|
|
|
Are you going to buy a Mac mini?
1/1: Are you going to buy a Mac mini?
Other polls | 1,769 votes | 35 comments
Memory setup is a bit of a concern
I picked the $599 model, and will more than likely do so -- I'll sell our aging G3/500 iBook which is currently a music server, and replace it with the mini.
Memory setup is a bit of a concern
I think the best option is to order the $499 version, bump up the hard drive to 80GB for $50, and then upgrade to 512MB RAM for $75. It'll have a slower processor than the $599 one, but, if you don't care about that, it's basically a RAM upgrade for $25. 512MB isn't ideal, but it's usable.
Memory setup is a bit of a concern
If I hadn't already bought my eMac a few months ago, I would definately get the mini instead! But, I don't like the RAM problem though.
Memory setup is a bit of a concern
Anybody know what kind of memory the mini takes? It would be really wonderful if I could use the 512Mb memory out of my 12" PowerBook in a Mini to make room for 1Gb in the PowerBook...
Doubt it
Uhm, from the pictures it looked like a more full length DIMM is in the Mini. PowerBooks use a much smaller chip for form factor. (Sorry)
Memory setup is a bit of a concern
Hi Rob,
You've certainly been closer to a Mac mini than I have, so you might have more insight into it, but I don't see anything indicating that the RAM is not user-installable like on every other Apple computer. Various speculation and rumours are spreading around the internet... Check this: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300572 Also, Apple's Mac mini design page shows the lid removed, and you can see the DIMM right there. All indications say it's a no brainer. They wouldn't say "should be installed by an AASP" if they really meant "must."
Memory setup is a bit of a concern
I've come across a number of references saying changing the memory on your own will not void your warranty on the MiniMac.
But opening a MiniMac is not as easy as regular desktop Macs, and if you damage the unit in the process, you do void the warranty! So unless you are confident in your ability to crack open various pieces of expensive hardware, it's probably best to avoid trying this yourself. For those who are really curious about what it takes to open one, here's a link to a video where you can see for yourself.
Better options needed
I was forced to pick the No Way choice but i think that sounds negative saying that you think it is stupid, etc. Well the fact is, i think it is great for apple and everybody but i already have a mac. I think you need to add the option of no, already have a mac. Just my $0.02
A good idea (for someone else)
I agree. I currently have no need for the Mac mini, but have recommended it to several friends.
Maybe ...
Maybe ...
Nah...
But I might recommend it. The best Mac bargain is still the eMac, I think.
Nah...
And right now the eMac has a faster, nicer optical drive and better hard drive performance than the iMac G5. I own both and, overall, the iMac isn't that much faster than the eMac, even with the "Highest" processor performance setting.
I may eventually get a Mac mini and offload some server-type functionality from my iMac. First, I'd like to have a better idea how reliable it might be running 24x7.
Seriously considering ... as a media device
I've just picked up a used EyeTV. If it proves useful I'll probably pick up the base Mac mini model (yes, even with stock RAM!) to run with it just like a TiVo, permanently hooked up to the tele. It could probably act as a server and take over the radio time-shifting my iMac currently does as well, just move my external firewire drive over to it.
Yes, but no...
If I hadn't already bought my eMac a few months ago, I would definately get the mini instead! But, I don't like the RAM problem though.
No way, but....
I answered "No way" not because I don't like the mini - I like what I see, and I like the price, and in fact I've already recommended one to my nephew who has serious Mac Envy, and to my employers - our helpdesk folks need a Mac. I'm "no way" only because I have no need for one what with a 2GHz DP G5 as my desktop.
An idea...
Im thinking about buying a mini mac, but not to use it normally like everyone else. Heres the idea, Keep my current computer and use apple's xgrid to in-slave the mini mac to boost the speed of my old G4 450mhz. My question is, will it work? comments from people currently using xgrid are welcome. thanks.
Yes, but most likely no
Yes: if what you are doing is running Xgrid enabled apps like MatLab or Blast.
Already ordered the Hi End for $900+
I placed an order for the $599 version adding 512MB, SuperDriver, BlueTooth and Airport Extreme to end up above $900.
This is the perfect box to fit under my Mitsubishi DLP Rear Projector. It is supposed to be very quiet, and will be the media server. Suprised that this living room function has been underplayed so far.
Living Room
Yeah, the one I want comes out to about $1,000 (probably because I'd get the BT kbd/mouse for another $99).
Living Room
The specs on the Mac Mini page indicate DVI output up to 1920x1200 pixels (what are the extra 120 lines for?), and VGA output up to 1920x1080, which is the highest HDTV standard resolution. As long as it's got the processing power to handle QuickTime files with MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, it's just what you need for the back-end to an entertainment system.
Living Room
S-Video basically is component video (right audio, left audio, yellow video), at least in Australian PAL-land. S-Video is all 2*3=6 wires in one cable, rather than three. Because of this, it's supposedly slightly better quality.
Living Room
I'm sorry, but I have a hard time following this line of logic.
