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Mac_X · Aug 20, 2006, 04:04 AM

Hi people!!

Our family eMac has just lost its screen and we have to connect it to a 10yr old, 14", CRT monitor. Apart from that, i suspect it has some defects in the making.

So my family, actually my mom and sister (me and my father have our own computers) want a new computer. I think the choice will fall upon the MacMini Dual Core or the 17" iMac. The iMac is much better, but it costs a lot more. Since they have mouse, keyboard and screen the mini should be the better idea. But my mom thinks the screen will have to be replaced- so 250 € will have to spent anyway.

They dont really need a power machine since they will only use it for: Internet, Word, Messenger, iTunes and the Sims 2 on Bootcamp/XP.

What should i advise them to get?

P · Aug 20, 2006, 04:46 AM

Of your system requirements, the only one I'm worried about is the Sims 2 one - the graphics processor in the Mac mini is very weak and might not be able to handle it very well. If you're going to be gaming more than just a little bit on that machine, the iMac is the better choice. The other downsides to the Mac mini are a smaller HD and not as easy to upgrade the RAM. How full is the current HD on the eMac? Barely used or 90% full? 512 MB of RAM is a little low for Tiger, but it works.

The iMac display is gorgeous, and I think the display is more important than performance in your case. A 14" CRT is tiny compared to that, and if it's 10 years old the light is dim as well, so yes you need a new display as well.

Depending on how much you'd have to spend on a display, the iMac will still be about $200 higher. For that, you get a bigger HD, easier RAM expansion and a much better GPU. You'll have to determine if the GPU is worth that much to you, but if you'll be gaming on it, it probably is.

harrisjamieh · Aug 20, 2006, 04:49 AM

Well, you need to work out the cost of the Mac Mini plus the screen you say you will need. If there is still a considerable difference in price between that setup and the iMac, then get the mini, as it will certainly suffice, and even the Sims 2 will run very acceptably on it (it runs fine on my MacBook, which has the same graphics card as the Mini).

If the price difference is very little, however, then go for the iMac, because its just a better overall machine... faster, bigger hard drive, and better graphics, not to mention the iSight camera and space saving design.

Mac_X · Aug 20, 2006, 05:12 AM

Thanks...

in any case i will make sure they put 1GB RAM in it. The eMac had 128Mb.... and it was disturbingly slow. I feel very convinced with the mini though.
HD space wont be an issue, the eMac had 40GB, and has 23.5GB now, and its full of stuff they wont really need.
Plus, my parents are getting a LCD/Plasma of 32-42" and they have a projector- so i thought the mini could be moved around as a media station (or whatever its called).

Uppgrading the mini to 1Gb of RAM it costs 900€... the iMac costs 1300€ with 512Mb....
I think the mini is good for my family (i'm considering the MacPro for myself)

Thanks for the help!

cms · Aug 20, 2006, 05:21 AM

As an earlier poster mentioned, you will almost definitely find you have problems with the Sims2 on a Mac mini, as its graphics card is really not up to the job. My daughter is addicted to playing the Sims 2 and reports that some of the larger scenarios crash randomly. I'd be inclined to plonk down the extra cash for an iMac, as the on-board specs are excellent and you really do get an incredibly good piece of kit for the money. Upgrade the RAM from the stock 512 MB to a full 1 GB and you'll really be flying!

Big Mac · Aug 20, 2006, 05:30 AM

I'd wait until the iMacs get upgraded and then get a good closeout deal on the previous revision. I don't think I'd ever buy a computer with integrated graphics.

Chinasaur · Aug 20, 2006, 09:57 AM

900€??? Where are you buying RAM? Or is that the Apple Store price?

Either way, buy generic RAM, learn how to upgrade the RAM yourself and save at least 600€.

Luck

harrisjamieh · Aug 20, 2006, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Chinasaur

900€??? Where are you buying RAM? Or is that the Apple Store price?

Either way, buy generic RAM, learn how to upgrade the RAM yourself and save at least 600€.

Luck

No he means the entire machine, including the 1GB upgrade, is 900, not the RAM on its own