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Should my Mom get a Mac Mini?

tonyr6

tonyr6

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Oct 13, 2011
1,741
734
Brooklyn NY
I am asking because she always used Windows but her computer is very slow. She only plays games on FB and pays bills. Also, the reason is she won't worry about viruses as we are currently paying for an AV. Will a M1 be too much since the Intel version is cheaper.

Also forgot she doesn't have an Apple account. Will that be a problem?

What about using a Windows keyboard? Will it work on MacOS?
 
Last edited:
The M1 might be pricier now but it will last and be supported for ages (security patches). Otherwise the intel will be supported for at least another few years, depending on how old the Intel mini is.

No Apple ID required.

Yes the keyboard will work if it’s USB. Otherwise you might need a PS/2 to USB keyboard / mouse adapter.

Monitor needs to be HDMI or you might need an adapter to USB C (VGA to USB C, DVI to USB C, one of those).
 
Keyboard is USB. What about the control, option and command which is missing on a Windows keyboard?
 
I think it might be overkill too. It's just she tired of Windows and its flaws like constant updates.
 
I replaced my parents Windows XP machines many years ago with an iMac and it barely gets used. What they do use daily are their iPads. Does she even need a computer to pay bills & go on facebook? And plenty of casual mom games on the iPad. The iPads have seriously cut down on parental tech support calls and certainly no more malware.
 
tonyr6 said:
What about using a Windows keyboard? Will it work on MacOS?
Click to expand...

Absolutely. You can just remap the command/option/control keys to alt, windows, ctrl so that it works just like a native mac keyboard. Some special keys such as camera, media center (if you have them on your windows keyboard) might not work.
 
The main reasons to get an Intel Mini are to
  1. Run Mac OS X 10.4 Mojave (or even earlier if you get a 2014 or older model) for compatibility with legacy Mac 32-bit apps
  2. You have Mac software you need to run that hasn't been recompiled for the M1 and the Intel version can't be emulated properly using Rosetta 2.
  3. if you need to run x86_64 Windows either in BootCamp or in a VM on your Mac
  4. If you need more than 16GB RAM for your workflow
If you don't need any of those (your mother wouldn't) then go with the M1. The M1 is quieter and faster.

Points 1 and 2 are only really relevant to existing Mac users, Point 3 to those who only want the one machine and need to use both Mac and Windows for work, and point 4 is for much heavier use of a computer than what your mother does. 8GB would probably be enough RAM at the moment for her, though CTO to 16GB would give more future proofing. The RAM on the M1 can't be upgraded later.

Personally I'm leaning towards getting an Intel Mac Mini for all four of the above points, but my use case is very different to your mother's.
 
Sometimes Windows can benefit from a clean restore. The current build is fine.

I have a Surface Laptop 2 8/128 and Intel Mini 16/512/i5 and both are fine but the mini really is fast and smooth with Windows. Best ever through last 15 years and DIY projects

FB to me is akin to virus. Esp with all those games. But a iPad Air can set you back especially if you add keyboard folio.
 
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