Mac Mini or iMac? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BrierS · #1 09-11-2006, 04:38 AM

It is getting time for me to once again replace my CPU. Though I have read the posts/threads on this forum regarding pros and cons of switching to the Mac world, I am still undecided. I would appreciate some opinions.

In the Mac world there seems to be several choices. I really have no need for a notebook/portable so the desk top seems to be my choice there. Now, there are the Mini Mac, iMac and iMac Pro. If I understand it correctly, the latter two are G5. Since my demands on the computer are limited to using it primarily for digital photography including Photoshop, wordprocessing and internet browsing/e-mail, and I have several thousand invested in applications, are most supported with the Macs? For example, will my Photoshop run properly on a Mac? Will PlanEASe analytical with Monte Carlo Simulation do likewise?

I do not use my computer for music and video compiliation so those are not features, at least at this time, that will sell me on the switch. I just need to know if deciding to move to the Mac world will cost me more in repurchasing applications I use and which of the desk models will replace my existing system.

I hope this is enough info to get the ball rolling.

Thanks,
Steve

Botnst · #2 09-11-2006, 07:26 AM

Photoshop was originally written on and for the Mac. Just like on a PC, it runs very fast on a fast Mac and not so fast on a slow Mac.

You are probably screwed for ports on those specialized programs. There will likely be a Mac alternative but that means learning a whole new system.

B

raymr · #3 09-11-2006, 08:52 AM

I don't own one yet but the mini is so wonderfully minimalist. You can hide it behind a lamp or a picture so you don't even know its there. It has an iconic quality, like a Coke bottle or or an iPod - simple but instantly recognizable. Practically speaking, they are cheap if you already have the peripherals to plug in.

Mistress · #4 09-11-2006, 10:10 AM

once you go MAC you never go back..yeah like Bot said, Photoshop plays well with MAC and then there is the virus issue MACs tend to be free of those nasty little buggers. I do alot of digital photography/graphics and video (Photoshop CS2 and Premier Elements)where i work and use an IBM workstation because thats the only platform that is supported here. I had problems with Photoshop not playing well the other programs until I wiped the computer clean and re-loaded the Photopshop first, something about it having first priority. I'm not an IT specialist, I just play one on t.v.

p.s. I have a MAC at home...

#5 09-11-2006, 08:30 PM

PPC, get the G5 iMac.
Intel, get the Core2 iMac.

The Mac mini has very weak graphics (Even worse on the intel model). Halo is barely playable on it's lowest settings.

Tomguy · #6 09-11-2006, 09:35 PM

If you DO decide to get a mac, make sure that it's 64-bit capable.

Aside from that and the hefty pricetag on a mac versus a PC of equivalent hardware, make SURE the software you currently have says SPECIFICALLY it's compatible with Mac OS X or whatever version Mac is up to by now. If not, you'll need an emulator to run it at the least, which will decrease its performance.

Don't count on installing Windows on a Mac if you're unfamiliar with how to do advanced configuration on your own PC as-is. It's not as easy as Apple would like you to believe.

I have a friend who spent $2000 on a Macbook (and she said she had an $800 limit!) - bought a macbook that's worse than the $800 one we picked out at Best Buy (no 64-bit capabilities, smaller screen, worse graphics). But she likes it. They gave her a free iPod and printer, but IMO if you spend $2000 on a computer that's way overpriced the LEAST they can do is give you is $200 in gifts.

Jorn · #7 09-12-2006, 01:29 AM

Don't go with the Mini, It's good for surfing the net, email, office and maybe some light Photoshop work.
It all depends on your budget but I would go with the new iMAC with the 24-inch screen. Even that PS is not written yet for the Intel-Mac's, it's a pretty impressive machine and If you have a legal version of PS you can change the license from PC to MAC.

#8 09-12-2006, 03:00 AM

Okay, MacIntosh user here exclusively from the 512 fatMac on, so I have a bias. I can't opine on the peculiarities of Mac to PC software compatibilities except it'll say on the software if it's OS-X native or the box will have a little Mac icon. Simple..

Should load either way if late issued software and the same for most other stuff. Mini is cute and, um, sorta capable but the really hefty Macs can be found at Apple's refurbished site. I'd get a Power Mac G5 tower and a 20" Apple flat monitor (also refurbished). Dual or quad processor is fine, either configuration allows fast multi-tasking but the critical piece is abundant RAM and storage, storage, storage. You can put big drives on board a G5 tower or hook up 250 or 500 gig LaCie externals. But photo storage isn't nearly as demanding as timed data such as music or video. That stuff just clobbers storage capacity so if you get seduced by iTunes or what Apple introduces tomorrow, you'll need gobs of storage. The good news is you can plug and play new storage at will with a tower.

iMacs are also very good, and the new 24" is seductive but you pretty much give away long term expandability when you don't have a tower. My wife just upgraded the hard drive on her 4 year old PowerMac -- and uploaded from OS 9.2 to OS X Tiger without a hiccup. You won't be upgrading an iMac in a few years this way so think about long term needs. Apples are costly, but even old machines are a joy to use, especially when they can be easily modernised.

Our machines? Ol' G3 Blue (to run some old OS-9 software), G4 Platinum with OS X-Tiger, G5 Quad Liquid Cooled w/ 23" HD monitor, 17" Powerbook. Plus beaucoup peripherals. Wife has a G4 Platinum now with 250 G hard drive. Son just went to Austria with a new MacBook -- magnificent. My IS guys are telling me to hold off on the big Mac Pro for now, citing performance issues with my software and the intel Duo processor.

Hope this helps. And do buy from Apple, either online or at an Apple store -- guarantees you'll get everything you need and Apple quality memory and cards, etc. Some resellers get it wrong and your machine won't run as designed.