FYI those considering a Mini and DO NOT have a screen/mouse/keyboard already (like me):
Expercom Pricing (coupon codes get you cheaper prices vs Apple):
Mini i7 512gb/64gb - $1600
keys/mouse/27" screen(amazon/ebay) - $400
Total - $2000
iMac 27" i7 512gb/64gb
Total - $2425
So the Mini is within $425 of an iMac. The iMac is 8 cores, dedicated GPU, beautiful screen, and can go all the way up to 128gb of ram in the long haul. Less peripherals, less wall outlets, etc. Without a doubt, a more powerful machine. Obviously the above is an example spec, but bumping in either direction maintains about the same difference in price.
Some things to note however:
- Obviously, screen needs will vary per user and you can buy keys/mice at all kinds of prices. And if you already have these things, thats another $400 savings against the iMac.
- Expercom pre-installs their own ram, which ends up costing about $75 more (Mini only) than getting it from OWC, but you'd have to install it yourself (moderately involved on the Mini).
FYI - shipping times (to my part of the US anyways) are 1 month out for the iMac, vs 1 week for the Mini. This is the same from either Expercom or Apple.
Just food for thought.