Mac Mini - HTPC and more?

[JasonR]

I'm on the fence about buying a Mac Mini. I don't NEED one, but would love to use one as a HTPC, server, and a secondary PC. I have a Macbook Pro, but that goes with me quite often. It would be nice to use the Mini as a torrent box, and other things (streaming netflix, Youtube, video library, etc.). I already have an Xbox that I do stream video to and Netflix.

I guess what I'm asking is there anything I'm missing that I can do with a Mac Mini? I'm trying to push myself over the edge to buy one.

The one thing that does annoy me is how Apple cut off the disc drive...when I think it's one of the only Mac's that really need one. Would have been nice to rip my DVDs using the Mini...

 

[8281]

You can do quite a bit with a HTPC. Other than media storage and playback, you can also use a connected hard drive for wireless time machine back-up. You can setup a VPN network and stream all your media to your MBP when you are traveling (plus regular file transfers like word docs). If you want to go crazy, you can also record and store television shows using EyeTV (these can then be streamed through an Apple TV or accessed through iTunes on your MBP).

And since the audio jack on the Mini is digital, it can plug right into a sound system with a 3.5 mm to toslink cable. (It also has the HDMI connection.)

Older Minis have a built-in CD drive, but the newer models will rip DVDs much faster, so I'd recommend an external disc drive.

 

[philipma1957]

if you are on the fence wait to see the 2012 models. They should have 4000 graphics vs 3000 graphics. this is supposed to be a big improvement.

 

[JasonR]

if you are on the fence wait to see the 2012 models. They should have 4000 graphics vs 3000 graphics. this is supposed to be a big improvement.

Any idea on launch date? I can wait...

And I've got two 2 TB hard drives just hanging out at the moment.


Oh yeah I cut the cable...no TV for me only internet. I'm pretty happy about that other than not being able to get NFL games this coming season :\

 

[philipma1957]

I am hoping for June vs July. They will try to get it close to mountain lion.

The word on the intel 4000 graphics is a good boost. So any new mini with 4000 graphics should be nice for a htpc.


here is a list of mobile (mac mini type) cpus that have 4000 graphics.

http://compare-processors.com/list-of-ivy-bridge-mobile-processors/870/

quite a few would be nice in a new mini

this has been picked as a hi end mini cpu by few people.

http://compare-processors.com/core-i7-3612qm-ivy-bridge-processor/4109/


the 2011 minis really have a good cpu but are a bit short for graphics.