Mac Mini vs iMac

I just replaced a 2012 iMac with a new 6 core Mac mini with a 512GB drive - I store my media on an external drive so I don't need a huge internal drive. The mini has 2 USB 3 ports and 4 USB C ports as well as an HDMI, headphone, and Ethernet port. With 6 USB ports, many of us won't have to resort to a USB hub or dock. One small issue I found is that the USB C ports are so close to each other than some USB C <-> USB 3 dongles can't be plugged in next to each other.

This may be a better choice than

this. Note - I'm suggesting form factors not specific products.

As with my older work mini, I've connected my display via the HDMI port which is the obvious solution for those who'll be using just one display. I purchased one of Samsung's first high end digital displays years ago and that's what I'm currently using. I'll eventually replace it with a 29" - 34" curved display similar to what I have at work - also Samsung.

Also note: I keep my digital media on an external drive for two reasons, the first going back to about 2005. The first time I purchased a new Mac after digital music had become popular it took forever to migrate all that music. As time passed I installed a second hard drive in my Mac tower and dedicated it to my music and video and when I purchased my first iMac I took that drive out and put it into an enclosure which made for a much faster migration and that's been my habit ever since.

Hi

I just finished migrating to the new mac mini 2018 exactly from the same iMac 27" 2011

I bought the 6 core version with 2TB SSD and it is incredibly fast.

As screen I got a refurbished LG Ultrafine 5K the combination is incredible

One thing that does not do that well is Final Cut Pro X with 4K files rendering is sluggish but this will not apply to you

Connectivity it has 2 USB 3.0 and 4 thunderbolt USB C once you connect the LG monitor you get extra 3 USB C

I have also bought a firewire to thunderbolt adapter for my old 7200 rpm mac companion

With those specs I'd recommend the mini. You can then chose your own monitor, get a 27" if that's what you like.

In regards to the USB ports you can simply buy a decent USB 3.0 hub.

I'm upgrading from a 2009 iMac w/ a 1TB hard drive. Did you get an external hard drive or upgrade to an internal drive? What considerations drove your decision?