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Mac Mini vs Zino HD

smartbot

smartbot

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 15, 2009
147
303
I'm thinking about getting a small form factor PC for my dad and the two I am looking at are the Mac Mini and the Dell Zino HD. He isn't really tech savvy (so I want to get him something that is simple and easy to use).

Here are the specs for both machines:

Mac Mini ($699)
Intel P8600 - 2.4 GHz (Passmark: 1,609)
2 GB 1066 MHz DDR3
320 GB (5400 RPM)
Nvidia 320m

Zino HD ($499)
AMD Athlon II X2 P340 - 2.2 GHz (Passmark: 1,428)
4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3
500 GB (7200 RPM)
ATI HD 5450

The specs are pretty similar for both, but the Zino HD has the price advantage. I think the Mac Mini with OS X would be easier for him to use, but I don't know if I can justify the $200 price difference. What do you guys think?
 
Think about how often he'll be calling you for tech support if you get the Dell. Now think about how often he won't be calling you if you get the Mini. Imagine the constant frustration you'll be saving him. Is that worth $200?
 
I got the Dell Zino with the upgraded processor, video, and RAM. I returned it. It was a nightmare. Hop on some of the home theater forums and see how many people had overheating problems, etc with the Zino.

Very satisfied with the Mac Mini purchase vs. the Zino. Yes, I'm a Mac Girl, but when I bought the Zino I really wanted the Blu Ray. I spent more for the ZIno that bought (about $600, as it was maxed out with everything), but I ended up spending a bit more for a Mac Mini and a freestanding BLu Ray player. Think I got the best of both worlds that way.

Good luck in whatever you decide!
 
rprebel said:
Think about how often he'll be calling you for tech support if you get the Dell. Now think about how often he won't be calling you if you get the Mini. Imagine the constant frustration you'll be saving him. Is that worth $200?
Click to expand...

Bingo. Not dealing with Windows is alone worth $200 premium IMO.
 
As noted above, just get the mini and be done with it.

I used to be a dell fan boy and wondered what all the apple hype was about.

See my sig and soon we will add a mini to replace the last dell in the house. All will be well. :D
 
What about installing Ubuntu on the Zino? It's come a long way and acts more or less like Windows.
 
cherry su said:
What about installing Ubuntu on the Zino? It's come a long way and acts more or less like Windows.
Click to expand...

Yes because thats a brilliant option for those who aren't tech savvy. :rolleyes: Don't get me wrong I have been using Ubuntu for a long time and its great, but some non-technical users could have issues with it.
 
If the Zino comes with Windows Live Essentials and you install Firefox or Chrome, they're essentially the same thing, only one is gonna cost you a few hundred more.
 
I would go for the mini and get him a web cam as a Christmas present. There's no tech support like using iChat to control his screen and video chat if you ever need to help him out with something. I've done this with my mom and grandparents and it makes the process mostly painless while allowing me to be hundreds of miles away. That alone is worth the price premium (to me at least).
 
Go with the Mac Mini. =)

It's rock-solid, reliable, energy-efficient, small, and quiet. People always seem to criticize it for being under-powered and too expensive, but I love my Mac Mini. I use it for web-surfing, website design, word processing, playing games, Mathematica programming, typesetting research articles (LaTeX/TeXShop), etc. I expect that my current Mac Mini system will last for many years. When it's time to replace it, I'll get another Mac Mini! =)


Richard M. Low
richmlow



smartbot said:
I'm thinking about getting a small form factor PC for my dad and the two I am looking at are the Mac Mini and the Dell Zino HD. He isn't really tech savvy (so I want to get him something that is simple and easy to use).

Here are the specs for both machines:

Mac Mini ($699)
Intel P8600 - 2.4 GHz (Passmark: 1,609)
2 GB 1066 MHz DDR3
320 GB (5400 RPM)
Nvidia 320m

Zino HD ($499)
AMD Athlon II X2 P340 - 2.2 GHz (Passmark: 1,428)
4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3
500 GB (7200 RPM)
ATI HD 5450

The specs are pretty similar for both, but the Zino HD has the price advantage. I think the Mac Mini with OS X would be easier for him to use, but I don't know if I can justify the $200 price difference. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
I was going to say go with what ever OS he has been using in the past instead of making him learn a new one.
 
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