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Okay, it's decision time. Mac Mini, or...
- Thread starter dh2005
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No, uTorrent for Mac sucks big time. Transmission is the "best" of the worst, haven't found any good torrent application.
i use utorrent on the windows version. Again, what sucks about it? Quit dodging the question and provide your opinion instead of blanket statements like it sucks. Im not saying your right or wrong, but at least back up your statements with some facts.
I really don't have time to make a list for you, if you USE the ****ing thing on both plattforms you should know it yourself. But I guess you are one of those people who would say that you know how Photoshop works and all you'd done there is rotating a photo. Same thing, same thing.
lol, sounds like you have a chip on your shoulder.....you have had time to reply 3 times with no information, you could have replied once with some valid points, but not you would rather sit on here and troll....
To compare the Mac version of uTorrent with Transmission would be pretty much the same thing as comparing Notepad vs MS Word. It would be ridiculous to compare them = you are ridiculous and it's just annoying to try to discuss a matter when you have no knowledge about it.
I'm done discussing this subject with you. You are welcome back when you actually have _used_ the three programs. As it is now, I doubt you've even seen screendumps of all of them.
I currently use all 3. I know differences of them. I was just trying to get you to explain your opinions to help people who might be reading this. Which torrent app works best for you really depends on the features you need. For simple torrent downloading, uTorrent on mac works great. Its lighter than Transmission and my download speeds were faster using it. Transmission definitely has more features and options, but if you dont need them they arent useful.
The fact is still that uTorrent on Mac sucks big time, compared to the Windows version. The Windows version is everything the Mac version isn't; powerful, lightweighted, bugfree and yet stuffed with features from top to bottom.
And you are really giving credit to someone that spoke of "dubious reliability" about Mac Mini ?
You are VERY open-minded
This thread has become an interesting study
Many posts ago I recommended that you purchase the mini presuming that the looks, ultra-small form factor, quiet operation for a home theater, and tolerable specs best met your needs. Others have suggested alternatives on the basis of one or more of: much lower cost, greater power, different looks, quieter operation running Flash, etc. Yet you have continued to discard them for reasons like appearance and other's claims of quiet operation (ignoring Flash...which makes the mini fans strain).
If looks combined with tolerable performance, and quiet except for Flash are your key buying points, then buy the mini, already. If you want a more powerful computer that will barely loaf along (quietly) when doing what you have described (yet have power to spare), then buy any of a number of "slim" case PC's running Win7 Home Premium.
For well under the cost of the mini, you can get an HP Pavilion Slimline that compares to the mini as follows:
CPU Mini: Core 2 Duo 2.53 GHz, HP: Core 2 Quad 2.5 GHz Winner HP (big)
Hard drive: Mini: 320 gig 5400 rpm HP: 640 gig 7200 rpm Winner HP (big)
Optical drive: Mini: slot loading dual layer dvd-r/BlueRay over Steve Jobs' dead body!!! HP: Tray loadind dual layer dvd-r with lightscribe (will run small form factor disk that mini won't), BlueRay +$120 Winner HP (moderate)
Ram: Mini 4 gig maxed out HP: 6 gig expandable to 8..both use DDR3 Winner HP (big)
Graphics: Mini Nvidia 9400m shared memory mini disp and mini dvi out HP: ATI 5450 w 512meg dedicated memory, HDMI, DVI, and VGA ports out Winner HP (gigantic)
Networking: both gigabit wired and N wireless Winner Even
Sound: Mini: 5.1 HP: 7.1 Winner HP (by a nose)
USB/FW: Mini 5 USB, 1FW800, all back HP: 6 USB, 2 FRONT, 4 back Winner Even Mini + for FW, HP + for front ports
Memory cards: Mini: no slots HP: 6 in 1 media card reader Winner HP (big)
Keyboard/Mouse: Mini: none HP: wired included, wireless +$40 Winner HP (big)
Expansion: mini: No way! HP: 2 Pcie slots (1@16x) Winner HP (moderate)
Software: mini: iLife mix of Great to Fair Software HP: Mix of Great to middling software, including Windows Media Center, Cyberdisk, Roxio Photosuite, MS Works Winner Mini (moderate)
Operating system: mini: SL HP: Win7 Winner (Even..let the screaming start)
Reviews: Both good. Winner Even
Cost: HP will be ca. $300 less than the mini used for comparison. Winner HP (big)
So, if the size and looks of the mini, along with its ok performance are the key factors, then buy one already. Or if you have to have OSX and iLife, then buy the mini. If you want a more powerful, more capable, more expandable, more complete, lower cost computer running a very solid Win7 operating system, then buy any of a number of slim PCs from reputable manufacturers. Then use the $300 savings to buy MS Office ($120 w the computer), and Sony Vegas, and any of a large number of Windows based photo management programs that together blow the doors off of iLife.
