I just recently purchased a mac mini. I got the base model and upped the RAM to 4gb. That will be fine for what you need it for.
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Anyone Chose the $599 Mini Over the $799? Why?
- Thread starter hexonxonx
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If you think a 2011 13" MacBook Pro and a base 2011 Mini flys through games then you must have pretty low expectations. LOL.
Also even the 256MB 6630M is not going to be enough for a hardcore gamer. A so called hardcore gamer would want at least 1GB of VRAM.
*groan*
I'm starting to see that most people in this place just look for something to use as ammunition to turn the thread into a flame war.
Of course a 256 MB video card isn't going to cut it for the "hardcore gamer." Cripes guys. I image if you lived for games, you wouldn't even be looking at the mini (opting for the iMac with the HD 6970M with 2GB GDDR5). Come on people...
Do you want me to edit the post so it says "the budget hardcore gamer"? Seriously... way to contribute.
And people wonder why there posts go without an intelligible answer for so long.
I'm starting to see that most people in this place just look for something to use as ammunition to turn the thread into a flame war.
Of course a 256 MB video card isn't going to cut it for the "hardcore gamer." Cripes guys. I image if you lived for games, you wouldn't even be looking at the mini (opting for the iMac with the HD 6970M with 2GB GDDR5). Come on people...
Do you want me to edit the post so it says "the budget hardcore gamer"? Seriously... way to contribute.
And people wonder why there posts go without an intelligible answer for so long.This. I'm about to get the base mini and upgrade the RAM to 8GB, because what I want is a basic Intel system to get me over the transition from PowerPC, while I wait for Ivy Bridge, USB3, better integrated graphics, and the new Mac Pros. Honestly, I don't think it's worth investing too much money in this line of minis. I consider them a placeholder until Ivy Bridge is unleashed.
Yeah same here actually. I was pretty excited for Thunderbolt but almost one year later, I'm not excited anymore.
It seems USB 3.0 is what the computer enthusiast on a budget should default to. All these new TB peripherals are just really expensive for no reason.
I mean, look at the Lacie Little Big Disk or whatever, why does it cost $400 (HDD model) when it has the same transfer speeds as a USB 3.0 HDD ... I want to see some external GPUs and the sort.
What the expensive model has that the base doesn't:
CPU = 8.7% faster
RAM = 2 x more (still only 4GB)
GPU = dedicated with GDDR5 memory
Total upgrade price, $200
I don't need an extra 9% capability from the CPU (if it were an i7 for the same price, I'd probably have done it). I was going to upgrade the RAM to 8GB either way, so once again, there was no value to me. Ah the GPU... well what more can one say about the GPU? It's great, but not worth the $200, nor is it needed for the purposes that I'd put it through.
My last primary Mac was the Mid 2011 MacBook Air 11" it has 128GB SSD, 4GB RAM, 1.4GHz C2D. This machine worked just fine for my uses (with an Ext. HDD, and a little waiting now and again).
My Mac mini is hooked to my TV with wireless keyboard and trackpad. I constantly have Mail and Chrome running, dashboard is a big part of my day, 30% of the time Numbers is either active or in the background, I have over 55GB in iPhoto, and I stream video 2-4 hours a day at 1080p with no concerns. Occasionally, Photoshop or AutoCAD will run, and everything else you can imagine as well.
The choice is obvious (to me)!
CPU = 8.7% faster
RAM = 2 x more (still only 4GB)
GPU = dedicated with GDDR5 memory
Total upgrade price, $200
I don't need an extra 9% capability from the CPU (if it were an i7 for the same price, I'd probably have done it). I was going to upgrade the RAM to 8GB either way, so once again, there was no value to me. Ah the GPU... well what more can one say about the GPU? It's great, but not worth the $200, nor is it needed for the purposes that I'd put it through.
My last primary Mac was the Mid 2011 MacBook Air 11" it has 128GB SSD, 4GB RAM, 1.4GHz C2D. This machine worked just fine for my uses (with an Ext. HDD, and a little waiting now and again).
