Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
New White Macbook or "New Mac Mini" for HTPC
- Thread starter BrittQ
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Definitely the new white macbook, with the new Graphics chip and superior processor it will blow the mini away in terms of performance. You also have the bonus of having something you can disconnect pickup and take with you if you want to browse the web on a sofa or on the go.
Not to mention it probably ends up becoming a neater setup as it has no power brick. Plus its a piece of cake to add a bigger HD and upgrade the RAM.
ShadoW
Not to mention it probably ends up becoming a neater setup as it has no power brick. Plus its a piece of cake to add a bigger HD and upgrade the RAM.
ShadoW
as a dedicated HTPC, the old mini is perfectly adequate. 2.0GHz if you want to do 1080p, or if you're happy with 720p then the 1.83GHz one is fine.
I wouldn't use a macbook just for one, its a waste of money if you'll never use the screen etc.
If you think you might use it as a laptop later on, get a macbook now and maybe switch over to a mini later on.
I wouldn't use a macbook just for one, its a waste of money if you'll never use the screen etc.
If you think you might use it as a laptop later on, get a macbook now and maybe switch over to a mini later on.
My old mini is now used as an HTPC. It's the 1.83Ghz model. Plays 1080p fine, the rumoured update to the mini will give you more bang for your buck, but it won't really enhance the mini's role as an HTPC.
Once my new MBP comes in in a couple weeks I'm using my current white macbook as my media pc/server. I've been using it now I just bring it over and plug it in and it works fine. I was going to get a mini but since I will have this left over I might as well use it.
It fits and looks good to since it's white and small.
It fits and looks good to since it's white and small.
If I didn't have mbp right now, I probably would not hesitate to get the mb.
The current Mac Mini will do the job, but I just can't bring myself to buy one at this point - I'd feel cheated.
Another plus for the mb is mini dvi and firewire.
But, I plan on adding a ssd to whichever machine I get... I have a hard time justifying the price of a new mb + ssd for the purpose of a htcp.
The current Mac Mini will do the job, but I just can't bring myself to buy one at this point - I'd feel cheated.
Another plus for the mb is mini dvi and firewire.
But, I plan on adding a ssd to whichever machine I get... I have a hard time justifying the price of a new mb + ssd for the purpose of a htcp.
If it has DisplayPort, you have the potential for uncompressed digital audio passthrough, provided Apple enables it.
But you can't plug DisplayPort into a surround sound system, like you can a 3.5mm to phono lead.
Receivers with DisplayPort are coming. The current Mini can only do up to 7.1 compressed audio (e.g., DTS or Dolby Digital); it cannot do True-HD or DTS-HD.
Only compressed digital (DTS or Dolby Digital).
Do you know of any specific receivers slated to carry Display Port?
Thanks. I was not aware. Does the
TV send uncompressed audio thru it's HDMI port?
No, not specific. But since it's an open standard that is royalty-free, with higher bandwidth than HDMI and because it is becoming more common on computers, it's pretty much inevitable. HDMI costs manufacturers (and thus, consumers) money because of licensing costs.
Thanks. I was not aware. Does the
It can, but the software does not support anything but Dolby Digital AC3 (a compressed format).
I've got a black 2.4Ghz MacBook I picked up on CL for $500 pushing 1080P content to my 52" at the moment and it works great! A new MacBook should do just fine.