Hey guys. I have been looking to get my first mac. I can get a 2007 Mac Mini with 2gb of RAM for $200. It even comes with an Apple Wireless keyboard. For web browsing, documents, and VERY light editing in iPhoto, would this work for me? I already have a display, mouse, etc. Thanks!
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Is this worth it?
- Thread starter nido24
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If you could get it for a bit less than that, I'd say go for it. For $600, you could get the new low-end mini that would be far better and would last you several more years. I guess it's all up to how much you'd like to spend.
A 2007 Core 2 Duo Mac Mini only supports up to 4GB RAM, so it would be barely good enough to run Mac OS X Lion 10.7 well. It likely won't be an option for running the successor to Mac OS X Lion.
Buying a new Mac Mini would get you a much faster CPU, much better graphics, ability to upgrade RAM easily (e.g. to 16GB - 2x8GB - though 16GB is an expensive upgrade now, it won't be years down the track), the latest iPhoto, iMovie and Garageband, not to mention a 1 year warranty extendable to 3 years via AppleCare. It's a much better choice.
Buying a new Mac Mini would get you a much faster CPU, much better graphics, ability to upgrade RAM easily (e.g. to 16GB - 2x8GB - though 16GB is an expensive upgrade now, it won't be years down the track), the latest iPhoto, iMovie and Garageband, not to mention a 1 year warranty extendable to 3 years via AppleCare. It's a much better choice.
If you can afford something more modern you should consider spending more. Macs from 2007 are starting to feel slow. It would probably be fine for a year or so, depending on what you're used to, but it doesn't have that much life left in it. Is the one you're looking at running snow leopard? If not it's really behind the times.
I use a 2007 iMac with 3gig for the activities you describe. It's starting to feel like an old computer.
I use a 2007 iMac with 3gig for the activities you describe. It's starting to feel like an old computer.
I would have to agree with everyone here. At this point a 2007 Mini is not worth it. You're better off buying a current model or at the very least last years which can be found as refurbished models on Apple's site from time to time although they are getting less common. If you can't afford it mow then maybe save up a bit. For web browsing AMD email it will probably be OK but for anything else it's going to struggle.
I recently switched from a 2007 base-model (1.83GHz, SL) ugraded with a Momentus XT and 3GB of RAM to the 2.5GHz i5 upgraded with 8GB RAM.
The main problem with the 2007 was the 3GB RAM limit which made the machine feel a little slow from time to time. Far from unusable but it was time for an update and the i5 just gives me more headroom.
I´d say that machine would work for you but you will probably hit its limits very soon (not sure about Lion performance) and there is also the risk of it breaking down depending on the condition its in.
Bottom line: get a later model if you can afford it (2011 or 2010 refurb)
The main problem with the 2007 was the 3GB RAM limit which made the machine feel a little slow from time to time. Far from unusable but it was time for an update and the i5 just gives me more headroom.
I´d say that machine would work for you but you will probably hit its limits very soon (not sure about Lion performance) and there is also the risk of it breaking down depending on the condition its in.
Bottom line: get a later model if you can afford it (2011 or 2010 refurb)