My Mac mini is hooked to my TV with wireless keyboard and trackpad. I constantly have Mail and Chrome running, dashboard is a big part of my day, 30% of the time Numbers is either active or in the background, I have over 55GB in iPhoto, and I stream video 2-4 hours a day at 1080p with no concerns. Occasionally, Photoshop or AutoCAD will run, and everything else you can imagine as well.
The choice is obvious (to me)!
What'syour timeline?
I keep my macs for approximately five years. For two hundred bucks it's worth knowing that my hardware will handle almost anything Apple has in store for the OS in the next 1-5 years. So, I purchased the $799 model after thinking it over for a while and returning the basic model i had purchased earlier.
Rich
Rochester, NY
I keep my macs for approximately five years. For two hundred bucks it's worth knowing that my hardware will handle almost anything Apple has in store for the OS in the next 1-5 years. So, I purchased the $799 model after thinking it over for a while and returning the basic model i had purchased earlier.
Rich
Rochester, NY
I did the same, bought the base one and returned for the $799. Probably dumb but I rationalized that if it could last another year or two longer I'd be okay.
BTW, mac minis are really decent for resale so you'll get some of your money back later on.
I was thinking about doing that, but I don't usually keep my computers for longer than 2 years. The mid-2009 MBP that I sold after buying my Mini was still flying running SL (which I prefer over Lion
), and I have no doubt that this base Mini will still be flying two years from now as well.I was going nuts trying to figure out what model to get. I ended up with the mid level 799 because it seemed like it would have the best bang for the buck if I decided to keep it for the next 2 years. The games I like are star craft and diablo and the like. The base unit just seemed to struggle a little on even those types of titles.
My hope is that next year there will be thunderbolt powered external video cards. If not I'll be looking for something in maybe 2 refreshes down the road where the next gen llano and ivy bridge are common place.
My hope is that next year there will be thunderbolt powered external video cards. If not I'll be looking for something in maybe 2 refreshes down the road where the next gen llano and ivy bridge are common place.
Go base model, or go used
Based on the original post, it looks like the base model is the best bet between your two primary choices. Used is a decent enough way to go as well, I currently use an older model.
With what you are using it for, I'd say getting the base model, a third-party RAM upgrade (as already mentioned here will save you) and an Apple TV2 for actual viewing may be a great solution. You won't get into hacking FR back into Lion, and you get the versatility of REALLY doing two things at once.
I run a 1.8 Core 2 Duo mini on Lion with 2GB of RAM. I leave it connected to my living room TV, but RARELY switch over to it at all. I remote to it (unlike what MAY be the case for the OP, it's not my primary machine) for anything I really need done, but primarily it's pulling NAS duty, and media automation functions. It's slow for some jobs, but I do like the fact that I can encode a movie, and still run 2 720p streams to two different machines in the house over ethernet while still handling file downloads, or secondary file sharing duties. It works quite well. I'd imagine that the benefit of being able to switch your TV input back over to the Mini (if you went new-base model) would give you the other functionality you were looking at as well.
Also as pointed out, the performance increase is marginal for the upgrade except for where specific use dictates the step up. It looks pretty obvious to me the the base model and a memory upgrade would do everything you want, and give you some decent life. The addition of the Apple TV2 would cleanly solve your FR complaint, as well as give you more versatility and a wider upgrade path should your configuration need to change in the future (primary way to view movies not being aligned with your primary computer usage for example, a second room for another example).
Based on the original post, it looks like the base model is the best bet between your two primary choices. Used is a decent enough way to go as well, I currently use an older model.
With what you are using it for, I'd say getting the base model, a third-party RAM upgrade (as already mentioned here will save you) and an Apple TV2 for actual viewing may be a great solution. You won't get into hacking FR back into Lion, and you get the versatility of REALLY doing two things at once.
