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iMac or Mac Mini?

  • 26-06-2014 12:35pm
    #1
    Snake
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭


    Just looking for opinions on which is the better buy? I was in PC world asking but the guy I was asking said iMac based only on the iMac looks nicer.. I'm not interested in how nice it looks, I just want to know the most practical decision

    And I'd prefer no "buy a windows because Mac is ****e and apple is a corrupt company lol"


Comments

  • #2
    The_Pretender
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 594 ✭✭✭The_Pretender


    GrayFox208 wrote: »
    Just looking for opinions on which is the better buy? I was in PC world asking but the guy I was asking said iMac based only on the iMac looks nicer.. I'm not interested in how nice it looks, I just want to know the most practical decision

    And I'd prefer no "buy a windows because Mac is ****e and apple is a corrupt company lol"

    I have a Mac mini and love it. My reason behind choosing it over the iMac was because I couldn't afford the iMac. It worked out well for me though, because instead of buying a monitor for it I have it hooked up to the TV I use for gaming. Works out well, I can just flick between Mac and PS3 without having to get up.


  • #3
    Snake
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Snake


    The_Pretender wrote: »
    I have a Mac mini and love it. My reason behind choosing it over the iMac was because I couldn't afford the iMac. It worked out well for me though, because instead of buying a monitor for it I have it hooked up to the TV I use for gaming. Works out well, I can just flick between Mac and PS3 without having to get up.

    One of the main reasons for me is the price difference, I don't really want the monitor.. I'd rather spend that on another TV.. If my PS4 and Xbox One can look good on my TV my Mac mini should do fine.. So I'm not crazy because I don't want the overly priced monitor? PC world man seemed to think I was :o


  • #4
    Sad Professor
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,679 CMod ✭✭✭✭Sad Professor


    The iMac is far better value. You get the screen and more powerful and up-to-date components. The Mini is the bastard stepchild of Apple’s Mac line-up. They never wanted to make it in the first place and are always on the verge of discontinuing it. The current model hasn’t been updated in 2 years. It’s a nice little machine and all, but I’d only recommend it to someone looking for a media centre. Best to get it refurbished or second-hand as well.

    The Boards.ie Mac forum is here btw.


  • #5
    Blazer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,452 ✭✭✭✭Blazer


    ^^ agreed...the imac is a much nicer machine. Mini is over 2 years old at this stage since it's last refresh.


  • #6
    Snake
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Snake


    Blazer wrote: »
    ^^ agreed...the imac is a much nicer machine. Mini is over 2 years old at this stage since it's last refresh.

    Like I said I'm not interested in cosmetics..


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  • #7
    Snake
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Snake


    Sad Professor wrote: »
    The iMac is far better value. You get the screen and more powerful and up-to-date components. The Mini is the bastard stepchild of Apple’s Mac line-up. They never wanted to make it in the first place and are always on the verge of discontinuing it. The current model hasn’t been updated in 2 years. It’s a nice little machine and all, but I’d only recommend it to someone looking for a media centre. Best to get it refurbished or second-hand as well.

    The Boards.ie Mac forum is here btw.

    I don't buy second hand computers... Too much hassle plus no apple warrenty and getting insurance is impossible as well since 99% of companies will only insure brand new items


  • #8
    shanec1928
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,159 ✭✭✭shanec1928


    GrayFox208 wrote: »
    I don't buy second hand computers... Too much hassle plus no apple warrenty and getting insurance is impossible as well since 99% of companies will only insure brand new items
    the items from the refurb store are practly new with usually very little to no use. And I'm pretty sure their is a warrenty with them too


  • #9
    Snake
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Snake


    shanec1928 wrote: »
    the items from the refurb store are practly new with usually very little to no use. And I'm pretty sure their is a warrenty with them too

    Practically not brand new... Insurance is voided.. I have a baby too so it's safe to assume it might take a fall one day and if I can't insure it I might as well eat the money


  • #10
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    GrayFox208 wrote: »
    Practically not brand new... Insurance is voided.. I have a baby too so it's safe to assume it might take a fall one day and if I can't insure it I might as well eat the money

    no its not. stop talking rubbish.

    I've bought a MBA and MBP off the refurb stop and had not issues with warranties/insurance. Infact I split water over the MBP and got it replaced under insurance with no issues.


  • #11
    Sad Professor
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,679 CMod ✭✭✭✭Sad Professor


    Refurbs come with a one year warranty and the option to extend to 3 years.


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  • #12
    whiterebel
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 14,997 Mod ✭✭✭✭whiterebel


    GrayFox208 wrote: »
    Practically not brand new... Insurance is voided.. I have a baby too so it's safe to assume it might take a fall one day and if I can't insure it I might as well eat the money

    They are not just refurb'd faulty machines. They can be machine stat they buyer has changed their mind and returned without having even switched on. Rigorously tested before being shipped, but they can't be sold as new again.
    Normal Apple warranty applies, and I've always insured mine under the household policy. Never been asked if it was refurb.


