Desperate Question - Is the Mac Mini old now?

[Afro1989]

Hey guys, I have been researching which Apple computer is right for me for the past two months. It's really starting to get annoying and I just need to buy one.

Here is my problem. I love the whole concept of the Mac Mini because I don't want to spend $1,700 on a new Intel G5. I have a very nice looking 19" monitor already which I would love to use.

Would it be a bad decision to buy the Mac Mini G4 at this time? It feels like they're just so old now that it would be pointless to buy it. I also don't want to wait another 6 months for an Intel Mac Mini to come out because I need an Apple computer soon and I hate the idea of always waiting for the "new thing".

I am very interested in programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator so that's what I'd be using it for. I'd also be surfing the net and word processing.

Can someone please help me out? Is the Mac Mini too old to buy now or what?

 

[crazycat]

I would recommend that you buy one now. Why should you wait 6 months to buy something that you need now? You wont see real changes into the intel mac until maybe lets say +7 months. The mac mini is a very nice computer, if it can run everything you need now then go ahead and get it.

 

[Afro1989]

Thanks for the quick reply! The only thing I'm worrying about is a 10X faster new G5 Intel Mini being released with all the new software right after I buy the G4 Mini.

 

[maya]

Something tells me that Apple will release an Intel Mac Mini around the 1st of April 2006. I have this strange feeling, that is all. Plus they are really set of making the PPC > x86 transition this year.

 

[appleguy]

Something tells me that Apple will release an Intel Mac Mini around the 1st of April 2006. I have this strange feeling, that is all. Plus they are really set of making the PPC > x86 transition this year.

If its not the intel mac mini, I think it will be the new Intel PowerMac and it would be made of wood. :lol:

 

[geese]

Can someone please help me out? Is the Mac Mini too old to buy now or what?

Why not try and find a refurb or a 2nd hand mini now, then upgrade to an intel mini when the universal version of Adobe CS is released? You'll still be able to resell your PPC mini for a decent sum, and you wont have to put up with Rosetta running Photoshop when you do get your intel machine.

Dont forget- the Mini is pretty cheap. You might not lose alot of money by doing this.

 

[Afro1989]

To answer your question, my father is giving me $1,000 towards any new Apple computer I want for a late X-Mas gift. This means that I can get a maxed out Mac Mini G4 or I could use about $800 of my money and get the new 20" Intel Mac G5.

Do you guys think the Mac Mini is a nice beginner computer? I want to get into graphic design and I'm only in 11th grade.

I'm really stuck here. I'll most likely go for the Mini. Anyone else have anything to say?

 

[crazycat]

There will alwayws be faster, newer and better looking macs coming. What do you want to use the mac for? if your needs can be handled by the current mac mini why will it matter if the news ones come out tomorrow?

 

[maya]

To answer your question, my father is giving me $1,000 towards any new Apple computer I want for a late X-Mas gift. This means that I can get a maxed out Mac Mini G4 or I could use about $800 of my money and get the new 20" Intel Mac G5.

Do you guys think the Mac Mini is a nice beginner computer? I want to get into graphic design and I'm only in 11th grade.

I'm really stuck here. I'll most likely go for the Mini. Anyone else have anything to say?

Any G4, G5 or x86 Mac will do the job just fine. If you go the route of the refurb Mac Mini you always have the option to upgrade the ram. With the x86 Macintoshes you have to run it via emulation, which defeats the purpose of having a fast smooth workflow.

I would just look into getting a refurb Mac Mini and upgrade the ram.

 

[maya]

There will alwayws be faster, newer and better looking macs coming. What do you want to use the mac for? if your needs can be handled by the current mac mini why will it matter if the news ones come out tomorrow?

As (s)he is only in grade 11, and does not have available funds it is best to try to stretch your purchasing dollar. Going x86 is t he future, however running PS for small to medium files and basic editing will work fine, for more detailed work and large files, emulation will not work well.

I would just buy a low cost refurb Macintosh and upgrade the ram, later on when you have enough experience, money, and time......you can always convert that mini as a server, or some other option.