I run a 1.8 Core 2 Duo mini on Lion with 2GB of RAM. I leave it connected to my living room TV, but RARELY switch over to it at all. I remote to it (unlike what MAY be the case for the OP, it's not my primary machine) for anything I really need done, but primarily it's pulling NAS duty, and media automation functions. It's slow for some jobs, but I do like the fact that I can encode a movie, and still run 2 720p streams to two different machines in the house over ethernet while still handling file downloads, or secondary file sharing duties. It works quite well. I'd imagine that the benefit of being able to switch your TV input back over to the Mini (if you went new-base model) would give you the other functionality you were looking at as well.
Also as pointed out, the performance increase is marginal for the upgrade except for where specific use dictates the step up. It looks pretty obvious to me the the base model and a memory upgrade would do everything you want, and give you some decent life. The addition of the Apple TV2 would cleanly solve your FR complaint, as well as give you more versatility and a wider upgrade path should your configuration need to change in the future (primary way to view movies not being aligned with your primary computer usage for example, a second room for another example).
Me too!
I had also bought the base model, kept it for a week and then exchanged it for the $799 model. I want to keep this one current for at least 5 years!
I had also bought the base model, kept it for a week and then exchanged it for the $799 model. I want to keep this one current for at least 5 years!
Displays 2 or 3...
One thing to consider when purchasing a new computer is to understand that your goals over the next few years may change.
I have to point out that the specs on the $799 model only differ by a little on paper, But they can make an impact.
The $599 model can support 2 displays. 1-Using the HDMI & 1-Thunderbolt.
The $799 model can support 3 displays. 1-HDMI, 2-daisy chained to Thunderbolt displays.
Out of all the iMacs and Macbook Pros in Apples computer line, this is the ONLY one that can support 3 displays! Excluding the Mac Pro of course!
This may not mean anything now, but if you ever needed more screen real estate, the $799 would be the wiser choice for future-proofing.
Oh yea, and definitely upgrade the RAM to 8GB, it's so inexpensive!
One thing to consider when purchasing a new computer is to understand that your goals over the next few years may change.
I have to point out that the specs on the $799 model only differ by a little on paper, But they can make an impact.
The $599 model can support 2 displays. 1-Using the HDMI & 1-Thunderbolt.
The $799 model can support 3 displays. 1-HDMI, 2-daisy chained to Thunderbolt displays.
Out of all the iMacs and Macbook Pros in Apples computer line, this is the ONLY one that can support 3 displays! Excluding the Mac Pro of course!
This may not mean anything now, but if you ever needed more screen real estate, the $799 would be the wiser choice for future-proofing.
Oh yea, and definitely upgrade the RAM to 8GB, it's so inexpensive!
I got the 799 model because of the GPU and the fact that you can't upgrade it (GPU) down the line... Anyway I plan to use it for a couple of years and sell it... If I get $100 more for the better model than the base it really only cost me $100 bucks for the better model... I think it's worth it...
Me too, got the same model on Thursday and love it so far. I hooked it up to a 24 inch Samsung SyncMaster and it's gorgeous. The base model was not an option, because I do want to play some games on Steam.
I did I was looking for something to hook up to my HDTV in my living room as a media center. I bought a superdrive from eBay at $20 off the normal price (the guy only had it 16 days and didn't like it). I'm very happy with how it's turned out. I do find I have to run at 720p though because I can't read things at 1080 (like menus). I'm in the process right now of doing my five year upgrades, so I'm planning on a new entry 13" MPB this week and a fully loaded 27" iMac in February.
I was looking for something to hook up to my HDTV in my living room as a media center. I bought a superdrive from eBay at $20 off the normal price (the guy only had it 16 days and didn't like it). I'm very happy with how it's turned out. I do find I have to run at 720p though because I can't read things at 1080 (like menus). I'm in the process right now of doing my five year upgrades, so I'm planning on a new entry 13" MPB this week and a fully loaded 27" iMac in February.I opted for the BTO dual core i7 with the 750GB 7200 HD. I had previously bought a late 2009 Mac Mini summer of last year just before it got discontinued and replaced with the 2010 model. Unfortunately they hadn't yet announced the new model at the time. Fortunately it wasn't a big jump in specifications and I ended up saving some money.
