[Randman]

Happy with my PowerBook17 but the screen died on me (LCD and hard drive being replaced as it's under warranty) which is pushing me toward getting a backup.

I'm leaning toward getting a Mac mini and an external monitor. I can use the monitor with the mini and/or with the PB.
I can also hook one of my externals up to the mini and save space on the PB by moving my music off (I can also use the mini for the g/f's computer usage and for Classic and what not). This will give me some flexibility (I do bring my PB to work so I like keeping the mobility, even though it's a 17).

Now, I get a discount from Apple from work so I could probably swing an iMac, which would give me more computing power but fewer mix-and-match options.

So, does the mini sound reasonable or should I consider some other configuration?

[jamil5454]

The mini sounds reasonable to me. If you got the iMac, it would have better performance than your PB, and you would be using it more than your PB. Thus it would become your primary machine. Unless you want a primary desktop and just use your PB for mobile stuff.

Otherwise,
I say get a mini and a 20" LCD.

[UberWeenie]

Originally posted by Randman:


Now, I get a discount from Apple from work so I could probably swing an iMac, which would give me more computing power but fewer mix-and-match options.

So, does the mini sound reasonable or should I consider some other configuration?

Do you want your upgrade equipment to satisfy your needs for a year or two or do you want it to perform long term?

Note that a fully loaded Mini with Applecare just about equals the cost of a base 17" iMac. If you add a nice LCD monitor you spend the same as a moderately loaded iMac. If you want the new equipment to perform for a relatively long time you probably should spring for the iMac. If you want a monitor for the laptop I'd consider a _nice_ used CRT monitor. Or even a free one if you look around.

OTOH, a base Mini with 512 MB RAM is just about $600 including tax, and you can get a nice LCD monitor and still be way under the cost of an iMac. If you feel the lack of horsepower in a year or two you can look for another CPU then - I'd expect a G5 Mini to be out sometime in that time frame.

The final conundrum - a loaded Mini or a moderately loaded 17" iMac costs about the same as a base model Powermac. Get that and a CRT monitor to get you running, and expand the RAM, etc., over time. LCD monitor prices continue to drop and in a year or so you should be able to get a _killer_ monitor for a _killer_ price.

Me? I lusted for an iMac, but I got the aforementioned $600 Mini and it is plenty of computer for me. I'm not a performance nut and it does just great IMHO. I had external storage from my old CRT iMac and recycling that is just icing on the cake.

Can't say you don't have enough choices!

[Randman]

MY PB17 handles what I need it to do (1.5Ghz, 1.5Gb of ram). A second monitor would be nice and I've wanted one for some time but wanted prices to drop.
A PM would ne nice but I think it's outside my price range right now. That, and a job I'm looking into runs G5 PMs.

I had a iMac 20 when they came out for a week (doing extended review), and it was sweet. I could see myself loving an iMac, but then I'd consider selling the 17 and getting a PB12 for portability.

Performance-wise, the PB would still be more powerful than a mini but the price is so attractive.


Hmmmmm.

[iREZ]

Sell your PB, get an iMac and 12" PB. You won't lose any CPU speed on your PB but you'll lose your screen, but you'd have an iMac. That would be the setup I'd go for, especially with iMac revisions due for an upgrade soon. I know you love your 17" PB, but nothing beats a fast desktop and small relatively fast notebook combination. That's what I'd do if I were in your position.