Mini/iMac Composition

[lurch]

Some thoughts as I edge closer to buying either a Mac Mini or iMac - basic configuration including 256MB shared memory, 2 or 4 GB RAM and Core2 Duo CPU (2.23 or 3GHz). It would appear that I will be much better off with either of the above configurations than my current desktop Sempron 3000 CPU, 1GB RAM and 128MB Nvidia 5200FX graphics card. Any comments?

I am using Safari in Windows 7 which gives me some of OSX ease of use and continues to remind me of the superiority of OSX.

Phillip

[danieldk]

Some thoughts as I edge closer to buying either a Mac Mini or iMac - basic configuration including 256MB shared memory, 2 or 4 GB RAM and Core2 Duo CPU (2.23 or 3GHz). It would appear that I will be much better off with either of the above configurations than my current desktop Sempron 3000 CPU, 1GB RAM and 128MB Nvidia 5200FX graphics card. Any comments?

Yes, and OS X also does quite well with relatively little resources. I would buy 4GB of memory, the price/performance rate is just too good. With respect to CPU speed: if you are not doing number chrunching 2.23GHz will be fine. You will see a lot of improvement compared to the Sempron. Core 2 Duos have more cache, and a better architecture (and of course 2 cores).

I am using Safari in Windows 7 which gives me some of OSX ease of use and continues to remind me of the superiority of OSX.

Wait until you use OS X ;).

[lurch]

Yes, and OS X also does quite well with relatively little resources. I would buy 4GB of memory, the price/performance rate is just too good. With respect to CPU speed: if you are not doing number chrunching 2.23GHz will be fine. You will see a lot of improvement compared to the Sempron. Core 2 Duos have more cache, and a better architecture (and of course 2 cores).

Thank you Daniel. I hope to be able to post soon that I have actually made a purchase.

Phillip

[fos]

My new iMac has an access plate on the bottom edge of the display unit for the memory. With the 4 Gb of memory installed, there are two empty slots. It would be an easy task to add 4 additional Gb for a total of eight Gb of ram.

I'm not sure it will necessary for me. When monitoring the resources, I never come close to using all 4 Gb that is currently installed. I see how it behaves with the Adobe software next week. I doubt that it will make much difference.

Jeff

[danieldk]

The Adobe software runs fine at home with 2GB RAM here ;). So, unless you are going to edit exceptionally high-res movies or alike, 4GB should be plenty.

Of course, more RAM is always disk blocks buffered in memory :p.