My choice for a HTPC was a prior gen mini that I was able to pick up for $350 on closeout. I chose for the small size, and because the price was unusually competitive for a Mac. Without the deal, I might have still paid for the mini for the small size and tolerable performance. Make up your mind.
Many posts ago I recommended that you purchase the mini presuming that the looks, ultra-small form factor, quiet operation for a home theater, and tolerable specs best met your needs. Others have suggested alternatives on the basis of one or more of: much lower cost, greater power, different looks, quieter operation running Flash, etc. Yet you have continued to discard them for reasons like appearance and other's claims of quiet operation (ignoring Flash...which makes the mini fans strain).
If looks combined with tolerable performance, and quiet except for Flash are your key buying points, then buy the mini, already. If you want a more powerful computer that will barely loaf along (quietly) when doing what you have described (yet have power to spare), then buy any of a number of "slim" case PC's running Win7 Home Premium.
For well under the cost of the mini, you can get an HP Pavilion Slimline that compares to the mini as follows:
CPU Mini: Core 2 Duo 2.53 GHz, HP: Core 2 Quad 2.5 GHz Winner HP (big)
Hard drive: Mini: 320 gig 5400 rpm HP: 640 gig 7200 rpm Winner HP (big)
Optical drive: Mini: slot loading dual layer dvd-r/BlueRay over Steve Jobs' dead body!!! HP: Tray loadind dual layer dvd-r with lightscribe (will run small form factor disk that mini won't), BlueRay +$120 Winner HP (moderate)
Ram: Mini 4 gig maxed out HP: 6 gig expandable to 8..both use DDR3 Winner HP (big)
Graphics: Mini Nvidia 9400m shared memory mini disp and mini dvi out HP: ATI 5450 w 512meg dedicated memory, HDMI, DVI, and VGA ports out Winner HP (gigantic)
Networking: both gigabit wired and N wireless Winner Even
Sound: Mini: 5.1 HP: 7.1 Winner HP (by a nose)
USB/FW: Mini 5 USB, 1FW800, all back HP: 6 USB, 2 FRONT, 4 back Winner Even Mini + for FW, HP + for front ports
Memory cards: Mini: no slots HP: 6 in 1 media card reader Winner HP (big)
Keyboard/Mouse: Mini: none HP: wired included, wireless +$40 Winner HP (big)
Expansion: mini: No way! HP: 2 Pcie slots (1@16x) Winner HP (moderate)
Software: mini: iLife mix of Great to Fair Software HP: Mix of Great to middling software, including Windows Media Center, Cyberdisk, Roxio Photosuite, MS Works Winner Mini (moderate)
Operating system: mini: SL HP: Win7 Winner (Even..let the screaming start)
Reviews: Both good. Winner Even
Cost: HP will be ca. $300 less than the mini used for comparison. Winner HP (big)
So, if the size and looks of the mini, along with its ok performance are the key factors, then buy one already. Or if you have to have OSX and iLife, then buy the mini. If you want a more powerful, more capable, more expandable, more complete, lower cost computer running a very solid Win7 operating system, then buy any of a number of slim PCs from reputable manufacturers. Then use the $300 savings to buy MS Office ($120 w the computer), and Sony Vegas, and any of a large number of Windows based photo management programs that together blow the doors off of iLife.
My choice for a HTPC was a prior gen mini that I was able to pick up for $350 on closeout. I chose for the small size, and because the price was unusually competitive for a Mac. Without the deal, I might have still paid for the mini for the small size and tolerable performance. Make up your mind.
Whoa, Nelly...!
Don't take my indecision as a personal insult. Your opinion was noted with gratitude. But since then, a couple of other members have raised concerns that I hadn't considered. And even though he's been a bit of a douche-bag about it, Archie's suggestions have been worth exploring; even if I did ultimately reject them.
Don't take my indecision as a personal insult. Your opinion was noted with gratitude. But since then, a couple of other members have raised concerns that I hadn't considered. And even though he's been a bit of a douche-bag about it, Archie's suggestions have been worth exploring; even if I did ultimately reject them.
well generally, IMO Apple products are garbage, especially when you consider the price.
this opinion is formed by the following events.
iMac 17", white Intel Poly £999 - faulty screen (vertical lines) after 14 mths.
iMac 20", Alu, - Faulty superdrive after 5 months, taken to store, confirmed by store as faulty but wouldn't accept back due to 'volume of warranty work' told to drive 60 miles to another Apple store.!
Mac Mini 1 - Faulty HDD, 12.5 months (SMART fail)
Mac Mini 2 - Faulty HDD, 15 mths, replaced then faulty optical drive 1 mth later
Mac Mini 3 - Dead audio card out of the box.
between me and the wife we've been through 6 iPhones... various faults, cracking, bad screen, bad mic. etc.
