The new (top end, possibly server) Mini looks pretty good on paper. I don't really need a notebook anymore, and since I use my old MBP almost excessively as a desktop, it isn't very mobile to begin with. Further, since I have it plugged in all the time I need to watch I don't kill my battery. It's happened before.
I have an iPad 2, so when I'm out and about it more than does what I need. As for my videos and such when I'm mobile, I take full advantage of AirVideo. It works like a charm. I use iDisk regularly, so I can always access and edit my documents. I use VNC when I need it, and it works very well.
My MBP these days is a glorified personal server, download machine, word processor and photo editor (at most Aperture and PixelMator.) I think the Mini would fill the MBPs position and save me some space to boot. Factor in the HDMI/TV capabilities . . . you get the idea.
So, I'm thinking of getting the new (top end, possibly server) Mini. The 8GB RAM expandability looks like future-proofing for my needs. The videocard I'm not so sure about, but it looks like it'll do the trick, given my needs.
Sell my old MBP, use the funds to get something newer (possibly better) for somewhat less than $1000. I can still get quite a bit for my (near-mint condition) MBP.
So if this decision isn't completely nuts, I'll be downsizing a bit, but gaining a bit more, getting something new, for less than the cost of the average Apple notebook (so, cash to spare.)
But, I'll defer to the experts!
My notebook:
Early 2008 MBP 15-inch, 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo
6 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT 256 MB
My *maximum* needs:
iWork
Aperture
1080p playback (via VLC, so no stuttering, etc.)
Needs to run Lion very well
This I want:
http://www.apple.com/macmini/features.html
No screen is too big.
It’s easy to connect Mac mini to the biggest screen in the house — your HDTV — courtesy of a built-in HDMI port. All it takes is one HDMI cable to start enjoying movies and TV shows from iTunes, surfing the web, and flipping through your photo library, all in brilliant HD. There’s also a handy control that lets you adjust the output on Mac mini to fill even the biggest HDTV screen. And when you just want to listen to music, you can play your entire iTunes collection through your home entertainment center, or stream it to a set of speakers in any room via an AirPort Express Base Station.
Maybe the ability to play some recent (more or less) games, but not necessarily on max settings. Ok, I rarely game these days, but always *think* I'll at some point want to. It never really happens. I game more on my iPad 2 than on my Mac. Maybe the Civilization series. I sometimes pick that back up. I'll probably just end up installing the old Fallout series (1 and 2) for OS X.
It has to drive:
At least a 1920x1200 display (24-inch, DVI)
4-5 external hard drives (several TB, connected via USB hubs)
Printer
External speakers
Based on my needs it needs to last me about 3 years.
I don't need a DVD drive or anything like that. I've used mine not more than twice this year, and only grudgingly.
So, should I go for it?
Thanks
I have an iPad 2, so when I'm out and about it more than does what I need. As for my videos and such when I'm mobile, I take full advantage of AirVideo. It works like a charm. I use iDisk regularly, so I can always access and edit my documents. I use VNC when I need it, and it works very well.
My MBP these days is a glorified personal server, download machine, word processor and photo editor (at most Aperture and PixelMator.) I think the Mini would fill the MBPs position and save me some space to boot. Factor in the HDMI/TV capabilities . . . you get the idea.
So, I'm thinking of getting the new (top end, possibly server) Mini. The 8GB RAM expandability looks like future-proofing for my needs. The videocard I'm not so sure about, but it looks like it'll do the trick, given my needs.
Sell my old MBP, use the funds to get something newer (possibly better) for somewhat less than $1000. I can still get quite a bit for my (near-mint condition) MBP.
So if this decision isn't completely nuts, I'll be downsizing a bit, but gaining a bit more, getting something new, for less than the cost of the average Apple notebook (so, cash to spare.)
But, I'll defer to the experts!
My notebook:
Early 2008 MBP 15-inch, 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo
6 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT 256 MB
My *maximum* needs:
iWork
Aperture
1080p playback (via VLC, so no stuttering, etc.)
Needs to run Lion very well
This I want:
http://www.apple.com/macmini/features.html
No screen is too big.
It’s easy to connect Mac mini to the biggest screen in the house — your HDTV — courtesy of a built-in HDMI port. All it takes is one HDMI cable to start enjoying movies and TV shows from iTunes, surfing the web, and flipping through your photo library, all in brilliant HD. There’s also a handy control that lets you adjust the output on Mac mini to fill even the biggest HDTV screen. And when you just want to listen to music, you can play your entire iTunes collection through your home entertainment center, or stream it to a set of speakers in any room via an AirPort Express Base Station.
Maybe the ability to play some recent (more or less) games, but not necessarily on max settings. Ok, I rarely game these days, but always *think* I'll at some point want to. It never really happens. I game more on my iPad 2 than on my Mac. Maybe the Civilization series. I sometimes pick that back up. I'll probably just end up installing the old Fallout series (1 and 2) for OS X.
It has to drive:
At least a 1920x1200 display (24-inch, DVI)
4-5 external hard drives (several TB, connected via USB hubs)
Printer
External speakers
Based on my needs it needs to last me about 3 years.
I don't need a DVD drive or anything like that. I've used mine not more than twice this year, and only grudgingly.
So, should I go for it?
Thanks
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