Advice on new Mac

[matthew23]

Hi everyone,

My 2011 Mac Mini just died (drive failed) and I have decided that rather try and fix it, I am going to get a new computer. I use it mainly was a server for my media (all saved on an external drive and use iTunes/Apple TV). I also use it for surfing the web but not much more.

I am torn as to what to get next. The "new" Mac Minis out now, although they would probably suit my needs fine) are rather outdated spec-wise. I feel like I am paying a huge premium just to get what I had before. I am also considering an iMac since they seem fairly powerful and future proof for the time being (my kids will be using computers soon so I figured I might as well get something they can learn on).

Anyone have any advise as to what I should get?

Ideally, I'd like to stay under $1,000 but if I go iMac I'd pay up for it. I have also considered getting something besides a Mac (ie Windows) instead if there was a compelling enough reason but everything in our house is Apple (Apple TVs, iPhone/iPads, Apple Watches, etc).

If anyone has been in a similar situation or knows of any solutions to consider, I'd be grateful if you'd share!

Thanks!
[doublepost=1515616098][/doublepost]Sorry - will move this to "buying tips" forum! Didn't notice it was there!

 

[leo-tech]

I would recommend Mactracker Apple products database app (macOS, iOS), as it contains all info/specs etc.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Hi everyone,

My 2011 Mac Mini just died (drive failed) and I have decided that rather try and fix it, I am going to get a new computer. I use it mainly was a server for my media (all saved on an external drive and use iTunes/Apple TV). I also use it for surfing the web but not much more.

I am torn as to what to get next. The "new" Mac Minis out now, although they would probably suit my needs fine) are rather outdated spec-wise. I feel like I am paying a huge premium just to get what I had before. I am also considering an iMac since they seem fairly powerful and future proof for the time being (my kids will be using computers soon so I figured I might as well get something they can learn on).

Anyone have any advise as to what I should get?

Ideally, I'd like to stay under $1,000 but if I go iMac I'd pay up for it. I have also considered getting something besides a Mac (ie Windows) instead if there was a compelling enough reason but everything in our house is Apple (Apple TVs, iPhone/iPads, Apple Watches, etc).

If anyone has been in a similar situation or knows of any solutions to consider, I'd be grateful if you'd share!

Thanks!
[doublepost=1515616098][/doublepost]Sorry - will move this to "buying tips" forum! Didn't notice it was there!

In my opinion an iMac is overkill if you want to use the new machine mainly as a server (the iMac comes with a screen which is not necessary in this case). If you want to stick with Apple I would look out for a refurbished Mac Mini or wait for the new one (if there ever will be one). You could also consider a (refurbished) MacBook which will be cheaper than an iMac and powerful enough for your needs.

I would not recommend to combine this computer with a computer for your children 'to learn on'.

You could also consider buying a mini PC (lots of configurations available) and make a Hackintosh out of it.

A whole other route could be: buy a NAS (Network Attached Storage). A NAS is relatively cheap and you can use a NAS as a server for your network too.

 

[ugahairydawgs]

Hi everyone,

My 2011 Mac Mini just died (drive failed) and I have decided that rather try and fix it, I am going to get a new computer. I use it mainly was a server for my media (all saved on an external drive and use iTunes/Apple TV). I also use it for surfing the web but not much more.

I am torn as to what to get next. The "new" Mac Minis out now, although they would probably suit my needs fine) are rather outdated spec-wise. I feel like I am paying a huge premium just to get what I had before. I am also considering an iMac since they seem fairly powerful and future proof for the time being (my kids will be using computers soon so I figured I might as well get something they can learn on).

Anyone have any advise as to what I should get?

Ideally, I'd like to stay under $1,000 but if I go iMac I'd pay up for it. I have also considered getting something besides a Mac (ie Windows) instead if there was a compelling enough reason but everything in our house is Apple (Apple TVs, iPhone/iPads, Apple Watches, etc).

If anyone has been in a similar situation or knows of any solutions to consider, I'd be grateful if you'd share!

Thanks!
[doublepost=1515616098][/doublepost]Sorry - will move this to "buying tips" forum! Didn't notice it was there!

If it were me I would go with a refurb Mini. I'd bump up to the 2.6 processor and get the SSD for the internal storage. It's sold out as of this moment, but you can setup an alert through refurb.me for when it comes back in stock.

http://www.refurb.me/en-us/mac-desk...5-2014-release-8gb-memory-intel-iris-graphics

$760, you get the typical one year Apple warranty and it would do everything you need it to do for years to come.

 

[Boyd01]

If you really want it just for a server, the base 2014 model is more than adequate for that. I use one as an iTunes server with two Apple TV's and also watch movies and listen to music directly from iTunes on the Mini. Works just fine, I think you would be wasting money to get anything more powerful, you don't need an SSD or more than 4GB RAM for that.

So look for an Apple refurb or a sale from one of the big box stores. People have posted reports here of sales going as low as $350, B&H's regular price is $460, that would leave $540 in your pocket from your $1000 budget. Then, when your kids are finally ready for a computer, pick whatever seems best for that task. IMO, it's best to separate the server from a machine that is being used for other things anyway.

Get a couple USB 3.0 disks, put all your media on one of them and use the other as a backup (I have two backups myself). This works very nicely on the base Mini, I get about 180MB/sec on the Mini and about 100MB/sec transfer using it as a network disk from my other computers on gigabit ethernet.

 

[Moolani]

A Mini makes a great media server. No need to max it out if it is just accessing media.

 

[MacTiki]

If anyone has been in a similar situation or knows of any solutions to consider, I'd be grateful if you'd share!

Have been purchasing Apple products for more years than I care to recall.

Apple has been on a long slow march to rid itself of their computer line and focus on their line of iOS devices and services.

Their computer hardware while continue to escalate in price has fallen woefully short in the best bang for your buck category.

Matthew 23 if you are looking for a media server you should consider a product from Synology.

You will be amazed what you can do with it and for the money I doubt you will not be disappointed.

iTunes Server, NAS, web server, backup and more.

https://www.synology.com/en-us/know..._to_enjoy_my_Synology_NAS_music_on_iTunes_Mac