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Jefferyd32

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jul 22, 2009
142
40
Seattle, WA
So I am looking to upgrade to a new Mac Mini. It's main purpose is to be a media server and store iTunes content for streaming around the house on an ATV and multiple airport expresses. I am going from a 2010 with the DVD drive to a the new model that has no drive. I am curious about peoples experience with DVD Sharing. Does it work well. Will I be able to rip DVD's using Ripit or handbrake using my Macbook Pro and then send them to the Mac mini? What about Cd's in iTunes? Or should I just spend the $80 on a superdrive. At the moment that seems much easier.
 
I used remote DVD sharing to install a program on my Mac air from my Mac pro. It seemed to work ok but honestly for a media server like that I'd bite the bullet and make it complete with a DVD drive.
 
I have a 2011 Mac Mini and a 2009 MacBook Pro. I tried sharing the drive on my MBP for a while, finally got a SuperDrive, it works so much better. I tried setting the SuperDrive in different places, but I like it best sitting on top of my Mac Mini. It spins very fast and can vibrate very badly and is very load if it vibrates. I wasn't very happy with the SuperDrive at first but I don't get any vibrations with it sitting on top of the mini. Hope this helps.
 
Good question... and good timing. I spent the day yesterday contemplating this very issue. I have a Mac mini 5,2 and a PC w/DVD that is shared. Seems to work fine from a share perspective, but I found that Ripit doesn't support "shared" disc. Handbrake could see it and copy the DVD but couldn't get past digital rights management issues.

So I ordered a Superdrive from Amazon last night. :)
 
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