For me the model I bought which also has the discrete GPU is more of a stop gap. I was finding the 2009 model really slow and I wanted something faster. I would have got an iMac to beign with or replaced the Mini with one this year but I dislike the all in one design and built in display. I'm currently using my 32" full HD Sony Bravia TV as my display. This new model allows me to run at least some Mac/PC games although with the 256MB VRAM that is somewhat limited when it comes to new and up and coming games.
I'm thinking of either upgrading my existing three year old Windows desktop to play the new games or getting a brand new one. The other option would be to wait until next year and hope I can replace the Mini with a much more powerful Mac. I may also install Windows on my Mini using Bootcamp. That said I do have all the various consoles including a PS3 and an Xbox for my gaming needs. The only things is some games are better played on or can only be played on a computer. One game I'm interested in is Star Wars: The Old Republic although I can probably run that under Bootcamp on my Mini with reasonably good settings.
For me the model I bought which also has the discrete GPU is more of a stop gap. I was finding the 2009 model really slow and I wanted something faster. I would have got an iMac to beign with or replaced the Mini with one this year but I dislike the all in one design and built in display. I'm currently using my 32" full HD Sony Bravia TV as my display. This new model allows me to run at least some Mac/PC games although with the 256MB VRAM that is somewhat limited when it comes to new and up and coming games.
I'm thinking of either upgrading my existing three year old Windows desktop to play the new games or getting a brand new one. The other option would be to wait until next year and hope I can replace the Mini with a much more powerful Mac. I may also install Windows on my Mini using Bootcamp. That said I do have all the various consoles including a PS3 and an Xbox for my gaming needs. The only things is some games are better played on or can only be played on a computer. One game I'm interested in is Star Wars: The Old Republic although I can probably run that under Bootcamp on my Mini with reasonably good settings.
I chose the Base only because I usually do not feel the need to always by the higher end model. I have to tell you, compared to my Mid 2009 Mini, this base 2011 really moves fast even with the 2GB, seems that with Lion it makes a good combination. I was very reluctant to use Lion at first but now that I was able to find my way around some of the features that were removed from SL, I am quite pleased. I used to always buy the higher end models then realized you get quite a good bang for your buck on the base model.
Just waiting for the 8 GB ram upgrade to arrive and I am going to swap the stock 500GB HDD with my Seagate XT Hybrid 500GB, and I should be stoked.
The one thing to consider is the lack of PowerPC support for apps, but I never really used any so I just had to get over the fact that I can not use Mac the Ripper, but there are a lot of good replacements out there.
Just waiting for the 8 GB ram upgrade to arrive and I am going to swap the stock 500GB HDD with my Seagate XT Hybrid 500GB, and I should be stoked.
The one thing to consider is the lack of PowerPC support for apps, but I never really used any so I just had to get over the fact that I can not use Mac the Ripper, but there are a lot of good replacements out there.
I'm looking into a mini just for the iTunes/iCloud/iOS 5 wireless syncing deal. I have a few AppleTV's and it'd be nice to leave in a spare room and have all my gear synced... right now I'm using an old PowerMac G4 MMD but am nearly maxed out and the fans are loud... I might just get an external FW 800 TB+ and take out the hard drives to improve air circulation...
My Mac Mini
I just purchased the $799 2.5 GHz mini about a month ago and I couldn't be more pleased. It replaced the behemoth tower and crazy cables of my Dell XPS 400 with better specs, a better OS, in an elegant and super functional form factor. Not only does this computer fill my needs for college, but it also is an amazing media center perfectly capable of streaming HD movies from netflix and playing whatever games I throw at it. I definitely want to add an SSD hard drive to this machine before too long and really make it scream.
