Using a Mac for home security...

[delude]

I currently only have a MacBook Pro (late 2008, 2.4ghz) but was thinking about perhaps buying a Mac mini, or something very quiet that could be left on safely 24/7.
I would run SecuritySpy and iCam so that I could be notified on my iPhone when there is movement etc.

What would you guys recommend?

So...should I be looking to buy a 'new' Mac? (As in a used Mac Mini or something?) Or just leave my MacBook Pro on all the time?

How quiet are the G4 Mac Mini's?

 

[Dave Braine]

Given that a laptop is designed to be portable, if you use you MBP, then you can't take it away with you. The Mini would be ideal, tucked away somewhere unobtrusive, connected to CCTV with a motion sensor so that it only records when something moves.

I have a G4 Mini, and it's virtually silent.

 

[Xenophon]

How about investing in a good lock / front door?

All the cameras are nice to toy with but the bottom line is they won't prevent anyone from breaking in and carting off your belongings. If you want to go ahead with it, I'd second the mini, no use leaving the burglar an MBP.

 

[EasyJW]

The mini will be best

but would it not be better to actually improve your home's security i.e. better locks?

 

[delude]

Thanks guys and sorry about the title and wording of my post - I really just meant home surveillance. I thought it would be a nice idea to get some cameras set up so that I could keep a watch on the surroundings outside.

I might try and get a second hand G4 Mini to play with

 

[Kingcodez]

The older Mini's should work fine for you. CCTV cams don't really put out that high res of video, so it should be no problem. Just disguise the cam lol. Put it in a bird house, or a teddy bear, and nail that to the underside of the roof.

For my house I have a vent that stares at the front door and can see maby half the house. Since it's the only way in, (3rd floor apartment building), when I get around to it I'm just going to stick it in there.

If they some how do scale up the building, break the window, and swing in like John McClane, then kudo's to them. That's what insurance is for.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Just make sure that you don't get one of the "bad" G4 mini's. While most of them were virtually silent, there's a portion of them that can't control their temp and the fan runs allll the time. Mine is near silent, my friends sounds like a lawn mower.

Just FYI.