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Mac Mini vs. MacBook? (UK)

tomthedude

tomthedude

macrumors member
Original poster
May 18, 2008
70
0
Brighton
Hey guys,
Been looking to save money for a Mac Mini. Cheap, upgradable RAM, but then I saw the MacBook. What option should I go for?

(Low-End) MacBook:

2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1GB memory
120GB hard drive
Combo drive

£699.00
_____________

(Low-End) Mac-Mini

1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1GB memory
80GB hard drive

What do you think? I don't want one that is too expensive, as I wouldnt be able to save up enough money for when I want one (July)

-Tom-
 
Definitely get the Macbook. Trust me, you'll be happier. Just the fact that it's portable is an excuse to get one. Also, the Mac Mini, once you add the price of a keyboard, mouse and screen the Mac Mini is around the same price of a Macbook anyway.
 
tomthedude said:
What do you think? I don't want one that is too expensive, as I wouldnt be able to save up enough money for when I want one (July)

-Tom-
Click to expand...

As 7301 says, unless you have a keyboard and monitor the Macbook is a better value. It is also a better machine. Upgrades are expected before the back-to-school buying season begins. Check the Apple Store (or Education Store, if you qualify) for refurbished computers.
 
Macbook will have a higher residual value (sort of relative to it's initial cost) so in the long run it'll be about the same but a much better machine. Keep it clean and nice ( wipe regularly all over with screen wipes) and you'll have no problem selling when you come to upgrade.

If I list the difference you start to see - screen, nice keyb/multi-touch trackpad, more powerful (Penryn C2D), 802.11n wireless, bigger HD, camera/mic & speakers, nice combo drive, will run a second monitor if required (so two screens at once!) and of course has a battery and is portable!

Stick 2 Gig of ram in it from Crucial - only about £60 - don't buy Apple ram - expensive!
 
surferfromuk said:
multi-touch trackpad
Click to expand...

MacBook does not have a multi-touch trackpad.

I also say get the MacBook though - it has EVERYTHING the Mac mini has plus a whole lot more and the portability of it really comes in handy. Mac mini is overpriced in my opinion.
 
OK guys, think il save my money for a MacBook. I have 1 question though.

If I want it optimised to perform at its best, and to have 2GB memory, I would have to buy 2 x 1GB stick for each slot, right?
-Tom-
 
The macbook is all-round better. Yes, you should get 2 matched ram chips. It is upgradeable to 4 gb ram. Although it is not touted to have multi-touch, it does have 2-finger scrolling.
 
tomthedude said:
OK guys, think il save my money for a MacBook. I have 1 question though.

If I want it optimised to perform at its best, and to have 2GB memory, I would have to buy 2 x 1GB stick for each slot, right?
-Tom-
Click to expand...

The performance gain from the matched RAM is minimal at best and certainly not something you will notice in day-to-day use.
 
jnc said:
I'd buy 1x 2GB RAM for an initial 2.5GB which'll allow you to upgrade to 4GB later on more easily, too.
Click to expand...

I have no idea why people on here keep recommending 4GB RAM - the vast majority of users do not need it and will see no performance gain from having it. Right now I'm sitting with over 1GB of my 2GB RAM free. 4GB is just excessive in my opinion.

To the original poster - what do you plan on using the computer for?
 
Oh. Video editing, maybe photo editing (if I can find the time to do-so), making YouTube videos, making Music, Live Streaming, email and chat mainly.
Does that make any difference to your recommendation?
-Tom-
 
neiltc13 said:
I have no idea why people on here keep recommending 4GB RAM - the vast majority of users do not need it and will see no performance gain from having it. Right now I'm sitting with over 1GB of my 2GB RAM free. 4GB is just excessive in my opinion.

To the original poster - what do you plan on using the computer for?
Click to expand...

For god's sake, all I did was suggest he buy a 2GB stick so he can upgrade more easily to 4GB in the future should he wish. It wasn't a demand.

Better to have room for another 2GB stick than have to buy and then throw 2x1GB if he wishes to move to 4GB later.

tomthedude said:
Oh. Video editing, maybe photo editing (if I can find the time to do-so), making YouTube videos, making Music, Live Streaming, email and chat mainly.
Click to expand...

Mac Minis are still on GMA950 graphics, with video+audio production it sounds like you're going to need all the punch you can, so a MacBook running at least 2GB sounds about right for you.

Maybe see if you can even stretch to the 2.4GHz model MacBook with the better processor and 2GB RAM and bigger HD as standard plus DVD burner... though at £829 (if you're not eligible for any discounts) puts it in the iMac price ballpark which, if portability isn't an issue, is a much better option all round.
 
tomthedude said:
Am I legible for any discounts? Educational? Im 14.
-Tom-
Click to expand...

The 'Apple Store for Education' should be applicable to you (on the sidebar on the left in the Apple Store homepage. Gives 8%ish I think off hardware. Unfortunately you won't be able to access the much nicer 'Apple Store for HE' until you hit 18 and attend University if you so choose.

EDIT: Just checked and it's roughly 6% discount, but meh, a discount is a discount. This puts the low end Macbook at £656.83 and the high end white one at £779.03!
 
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