (if you're planning on doing that sort of
thing) The mini is a utilitarian box, it's your no frills mac brand
computer. Of course, it could be made to have frills at an
additional cost, but we're talking out of the box here. The lack
of a microphone/line in jack is problematic sometimes, but the
Imike takes care of this. That's the only thing I wish they'd add
to the mini, otherwise, I'm perfectly happy with mine. You can
always get external drives if you need more storage. In fact, the
firewire drives apple sells fit perfectly under the mini, and when
they're put together, it honestly looks like a single unit to
anyone that doesn't know it's a drive and a mini.
Plus, since the mini is so small, it doesn't take up much real
estate on your desk. Something to consider if such things are
critical.