Nokia since...zero issues.
like I say I have experience of these things.
If you can get through 18 mths of use with the mini without the need for service then you'll be very lucky.
anything but ipod is a good site for anyone that actually cares about audio quality.
in your situation I'd build a PC to get EXACTLY what I wanted and then dual boot it Win 7 and Ubu..
or the HP in the post above would seem good.
Great. Thank you.
Further to that; sounds like you have a similar relationship with Apple to that which I have with Western Digital.
I bought eight of their 1.5TB drives last year. Five of them have shown technical difficulties of varying seriousness. They replaced the one that was the 'most broken', and have essentially denied there's anything wrong with the other four. I now have nothing good to say about them on any level.
Further to that; sounds like you have a similar relationship with Apple to that which I have with Western Digital.
I bought eight of their 1.5TB drives last year. Five of them have shown technical difficulties of varying seriousness. They replaced the one that was the 'most broken', and have essentially denied there's anything wrong with the other four. I now have nothing good to say about them on any level.
Its not so much that but the Apple lies and spin with their 'marketing' both with hardware and software..
http://www.pcworld.com/article/172197/vista_windows_7_are_more_secure_than_snow_leopard.html
the holier than thou 'it just works' mantra wears thin after you realise what they are really like. Truth wouldn't hurt them.
Nothing wrong with iPhone reception...? really thats why the same SIM in a E71 gets signal then?
Apple's products don't cost more because of quality, design, service or any other reason. They are made in the same cheap chinese factories, with the same cheap components.
they just cost more...
good luck with the mini. I fear you'll need it.
Fair enough. You've every reason to be suspicious of Apple; I certainly would be, given similar experience.
Without wishing to labour the point, I only wish you'd been this explicit from the outset. All the while, I thought you were just some ******** trying to spoil my fun, rather than someone who actually had something important to tell me. I'm glad I asked a more direct question.
Okay. I'll do some thinking in the coming days, and make my decision. Thanks, everyone.
Without wishing to labour the point, I only wish you'd been this explicit from the outset. All the while, I thought you were just some ******** trying to spoil my fun, rather than someone who actually had something important to tell me. I'm glad I asked a more direct question.
Okay. I'll do some thinking in the coming days, and make my decision. Thanks, everyone.
It's all about the OS! Stop comparing the hardware of PC and Macs! Macs don't get viruses and you don't need stupid programs like CCleaner.
Hmm... I need to run OnyX on MacOS X 10.6.2 almost every week. Becuase if I don't do, I feel, the Mac becomes sluggish.
Several wrong informations: the Mini is expandable to 8 Gb RAM and not limited to 4 Gb.
And what you said about Flash was simply not true: after 2 hrs of FarmVille play (don't blame me, it's my wife's favourite!) che cpu temperature is about 68-70' C and the fan remain in the 1500-1800 rpm range, almost silent.
The HP remain more powerfull if you look ONLY at tech specs, but using a computer IT'S NOT all about tech specs.
You can say whatever you want, win7 is by far the best so designed by Ms, but IN MY OPINION, the user experience under OSX is much better
this is ONLY your fixation. There is NO NEED to install Onyx on a Mac, because most of what Onyx does is done by OSX on a daily, weekly and monthly schedule ...
Its not so much that but the Apple lies and spin with their 'marketing' both with hardware and software..
http://www.pcworld.com/article/172197/vista_windows_7_are_more_secure_than_snow_leopard.html
the holier than thou 'it just works' mantra wears thin after you realise what they are really like. Truth wouldn't hurt them.
Nothing wrong with iPhone reception...? really thats why the same SIM in a E71 gets signal then?
Apple's products don't cost more because of quality, design, service or any other reason. They are made in the same cheap chinese factories, with the same cheap components.
they just cost more...
good luck with the mini. I fear you'll need it.
Apple lies in the exact SAME WAY other manufacturers lie.
Apple's products cost more EXACTLY because of R&D, quality, design and service, no matter where they are ASSEMBLED. They are in NO WAY perfect.
PS: to quote Miller, a well-known hacker anti-Apple co-author of the Mac Hacker's Handbook, is simply ridiculous ...
PPS: Nokia's products are usually crap.
PPPS: Hp support forums are FULL of complains
Sorry about my "errors".
I trusted the specifications listed on the Apple website for memory capacity of the mini. My mistake for believing Apple. So, it looks like one can expand the mini to 8 gigs of RAM. Buy 8 gigs of RAM ($400 at OWC), pry open the computer....hope that you don't break anything because that would not be covered by the warranty...remove the existing 4 gigs, install the 8 gigs, and sell the old 4 gigs on eBay (always an adventure). Be optimistic and figure you can get $50 net of fees for the old memory. So you're out another $350. On top of the $300 higher price for the mini. $650....you could buy another Core 2 Quad PC for that price.
