iMac 27" vs. Mac Mini and external 27" monitor: Can anyone think of a good reason NOT to do this?
1479991
The Mac Mini only has two SO-DIMM slots and one Thunderbolt port; this one has four and two, respectively. The non-server Mini sports a dual-core i5 (or i7); this has a quad core i5 at higher clock. If you go for the Apple brand, the 27" external monitor costs over nine hundred dollars... (and the keyboard and pointing device aren't included with the Mini). Finally, you may be able to use this computer as a 27" monitor (the old ones did)... the iMac is clearly a better deal. An i7 MacBook Air plus Thunderbolt Display, on the other hand, is a compelling setup...
1901655
I'm was also checking these speakers out for my Mac setup. Currently, I have the old iMac 17", which has no optical output... so according to the good folks here, this would be dissapointing. But I just checked on the Mac minis, and they are optical (input and output), so I think it's time for an upgrade! Looks like Apple are switching all their machines to have a combo mini optical/headphone port. A Good Thing.
815993
For that era laptop, Apple made both a larger LED cinema display (27") and smaller LCD displays (~21") that also good, so it depends upon what size you are looking for. But you display you choose is a very good one, and works well with the newer equipment as well, so I think it is a good choice.
290479
I have my 27" iMac on it and it works awesome. The adjustable height and sturdiness is fantastic.
572726
The Mini is very popular for this purpose. Several friends use them (even the previous version) and love them. I'm planning to buy one myself in the next few weeks. I get full 1080p when attaching my MacBook, so I expect no different from the Mini. But I would get it with 2 GB of RAM (you can add it later or order direct from Apple with the RAM upgrade as a build-to-order option).
1546645
It was this display or the Apple display for me. I even considered buying a 27 inch iMac to replace my MacBook, but I purchased this screen for around $600 less than the apple screen at the time, and I have not regretted it one bit. I am a Mac guy, but this screen is absolutely brilliant. Like another reviewer said, it would be worth the cost at twice the price; but I don't want Asus getting any ideas!
698148
The mac mini having an i3 is a possibility. It has consistently lagged behind iMac/macbook pro technology though, so I think an i5 is too high-powered to expect out of what apple views as their lowest-end model. I can even see them (if they use sandybridge) using the new integrated graphics rather than giving it a new, real GPU.The Air is interesting; right now there is a neglibable cost difference between the Air and a 13" Mac Pro with a 128SSD, but a huge performance boost in the Mac Pro. So it faces tough competition after a few months of being amazing.The mini and the ipad are utterly different markets. The mac mini having an i3 is a possibility. It has consistently lagged behind iMac/macbook pro technology though, so I think an i5 is too high-powered to expect out of what apple views as their lowest-end model. I can even see them (if they use sandybridge) using the new integrated graphics rather than giving it a new, real GPU.The Air is interesting; right now there is a neglibable cost difference between the Air and a 13" Mac Pro with a 128SSD, but a huge performance boost in the Mac Pro. So it faces tough competition after a few months of being amazing.The... » Read More The mac mini having an i3 is a possibility. It has consistently lagged behind iMac/macbook pro technology though, so I think an i5 is too high-powered to expect out of what apple views as their lowest-end model. I can even see them (if they use sandybridge) using the new integrated graphics rather than giving it a new, real GPU.The Air is interesting; right now there is a neglibable cost difference between the Air and a 13" Mac Pro with a 128SSD, but a huge performance boost in the Mac Pro. So it faces tough competition after a few months of being amazing.The mini and the ipad are utterly different markets. « Show Less
915148
In short... YES! The install was about as simple as it could be, and the difference in SPEED is well worth the price. Note that my Mac Mini, mid-11, does run a bit warmer than I would prefer, but this was easily solved by sitting the computer on four little "plastic cup" legs so that circulation is improved. I think I put an SSD drive in this machine, to make it a real SCREAMER. DO IT!
1967908
I use it with a 24" Dell U2414H monitor and a 15" Thinkpad side-by-side. I'd say you can put a 27" iMac on it without issue.
2172108
From the reviews I've read - yes. However I've had no experience in that arena since I am iMac based. Sorry I can't be of more help.
1994141
This is really late and you probably already picked one but, if you insist on getting a Mac then get the regular Mac mini. Otherwise I would recommend the newer Dell Zino HD ( only because of the better graphics) or ASRock(a branch of ASUS)'s line up of small form factor computers. Their Vision 3D model has intel's more powerful and more energy efficient Core-i series versus the 4 year old Core 2 series used in the Mac and has Nvidia's new GTX 400 series versus the older GTX 300 series in the Mac, along with 1GB of dedicated memory versus the 256MB of shared memory for the graphics cards. That would be good if you're using multimedia software that uses hardware acceleration like Adobe. The ASRock computers also come with USB 3.0 for faster file transfers and Blu-ray, if that means anything to you.
1399118
I'm sorry I don't have an answer to your question, but thanks for posting it. I'm looking for a great monitor for my Mac, and this is good to know. Best of luck to you!
1843080
I have a 27" iMac on mine, which fits perfectly. I don't think that I'd try going any larger.
144794
Yes. Many people in my office have been using this with both a laptop and a 24" monitor so a 27" iMac safely.
2097428
I do not have the 27inch model but use the 21 inch for all my photography as well as AutoCAD and Solidwork design work and can say it is a great monitor and I would buy again. I have the monitor color profiled with X-rite iPhoto2 pro software (easy to do software makes all the adjustments for you) for all my photography work and find the color and contrast to be excellent.
1745314
All that matters is how your connecting it. If I know my macs, you either have a Mini-DVI or MiniDisplay Port port. Regardless of which, you'll need an adapter to get the output to be DVI or HDMI, depending on the monitor your buying. Once you have the correct wires, it should work great. The only caveat I can think of is the graphics card inside your mini. Unless you have a really old mac, it should be able to output to the monitor's native resolution.
478772
Hi. Not sure about the iMac 21.5" specifically, but I have two of the iboards and each have a 22" viewsonic monitor on them with no problem.