Mini Mac for computer use/media display. The right choice?

[largefarva]

I am thinking of getting a minimac for a media computer, as well as a workstation.

I have a dlink 323 NAS, which stores all of my media, pictures, tv shows etc.

What I would like to do is setup the comp to output to both my DVI LCD monitor, when using it for working (I do a fair bit of drafting, will likely use the occasional boot camp to run autocad) and also HDMI to my television (yet to be purchased)

Can the mini do both these outputs, is it difficult to switch between them?

I am new to the Mac, and don't have a lot of experience with the interface. I would also like to be able to send an RCA or VGA video send to my projector, but that may be asking too much.

Opinions?

Thanks!

 

[samiwas]

So you want the mini to output to three separate devices? Not going to happen at the same time at least. You will need to switch. You have a couple of options here. You can manually switch them all, or you can buy a DVI switch. The new minis have a Mini DVI and a mini display port, but not sure if these can be run concurrently. Best bet is to use a switch, then get a DVI>HDMI and DVI>VGA adapter for the TV and projector.

 

[seb-opp]

wow, have you got a monitor, TV and projector all in one room?

Just wanted to say, I don't think newer macs support RCA output so best go for a VGA connection if you want to connect to your projector. However as you say RCA, I assume your projector isn't HD so at such a low resolution you might not find it very useful to connect to your projector compared to your TV where you could use HD.

 

[largefarva]

It's true, the projector will only do 1024/768 res, but it can put up a much larger image. A few people have told me that once I start using the HD tv, I won't want to go back to the projector. I am not totally set on outputting to it.

My question was about the dual outs of the mini, and if you can do a software switch between devices, or if it would require a manual switcher.

Thanks guys.