The old mac mini

[Brian Griffin]

Is it still a viable, decent computer? I'm thinking of getting one as my first mac next month. I'm not a gamer and I don't download much so don't really need much hard drive space.

Also does it generic PS/2 mouse and keyboards? I'm a student and so can't really afford to fork out for much more at the moment with loan repayments and the like.

[mooblie]

...Also does it generic PS/2 mouse and keyboards?.....

I'll bite at this bit: Yes, but make sure they're generic USB mouse and keyboards (and NOT PS/2 round mini-DIN plugs).

Two buttons and a scroll wheel are OK on the mouse too - in fact, I prefer them.

[Brian Griffin]

I'll bite at this bit: Yes, but make sure they're generic USB mouse and keyboards (and NOT PS/2 round mini-DIN plugs).

Two buttons and a scroll wheel are OK on the mouse too - in fact, I prefer them.

Does it not support the mini-DIN plugs?

[J&JPolangin]

...save up another ~$80 - 100 and get a current gen base model mini from the refurb store...

[Brian Griffin]

...save up another ~$80 - 100 and get a current gen base model mini from the refurb store...

I really don't need much power so I'm fine with the old generation as long as it works fine for basic tasks.

Also if I do have a PS/2 keyboard and mouse is there any included equipment to connect it via USB assuming it only supports USB input..

[Tallest Skil]

I really don't need much power so I'm fine with the old generation as long as it works fine for basic tasks.

Also if I do have a PS/2 keyboard and mouse is there any included equipment to connect it via USB assuming it only supports USB input..

PS/2 was outdated in 1997. Why do you still have that junk? Buy a ten dollar USB keyboard.

[Brian Griffin]

PS/2 was outdated in 1997. Why do you still have that junk? Buy a ten dollar USB keyboard.

But I'd need a USB mouse and a monitor as well and it all totes up. I can if I need to but if there's another option, I'd rather take it.

[zmttoxics]

But I'd need a USB mouse and a monitor as well and it all totes up. I can if I need to but if there's another option, I'd rather take it.

Mac's never supported PS/2 keyboards IIRC (they had one a long time ago that looked the same but wasn't compatible because of the system power switch). Generally, you can ask your selling to chip in a keyboard / mouse to go with it. You can use any 10 dollar mouse and key board you want too, as long as its USB.

[Fizzoid]

Is it still a viable, decent computer? I'm thinking of getting one as my first mac next month. I'm not a gamer and I don't download much so don't really need much hard drive space.
Are you talking about the old G4 Mac Mini?

[Brian Griffin]

Are you talking about the old G4 Mac Mini?

Don't think so. The ones that recently got replaced and upgraded.

1.83ghz core 2 duo.

[mastershakess]

PS/2 was outdated in 1997. Why do you still have that junk? Buy a ten dollar USB keyboard.

Newegg sells USB keyboards for $7, I picked up one for my PC build :)

[iShater]

If you are talking about the last gen ore refurbs, they should be fine for you. Add a Mac-compatible USB keyboard and a mouse and a display, and you are set.

They are selling refurb iMacs for $849.00, if you have a couple of extra hundred $, that would be a better deal.

[Yvan256]

But I'd need a USB mouse and a monitor as well and it all totes up. I can if I need to but if there's another option, I'd rather take it.

The Mac mini can work with both DVI and VGA monitors. A VGA adaptor is included (and has been with all models so far).

As for your PS/2 keyboard and mouse, I would suggest a PS/2 to USB converter. Several units are available at monoprice.com:
2274 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10404&cs_id=1040401&p_id=2274&seq=1&format=2), 173 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10404&cs_id=1040401&p_id=173&seq=1&format=2), 2083 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10404&cs_id=1040401&p_id=2083&seq=1&format=2), 3707 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10404&cs_id=1040401&p_id=3707&seq=1&format=2)

Please note that I have not tested any of the converters listed above. I did use something similar back when I got my Mac mini G4, and the converter I used had a problem: you could not hold a key (to repeat) and then press another key (the repeating key would get cancelled by the new key pressed). If that makes any sense, let's just say it made playing some games impossible with the keyboard. Other than that, it worked great.

Are you sure, however, that your mouse is only PS/2? Some older mouses had a PS/2 connector but were also USB compatible with the use of a simple adapter (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10311&cs_id=1031103&p_id=2209&seq=1&format=2). Of course if you do buy a PS/2 converter you would be wasting a USB port and require such an adapter too, but I was just mentioning it in case you go the USB keyboard route. Just make sure your PS/2 mouse is also USB compatible before connecting such an adapter (monoprice Product ID 2209).

P.S.: No I don't work for monoprice, but I recently ordered a few items from them and I'm just a satisfied customer. No to mention that their prices are extremely good.

Also, about going "last gen" vs "new gen", be aware that the nVidia 9400M in the new models is way, way better than the intel GMA950 in the previous models. And with Snow Leopard, the upcoming Mac OS X version, being able to take advantage of GPUs, I would opt for a refurb of a new model instead of buying a last-gen model. I won't even mention recent/upcoming games, where the GMA950 isn't even a viable option (ex: Starcraft II, Diablo III). And since you can't upgrade the GPU in any Macs except for the Mac Pro, better buy the latest Mac mini IMHO.

