(That should get a ton of hits)

Let me break down the situation as it stands, so you have an idea of my reasoning: we're moving out computer. It's currently used in an Ikea Mikael desk, and thus has limitations such as the inability to use a widescreen monitor. But that's not why we're moving it. At the end of our kitchen, a desk area was made and we're going to be utilizing that space and freeing our floor space up to do something else.

This will allow me to finally get a nice wide screen display for the computer. However, it does come with something I'm worried about - putting the computer inside a regular kitchen cabinet. I don't believe there's enough room to put any sort of tower at the feet and not have it be obtrusive.

So, I have a few options. First, get a small nettop or Mac Mini and have it on the counter (or attached to the rear of the monitor). Second, go with an iMac or PC-alternative. Third, build what I want and put it in the cabinet and make modifications to the cabinet for venting and routing of cables. Fourth option, build what I want and remotely access it (in a closet).

Since I'm bored, I thought I'd put it out there for discussion and at the same time do some cost comparison. I realize that I'd probably be spending a bit more for less performance with the Mac options. But I think this might be the first time in my life I'm tempted to go that route, for simplicity's sake.

Option 1 - Mac Mini ($799 w/ 4GB memory, + monitor)

This is the most intriguing option to get me into a Mac. I can just sit it on the counter, use what I've already got and go to town. It's still a bit pricey, and upgrade options are limited.

Option 2 - iMac ($1499)

This is the least bang-for-buck option, as I can see it. I know the advantages and disadvantages of a Mac. I'd be restricted to that screen size. I'd be paying more. Limited if any upgrades, AFAIK.

Option 3 - PC build

This is what I'm most familiar with. This would be my third build, and second in two years. I have Win7 Ultimate, so I don't need an OS. But I need everything else, since the current build is based off of a DDR2 mobo and I'd like to possibly try out the Lynnfield series. My builds thus far have been AMD. I don't have a problem with sticking to that, but Intel seems to have a real winner in the market.

With that in mind, I thought I'd alleviate boredom and do a few window shopping builds for your perusal. Goals: fast CD/DVD ripping, fast browsing, movie watching (for possible use in pushing to a TV instead), not intensive game playing (I'm talking Flight Sim X would be the most likely culprit). And I'll be posting current prices, but since I'm in not that big of a hurry I can afford to wait for sales and lower prices.

Prospective build #1
CPU: i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz $170
Mobo: ASUS P7H57D-V (USB 3.0, SATA 3) $200
RAM: G.skill 4GB (2x2) - $92 (I'll upgrade as prices come down)
GFx: undecided. Would like to keep under $150. Must do HDMI, that's about the only requirement. This one (link) leads the pack right now.
HDD: current. Will upgrade to SSD as prices drop/specials.
OS: Win7 Ultimate
Monitor: This is tricky. I don't know how big will be too big for my wife ( ). Widescreen, 20-23" would work.
Case: I was considering the Antec 600 at $70.
Cooling/fans: Cooler Master V8? $60

So about $732 + monitor at this point, probably less when I'm ready to pull the trigger. We're approaching Mac Mini territory, but a much better system.

Let the debate begin.

 

I've got an older macmini(G4) and an imac. I've felt that the macmini was underpowered from day one. I'm a fan of the imac.

 

Cochese, I was a PC user for years and switched over to a Mac-I won't ever go back!

 

I had my built PC/desktop for five years before I tried the Mac thing. The Mac required a new HD in short order and I sold it once the ethernet port died. I won't buy another Mac. FWIW, the PC that I built back in '04 is still trucking along.

 

I've built several Hackintoshes (OSX on a custom built PC) and I'm quite happy. I switch among OSX, Win 7 and Linux

My new desktop is basically HALF of the price of a top of the line Apple with better parts.

 

I really don't have much of a care for OSX outside a curiosity standpoint. If I bought a Mac I'd be using it a lot with Win7. Which kinda defeats the purpose, I know.

I've always leaned heavily towards DIY, but I was kicking around some ideas. If I store it remotely, probably with my server, I could eliminate the need for a nettop to serve movies to. Probably run HDMI along with ethernet around the house and a HDMI switch and serve movies.

Just kicking more ideas around.

 

The newer Mac Mini is lightyears ahead of the G4 model

 

Are you gaming on it? If not drop the graphics card altogether and use the on-chip graphics from the core i5.

 

I liked the OSX operating system. If I could easily put that on a PC, I'd do it (I'm not that tech savvy).

 

I need to do Hackintosh. I've always wanted to.