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Mac Mini ok for me?

If you are thinking of going the Route of mini+external display, I would think about maybe looking into non-apple displays. Yes, the cinema displays are nice, but they are also overpriced for the average user. You might be able to shave another couple hundred off by getting a different display. Another thing you might want to look into is the cost of getting a PowerMac G5 and an external display - you might extend the life of your computer a good amount if you go that route, and if you decide to replace the unit you don't have to incur the cost of a monitor again.

MP
 
lasuther said:
Since you are looking at buying a monitor, I would suggest getting the iMac G5. It will handle your programs better and the machine should last longer into the future. A monitor, 64MB graphics card, 7200RPM hard drive, superdrive, extra USB and Firewire ports, plus a very nice package make it worth the extra money. You have the student discount which drops the price. I would recommend Airport and the Bluetooth keyboard as upgrades. Rumor has it there will be an upgrade in April, so I would wait for that and Tiger.

I think the Mac Mini makes more sense if you already have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse you will use.

lasuther
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Exactly.

iMac.

w00t, I made a good point! :D
 
I do love the iMac :). It's really what made me first fall in love with the Mac. I'm just not so sure if it's in my budget right now; and like it's been said, you have to throw out the monitor when it's time to replace. I should be receiving a $1500 check in the mail for my PC laptop that I just sold, and I have about another $425 saved up. By the time I decide to buy (mid April, for Tiger), I should have closer to $575-600. Maybe they'll drop the prices on the iMac...that would be great :). But I really want a PB; I'm just willing to wait until G5. Hooking up a PB to a monitor is perfect for me, as I like the portability but want the screen real estate/clarity. I see no point in getting a PB now when an iMac is cheaper and faster- but still very expensive...but if I can get the Mini, I'll have something to tide me over and still have the monitor.
Did I make sense? :p

And I know, Appl displays are basically the equivalent of throwing away money on a name when others are as good/better and cheaper.....but I want to spoil myself a little and I love their displays!!!

Thanks for your suggestions. Also: do you guys think the Mini will sell well in a yearish? The system will cost about $900 new, $1100 with RAM added.

Maggie
 
Mac mini power supply

CaptainCaveMann said:
Personally, i think the Mac mini is false advertising in a nut shell. The advertised little box being the whole computer is not entirely accurate. Theres actually another "little box" that tags along. Its called the power brick. The Mac minis power supply. I would have bought one had it not been for the "tag along box". If the entire computer was in that one little box(as advertised) then indeed Apple would have a rave worthy product on their hands. ;)
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I have a Mac mini and it's power brick is perfectly happy keeping company with all those other bricks under my desk. Not having the power supply included in the case is why the computer is so cool and quiet on my desk. I don't really think the brick is a valid reason for not buying the Mini.
 
mwpeters8182 said:
If you are thinking of going the Route of mini+external display, I would think about maybe looking into non-apple displays.
Click to expand...
For example, the Dell 2005 FPW display is on sale right now for only $502. That with a Mac mini would be pretty sweet.
 
OCOTILLO said:
I have a Mac mini and it's power brick is perfectly happy keeping company with all those other bricks under my desk. Not having the power supply included in the case is why the computer is so cool and quiet on my desk. I don't really think the brick is a valid reason for not buying the Mini.
Click to expand...

I agree, the power brick is totally a nonissue. It just sits behind my desk along with the other power bricks.
 
kgarner said:
I have that setup and it works great for all of those things. Not sure on the GarageBand question though. That is the one iApp I have not played with much. I do however run iMove, iDVD, iPhoto, iTunes, Final Cut Pro HD, Photoshop, Mail, Safari, iChat, and iCal on a regular basis. Many of them at the same time.
Click to expand...

How does FCP HD and Photoshop run on a mini like that :confused:

Saw your earlier answer but how are the graphics in FCP HD
 
I was considering a 12" or 15" pb the other day, but had some home issues pop up that need the $$ instead. so then i was looking at a mac mini to work alongside my wife's dell desktop and use her monitor.

can you add the extra RAM yourself without voiding any warranty? i see crucial offers RAM cheaper...just wasn't sure.

thanks for the tips!
 
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