[Brian Griffin]

I'll have to go down the USB route then.

Thanks.

By the way, will this model run photoshop? Not intensive stuff. I'm no graphics designer just basic, hobbyist use.

[opeter]

Pirated photoshop?

I recommend you try out GIMP instead, or buy something like Pixelmator. If you have the money, go for the Photoshop Elements, or even older version of Photoshop aka CS3 on eBay (but be warned, it is still a lot's of money and not worth for a hobbyist).

[keithlcp]

Are you talking about the old G4 Mac Mini?

that really old =]

[maclover001]

Get the older Intel, but don't get a G4 (Unless it's a Cube. Their carcasses make good art pieces)

[barkmonster]

The price difference between a used Mac Mini and a 2Ghz Macbook on eBay is so small, I'd go for the laptop unless you manage to get one for peanuts. The Macbook has several advantages:-

Built-in display.
Dual display support if you want it.
4Gb RAM support.
User accessible HD bay

People are charging WAY too much for used Mac Mini systems. Apple were selling off the old 1.83Ghz systems in January for £325, people are having the cheek to ask £400 for them on eBay used!

Of course, if you got a used 2Ghz Mac Mini for less than £300 (or equivalent), it would be a good buy.

[Brian Griffin]

Pirated photoshop?

I recommend you try out GIMP instead, or buy something like Pixelmator. If you have the money, go for the Photoshop Elements, or even older version of Photoshop aka CS3 on eBay (but be warned, it is still a lot's of money and not worth for a hobbyist).

No I have an educational license.

[srexy]

False economy applies to the old Mini. If you can pony up the extra $75 (or your currency equivalent) for a refurb early 09 you'll be looking at a much more future-proof unit. Or as mentioned - a whitebook might be even better if you don't have a kb and dvi capable monitor.

[Brian Griffin]

False economy applies to the old Mini. If you can pony up the extra $75 (or your currency equivalent) for a refurb early 09 you'll be looking at a much more future-proof unit. Or as mentioned - a whitebook might be even better if you don't have a kb and dvi capable monitor.

I'll be buying on finance and no reputable finance offering stores here (UK) are selling the newest one yet.

[barkmonster]

I'll be buying on finance and no reputable finance offering stores here (UK) are selling the newest one yet.

The Apple Store themselves offer finance

Mac Mini
2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1GB memory
120GB hard drive
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics

Ships: 2 business days
Free Shipping
£499.00

as low as £17.27 a month†

[Cassie]

I don't understand why people are pushing you to get a newer model, but IMO, the machine you listed will be great for your uses. There isn't a large difference between the old and new mini, it would just be a waste to spend the extra money on the very slightly better model.

[zap2]

I don't understand why people are pushing you to get a newer model, but IMO, the machine you listed will be great for your uses. There isn't a large difference between the old and new mini, it would just be a waste to spend the extra money on the very slightly better model.

For the small difference in cash, he gets a much much better machine.

The graphic card difference is huge, and with Snow Leopard, thats a big deal. The ability for more RAM is something I'd be all over. (3.3Gbs vs 4GBs). The CPU is also faster.

I'd highly suggest a refub 2009 Mac Mini over the 2007 model, the cost between the two is minor if you're going to be using this machine for an extended period of time

[Brian Griffin]

The Apple Store themselves offer finance

Mac Mini
2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1GB memory
120GB hard drive
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics

Ships: 2 business days
Free Shipping
£499.00

as low as £17.27 a month†

From what I've heard Apple's Financing is harder to get and regardless, during a recession, as a student, I can't afford to splash much more than £10 or 11 a month at the minute.

[Spanky Deluxe]

You're a student so you're eligible for the student discounts. With the Higher Education discount (just call them up when you order), you can get the base spec Mac Mini for £449.65 and you also get three years of warranty instead of the standard one year.

[OrangeSVTguy]

For basic tasks like you mentioned you'll even be fine with a Mini G4. And all this talk with Snow Leopard, like you'll even be using any software that will take advantage of OpenCL. SL will only enhance the apps that is coded for it.

Have you ever considered signing up for a ebay credit card and purchase a Mini through there? Are you dead set on a Mini or would a Macbook be better for you since you won't have to worry about purchasing a PS/2 adapter and if it'll even work for your kb/m. At least with a MB, you won't have to worry about purchasing any additional components.

You can find earlier MBs with C2D for the same price as a Mini. Since you are a student, portablity would probably be a better option.

[ADent]

With 2GB of RAM the old 1.83 is faster for Photoshop than the new 2.0 per this benchmark - http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple/memory/Mini_Intel_Memory_Benchmarks . (the new machines were alot faster with 3GB of RAM or more). Actually the new machine with 1GB of RAM is slower than the older machines for many things.

The new machines totally destroyed the old ones on Halo, otherwise they appear to be just incrementally faster.

[Fizzoid]

I'd highly suggest a refub 2009 Mac Mini over the 2007 model, the cost between the two is minor if you're going to be using this machine for an extended period of time Thing is, he's in the UK and and Mac Mini refurbs seem to be VERY rare. Haven't seen a 2009 on there at all and I do check fairly often