Now some might want to point out that the PC only comes with 6 gigs. So to add another 2 gigs will cost another $50...making the Apple premium only $600 and not $650 (but then again, the mini will also need a keyboard and mouse...ca. $130 from Apple or ca. $50 for a non-Apple product). So, if you want to compare at 8 gigs, you're comparing 2, Core2 Quad PC's to one Core2 duo Mac Mini (Massive advantage to the PC)!
As for the flash issue. It may vary with the processor power of the mini. My prior gen version is only 1.83 GHz, and the fan is ca. double your rate when running flash. So let's change that from "advantage PC" to "even".
As for Tech specs only not being everything, you're right. But these are so overwhelmingly in favor of the PC, that it would be disingenuous to try and claim that the mini is competitive with the Core2 Quad computer in terms of computing power or room for growth. The mini's advantage is that it is "cute". If "cute" is worth a $600 premium, then, by all means go for it.
Finally, the argument between OSX and Win7. You may love one or love the other. IMO both have strengths and weaknesses. I find them overall to be about the same.
Both Win7 and Snow Leopard have built-in anti-virus, and to be frank, I have never had a virus issue with either Vista, Win7, Tiger, Leopard, or SL when running with antivirus installed (which I always do). I know OSX doesn't get attacked. But most recognize that is because hackers have decided that Apple's 3.8% market share is not worth going after compared to Window's 90% market share. No OS is perfect. If hackers want to go after OSX, they will be able to crack it. I think Apple knows that any OS is vulnerable...and that's why they have built anti-virus into SL (just like MS has done with Win7).
So, if you love your Mac, and feel that it offers you value, then more power to you. I was trying to document some facts for a person making a decision, and so far I think that the facts I presented are standing up to scrutiny. When I buy a Mac, I know that I am paying a gross premium for some specific feature that I want. There are other times, like when I needed to edit 1080 AVCHD video without paying $1000 extra for the software, when only a PC has the features I want, and I buy a PC (and I'm thankful for the lower cost). And there are times when I just need computing power...and I buy a PC for the higher power to cost ratio.
I trusted the specifications listed on the Apple website for memory capacity of the mini. My mistake for believing Apple.
So, it looks like one can expand the mini to 8 gigs of RAM. Buy 8 gigs of RAM ($400 at OWC), pry open the computer....hope that you don't break anything because that would not be covered by the warranty...remove the existing 4 gigs, install the 8 gigs, and sell the old 4 gigs on eBay (always an adventure). Be optimistic and figure you can get $50 net of fees for the old memory. So you're out another $350. On top of the $300 higher price for the mini. $650....you could buy another Core 2 Quad PC for that price.Now some might want to point out that the PC only comes with 6 gigs. So to add another 2 gigs will cost another $50...making the Apple premium only $600 and not $650 (but then again, the mini will also need a keyboard and mouse...ca. $130 from Apple or ca. $50 for a non-Apple product). So, if you want to compare at 8 gigs, you're comparing 2, Core2 Quad PC's to one Core2 duo Mac Mini (Massive advantage to the PC)!
As for the flash issue. It may vary with the processor power of the mini. My prior gen version is only 1.83 GHz, and the fan is ca. double your rate when running flash. So let's change that from "advantage PC" to "even".
As for Tech specs only not being everything, you're right. But these are so overwhelmingly in favor of the PC, that it would be disingenuous to try and claim that the mini is competitive with the Core2 Quad computer in terms of computing power or room for growth. The mini's advantage is that it is "cute". If "cute" is worth a $600 premium, then, by all means go for it.
Finally, the argument between OSX and Win7. You may love one or love the other. IMO both have strengths and weaknesses. I find them overall to be about the same.
Both Win7 and Snow Leopard have built-in anti-virus, and to be frank, I have never had a virus issue with either Vista, Win7, Tiger, Leopard, or SL when running with antivirus installed (which I always do). I know OSX doesn't get attacked. But most recognize that is because hackers have decided that Apple's 3.8% market share is not worth going after compared to Window's 90% market share. No OS is perfect. If hackers want to go after OSX, they will be able to crack it. I think Apple knows that any OS is vulnerable...and that's why they have built anti-virus into SL (just like MS has done with Win7).
So, if you love your Mac, and feel that it offers you value, then more power to you. I was trying to document some facts for a person making a decision, and so far I think that the facts I presented are standing up to scrutiny. When I buy a Mac, I know that I am paying a gross premium for some specific feature that I want. There are other times, like when I needed to edit 1080 AVCHD video without paying $1000 extra for the software, when only a PC has the features I want, and I buy a PC (and I'm thankful for the lower cost). And there are times when I just need computing power...and I buy a PC for the higher power to cost ratio.