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Douglashh · Apr 2, 2006, 12:52 PM

Currently I have a 1.25GHz MDD G4 which I've had for almost 3 years now. I was getting ready to purchase a G5 iMac last summer when Apple announced it was going to Intel so I decided to wait.

I am still considering a new iMac 20. I currently have a Sony 18" LCD monitor and it occurred to me that I might be better off getting a Mac mini although that isn't quite as fast as the iMac. Even if I needed to get a new monitor down the road it, Mini-Mac plus a new monitor, would still be significantly cheaper than buying the iMac 20.

Would appreciate thoughts on which direction I should go.

Also how much more speed would I see with either the iMac 20 or Mini-Mac as compared to my G4. I mostly use it for word processing, spreadsheets, burning CD's and a few DVD's as well as some elementary touching up of digital photos using PhotoShop Elements 4.

Thanks in advance,
Doug

volcano · Apr 2, 2006, 03:27 PM

Personally, I'd choose the iMac.

Why? You'll get a much faster video card, faster processor, a faster hard-drive, and a beautiful screen to boot. You seem to be on the fence about purchasing an all-in-one, but if you keep your machines for an average of about 3 years, then an iMac will suit you just fine. You'll be amazed at how much space you'll save. The machine is gorgeous, too.

Speed-wise? I'd say the new iMac with the Intel Core Duo chip will be nearly 4-5x faster than your current G4.

blindemboss · Apr 2, 2006, 04:28 PM

I was having the similar dilema--iMac or Mac Mini...I chose the 20" Intel iMac.
The Mini just seemed underpowered and geared towards new users.

While the iMac was certainly more expensive, you'll get a lot more.

Not only a much much better video card, but the whopping 250 gb 7200 rpm drive vs a paltry 5400 rpm 80gb.
The all in one with great cable management makes the desk so uncluttered and elegant.
It's absolutely silent and honestly flies when surfing in Safari.

I figure my iMac will last me another 5 years...the average length I keep my Macs.

evildede · Apr 2, 2006, 07:40 PM

I'd also suggest going with the iMac just because it's gonna be a lot faster than the mac mini. It's really slick and the screen is really nice. And you can also use your Sony LCD as a second screen if you'd like.

iREZ · Apr 2, 2006, 09:12 PM

the imac is the better purchase, bar none. i had a 20" dell screen and still opted for the imac over the mac mini due to the crappy gpu in the mini.

acorder · Apr 2, 2006, 09:24 PM

Question. If you get the 20", will you be upgrading the video card to the 256 version? If not, and if a small difference in processor speed doesn't matter to you (and by upgrading from your current system you'll see a huge increase anyway), have you considered getting the 17 iMac and plugging in your monitor to double your screen space? Just curious...

acorder · Apr 2, 2006, 09:25 PM

The point of that post was to suggest that you'll save quite a bit of cash if you buy the 17" instead of the 20".

blindemboss · Apr 3, 2006, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by marcuscorder

The point of that post was to suggest that you'll save quite a bit of cash if you buy the 17" instead of the 20".

I considered the 17" as well...but I figured the larger screen meant I wouldn't have to get an additional monitor until I really felt I needed more space. The 17" screen was just too small...almost as large as the "chin" itself.

And I like a uncluttered desk if possible. The fewer monitors, the better.
Plus the larger hard drive, increased speed, is also nice.