The wireless keyboard and trackpad are a must buy with this machine. Lion is so freaking intuitive with a trackpad. I've never experienced a more graceful operating system. No more PC's for me. This Mac Mini did exactly what Apple intended it to when they released the first model! Thank you Steve Jobs!
I just purchased the $799 2.5 GHz mini about a month ago and I couldn't be more pleased. It replaced the behemoth tower and crazy cables of my Dell XPS 400 with better specs, a better OS, in an elegant and super functional form factor. Not only does this computer fill my needs for college, but it also is an amazing media center perfectly capable of streaming HD movies from netflix and playing whatever games I throw at it. I definitely want to add an SSD hard drive to this machine before too long and really make it scream.
The wireless keyboard and trackpad are a must buy with this machine. Lion is so freaking intuitive with a trackpad. I've never experienced a more graceful operating system. No more PC's for me. This Mac Mini did exactly what Apple intended it to when they released the first model! Thank you Steve Jobs!
woot!!
Went out yesterday to my local apple store and bought myself the base mac mini.
It's my first time using macs so i seem to be staring at it a lot and waiting for it do something but i guess without user input it ain't gonna do much lol.
I decided i didn't need the discrete gfx as i won't be using it for gaming and from the feedback i've received this model will run photoshop, imovies, garageband just fine. It didn't warrant the extra £170 for an extra 2Gb of ram which would be taken out and the gfx that i won't make much use out of.
Got it home last night and set it up. It's connected to my old samsung 19" syncmaster monitor running at 1280x1024. I have the wireless keyboard and trackpad connected and the whole setup process was painless. The unit itself is on a small shelf under the main desk and within easy reach if i need to utilise the sd slot. I also bought the superdrive which is sat on top of the MM and again is easy to use. The desktop looks damn good, there are no cables at all other than the ones out the back of the monitor which aren't in view anyhow so it's a very tidy setup.
I've ordered myself 8Gb of ram from crucial which has cost me £40. It may have been cheaper elsewhere but i've used them before and am happy with their service. That should arrive this week so shall upgrade it asap and then i think i will have a system that will suffice for a good while. My original idea was to get this to use until the next release of imacs but if it can do everything i need it to do with regards PS etc then i see no need to go out and spend double - time will tell but i'm liking what i'm seeing so far.
Went out yesterday to my local apple store and bought myself the base mac mini.
It's my first time using macs so i seem to be staring at it a lot and waiting for it do something but i guess without user input it ain't gonna do much lol.
I decided i didn't need the discrete gfx as i won't be using it for gaming and from the feedback i've received this model will run photoshop, imovies, garageband just fine. It didn't warrant the extra £170 for an extra 2Gb of ram which would be taken out and the gfx that i won't make much use out of.
Got it home last night and set it up. It's connected to my old samsung 19" syncmaster monitor running at 1280x1024. I have the wireless keyboard and trackpad connected and the whole setup process was painless. The unit itself is on a small shelf under the main desk and within easy reach if i need to utilise the sd slot. I also bought the superdrive which is sat on top of the MM and again is easy to use. The desktop looks damn good, there are no cables at all other than the ones out the back of the monitor which aren't in view anyhow so it's a very tidy setup.
I've ordered myself 8Gb of ram from crucial which has cost me £40. It may have been cheaper elsewhere but i've used them before and am happy with their service. That should arrive this week so shall upgrade it asap and then i think i will have a system that will suffice for a good while. My original idea was to get this to use until the next release of imacs but if it can do everything i need it to do with regards PS etc then i see no need to go out and spend double - time will tell but i'm liking what i'm seeing so far.
I am also about to pick up a Mac Mini base model. While having the discrete GPU would be nice, it is not necessary. Would rather put the money towards 8GB of memory and a wireless keyboard/mouse/trackpad.