Having used both Macs and Windows (from DOS on), my perspective is that computers are at our service, primarily, in that they perform a service. So, depending on one's needs, the hope is to find what fits.
This should be simple. The complications are that we are somewhat subservient to the powers that be who determine the price point. The conflict happens when the price point is compared to the ease of use of the machine. Most current computers are quite similar in capabilities. It becomes an issue of ease of use, not power. In this sense, Apple has disappointed me. The new Mac Mini is a throwaway. As is most common these days, they are more interested in what makes money, feeds the coffers.
After these facts, for me the question is longevity, (certainly my own) but also that of my servicing computer, the tool I use to express myself beyond email. Surely most of us do not want to publish our great novel, or create the film that will take Avatar to the next step. Still, a tool does provide each of us with opportunities to create. Apple is now concerned not so much with creativity as with connectivity and portability, the value of which is up to you and I to determine. It seems that the vote is in. Connectivity to the max, and smaller is better. Ipods and Ipads.
No objection, here, except that in real life, the view is so much richer and grander. We cannot yet fit our emotions into a machine. I am not judging, but observing that if you want to be in a state of grace, you might learn that this is simply our process. Most of all, have some faith.
If you appreciate this physical life, you desire some longevity. With computers it's the same. The Mac Mini will not be around for long. In our world, especially our culture, nothing may take its place, Don't give up your importance in this equation. It is we who determine what happens, not the powers that be, not Apple or Microsoft. If we give this up, we are lost.
There are three aspects of this problem. One is the operating system, the other is the price point, and the third is technology. Combine all three, and the Mac is the choice for OS and technology, Windows for price. What a frickin bind, right?
My advice is to meditate. Cultivate your friends. Have some distractions, then come back to the problem and find the computer that suits your needs,. Forget about longevity (if you ever considered it), for in this world, it is about money and that's the destruction of anything lasting more than someone wants it to.
Good fortune to you,
Greg in Pittsburgh
I just bought two mid spec 2014 minis, both with the 2.6ghz i5 & 8 gb ram. One has the 1tb hdd, the other has the fusion drive. I'm using both as media players. The fusion drive one opens apps heaps faster, but otherwise they're much of a muchness.
Both are really excellent for this purpose. They rip CDs and DVDs incredibly quickly and just work. They idle at 7w, so there's no need to even turn them off.
Before buying the macs, I thought of using Intel nucs for the same job. By the time I specced a nuc up with i5, 8gb ram and a 1tb drive I was looking at much the same price as the mini, but without thunderbolt and without OS X.
Dunno why people bag the new mini so much. For the price, they're a whole lot of computer.
