'11 Mac Mini Display Port for 30" Monitor

[nREMfan]

I have an aging Core 2 Duo MBP that I'm looking to upgrade with a new Mini. Currently, I run a HP ZR30w via DVI port on the MBP. In regards to the Mini:

- Can the mini drive this thing for graphic design (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)

- Would it be connected via the Thunderbolt port to my HP's DisplayPort, or do I need an "expensive" adapter?

The resolution on the HP is 2560x1600. One of the main reasons I'm upgrading is Photoshop CS5 and it being very sluggish when using brushes and just in general really. My MBP is a 2.6C2D, 6GB ram (max), and a 7200rpm hard drive.

Thanks in advance for any advice/tips.

 

[powerbook911]

Yes, you can get mini display port to DVI adapter. I have one from Apple myself, and it works fine. The mini displayport to dvi should supply the resolution you need. The HDMI output won't support that high resolution.

The mini should work fine with the display. I cannot make claims to its performance on that size display. I believe most will tell you, it will be fine, if you do not game.

Second, which mini are you considering?

They would all be a step up in terms of CPU performance on your current machine. However, it should be noted that the two consumer minis ($599 & $799 models) come with 5400 RPM hard drives, so that would be a step back for you unless you upgraded them or ordered them with a SSD. The $999 server mini comes with 2 7200 RPM hard drives, but lacks the discreet graphics of the $799 model.

I think you would like the mini Server, if you don't find it too expensive. The stock $999 model alongside a $45 RAM upgrade on your own to 8GB is a pretty nice machine. Buy from somewhere trustworthy in case you find it doesn't fit your needs.

Good luck in your decision!

 

[nREMfan]

Second, which mini are you considering?

Not sure at this point. I've been using, upgrading and buying Mac computers since '95 and these are confusing days for the "pro" world. I want to keep my display, so the iMac is out. And the MPro towers are too high, imo.

I have no problem with performing ram and hard drive upgrades as I've done those a lot over the years. I just want a fast Mac for the Adobe Suite. No gaming, btw. It seems the i7 server is the fastest of the group on GeekBench scores, but is it overkill for my needs? Meaning, would I be better off with a "mid-scale" mini and upgrading the ram and hd.

Thanks for your response Powerbook911.

 

[powerbook911]

Not sure at this point. I've been using, upgrading and buying Mac computers since '95 and these are confusing days for the "pro" world. I want to keep my display, so the iMac is out. And the MPro towers are too high, imo.

I have no problem with performing ram and hard drive upgrades as I've done those a lot over the years. I just want a fast Mac for the Adobe Suite. No gaming, btw. It seems the i7 server is the fastest of the group on GeekBench scores, but is it overkill for my needs? Meaning, would I be better off with a "mid-scale" mini and upgrading the ram and hd.

Thanks for your response Powerbook911.

Sure. Yes, if the integrated graphics don't scare you off, the mini Server seems like it would be a great choice.

Overkill? I don't think so, if you don't need the special graphics card of the mid-level unit. It is only $200 more than the mid-level machine and it comes with 2 x 500 GB 7200 RPM drives. That would cost a bit on their own. If you keep good backups, you can put the drives into RAID 0 for a 1TB drive that has a decent increase in read/write speeds. This is what I did, and I bet that could be some benefit to you, if you're not going SSD yet like me.

The stock server with 8GB of RAM you upgrade on your own, to me at least, is a great deal. The mid-level machine is great too, but if you don't need the discreet graphics, by the time you upgrade the hard drive, is it really then worth not having the Quad processor?

Good luck deciding! If you're in the US, Amazon has the server about $30 less than MSRP which almost pays for the RAM upgrade. Sometimes Apple has the server on Apple.com/store under "refurbished" for $850 too.



Also...sorry I missed you actually have display port on your HP display. All you would need then is a mini displayport to displayport adapter for your current cable, or get a new cable from mono price that is mini displayport to displayport.