  • #13
    Blazer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,452 ✭✭✭✭Blazer


    GrayFox208 wrote: »
    Like I said I'm not interested in cosmetics..

    I'm talking hardware wise..


  • #14
    Snake
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Snake


    godtabh wrote: »
    no its not. stop talking rubbish.

    I've bought a MBA and MBP off the refurb stop and had not issues with warranties/insurance. Infact I split water over the MBP and got it replaced under insurance with no issues.

    I insured my iPad and iPhone a few weeks ago, right in bold letters were "the item you are insuring must be bought new, less than 24 months old, and you must have proof of purchase"


  • #15
    Snake
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Snake


    Sad Professor wrote: »
    Refurbs come with a one year warranty and the option to extend to 3 years.

    So do brand new ones, I don't like buying things refurb or second hand


  • #16
    bidiots
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,491 ✭✭✭bidiots


    GrayFox208 wrote: »
    So do brand new ones, I don't like buying things refurb or second hand

    You know it all already so no need for any advice from me.


  • #17
    Snake
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Snake


    bidiots wrote: »
    You know it all already so no need for any advice from me.

    I want to buy a new one... And that means I suddenly know it all? My god!


  • #18
    bidiots
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,491 ✭✭✭bidiots


    You have received plenty of good advice and options in this thread so far and have shot all down, so yeah, my god!
    I'll keep my advice for someone who really wants it....I have both machines btw


  • #19
    shanec1928
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,159 ✭✭✭shanec1928


    bidiots wrote: »
    You have received plenty of good advice and options in this thread so far and have shot all down, so yeah, my god!
    I'll keep my advice for someone who really wants it....I have both machines btw
    Pretty much this!


  • #20
    Snake
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Snake


    bidiots wrote: »
    You have received plenty of good advice and options in this thread so far and have shot all down, so yeah, my god!
    I'll keep my advice for someone who really wants it....I have both machines btw

    3 people gave me reasons why I should chose either one the rest were telling me to buy a refurb, doesn't really help to decide, but tell me don't tell me, that's fine.. What I've been told here is the same thing as I was told in PC world.. Buy the iMac because it looks nice..


  • #21
    marko93
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,013 ✭✭✭marko93


    GrayFox208 wrote: »
    3 people gave me reasons why I should chose either one the rest were telling me to buy a refurb, doesn't really help to decide, but tell me don't tell me, that's fine.. What I've been told here is the same thing as I was told in PC world.. Buy the iMac because it looks nice..

    No, you were told the Mini hasn't been updated in years, hardware wise. That the iMac is constantly updated in regards to hardware. You have seemed to ignore that


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  • #22
    Snake
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Snake


    marko93 wrote: »
    No, you were told the Mini hasn't been updated in years, hardware wise. That the iMac is constantly updated in regards to hardware. You have seemed to ignore that

    I can upgrade it myself, and according to apple they've updated it recently


  • #23
    Sad Professor
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,679 CMod ✭✭✭✭Sad Professor


    Would you be prepared to wait until October? Apple usually release Mac updates then and the Mini should be among them. The current Mini was released in October 2012. If you can’t wait, fire away with the current Mini. Apple actually cut the price of it a bit recently. It’s a fine machine, just a bit outdated for the price.


  • #24
    Snake
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭Snake


    Sad Professor wrote: »
    Would you be prepared to wait until October? Apple usually release Mac updates then and the Mini should be among them. The current Mini was released in October 2012. If you can’t wait, fire away with the current Mini. Apple actually cut the price of it a bit recently. It’s a fine machine, just a bit outdated for the price.

    If I knew they were going to do it aye


  • #25
    Armonline
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 156 ✭✭Armonline


    GrayFox208 wrote: »
    I can upgrade it myself, and according to apple they've updated it recently

    Never seen someone so annoyed by people trying to give them advice.

    In a nutshell,
    You can get a mac mini but you will need to buy or already have a mouse/trackpad, keyboard and monitor and be aware that it has outdated 2012 specs that cant be upgraded to the level of the up-to-date Macs as they have newer faster chipsets.

    Or you can get iMac has been recently updated and is an all in one device.

    Both are good machines, the choice is up to you based on your budget and how you are using the device. If you have a decent high res screen already it may be cheaper to get an Mac Mini but if you can wait a few months for an update.


  • #26
    donutheadhomer
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,658 ✭✭✭donutheadhomer


    GrayFox208 wrote: »
    I don't buy second hand computers... Too much hassle plus no apple warrenty and getting insurance is impossible as well since 99% of companies will only insure brand new items

    untrue - Apple Warranty in 1st year covers anyone in possession of the computer and EU Consumer covers hardware malfunctions for up to 6 years from the retailer (apple or otherwise)


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