mac minis... are they worth it?

[Lynx]

well how about it? are mac minis worth buying?

[Puritan]

I'll try to make this as impartial as possible. I personally wouldn't buy one as I would prefer a much more powerful machine and I don't personally like Macintosh. However, if you only want to do basic word-processing/internet type things and don't do any processor or memory intensive things (playing games, intensive computer based modeling, video editing) then this would probably work just fine. I personally would recommend a lower end PC above this because PCs are more widely used and thus compatible with more software. You can get a basic PC for $300, and it would also be fine for the basic things you could use the Mac Mini for. However, if you prefer Macs, this would probably do you nicely.

[Slater]

nooooooo just reinstall Win 3.x

[Kaligraphic]

A better question: do you have a need that a Mac Mini would efficiently fill? If not, then they're useless to you even if free. If so, would a Mac Mini fill that need better or more cost effectively than the best alternative? If yes, then it is worth it. If no, then go with the alternative that beat it most.

Now, flow chart aside, are they worth buying for what?

Entry-level computer? IMO, yes.
Power gaming rig? Probably not.
Cheap computing? Depends on the loadout.
Easy way to learn Mac OS X? Yes.
Introduce friend/relative to computers? Depends on how much you like the friend/relative.


Basically, identify the problem, then investigate solutions.

[shooraijin]

I'll try to make this as impartial as possible. I personally wouldn't buy one as I would prefer a much more powerful machine and I don't personally like Macintosh. However, if you only want to do basic word-processing/internet type things and don't do any processor or memory intensive things (playing games, intensive computer based modeling, video editing) then this would probably work just fine. I personally would recommend a lower end PC above this because PCs are more widely used and thus compatible with more software. You can get a basic PC for $300, and it would also be fine for the basic things you could use the Mac Mini for. However, if you prefer Macs, this would probably do you nicely.

Except:

- The mini comes with Appleworks, or more recently, iWork. Most low-budget PC rigs just come with WordPad, or a Word knock-off at most.
- The mini comes with iDVD (if the DVD burner option is installed), iMovie, iTunes and iPhoto. If the bargain PC even includes equivalents (and this is arguable whether YourGenericBurnerSoftware PRO XXII is an equivalent), they are typically not nearly that well integrated.
- The mini can take FireWire out of the box -- great for video on a budget, plug your camcorder right in and go into iMovie. Not typical of most bargain PCs either.
- Certain specs on the mini are typically better, particularly for video (your average bargain PC is going to have a low-end controller with shared RAM; the mini's is no speed demon, but it is an ATI 9200 with 32MB RAM to itself). As for the processor and FSB, you can argue about which CPU is more powerful in which system but the G4 is hardly the dire chip that many less clueful people claim it is.
- The mini comes with 512MB of RAM already. The Dells, for example, don't get to 512MB standard until the $469 price point, so that needs to be figured in.
- The mini is smaller. And this does matter to some folks.

I also know several people who own them and enjoy them, including people who had never owned a Mac before, so I don't think the mini is for "people who just want a cheap Mac." It's for people who want a cheap computer, period, but who want a different user experience.

And no, I don't hide my bias.

[Puritan]

Yes, yes, but at the same time the out-of-the-box Dell comes with a monitor (which is extra for the Mac Mini) and will do just fine for basic apps. Plus, I would prefer to direct people to PCs for general use simply because most workplaces, schools, and laboratories I have seen use PCs as their basic machine so you should probably get used to using one. However, it really comes down to what you like more. The Mac Mini is definately a well-integrated machine that is great for people who want to to basic video or picture work or like Apple. If you are used to a PC, want a machine with more applications available for it, or need to run a specific program for your work you might want to get a PC. It's just two different ways to go and really depends on what you want to use the computer for.

[Arnobius]

[quote="shooraijin"]Except:

- The mini comes with Appleworks, or more recently, iWork. Most low-budget PC rigs just come with WordPad, or a Word knock-off at most.
- The mini comes with iDVD (if the DVD burner option is installed), iMovie, iTunes and iPhoto. If the bargain PC even includes equivalents (and this is arguable whether YourGenericBurnerSoftware PRO XXII is an equivalent), they are typically not nearly that well integrated.
- The mini can take FireWire out of the box -- great for video on a budget, plug your camcorder right in and go into iMovie. Not typical of most bargain PCs either.
- Certain specs on the mini are typically better, particularly for video (your average bargain PC is going to have a low-end controller with shared RAM]
Of course a person who can afford a camera with firewire can probably also afford more than a Mini, since most of the cheaper ones run RCA jacks. [Plus, the computer fails to recognize Firewire one out of six boots, which I don't care for]

Most of the cheap PCs are meant to be for businesses needing enough power to do the job and no more. Will the Mini do that?

MS Works is the usual cheap software installed and Works now contains MS Word

[glitch1501]

Except:

- The mini comes with Appleworks, or more recently, iWork. Most low-budget PC rigs just come with WordPad, or a Word knock-off at most.

use openoffice!

[Gypsy]

I like my mini a lot, if that helps.

[Mithrandir]

I recenly bought one that I use for a media center. It can record video, browse the web and play all my favorite tunes. It remembers where I left off on EVERY DVD and it's got the smallest footprint you can find in a computer - period.

It suits my needs quite nicely, and has the added bonus that I don't need a DVD player/CD player/MP3 player out there. I'm in the process of converting my cassette tapes to MP3, and after that I'll be able to eliminate many pieces of hardward I had to have otherwise.

So for me, it was a great deal.

[Kaligraphic]

A lot of budget PCs come with MS Works (a $12 value!), which does include Word.

[shooraijin]

... but not all. You'll be doing a fair bit of shopping around to see which price point fits you best.

