For the first time I am disappointed in Apple Hardware

[devilot]

I guess according to everyone previously this is a ram issue as well and/or my fault for recommending this machine?

No, I think in feeling upset, you've glazed over a good number of posts so far.

Several posts have stated that that particular Mac mini might have something wrong w/ it and to possibly exchange it for another one.

 

[spinne1]

No, I think in feeling upset, you've glazed over a good number of posts so far.

Several posts have stated that that particular Mac mini might have something wrong w/ it and to possibly exchange it for another one.

Excellent point. Also, keep in mind that Apple's now are just made alongside all the other electronics in the world in far east factories. The workers are not Apple employees and feel no pride towards Apple products. (No, I don't know this I am just guessing) Therefore, you are going to get some less than stellar hardware getting out. Heck, even when Apple was smaller and made in America hardware issues were still around. Apple's have been generally rock solid, but some problems are going to happen. As for all your responses, you've got all the info you need, so use it. In summary, tell your brother to:

1) Take the machine in to an Apple store. Or call Apple and insist on replacement.

2) When the new machine arrives, make sure it works properly and then upgrade the ram to 1 GB (or more).

3) Enjoy the machine.

 

[iDM]

Took it into the Apple Store last night. They tried ejecting it from the desktop, restarting and holding down the mouse button, network booting and none of them got the CD out. So before he even checked out the slow speed of all the other things i mentioned(i.e. Gather Disk screen taking over 5 hrs to load, programs having to be constantly force quit). He used 2 putty knifes, and a screw driver and eventually completely removed the lid on the optical drive. So even though the reason for exchange was a DOA Optical Drive I am almost positive there was something else wrong with it. Anyway the new one works fine. Thanks for everyones help.

 

[gauchogolfer]

I'm glad to hear that they replaced your Mini, and that the new one is working fine. It's never fun to be one who receives defective merchandise. Hopefully your brother won't be scarred against Macs for too long.

 

[Dunepilot]

Gotta love a happy ending.

 

[kiwi-in-uk]

iDM didn't say the Mini was replaced. My interpretation was that the optical drive was replaced.

Good luck with it!
Get Applecare.

 

[miniConvert]

Took it into the Apple Store last night. They tried ejecting it from the desktop, restarting and holding down the mouse button, network booting and none of them got the CD out. So before he even checked out the slow speed of all the other things i mentioned(i.e. Gather Disk screen taking over 5 hrs to load, programs having to be constantly force quit). He used 2 putty knifes, and a screw driver and eventually completely removed the lid on the optical drive. So even though the reason for exchange was a DOA Optical Drive I am almost positive there was something else wrong with it. Anyway the new one works fine. Thanks for everyones help.

Hurrah Knew it was a lemon, glad the new one is doing as it should! Aren't they just awesome?

 

[gauchogolfer]

iDM didn't say the Mini was replaced. My interpretation was that the optical drive was replaced.

Good luck with it!
Get Applecare.

I read the following quote to mean it was exchanged for a new one due to DOA optical drive.

So even though the reason for exchange was a DOA Optical Drive I am almost positive there was something else wrong with it. Anyway the new one works fine.

However it worked out, at least the problem seems to be solved.

 

[taytho]

general lagging

glad to hear the news