jowrites

Q: Do I really need the fusion drive?

I'm looking into getting a Mac Mini. I don't want an iMac because I want two monitors and can't afford to spend an extra grand on a monitor (and I need to have the monitors uniform because of aesthetics and I'm a little neurotic like that). The Mac Pro is way more than I need. I'm looking at the 1TB Mac Mini, upgraded to i7 and 16gb RAM, and am deciding between the 1TB HD or the 1TB Fusion. Do I really need the Fusion? Here is what I'll be using my computer for...

 

I work in Web content management, so occasionally I'll be working from home, working primarily through Chrome, logged into our CMS, via VPN (Cisco AnyConnect) to my business's network, and I usually also have Adobe Dreamweaver open for more efficient code editing.

 

I also write creatively. I use Microsoft Word, sometimes I use the desktop version and sometimes I just use 0365. I also write technical documents, very infrequently, using Adobe InDesign.

 

Photography is a hobby, but not a career, so I have occasional bouts of photo editing and manipulation sessions using Adobe PS, Lightroom, Affinity Photo, and a Wacom tablet. I store the majority of my photos on an external HD and keep only the current projects on my Mac. Again, this is a hobby, so not the primary use of the computer.

 

I am currently using a mid-2012 Macbook Pro 13" with i7, 750GB hard drive, and 8GB RAM. I don't intend to get rid of this computer, but would like to keep it "on call," if you will. I typically prefer a desktop setup, particularly with dual monitors, but I'll keep the Macbook as a portable option to use when needed. Also, I don't want to rely too heavily on my Macbook anymore as it's a few years old and I've had to wipe it and reinstall OSX multiple times after installing Parallels a few years ago since I needed to run a Windows program for ONE THING (dang it) and it apparently corrupted something deep in my drive. The Macbook crashes basically every time I upgrade to whatever new OSX is released.

 

So, with all of that in mind, do I really need the Fusion drive or would the standard 1TB drive be sufficient (with the 16gb RAM and i7 core)?

 

Additionally, what other displays are recommended (because the Apple monitors at $1K each are too expensive for me at this time)?

 

Or should I reconsider the Mac Mini altogether and just replace my MBpro with a new 15", buy two monitors and dock them together with http://hengedocks.com/products/vertical-dock-macbook-pro-retina?

 

I appreciate any input. Thanks!

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10)

Posted on Feb 27, 2016 7:13 AM

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Q: Do I really need the fusion drive?

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  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Feb 27, 2016 7:35 AM in response to jowrites
    Level 10 (189,795 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 27, 2016 7:35 AM in response to jowrites

    Based on your uses a fusion drive is not called for if you are satisfied with the MacBook Pro. The Mini with just the 1 TB HD, 16 GB of memory and i7 will be faster than your MacBook Pro

     

    Regarding monitors any monitor will work and really it is up to your preference and how much yo want to spend. I would get a monitor that uses a displayport or mini displayport input. Next would be one with DVI input. HDMI input monitors sometimes do not result n a good image.