I recently replaced my iMac at home with a new Mac Mini coupled with a 27" monitor (and NO, I didn't buy the really expensive Apple Thunderbolt Display...even though I really wanted to). The Mac Mini is an often overlooked powerful little machine that has some advantages worth considering over just getting an all-in-one iMac. Here are some of the reasons I chose to go with Mac Mini:
- Easier to upgrade just the computer when the CPU and the monitor are separate units
- Monitors can last through 1 or 2 CPU upgrade cycles (5+ years)
- Apple displays are really nice but really expensive, there are more cost effective alternatives (like the one I went with)
- Mac Mini gives you the option to buy a laptop and leave the Mac Mini running all the time (email and printer server...lots of options here)
My Setup
- Monoprice 27" IPS Zero-G Slim Monitor
- Mac Mini (Late 2012)