2011 Vs 2012 Mini Decision

[Master Fwiffo]

Ok, so I've been wanting a MacMini for awhile. Long story short is that I wanted a new Laptop, but realized a mini and an iPad would be better for me, as long as I could do 4 things.

1) Surf the Internet
2) Watch Videos
3) Write my Novel
4) Play Starcraft 2 on decent settings with no lag.

I figured with an iPad (which will work for all the things I want to do except Starcraft) and a Mini, I could get better and cheaper than a High-End Macbook.

So I start saving and waiting for a Mini Update. Today rolls around and..

Ok, so I'm not a big tech geek, but if I understand it right, would the OLD mid-level mini play Starcraft better than the NEW mid-level mini? Am I getting that right?

I'm calling my local apple store right now to see if I they still have an old mini in-stock, but emergency input would be much appreciated!

 

[cocacolakid]

There are several posts on that subject. The HD 4000 graphics are a big improvement over the HD 3000 graphics, which weren't bad to begin with. Some people are saying the HD 4000 graphics are in line with the dedicated card on the mid-level 2011 mini's.

In this benchmark of the HD 4000 on Windows PC's playing games, it played Starcraft 2 at 30-34 FPS at 1360x768 resolution (they apparently tested these all on laptops) http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-HD-Graphics-4000-Benchmarked.73567.0.html

You should look around for benchmark tests of the 2011 mini with the dedicated GPU running Starcraft 2 for comparison.

Don't worry about that 2011 model being sold out at your local Apple store. You can still get it at other online shops and it keeps popping up in the Apple refurb store online every few days. If that's the one you decide on you won't have any trouble finding it. But read up first, the improvements in the 2012 mini are pretty impressive. (faster Ivy Bridge motherboard, faster CPU, faster RAM, more level 3 cache, faster/improved graphics, USB 3.0)

 

[henchman]

There are several posts on that subject. The HD 4000 graphics are a big improvement over the HD 3000 graphics, which weren't bad to begin with. Some people are saying the HD 4000 graphics are in line with the dedicated card on the mid-level 2011 mini's.

In this benchmark of the HD 4000 on Windows PC's playing games, it played Starcraft 2 at 30-34 FPS at 1360x768 resolution (they apparently tested these all on laptops) http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-HD-Graphics-4000-Benchmarked.73567.0.html

You should look around for benchmark tests of the 2011 mini with the dedicated GPU running Starcraft 2 for comparison.

Don't worry about that 2011 model being sold out at your local Apple store. You can still get it at other online shops and it keeps popping up in the Apple refurb store online every few days. If that's the one you decide on you won't have any trouble finding it. But read up first, the improvements in the 2012 mini are pretty impressive. (faster Ivy Bridge motherboard, faster CPU, faster RAM, more level 3 cache, faster/improved graphics, USB 3.0)

But can you run snow leopard on it?
As its a must for me at the moment.

 

[jshbckr]

My closest Apple Store was out of Mid-level 2011 Mac minis... and they are selling the 2011 base model for $550. Not worth it.

I missed out on the refurbed 2011 mid-level on Apple's online store for $550 after the announcement today. Maybe should have jumped in it, oh well. I guess at least if the HD4000 is close to the old GPU, I'll take the more efficient processor, faster RAM, and USB 3.0 ports.

 

[mwhities]

My closest Apple Store was out of Mid-level 2011 Mac minis... and they are selling the 2011 base model for $550. Not worth it.

I missed out on the refurbed 2011 mid-level on Apple's online store for $550 after the announcement today. Maybe should have jumped in it, oh well. I guess at least if the HD4000 is close to the old GPU, I'll take the more efficient processor, faster RAM, and USB 3.0 ports.

Very smart.

 

[marcello696]

just found a great deal on Craigs List for the 2011 i5 2.5ghz model for $500. Seller has the original reciept with a warranty till March 2013 so I'm going to take the gamble and purchase it.

 

[cocacolakid]

But can you run snow leopard on it?
As its a must for me at the moment.

Highly unlikely. That's a 3 year old OS and this is a machine released 2 OS versions later. You might be able to run SL in Parallels, but It could be several weeks before anyone can verify that for you.

 

[henchman]

Highly unlikely. That's a 3 year old OS and this is a machine released 2 OS versions later. You might be able to run SL in Parallels, but It could be several weeks before anyone can verify that for you.

I'll stick with the 2011 then, until others can get it to work.
I have specific applications I need to run on Snow Leopard.