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Advice on new Mac...

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matthew23

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Aug 27, 2010
358
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Hi everyone,

My 2011 Mac Mini just died (drive failed) and I have decided that rather try and fix it, I am going to get a new computer. I use it mainly was a server for my media (all saved on an external drive and use iTunes/Apple TV). I also use it for surfing the web but not much more.

I am torn as to what to get next. The "new" Mac Minis out now, although they would probably suit my needs fine) are rather outdated spec-wise. I feel like I am paying a huge premium just to get what I had before. I am also considering an iMac since they seem fairly powerful and future proof for the time being (my kids will be using computers soon so I figured I might as well get something they can learn on).

Anyone have any advise as to what I should get?

Ideally, I'd like to stay under $1,000 but if I go iMac I'd pay up for it. I have also considered getting something besides a Mac (ie Windows) instead if there was a compelling enough reason but everything in our house is Apple (Apple TVs, iPhone/iPads, Apple Watches, etc).

If anyone has been in a similar situation or knows of any solutions to consider, I'd be grateful if you'd share!

Thanks!
 
I have Mac mini I use just as a "server" alone, with external drive housing my iTunes Library and content.

iMac would be good as well, you won't be paying under $1,000 like you can Mac Mini. I leave mini on 24/7, so really that's the only caveat. You'd need to leave the iMac on to steam from it when needed, or kids wanna watch stuff.

For me, its about convenience,. Sometimes i do turn it off, but other times i just leave it switched on if its gonna be stream my content anyway.

The good thing about Mac Minim it can be placed on a desktop/table top or tucked away.

I have mine as "head-less" no keyboard or mouse attached, and connect to it from another Macbook Pro, if i need to update or whatever else.

All Apple here as well.
 
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Yeah, I thought about that but I wanted to future-proof as much as possible (within reason). Also, I can't help but feel like the Mac Mini, given it has not been updated in 4 years, is so expensive for what you get (at least compared to Windows machines).
 
Yeah, the current Mini is still running on some old hardware, and the RAM is non-upgradeable. Even getting into one to replace the hard drive requires a security TORX screwdriver.

If it were me, I would not get the currently available Mini. I'd seriously consider replacing the hard drive in your existing Mini to buy a little time, as Apple has hinted at finally updating the old Mini. If you were to install an SSD, you might be surprised at how much faster your old Mini might feel. A RAM upgrade could also help. That's just my opinion, of course.
 
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Darmok N Jalad said:
Yeah, the current Mini is still running on some old hardware, and the RAM is non-upgradeable. Even getting into one to replace the hard drive requires a security TORX screwdriver.

If it were me, I would not get the currently available Mini. I'd seriously consider replacing the hard drive in your existing Mini to buy a little time, as Apple has hinted at finally updating the old Mini. If you were to install an SSD, you might be surprised at how much faster your old Mini might feel. A RAM upgrade could also help. That's just my opinion, of course.
Click to expand...
Actually, when I initially got it, I put in a SSD and put the stock drive in the second bay. If I decide to replace the SSD, where the OS now, how do I load the OS into the new drive? Is it as easy as plug and play with the new drive?
 
You'd need to reinstall MacOS on the new drive. It's easiest to do so with a flash drive that has the High Sierra installer on it, but you should be able to boot into recovery and then format (Disk Utility) and install MacOS to the new drive via internet installation.
 
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So it’s pretty simple? It’s been so long since I put the original kit in. The SSD if the more assessible of the two drives. If I put the new SSD in, will the Mac remember my WiFi to d/l the new OS?
 
Either a new drive as suggested above, or as your kids are growing up, then go for a low spec iMac as it sounds you're not planning to push the boundaries with it. You mention it being future proof, but it doesn't sound like you need cutting edge performance at any time soon.

My other half has a 2007 iMac that is used regularly and performs well. It sits in the study and does all that is asked of it...mainly email, web browsing, FaceTime and excel. iPad's tend to fill the day to day need for everything else, but this still has it's place. She also jump on my MBP in front of the TV sometimes.

It cost £999 some 10 years ago, and has never slowed down or missed a beat. It way my girlfriends first move from PC to Mac and she considered it an expensive luxury at the time, but if she'd stuck with PC's she'd probably be on her 3rd or 4th machine by now, with 10 years worth of anti-virus subscriptions on top.

Go for a refurb model and it becomes even more appealing.
 
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Thank you everyone for you help and advice. I did replace the hard drive last night, which was actually pretty easy, restored the OS and restored fro Time Machine. Back to normal! I will wait until a new Mac Mini is released. This bought me the time I needed, so thanks everyone!!
 
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