How good is Mac mini for a new Mac user

[GGJstudios]

Just something to consider, the current generation Mac Mini does not have an optical drive, so you can't use CDs or DVDs.

You'll need an external DVD player or a previous generation Mini.

...or use Remote Disk with another Mac or PC.

 

[frank4]

I'm using a refurb 2011 base mini for 2 months now, it's very capable and saves a few dollars and I can easily upgrade the HD which is a harder job on the iMac. I didn't need the portability of a MacBook (already have iPad).

2 GB ram was enough for everything I do so far, just a few minor pauses occasionally, 8 GB fixed that for only $40. I got a DVD drive for $30.

The Apple Magic Mouse is OK but try it for a while before buying, mouse click pressure is high and it doesn't slide as easily on the desktop as other mice.

 

[Mesa23]

How is Logic Pro 9 on the Mini?

swx g …p'/

\=Its a great machine to start off with . I just bought mine from best buy for $394 open box. Its a base model 2010. Then I upgraded the ram to 8 gigs for $40.
http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Memo...TF8&coliid=I2ZWCIDRTIDZRX&colid=3KJPXBSUJOU4M
I love the mac mini. I download final cut pro X and logic pro 9 for the low. Its great. I run my mini to an insignia 42" led tv with walmart's onn brand keyboard and mouse. They work seamlessly.Don't be fooled into thinking you need an iMac or macbook pro or mac pro. First think about what you are using your mac for. For me it was logic and final cut pro and with 8 gigs of ram it just works wonderfully.

Hi there.
I found your posting encouraging as I am about to buy a Mac Mini for the main purpose of using LP9 in addition to basic functions. My 2 ?'s for you are 1: How has your system been handling now that you've had it for awhile?
2: What recommendations would you have in regards for choosing amongst the current line up of mini's?
Thanks.

 

[DrakkenWar]

Look at your budget, and what you want to do.

I have a mid-2011 i5 that is currently stock with 4 gigs of ram on board, pushing 2 displays and I have yet to have a slow down or a hickup. All this with Garageband running; iDvD, iPhoto, iTunes, tons of tabs in safari and streaming from netflix or hulu from time to time with a few other apps in the mix. While the fan will kick on, it is nothing close to my G5 that this mini replaced.

While the mini is billed as the entry level mac, it is an amazing piece of work that for the money can really perform. Of course I would take a fully loaded MacPro tomorrow if someone with a kind heart and deep pockets dropped one on my doorstep. But until then? The mini is a stand up buy.

~Drake

 

[Mike Valmike]

I am looking to buy a Mac mini . I will look for a refurbished one (which could run Mac OS X Lion ) . Do I need some special Monitor to plug into Mac mini what about keyboard and mouse etc ..?

any suggestions

Excellent pick. I started with a Mac Mini back in the early period after Apple switched to Intel, and have never looked back. Even better, after a year when I was ready for some more power, I was able to buy up and then resell my Mini for a fair chunk of what I paid for it. You'll probably discover much the same thing.

 

[Liquinn]

I changed my screen with the Mac mini which is good and that's what I like about that, I have a Mini with a Thunderbolt Display; the real estate is huge from a 1080p screen.

 

[tshrimp]

OK thanks for the info

Can you get viruses by download torrents a Mac?

I would always recommend using legit software. With that said...Most people use the term Virus in place of malware, and yes you can get malware on a Mac. Not as easy as on a Windows PC, but you still need to be careful. There was a recent outbreak where around 600,000 macs were infected with a trojan.