A few questions about Mac Minis

I can imagine the mac minis being updated with the release of Leopard in the spring. I doubt they'll wait until summer, since WWDC is normally for pro-related announcements (I could be wrong on this though).

And yes, they accept third party RAM and hard drives

They can be upgraded, I think it's just difficult...
Note that buying a refurb will mean sacrificing getting the newest processor if that's the reason you're holding off

I also crave Mac minis

I have a 1.66 Mini with Superdrive (what was the high end model before the Sept speed bump). I got a refurb with a printer, as the refurb qualified for the promo. It was $649. It is a great little computer. I ordered 2GB RAM from OWC and installed it myself, all I needed was a couple $2 putty knives. I followed the video on the OWC site. Could have replaced the hard drive but the prices aren't worth it. I also got a newertech miniStack v2 from OWC $75 that acts as a hub, extra ports are great, and I put my own 500GB Seagate drive in it. You can also get the stack with 160, 250, 320, 500, & 750GB drives but I got a great deal on the drive separately. As far as the upgrade, sure the new tech will be better when it comes out, but it may not be till May or June, and will use Core 2 Duo. It still uses the Merom chip, as Penryn won't be out till late 2007/early 2008.

You need to ask yourself:

1. What am I/will she be using it for?

2. Do I mind waiting a while longer for the upgrade?

3. Refurbs are great, but you won't see refurbs of the upgrades for another 4-6 weeks after they are out. Though when you order new at that point you can get it with all the RAM you want and sidestep the minor upgrade process of opening the Mini.

My 2 cents. Get it now. She'll love it. It doesn't sound like she needs the latest and greatest or needs to wait for Leopard or any of that stuff.

1.66 refurb Mini Superdrive $649
1.83 refurb Mini Superdrive $699
OWC 2GB RAM $183
Ministack $75 empty $249 500GB drive

1.83 new Mini Superdrive w 2GB RAM $1,049
vs. do it yourself $882 or $832 for the 1.66
Refurbs are essentially new, with extra quality control. Just have to decide if you want to install the RAM.

Also if you get the bluetooth mouse & keyboard set with the new Mini it is $99. If you buy a refurb you are looking at separately paying $128.

Whatever you do, I would get 2GB RAM it is worth it. And go with the wireless mouse and keyboard.

agenkin said:

Thanks for the replies!

Does opening a Mac Mini for a do-it-yourself memory upgrade void the manufacturer's warranty?

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I've heard it does, so I kept the original RAM, should I need to send it in, I will swap the RAM back before taking it to Apple.

roland.g said:

I've heard it does, so I kept the original RAM, should I need to send it in, I will swap the RAM back before taking it to Apple.

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Putting in RAM doesn't void the warranty unless you break something doing it. However, as roland points out, Apple can give you a hard time on repairs if you have cheap RAM installed. That is why keeping the old RAM is wise.

The mini is a fine little machine but if you upgrade too much it fast becomes a better deal to buy an iMac. Price out what you intend to do before you do it. Best wishes.

you may want to check out macmini123.com for some more detailed info. Great info from basic users to people who trick out their mini's like Hondas.

Unless you are pretty brave it is best not to crack the Mini open. Quite easy to break something if you are not careful.

CEAbiscuit said:

you may want to check out macmini123.com for some more detailed info. Great info from basic users to people who trick out their mini's like Hondas.

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maybe try 123macmini.com vice the other place...