[Kaligraphic]

I personally want a Mac Mini, but I'm holding off until after I move.

I've got a PC already, so with the miracle of the KVM switch I won't lose any deskspace.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Plus, I would prefer to direct people to PCs for general use simply because most workplaces, schools, and laboratories I have seen use PCs as their basic machine so you should probably get used to using one.

That certaintly doesn't apply to everyone. After using PC's for over 10 years, (beginning with good ol windows 3.1) I decided to buy an ibook late 2004. I was very suprised to see the minor differences regarding usability. I mean yes there are major differences too, but those aren't really known nor cared about by your average joe. (Oooh! Windows has a regristry!)

[Arnobius]

That certaintly doesn't apply to everyone. After using PC's for over 10 years, (beginning with good ol windows 3.1) I decided to buy an ibook late 2004. I was very suprised to see the minor differences regarding usability. I mean yes there are major differences too, but those aren't really known nor cared about by your average joe. (Oooh! Windows has a regristry!)

True, but try right clicking with a standard Apple Mouse

[Puritan]

I'm simply trying to say that people should be comfortable with PCs. I have seen too many of my Professors take ten to fifteen minutes of class time every time they want to show the students something on a PC because they usually use Macs. I know the differences are often minor, but PCs are so commonly used that being familiar with them is really important for your job or schooling. Using a Mac is fine, but please don't become the "I have to come to every meeting with my own iBook and special adaptor to show my presentation because I hate PCs" person because I can tell you from personal experience that this type of thing is annoying and a pointless waste of time.

[shooraijin]

Yes, but the Mac crowd would also like to remind you not to become the "Macs are not computers" type of person either. And for the record, my iBook plugs into a standard video projector, and I *do* take it everywhere I have to do a presentation, whether they like it or not (or I don't do the presentation).

I resent being told, "you have to learn to do things this way because it's the standard" -- I think the New York Times put it best when they stated, in so many words, that Mac users can take comfort in the fact that the large cockroach population does not make them any more intelligent. I put up with PCs at work because they pay me to.

I think that people who don't recognize that there is a choice in computing are the ones who are more annoying. In the Mac world, we just think you've made the wrong one.

By the way, for AnimeHeretic's benefit, all Macs now come with a two-button mouse, and even the ones that didn't understood how (even going back to OS 9). The Mighty Mouse coming standard has been pretty much the case for almost a year now.

[Arnobius]

Really? The Macs I see at CompUSA still have these one button things except for their massive super expensive ones.

[Lynx]

many of you commented that it depends what it would be used for. it would be used for basic schoolwork/net surfing/the occasional movie and music. i have no previous mac experience.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Really? The Macs I see at CompUSA

That's why =p

Ctrl+Click takes no time getting used to

[Rexman64]

Any USB two-button mouse will work on a Mac, for the record. Preferably Logitech, of course.

[Arnobius]

many of you commented that it depends what it would be used for. it would be used for basic schoolwork/net surfing/the occasional movie and music. i have no previous mac experience.

Well each have their strengths and weaknesses. I know when it comes to working with DV for example, all the pro systems I see for sale at $10K+ are all Macs... few PCs in this area for example

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Well considering you have your PC now, exposure to both is always a good thing. Is your PC a desktop? If so then perhaps you ought to look into the iBook laptops instead? Of vice versa if your PC is a laptop, perhaps a mac mini is a good option?

[Rexman64]

Well considering you have your PC now, exposure to both is always a good thing. Is your PC a desktop? If so then perhaps you ought to look into the iBook laptops instead? Of vice versa if your PC is a laptop, perhaps a mac mini is a good option?

That was exactly my thought when I got my iBook. I knew I wanted a laptop, and I already had a Windows desktop, so I figured I'd go for a Mac.

Haven't regretted it in the least.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

That was exactly my thought when I got my iBook. I knew I wanted a laptop, and I already had a Windows desktop, so I figured I'd go for a Mac.

Haven't regretted it in the least.

Same thing here bro. Amen amen.

[glitch1501]

many of you commented that it depends what it would be used for. it would be used for basic schoolwork/net surfing/the occasional movie and music. i have no previous mac experience.

if thats all you want, i would say that the mini is perfect for you, i have a pretty high end pc myself, but if you dont want to do any gaming or anything like that i would say get the mac

(i want a macbook pro )

[shooraijin]

That's why =p

Ctrl+Click takes no time getting used to

No, it's easy to get used to, but I do admit to using a two-button on my G4.

Anyway, CompSpewSA may just be cleaning out old stock. The ones in the Apple Store all have Mighty Mice (when I was there last around a month ago).

[Puritan]

if thats all you want, i would say that the mini is perfect for you, i have a pretty high end pc myself, but if you dont want to do any gaming or anything like that i would say get the mac

I'd second that, if you only need the computer for that type of thing then the Mac Mini will do you nicely.

[Lynx]

Well considering you have your PC now, exposure to both is always a good thing. Is your PC a desktop? If so then perhaps you ought to look into the iBook laptops instead? Of vice versa if your PC is a laptop, perhaps a mac mini is a good option?

i have a pc laptop now.


thanks for your help guys!

[Arnobius]

No, it's easy to get used to, but I do admit to using a two-button on my G4.

Anyway, CompSpewSA may just be cleaning out old stock. The ones in the Apple Store all have Mighty Mice (when I was there last around a month ago).

Maybe so... they don't have much (Fry's has a larger selection) but it tends to be the more expensive stuff like the plasma monitor and the super drive and the G5 tower that costs $2500-$3 grand, and I remember being suprised to see it still had a clear mouse with a single button covering the front of the mouse where the PC mouse had 2.

I'll admit though I know little about the Mac except it's preferred for pro DV editing, which I dabbled in a little