Can Lion (non-Server) be installed on 2011 Mini Server

[mdgm]

I'd like to get a 2011 Mini Server, so long as Lion (non-Server) can be installed on it. I want a quad-core CPU, but I don't want to run Lion Server.

Do the new Minis come with a USB key with the OS on it? If so, would I need to get an ordinary Mini and use it's USB key to flash the hard drive in the server mini to use ordinary Lion?

I'd also like to know if the hard drives can be replaced more easily than in the 2010 but that's for another thread.

 

[tmagman]

Remember the server things are simple add-ons. So it is as simple as not using the server features! (I am looking at getting the mini server just cause of the specs it comes with as well)

 

[mdgm]

Still I'd rather not have the server bloatware wasting space.

 

[Mr.C]

Still I'd rather not have the server bloatware wasting space.

The server version would be ideal if it had the AMD Radeon 6630 GPU. I would definitely get it over the high end regular Mini. That said I'm not sure if the dual core and Radeon combination gives better performance or the quad core with the Intel GPU with shared memory does.

 

[416049]

The server version would be ideal if it had the AMD Radeon 6630 GPU. I would definitely get it over the high end regular Mini. That said I'm not sure if the dual core and Radeon combination gives better performance or the quad core with the Intel GPU with shared memory does.

From what I have read around the Forums if you intend to do anything graphically challenging or something that uses a lot of GPU power you should go with the Radeon otherwise I myself have the Intel 3000HD and its fine for most tasks

 

[Mr.C]

From what I have read around the Forums if you intend to do anything graphically challenging or something that uses a lot of GPU power you should go with the Radeon otherwise I myself have the Intel 3000HD and its fine for most tasks

Thanks. I think the 2.7 dual core with the Radeon is probably better suited for me.

 

[mdgm]

I intend to use one as a HTPC, but occasionally for CPU intensive tasks so I believe the quad-core CPU would probably be best for me rather than the better GPU. I'm not a gamer.

I currently have two 2009 Minis that work well.

 

[radiohed]

I have the 2010 mac mini server and wanted to run snow leopard client on it. The only way I was able to get it to work was by getting my hands on a standard mac mini restore disc and restoring from that. Once that was done, I easily upgraded to Lion client yesterday and it is running great. Lion client probably has all the needed drivers to do what you want. I would be willing to bet if you got a dvd or thumb drive with Lion, you would be able to install the client only on the new mini server. Lion is awesome!