Hey hi yo. I'm going to start saving for a new computer soon. I have relatively few expenses, and this is the first time in my life that I can afford to save for a top of the line setup... but that obviously doesn't mean I shouldn't do some comparison shopping.
This is limited to Apple hardware, period. That means no Hackintosh suggestions. I don't want Mac OS alone -- I want a nice, new Mac. Windows is not nor will it ever be an option for me, and I don't want to hear why you think I'm wrong. Linux is limited to hobby use and server applications (both of which I spend some time on, and I'm well aware of the advantages and shortcomings of Linux as an OS -- so this is not the place for that discussion).
I am not a gamer; I fire up steam from time to time but it's not a big deal to me. More important is being able to push full screen video in 1080p on one display and work on Photoshop stuff on the other. Because I want to.
27" iMac + 27" thunderbolt display (and then, eventually, another Thunderbolt for 3x27" displays)
or
Maxed out Mac Mini with two identical displays (I haven't decided yet, but probably not Thunderbolts as I won't need to match them to the iMac's display).
Pros on the iMac side:
up to 3 2650x1440 displays. Goddamn.
Way better graphics options (2GB radeon)
Everything will look oh-so-nice if it's all matched
Con: Cost. That's it, pretty much.
Pros on the Mac Mini side:
Much cheaper, even accounting for difference in specs
Wider selection of displays (however they all have to be the same model)
Cons:
256MB Radeon is the best gfx card for it.
Not really sure if it could push a 3rd monitor if I wanted to
So there you have it... any input is appreciated, especially regarding external monitors. My inclination is to save for a bit longer and get the iMac. There's always the Mac Pro route, but that's pretty pricey and I'm not sure the cost matches the benefits since I don't render video or anything like that. Also, this probably won't happen until Ivy Bridge is in production, either so I can get a sandy bridge machine for cheaper or just get the top of the line 'Tock' product.