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Corso99

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 5, 2007
26
32
Upstate New York
I found 2 used minis that fit my needs and are within my budget. I would like some advice on which one to get.

1-2010 mini 2.4GHz Core2 Duo, 8GB ram, 256GB SSD

2-2011 mini 2.3GHz i5, 8GB ram, 500GB SSHD Hybrid Drive

The Apps I use regularly are Safari, iTunes, Calibre, and some light word processing. My main goals are finding a mac that will be able to run the latest versions of MacOS and last at least 3-4 more years. Also, I would like to avoid beach balls and unresponsive apps as much as possible. The iMac I currently use is from 2006 and is starting to become a real chore to use.

Thanks
 

MacManiac76

macrumors 68000
Apr 21, 2007
1,839
670
Arizona
The 2011 model will get you the most lifespan, it has a much better processor. You can always upgrade the RAM and Hard Drive to an SSD in the future if you want.
 

richmlow

macrumors 6502
Jul 17, 2002
378
273
HI Corso99,


Without a doubt, you should get the 2011 Mac Mini.

I have such a machine (see my signature) and it has been rock solid. =)


richmlow


I found 2 used minis that fit my needs and are within my budget. I would like some advice on which one to get.

1-2010 mini 2.4GHz Core2 Duo, 8GB ram, 256GB SSD

2-2011 mini 2.3GHz i5, 8GB ram, 500GB SSHD Hybrid Drive

The Apps I use regularly are Safari, iTunes, Calibre, and some light word processing. My main goals are finding a mac that will be able to run the latest versions of MacOS and last at least 3-4 more years. Also, I would like to avoid beach balls and unresponsive apps as much as possible. The iMac I currently use is from 2006 and is starting to become a real chore to use.

Thanks
 

Micky Do

macrumors 68020
Aug 31, 2012
2,203
3,145
a South Pacific island
If being up to date with the latest version of OS X is important, then get the most recent Mac Mini that fits your budget. The 2009 Mini will not be supported by Mac OS 10.12, Sierra. Chances are that the 2010 will be dropped from the next iteration; if not, then the one after for sure.
 

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
28,241
12,388
OP:

As mentioned above, a late-2012 would be the better buy, particularly with USB3.

You don't even need to open it to install an SSD.
Just plug it in and boot and run via USB3 -- you will like the speeds it gives you!
 
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