Debating purchase of a mini

[hollyanna77]

I am thinking of purchasing a Mac Mini to use as my main computer. I mainly run iTunes and iPhoto and have extensive libraries in each I'd like to import from my broken MacBook Pro. I'd also like to use the MS Office Sutie, and have the option of using Adobe CS. Does the mini work just like a regular computer? I do have a monitor, keyboard and mouse already.

 

[fa8362]

Does the mini work just like a regular computer?

The Mini IS a regular computer, so yes. It's just smaller and nearly silent.

 

[hollyanna77]

Office Sutie

I don't see the normal option on the Mac Store website to purchase the mini with Office Suite already installed... how do you get the programs on the mini?

 

[Kebabselector]

Either download them or use a CD/DVD/Memory stick.

However as the new Mini doesn't come with a CD/DVD drive anymore you'll either have to share one from another device or buy an external device to use.

Apple doesn't install MS Office as an option - it used to be bundled as a 30 day trial (not too sure if it is anymore?) - if you want Office, you'll have to install it yourself. Alternatively you could buy Apple's iWork suite - which you'll have to download from the MacApp store.

 

[JimDut]

Hi Holly,

Don't let the name mini put you off... its no different than going out and buying a Windows Desktop PC in terms of function and ability.

Out of interest, have you ever tried iWork's; Pages, Numbers and Keynote? If you don't specifically need MS Office, I'd highly recommend you use this instead.

From experience, the only issue is electronic sharing of documents to users who don't have Mac... otherwise, it reads MS .doc files just fine.

 

[Mr.C]

You have to buy MS Office separately and install it from an external DVD drive or by sharing the DVD drive of another computer on the same network. It does not come pre-installed or bundled with any Mac computers. FYI, the Mini is a real computer. It's a normal desktop in a small form factor but without a DVD drive.

 

[jmcgeejr]

Hi Holly,

Don't let the name mini put you off... its no different than going out and buying a Windows Desktop PC in terms of function and ability.

Out of interest, have you ever tried iWork's; Pages, Numbers and Keynote? If you don't specifically need MS Office, I'd highly recommend you use this instead.

From experience, the only issue is electronic sharing of documents to users who don't have Mac... otherwise, it reads MS .doc files just fine.

Open Office works well.

 

[japtor]

You can download the MS Office trial and either buy an activation code online or use one from a boxed copy. Adobe has trials but I don't know if you can convert them to full versions with boxed copies, like you may have to buy through their store (which is probably more expensive).

 

[xheathen]

Hi Holly,

Don't let the name mini put you off... its no different than going out and buying a Windows Desktop PC in terms of function and ability.

Out of interest, have you ever tried iWork's; Pages, Numbers and Keynote? If you don't specifically need MS Office, I'd highly recommend you use this instead.

From experience, the only issue is electronic sharing of documents to users who don't have Mac... otherwise, it reads MS .doc files just fine.

Even then, just Save As all of your documents into .doc format. My wife regularly works with files between OSx and Windows and it's never presented an issue.