Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Buying Mac Mini today. Help from the Mini Community!

SinisterKid

SinisterKid

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 4, 2011
53
0
Roanoke, VA
Well my windows computer has crapped out on me today and after wanting a Mac for so long I am finally jumping in. Hoping the very knowledgeable community here will give me some advice.

I am going to be using my computer for basic general things for the most part. Things like downloading and storing music and photos and regular browsing. But im also looking to start some Forex or stock trading in my spare time.

Here is the setup I am likely going with:

2.5 Ghz Mac Mini 2.5 Ghz from B&H Photo - $763
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/812531-REG/Apple_MC816LL_A_Mac_mini_Desktop_Computer.html

3 years AppleCare for $52 and Parallels 7 for Free.

I also will be purchasing 2 new monitors which ive chosen the Asus VE258Q because of good reviews and great price at Newegg. $199 each
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236123

8gb Crucial 1333mhz memory (CT2KIT51264BC1339) from Amazon for $35

Everywhere has free shipping so I am trying to take advantage of that and no taxes to save the most money.

All input is appreciated.... Good or bad!
 
Everything looks good. But just so you know you don't NEED to have the AMD video card for what you do but I'm sure thats what you WANT :)
 
Basically the question is am I spending my money wisely? I dont want to go overkill but I want to have the right equipment. Was the memory I chose ok or should I spend a little more and get a different type? Anyone personally use that model Asus monitor?
 
I personally don't think its overkill if you go with the mid ranged mini. The memory is exactly what I bought for my server. And I had the exact same Asus monitor but a 24" and its a nice monitor, however I have my Mini on my 55" tv and ACD. The Asus was used on my gaming desktop for a little while but I now use the ACD for the desktop.
 
PLamarine said:
Get the Mini Server. I am loving mine and this thing rips! $849 refurbed direct from Apple.
Click to expand...

I thought about getting the server but I wanted the AMD graphics for the chance I got into gaming. I would definitely like to have the quad core though im not sure the price is worth it. As of right now there isnt one in the Refurb store.
 
SinisterKid said:
I thought about getting the server but I wanted the AMD graphics for the chance I got into gaming. I would definitely like to have the quad core though im not sure the price is worth it. As of right now there isnt one in the Refurb store.
Click to expand...

Gotcha. I have no problems with this doing gaming, YMMV. And where did you get Applecare for that price?
 
I toyed with that same configuration, but settled on the basic MacMini without video card, 5400 rpm Hdd, and could not be happier. Got some Gskill memory to boost it up to 8 GB.

Good luck ;)
 
PLamarine said:
Gotcha. I have no problems with this doing gaming, YMMV. And where did you get Applecare for that price?
Click to expand...

At B&H when you add it to the cart you have the option of choosing free software and half off of Applecare.

SR45 said:
I toyed with that same configuration, but settled on the basic MacMini without video card, 5400 rpm Hdd, and could not be happier. Got some Gskill memory to boost it up to 8 GB.

Good luck ;)
Click to expand...

That was my dilemma, I feel like the base Mini would be just fine for me, but I feel like if I spend the extra now I will be happier down the road with the faster processor and graphics.
 
You don't need more than the base model.

You don't need Apple Care.

From a graphics perspective, those monitors are compromised. They will have inaccurate color, a limited viewing angle and other artifacts. That might or might not matter to you based on what you plan to use them for.
 
BigDukeSix said:
I think Apple Care is a good deal. Having it got me a new HDD for my MacBook. You never know what might happen to your computer.
Click to expand...

It's a good deal for them, not for you. If it was a good deal for you, they wouldn't offer it.
 
Yes and for 50 bux its not a bad deal. Me being new to Mac im sure i will have some questions, and cheap insurance too.

As for the monitors I have read about the viewing angle not being that wide, Is there anything in the 200-250 price range that would be a better choice in 24" and up?

----------
fa8362 said:
It's a good deal for them, not for you. If it was a good deal for you, they wouldn't offer it.
Click to expand...

That depends on the value you personally place on their help.
 
Those monitors don't look like the way to go. Big but limited to 1080P TV resolution and the poor viewing angles and falloff of TN technology.

IMHO there are no "good monitors" 24-inch and up in the $200-$250 price range. EDIT - I found a 23" IPS monitor (Dell) on Cyber-Monday sale today for $229. Dell UltraSharp U2312HM

You might consider instead the 21" iMac which has an IPS display (same resolution, though), quad core processor, faster hard drive and graphics. Add a second IPS display later when you start trading.
 
Last edited:
This is great, looks like you did your research.
Apple Care can be useful for a laptop; I'm just not so sure about a Mini.
Parallels is great.
Monitor is alright. I recently got a 24" Apple LED from Craigslist for $399; a real bargain, and it blows the competition out of the water. Still, I don't know if you're the type to go digging for deals.
Memory is always good to have.

How about an iMac? They're beautiful, cheaper than the above, and will suit your needs just fine.

All in all, I'd say go with your gut. If this configuration screams "SinisterKid's ultimate set-up", by all means, drop the hammer. It certainly is a "good deal", for all intents and purposes.
 
Me too.

PLamarine said:
Get the Mini Server. I am loving mine and this thing rips! $849 refurbed direct from Apple.
Click to expand...

Me too. Bought the same refurb deal, upgraded to 8 GB RAM, RAID striped the twin hard drives, and restored everything from a clone of my old MBP which it replaced as my desktop. Its a champ, and is noticeably snappier than my early 2011 13" MBP with the same RAM and a 750 GB Scorpio Black (7200 rpm) - the latter being closer to the Mini config the OP is considering. Plus I can use any monitor I want (already had all the peripherals that come with an iMac), including my near-new IPS monitor.
 
Well I missed the deal on the Asus VE258Q at Newegg, they sold out. Maybe this is a sign to hold out for an IPS monitor.

Does anyone know a decently priced IPS monitor? Instead of getting two right now I might just get one nice monitor and see how it works out before i purchase the second.
 
I just place a order for a Mac Mini today i5 Core 500 GB Hard Drive 2 GB Ram
don't know when it will ship yet, go for it order the Mini is well worth it.
 
Ordering the Mini, but still no monitor. Cant find Dells deal on the u2412m for 299, still shows at 379.

Im assuming as long as I have a DVI hookup im good. Will that prove better than HDMI with the Mini? Seeing as I would have to use the HDMI to DVI adapater and I would have to get a Mini Display port to DVI for the second monitor.
 
SinisterKid said:
Ordering the Mini, but still no monitor. Cant find Dells deal on the u2412m for 299, still shows at 379.

Im assuming as long as I have a DVI hookup im good. Will that prove better than HDMI with the Mini? Seeing as I would have to use the HDMI to DVI adapater and I would have to get a Mini Display port to DVI for the second monitor.
Click to expand...

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=apple+led+cinema+display+24+&_trksid=p5197.c0.m627


This is what I have and let me tell you - it is an amazing match for a Mini/MacBook.
I was fortunate and purchased mine for $399, but that was local (Craigslist).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back