Mac Mini Display on MBP?

[TheCookie]

I know that no one can possibly know about the new model that may or may not appear tomorrow (my money's on will appear), but for existing models...

Is it possible to use a MBP as the display for a Mini?

Here's my real question: I'm looking to set up a media server of some kind in my apartment, but I don't have a monitor and would rather not buy one. So is this possible, or am I better off with an AppleTV (in which case I'll probably wait for a refresh, if one ever comes)?

 

[Zyniker]

I know that no one can possibly know about the new model that may or may not appear tomorrow (my money's on will appear), but for existing models...

Is it possible to use a MBP as the display for a Mini?

Here's my real question: I'm looking to set up a media server of some kind in my apartment, but I don't have a monitor and would rather not buy one. So is this possible, or am I better off with an AppleTV (in which case I'll probably wait for a refresh, if one ever comes)?

You could just remotely access the MacMini...it's effectively the same thing.

 

[TheCookie]

You could just remotely access the MacMini...it's effectively the same thing.

But I'd need a monitor for the initial set-up, right? For that first turn-on?

If so, I can probably beg or borrow one for a day or two, but I want to make sure I know what I'm getting into...

Thanks!

 

[ant1ers]

To the best of my knowledge, yes. Or you could try hooking it up to your tv, depending on what outputs the new mini has.

 

[TheCookie]

Of course. Well, I'll probably want to do that anyway, since I'm talking about a media server here. So that would work fine.

Do we have any idea what it takes to get one of the new mac minis connected to a plasma TV?

I have s-video, HDMI and component inputs available. I'm guessing HDMI is the best bet, but will that take care of sound, too?

Thanks

 

[robotartfashion]

Of course. Well, I'll probably want to do that anyway, since I'm talking about a media server here. So that would work fine.

Do we have any idea what it takes to get one of the new mac minis connected to a plasma TV?

I have s-video, HDMI and component inputs available. I'm guessing HDMI is the best bet, but will that take care of sound, too?

Thanks

there's already a plethora of info on this topic as (for the time being) you'll be using the same cables to hook this one up as the last iteration

it appears it comes with a mini dvi - dvi cable, so you'll need to pick up a dvi to hdmi cable (get it on amazon, CHEAP $5.99 i think)

you'll need a mini toslink to toslink cable (also available for less from amazon) to run from the headphones/optical out on the back of the mini to your optical in on a reciever

in short no audio info travels through the hdmi cable

in the future that may change with the mini display port as this is capable of output of sound info as well although currently apple software cannot take advantage of it so you'll need the above cables

 

[sfroom]

Or you could get an airport extreme and an external hard drive, which combined could serve media in much the same way, for cheaper.

If you do go the Mac Mini route, Depending on the age of your plasma, it should have an rgb (vga) or DVI input as well. Use Mini-DVI to VGA/DVI, or Mini-DP to VGA/DVI, whichever you can get cheaper. Then get a regular headphone jack to headphone jack, or headphone jack to composite audio (whichever your television uses with it's computer input), and you'll be set.