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Is The 2.0GHz Mac Mini Really Worth It? And Why? ($799)

I

iNew2Macs

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 22, 2009
29
0
Ok, im looking around and I see PCs have like twice as fast CPU's for like 1 or 2 hundred more.

Can anyone tell me why I should get a Mac Mini ($799) instead of getting twice the better specs for $100 more for a PC?

Also, 2GB or should I upgrade it to 4GB for +$90?

Or I should get the $599 Model and upgrade to 4GB and just keep the 120GB HDD. Very Cheaper.

I am using a student Store.

I just want to know what am I benefiting for getting a Mac
 
flopticalcube said:
$799 mini is bad value, IMO. If you get the $599, you will need to add more RAM but that can be had for $60-$70 for 4GB (although its not straightforward to add).
Click to expand...

Yes, I definitely cant do it buy myself. First I buy the RAM. Which is about 30 Dollars at BestBuy, The GeekSquad charges $40 for RAM installation. Thats $70 Dollars plus Tax. So I'll just stick with the education configure price. ;)

So the $599 + 4GB Ram Configure is good enough?

I think I'll compare the prices and see what more can I get for my buck :cool:
 
iNew2Macs said:
Ok, im looking around and I see PCs have like twice as fast CPU's for like 1 or 2 hundred more.

Can anyone tell me why I should get a Mac Mini ($799) instead of getting twice the better specs for $100 more for a PC?

Also, 2GB or should I upgrade it to 4GB for +$90?

Or I should get the $599 Model and upgrade to 4GB and just keep the 120GB HDD. Very Cheaper.

I am using a student Store.

I just want to know what am I benefiting for getting a Mac
Click to expand...

If you can wait about a month or so, you can save even more $$$ by getting a refurb (http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?mco=MTE3NjY).
 
iNew2Macs said:
WTF!?! Refurbished iMac for $850? :eek:

Wow.

Ok they check everything and I get a 1 year Warranty. Now can I renew the warranty for 3 years like the others?

And do they replace the case if its scratched up a lot?
Click to expand...

Keep in mind that is previous gen (but who gives a crap). Yes, you can get AppleCare. Yes, they may replace it if the case has a really deep scratch, but not small scratches like the plastic will get. I don't see why they wouldn't replace it if the aluminum is scratched and the will definitely replace it if the glass is scratched.
 
Shake 'n' Bake said:
Keep in mind that is previous gen (but who gives a crap). Yes, you can get AppleCare. Yes, they may replace it if the case has a really deep scratch, but not small scratches like the plastic will get. I don't see why they wouldn't replace it if the aluminum is scratched and the will definitely replace it if the glass is scratched.
Click to expand...

Previous Gen? Would the comp get slower if I installed Snow Leapord in the future?

Thanks
 
iNew2Macs said:
WTF!?! Refurbished iMac for $850? :eek:

Wow.

Ok they check everything and I get a 1 year Warranty. Now can I renew the warranty for 3 years like the others?

And do they replace the case if its scratched up a lot?
Click to expand...

It won't be scratched.

Refurbs are often better quality since the innards are put in a brand new casing by hand.

Quite often you get hidden surprises: bigger HDD, or RAM, than advertised.

It will most certainly support SL. Apple aren't goin to release a computer one year for it not to support their OS the following year.

They're still supporting Power PC Macs from a few years ago - and they're a totally different architecture.
 
Size is the main reason. As you can see from the attachment the Mini is considerably smaller than a regular desktop computer. Making it ideal for those who are tight on space. It also consumes a tiny amount of power (in fact it's actually the worlds most power efficient desktop computer), making it ideal for those using it as a home theatre PC or server as it wont run up the electricity bills and it runs in almost silence.

You must understand that this product is not designed to compete with a desktop PC tower, and it's target audience understands that.
 

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nick9191 said:
Size is the main reason. As you can see from the attachment the Mini is considerably smaller than a regular desktop computer. Making it ideal for those who are tight on space. It also consumes a tiny amount of power (in fact it's actually the worlds most power efficient desktop computer), making it ideal for those using it as a home theatre PC or server as it wont run up the electricity bills and it runs in almost silence.

You must understand that this product is not designed to compete with a desktop PC tower, and it's target audience understands that.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the pic comparison.

I think Im gonna go with the Refurbished iMac.

Come one $850? Thats a very good deal.

Watched the RAM Installation and it couldnt get any easier.

Thanks a lot, I just learned like 4 things in this thread.
 
About the RAM installation on the iMac. When you remove the door on the bottom, you will need to pull the paper tab to make the RAM pop out. Be warned, you will need to pull the tab very hard. Just thought I'd say in case you thought there was something wrong with it.

Oh and order it quick, good deals on the refurb store never last long.
 
nick9191 said:
About the RAM installation on the iMac. When you remove the door on the bottom, you will need to pull the paper tab to make the RAM pop out. Be warned, you will need to pull the tab very hard. Just thought I'd say in case you thought there was something wrong with it.

Oh and order it quick, good deals on the refurb store never last long.
Click to expand...

Do you think they'll have it in June?
 
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