There is but one solution to this. Get one of each - that's what I intend to do. Using the Mac Mini as the media device (with further attached external drives 2TB+ if you run out of capacity) attached to a Full HD Plasma and the 27" imac for more mundane computer specific tasks (email, office doc work, browsing, photo managment etc) - and extend the warranty on the imac!.
Regards Peter.. -----Original Message----- From: wamug-ow...@wamug.org.au [mailto:wamug-ow...@wamug.org.au] On Behalf Of Ray Forma Sent: Tuesday, 31 August 2010 10:07 AM To: WAMUG List Mailing Cc: John Hatch Subject: Re: Mac mini vers iMac John, 1 Mini slightly less powerful than is the iMac 2 Both difficult to put in bigger drives and memory. If you want to use your mac as your TV, and think you will want to record several programs to hard disk and keep them for some time then you should install a bigger hard disk. I have surprised myself with how many TV programs I have on my Mini's hard disk to either view at a more convenient time, or to assemble in a suite for burning to DVD for permanent storage. 3 If screen dies with iMac then you throw away the whole machine unless you have extended warranty because new screen fitting costs more than a new iMac. 4 You can connect any size and make of screen to a Mini, including HDMI equipped TVs. Mini maximum resolution is 2560 by 1600 pixels. iMac maximum resolution is also 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external monitor, but no HDMI to connect to a TV screen. You can only connect computer monitors to an iMac, unless you buy a TV convertor connector. However, most monitors give much better & consistent colour compared with most TV screens. 5 iMac has stereo speakers. Mini has simpler speaker, so you will probably want to connect Mini optically to an audio amp and speakers, especially if you want the 5-channel sound available with HD TV program streams. If you connect via copper audio cable the you will only get 2-channel audio from your Mini. iMac also has optical audio out, if you want 5-channel audio from HD program streams. 6 The Mini is more portable. 7 Can colour calibrate all built-in and attached monitors with both Mini and iMac. On Mini can also colour calibrate attached TV screens. Hardware calibration much better than using the Monitor panel in System Prefs, but you have to buy the calibrator device. On 28/08/2010, at 10:38 , John Hatch wrote: > I notice a lot of mail about the Mac mini. I am about to upgrade > from my Mac book pro (prismo) and was considering either the mini > or the iMac with fusion(have to work between win and Mac) and > elagato eye TV additions. Would be interested in any pros and cons > by others > > John > > Sent from my iPad > > -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- > Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml> > Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml> > Unsubscribe - <mailto:wamug-unsubscr...@wamug.org.au> Regards, Ray Forma 50 Harvest Road, North Fremantle WA 6159, Australia Tel & Fax +61 (0)8 9335 6568 Mob +61 (0) 428 596938 -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml> Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml> Unsubscribe - <mailto:wamug-unsubscr...@wamug.org.au> ***************************** NOTICE - This message from Hatch is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information which is privileged, confidential or proprietary. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, arrive late or contain viruses. By communicating with us via e-mail, you accept such risks. When addressed to our clients, any information, drawings, opinions or advice (collectively, "information") contained in this e-mail is subject to the terms and conditions expressed in the governing agreements. Where no such agreement exists, the recipient shall neither rely upon nor disclose to others, such information without our written consent. Unless otherwise agreed, we do not assume any liability with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the information set out in this e-mail. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail and destroy and delete the message from your computer. -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml> Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml> Unsubscribe - <mailto:wamug-unsubscr...@wamug.org.au>