Analog monitors are basically RGB, right? Well, if I want to carry a video signal a long way from a computer to a monitor (we have to do this in a few places at work) I'll use a distribution amplifier to boost the signal, then I'll adapt the VGA cable (all signal wires in one cable) to a five-wire, or RGBHV, cable. This separates the R, G, B signals, and carries two separate sync signals (horizontal and vertical), each in a separate cable. It is much thicker, insulated, and carries the signal a lot better over a distance. What would lead you to believe that you'd get a higher level of quality by putting the signals together??? For example, see this thread.
Living Room
S-Video basically is component video (right audio, left audio, yellow video), at least in Australian PAL-land. S-Video is all 2*3=6 wires in one cable, rather than three. Because of this, it's supposedly slightly better quality. Unfortunately, every single fact here is false (except maybe that Australia uses PAL).
Didn't they already release the Cube? Now it's back with a new name?
Sorry gang, but I say no! I love apple but they got me with the cube. I swore that would be the last time I bought an all-in-one box. It's what's kept me away from imacs as well. I think there great and all but if you plan to expand these things are just not for you. My $.02!
Didn't they already release the Cube? Now it's back with a new name?
That's funny, because I distinctly remember installing a new PowerLogix clear case on a Cube and moving the power conversion board, so I could upgrade the video card. There are three RAM slots for upgrading memory, and there are whole motherboard replacements for processor upgrades, superdrives that fit (and are Apple software compatible), etc. See Cubeowner.com for more details about all the possible upgrades - these are but a few.
My guess is, the Mini was not engineered to be like the Cube was at all. So, yes, you're very right in understanding that the Mac Mini probably won't have much of an upgrade path. You can get low cost, and/or high quality features, and/or upgradeability: pick two out of three. If you want a more expandable machine, get a PowerMac G5, that's what the larger case is for. Just don't talk smack about the Cube, because they're still around and people still love them to death.
Here is an interesting comparison:
Almost Perfect
I LOOOOOOVE the new Mac Mini. It is the "VolkComputer". The people's computer! It brings the computer "for the rest of us" TO the rest of us. Now, finally, my less fortunate or differently prioritized friends have a much lower entry barrier to the digital life style.
Not only that! It really is a great machine. Processor speeds have become less and less relevant for most tasks. a 1.2x G4 is more than sufficient. In fact, if it had more video RAM it would replace my old work horse The G4 500MHz DP. Please Mr. Jobs. Can I have some more video RAM? :-)
Almost Perfect
oops. "volkscomputer" :-P
possibly... with your help
Help me get a free Mac Mini. I'm planning on using it as an inexpensive home media server. combining it with my EyeTV, then connecting to my modded Xbox.
Go here and complete one offer. They have some that won't cost you a thing. I signed up for a no cost credit card and will just cancel it soon after receiving it.... or may just keep it for the cool credit card keychain.
possibly... with your help
uh, no. Sorry, but you've been had by a pyramid scheme. If you're lucky, your personal info won't be auctioned to the highest bidder and used to purchase yak liver from bulgaria at three grand a pop...
Sorry, Apple...
I think Apple really blew it with the chintzy 256mb of RAM - OSX runs comfortably at 512, better at 1gb - at the very least, they should have made RAM a user installable part. I am impressed at the list of potential features, but I would much rather have had a bigger 3.5" drive (up to 160mb), 2+ RAM slots and a tray-loading optical drive and had the enclosure a little bigger.
No Digital Sound :^(
Whilst a MMMC (MiniMacMediaCentre) was my first thought when seeing this thing, as I know it was for many others (it sure would look nice hooked into the spare monitor port on my 42" plasma), it's missing one crucial thing, IMO, in order to achieve this task: digital sound output (for 5.1 encoded DVD movie soundtracks, Audio DVD/CD's etc.).
Don't need one . . .
I would rather just spend $399 and upgrade the CPU in my Quicksilver. My graphics card, hard drives, and nearly everything else are superior. Also, I use dual displays.
Mac mini server
I'm probably gonna get one sooner or later. They're cheaper than buying an older mac on eBay (even much older macs) and still have decent horsepower. The RAM is a problem but, well, if I can save up $600 for one I'll save up more and buy more RAM.
"NO way" for me.
"NO way" for me. Three Macs in the house are enough (even and old Quadra 605, in great shape besides the years). In the future, as some kind of Firewire device, we'll see...
No, but I'll strongly recommend it...
A PowerBook and a lamp-generation iMac are enough for this household for right now. I will strongly, strongly, strongly suggest to my parents replacing a 1.33 MHz Sony Vaio that's spyware and virus riddled (my brother didn't take care of the PC quite like I did)... hopefully so I can use it as a server or something. :-) |
SearchFrom our Sponsor...Latest Mountain Lion HintsWhat's New:HintsNo new hintsComments last 2 daysLinks last 2 weeksNo recent new linksWhat's New in the Forums?
Hints by TopicNews from Macworld
From Our Sponsors |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Copyright © 2014 IDG Consumer & SMB (Privacy Policy) Contact Us All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. |
Visit other IDG sites: |
|
|
|
Created this page in 0.11 seconds |
|