advice on Mac Mini

[Gentile]

I am looking to pickup a cheap Mac Mini for a family member. Any advice on the following questions would help greatly.

I came across this Early 2006 Mac Mini on Craig's list for $300. The specs are:

Intel MacMini 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo
512MB DDR2 Ram-- Memory can be upgraded
80GB Hard Drive
Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger Included

Does the price seem right?

Would this computer work for someone who does only basic computer work? This includes email, internet, and word documents. It should not be slow on the internet.

Can Snow Leopard be installed on this? I think it can.

Can this run 64 bits kernel? I think it can't.

Anything to watch out for?

Would a 1 GB stick of memory from a mid 2007 iMac (PC2-5300) fit in this?

Thanks for any help!

 

[lamerica80]

You WILL need to upgrade the ram, plus the HD is on the small side, it fills up pretty quickly if you use it to store/edit your vacation photos and videos. I would definately go for a low end 09 mini for only 300 bucks more.

 

[GoCubsGo]

You WILL need to upgrade the ram, plus the HD is on the small side, it fills up pretty quickly if you use it to store/edit your vacation photos and videos. I would definately go for a low end 09 mini for only 300 bucks more.

For only $300 more huh?
But as silly as that sounds he is right. I believe that 2006 mini has the video card with horrible performance. You'd be better served with a mini that has the newer video card.

 

[flopticalcube]

For what you are doing, it would be fine. The memory stick will fit and it will run SL with the 32bit kernel. $300 would be a bit high given the small HD and RAM. A refurb mini can be had for $450 so I would look at $250 or so for that one.

 

[Gentile]

For what you are doing, it would be fine. The memory stick will fit and it will run SL with the 32bit kernel. $300 would be a bit high given the small HD and RAM. A refurb mini can be had for $450 so I would look at $250 or so for that one.

I checked the prices on ebay and the lowest price under completed auctions for the early 2006 was $310 plus $18 shipping. Is there another place you suggest I look for something like this?

 

[MacMini2009]

I've seen a refurb Mac Mini as low as $399. It was the 1.83GHz model. I suggest you check daily on Apple.com.

 

[flopticalcube]

I checked the prices on ebay and the lowest price under completed auctions for the early 2006 was $310 plus $18 shipping. Is there another place you suggest I look for something like this?

eBay is where you sell your Mac, not where you buy it. Aside from craigslist or other local classifieds, you could try the Marketplace here once you have enough posts to qualify. Given that its only $150 less than a refurb Apple (better CPU, better RAM, better HD, better graphics, 1 year warranty), $300 seems too much. If you are not able to get it for a lower price, save a little more and snag a refurb when they hit.

Here's the link that will have them when they show up: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/mac_mini

 

[pastrychef]

I'm not entirely positive, but I believe the Core Duo is only 32-bit. Also, that model of Mac mini only supports a maximum of 2GB, if that matters to you.

I wouldn't worry too much about the GMA950 graphics unless you intend to game. 1080p video may stutter, but 720p should be fine.

$300 seems a pretty good price. I picked up a Core 2 Duo Mac mini back in January for $380 from someone on Craig's List... Seems on par...