Mini connection to MacBook Pro ... and ...

[greengiento]

I know people have been debating on the topic of if/when the Mini will get a refresh. Not asking for a personal crystal ball reading, but am wondering more of a "What would you do..." opinion from anyone.

I want to buy a Mini to use as a headless server for my hi-fi system. I'm just wondering if I should buy one right now, today. Or at least wait to see when the more "stable" leaks start creeping in to see about the refreshed model - if it worth waiting or not.

If going ahead with a purchase of a Mini sooner, rather than later - how can I use the screen of my MacBook Pro to set up the Mini? I want to do a basic set-up out of the box (I don't have a monitor) using the MacBook Pro screen, and then make a copy of the OS to a USB drive (I'm gonna swap out the stock HDD and install 2 SSDs).

Thanks.

 

[nollimac]

To set up initially, you'll need a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. However, if you have a TV with HDMI, you can use that. I used my LED project to set up, as well as kept the mouse and keyboard from my old Emac. It's good to have a keyboard and mouse around if your Mac Mini will be a server.

I also purchased this: ConnectPRO HDMI EDID/DDC Video Ghosting Emulator TMDS-KITU1, so after the setup, you can enjoy the nice view on your MacBook Pro (I got mine today from Amazon - $57). My Mac Mini is also a HTPC and connects to a HDMI Switcher so when I change viewing to the Apple TV or Android Smart TV, the Mac Mini doesn't scream bloody hell.

It's such a pleasure to view the Mac Mini screen now on the MacBook Pro.

 

[ElectronGuru]

Put the mini in target disk mode, hook it to the MB. Do all the stuff you want, then shut it down. Make sure that includes turning on remote control in the Sharing panel.

BTW, my crystal ball says a spec bump model early this year.

 

[nollimac]

Put the mini in target disk mode, hook it to the MB. Do all the stuff you want, then shut it down. Make sure that includes turning on remote control in the Sharing panel.

BTW, my crystal ball says a spec bump model early this year.

How is he going to enable screen share without first doing the setup?

 

[warvanov]

If you're going to be using it as a headless server then I wouldn't expect the new models to offer a monumental improvement over the existing ones. But if you can stand waiting for it, you'll see a decrease in the prices of the existing midels (and refurbs, if you're going that route), which might make it worth waiting.

You may be able to use the Mac mini in Target Disk Mode. You'll basically be booting your MBP using the Mac mini's HDD instead of the MBP internal HDD.

Alternately, you could put one of your two new SSDs in an enclosure, install OSX from your MBP on the SSD, and then boot from the SSD to set up screen sharing. Then put the SSD in your Mac mini and use screen sharing to do the rest.

 

[ElectronGuru]

You may be able to use the Mac mini in Target Disk Mode. You'll basically be booting your MBP using the Mac mini's HDD instead of the MBP internal HDD.

Thanks, I sometimes forget to spell things out.