Seeking Input from Mac Afficianados

[quickag]

With your needs in mind, you could go with the lower spec processor and not notice a difference.

Yeah I run an i5 (2500k it's a little different) and I'm doing way more intensive stuff.

[jonathanb]

Buying the i7 will keep the computer compatible with future OS's longer than the i5. The $200 spent now for the i7 is 1/3 the cost (at least) of buying a new Mini two or three years sooner than otherwise necessary.

[winmonster]

Buying the i7 will keep the computer compatible with future OS's longer than the i5. The $200 spent now for the i7 is 1/3 the cost (at least) of buying a new Mini two or three years sooner than otherwise necessary.

I get what you are saying, but it's not technically true. The i5 and i7 are both x64 architecture processors, so their longevity in regards to future OS updates will be the same. And in 4 years, they will both be considered slow. I'd dump that money into contact points or memory myself. A nice mechanical keyboard is a pleasure to work with.