Mac Mini vs Imac

[Earl]

I'm thinking about getting a new mac and I wanted to know which unit is better. Any suggestions is great!

First choice is:
mac mini
Processor
2.7GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7

memory
8GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x4GB

Hardrive
500GB Serial ATA Drive

Second Choice is:
Imac
processor
2.5GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5

memory
4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB


with the mack mini I plan on using a 32" LED TV

The programs I will be using is Adobe creative suite.

[rah]

Both would really be just fine, it just depends on how much money you are willing to put down.

Do you plan on doing any upgrades to the system down the road?

If you have some money to spend, I would go for the iMac (bigger hard drive, higher resolution screen, better video card).

If you are looking for something a bit more compact in size and cheaper, also less flexible in the upgrade department, then pick the mini.

You can't really go wrong with either unless you plan on doing some kind of heavy video editing/rendering or gaming.

Again, it all comes down to what you are willing to spend.

[Earl]

thanks rah, I don't plan on doing any upgrades, I just need something fast enough for web and print design and some light video editing. Is the
2.7GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7 a lot slower then the 3.06 ghz intel core i3?

[weegillis]

If you're charging by the hour, go with the machine that gives the best performance, and spend the extra bucks. Don't start out with limits, especially when you're running heavy weight software like CS. You need the horsepower, so get it, and save yourself a lot of time all the way down the road.

[rah]

thanks rah, I don't plan on doing any upgrades, I just need something fast enough for web and print design and some light video editing. Is the
2.7GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7 a lot slower then the 3.06 ghz intel core i3?

I highly doubt you'll notice a difference in performance since you won't really be pushing either of them to the limit with just web and print work.

It again comes down to what you are comfortable paying.

[Earl]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm planning on going with the imac.