Ordered my first Intel Mac, what do I expect?

[nickelbackmac]

Mac Mini
1.5GHz Intel Core Solo
Combo
512MB RAM
60GB HDD
Tiger


I've been trying to sell my Inspiron for months, and time to time frauds would get to me after I order a Mac, so 3 Intel Macs (loaded Mini, MBP, and Balckbook) had to be returned different times because I never received payment for the Dell. Finally, today, I sold my Dell (again) and this time I received the payment. So I ordered this refurb. Questions:

Is the MM a good computer (I found a severly damaged one on the road while back, but never got to play with it) ?

If I get an iSight and install PhotoBooth on the Mini, will it run fine?

Since its a refurb, does it come in the Mac Mini box like the new ones?

I've got a VGA monitor (along with a DVI HDTV Samsung Rear-Projecting TV), USB Mouse, USB keyboard... Anything else?

How easy is it to add RAM and upgrade the HD?

How much more excited can I get ?


Just wanted to see if I made a good or bad choice. Thanks!

 

[generik]

There is a pretty good chance that Minis will be bumped to Core Duo across the line soon, you may argue that you only need it for light tasks and don't need "two processors" anyway, but who knows?

I found my previous Core Duo mini a tad too slow for my liking, YMMV.

 

[tipdrill407]

The last time i checked, photobooth wasn't readily available for download.

 

[mduser63]

You didn't really say what you're going to be using it for, but assuming you're using it for basic stuff, it should be great. According to reports, there's some chance you'll get a Core Duo model even though you ordered a Core Solo, but don't get your hopes up. Anyway, I think you made a good choice.

 

[I'mAMac]

Mac Mini is fast for normal tasks. (i.e schoolwork, e-mail, web, etc.) I have a Mini, same as your setup. The only complaint is that it CAN NOT handle games at all. Except Counterstrike . what will you be using it for? You can't really upgrade it. RAM i think is relativley easy but I will double check. Not great at running A LOT of programs though.

EDIT: Ok found some directions for installing RAM into Mac Mini. http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-4079.html