Which is best for me

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I'm in the market for a new computer and I'm currently using a late 2011 MBP. All I currently use this device for is social media, YouTube, Netflix, and use it to play a game that just got released for iOS and Android devices as well.

Looking to upgrade to a desktop setup(or iPad Pro if its worth it as well) so how do I know if a Mac Mini now that it just got a huge upgrade or an iMac is right for me?
 

IWT


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M2 Max Studio Extra, 32GB memory, 4TB, Sonoma 14.4 Apple 5K Retina Studio Monitor
Welcome and thank you for your post.

First question. Do you need your new Mac or iDevice to be portable?

If yes, the options are the newest iPad Pro, just announced or a Notebook.

If the answer is no, then a Desktop will deliver more memory, more storage, and faster GPU and CPU than portable devices and at a lower price and, of course, offer more screen real estate.

Once you’ve made that decision, it’s a question of the new Mini or the 21.5 or 27 inch iMac balanced against the relatively modest demands that you are requiring from your device.

Remember that the Mini requires a mouse, keyboard and monitor whereas these are provided with the iMac range.

Ian
 
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Welcome and thank you for your post.

First question. Do you need your new Mac or iDevice to be portable?

If yes, the options are the newest iPad Pro, just announced or a Notebook.

If the answer is no, then a Desktop will deliver more memory, more storage, and faster GPU and CPU than portable devices and at a lower price and, of course, offer more screen real estate.

Once you’ve made that decision, it’s a question of the new Mini or the 21.5 or 27 inch iMac balanced against the relatively modest demands that you are requiring from your device.

Remember that the Mini requires a mouse, keyboard and monitor whereas these are provided with the iMac range.

Ian

I don't really need it to be portable and to be honest, I'm probably better off buying some form tablet that doesn't cost an excess of $1500 to have some large screen portability when I don't want to be tied to just using my phone. Currently, I already use a bluetooth keyboard and mouse so that's not an issue. I guess now the deciding factor would be how much a good monitor is going to cost me in addition to the computer and if it puts me in the same range as an iMac altogether, is it worth it to have it as one unit vs two pieces.
 
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Component or non-component, that is the question.

With the iMac, if the screen goes bad: new computer. With the Mini, new monitor.
 

chscag

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I have to agree. With the new Mini that is available and since the memory is user replaceable, it's a very good choice. Granted, the entry level Mini price has increased but considering you get a lot more machine, it's well worth it. Just pair up a new Mini with a nice monitor and you'll have a very workable desktop. Assuming you already have a keyboard and mouse. ;)
 
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With the new Mini that is available and since the memory is user replaceable
How do you know it's user replaceable?
 

chscag

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How do you know it's user replaceable?

A Macworld article just stated so and pictures of the bottom of the new Mini removed clearly show replaceable SODIMMs. (Two banks.)

It should be noted, however, that an Apple inquiry reply to a prospective buyer stated that replacing the memory with non Apple modules will void the warranty. Take that with a grain of salt though..... ;)
 
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A Macworld article just stated so and pictures of the bottom of the new Mini removed clearly show replaceable SODIMMs. (Two banks.)

It should be noted, however, that an Apple inquiry reply to a prospective buyer stated that replacing the memory with non Apple modules will void the warranty. Take that with a grain of salt though..... ;)
Excellent! That is even more promising then.
 

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