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First Mac mini

R

Redwingsoh

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 7, 2010
14
0
I have been waiting for months for this refresh. I want to hook up the mini to my 58" Samsung. My fiancee will use this computer as a web browser. I want to use it to watch Hulu and also to play with video editing (as a learning tool). I will play dvd's that I have in my library. It appears I will have to handbrake these movies or buy an external drive. My main goal was to make this my server so that my son, fiancee, and I could share files from our desktops, laptops, iPad, and iPod Touch. I like the idea of the stand alone video card and am leaning to the 6630. Would it be necessary for me to get the server model and the quad cores or do I just have to buy the Lion server OS? (an extra $49). I would also look at using it as an HTPC.

With all this rambling I have done, and with all your expertise, what is the best mini for me?
 
The least expensive Mini is more than enough for your needs. You don't need handbrake for DVDs. Use RipIt instead. You don't have to use an external drive, but I always do. Makes it simple to switch computers...just move the hard drive.
 
i think the base model would be fine for you, the graphics card would only be necessary if you'd like to play heavy games as the HD3000 can handle video editing, photo editing, 1080p videos and much more. But the graphics card would be nice to have. also, the quad core wouldn't make a major difference if you're just using it as a file server
 
Thanks for the fast replies. Do I need to buy the $49 server OS or will the Lion OS the basic model comes with be OK?
 
Edit - Deleted post as Mr C had already rephrased my question
 
Last edited:
Redwingsoh said:
These other posts said that the basic mini would be enough for what I want. So I wouldn't be getting the server mini. So do I have to purchase the Lion Server OS ($49) or can I create a server with the basic Lion OS?
Click to expand...

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think you can install the server OS on to a non mini server. Others please chime in.
 
Mr.C said:
I think the OP was asking if he gets the non server Mini whether the standard OS will be sufficient for his needs or he will need to install the server version.
Click to expand...

That is what I was asking.

Outrigger said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think you can install the server OS on to a non mini server. Others please chime in.
Click to expand...

I am not familiar with creating a server but my thoughts were that any mac could be a server and the server OS just makes it easier to do. That is why I am hoping those here can enlighten me.
 
As stated throughout this thread my final question (I Promise) is if I am able to create a server on the base mini without the Lion Server OS or is it worth the $49 to get the Server OS because it is easier and has more capabilities. Edit - I guess that was two questions.
 
Redwingsoh said:
As stated throughout this thread my final question (I Promise) is if I am able to create a server on the base mini without the Lion Server OS or is it worth the $49 to get the Server OS because it is easier and has more capabilities. Edit - I guess that was two questions.
Click to expand...

Based on what you plan to use the mini for (HTPC usage) the server OS has features that you won't be using. Its mostly designed for admin purposes such as creating mail, admin users and such, not for HTPC purposes. I plan to use the mini as a media server as well as an always on HTPC.
 
Redwingsoh said:
As stated throughout this thread my final question (I Promise) is if I am able to create a server on the base mini without the Lion Server OS or is it worth the $49 to get the Server OS because it is easier and has more capabilities. Edit - I guess that was two questions.
Click to expand...

No. You don't need server software. Save your money.
 
Redwingsoh said:
I am not familiar with creating a server but my thoughts were that any mac could be a server and the server OS just makes it easier to do. That is why I am hoping those here can enlighten me.
Click to expand...

yeah all macs are pretty much servers, I believe the server OS simplifies the process. You can already publish websites through your mac, using it as the host and server, that being said it is a server.

I believe the server OS allows you for different profiles, log ins, controls, etc. the stuff you would want out of a server. Hopefully someone here has used it before.
 
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