Possible purchase of mac mini.

[lonegeek]

My friend is selling his mac mini and he let me borrow it. I know I'm getting a deal, but I'm not sure of how much.

What is a 1.5ghz intel core solo, 1gb ram, 60gb hd, combo drive running 10.4 with original box and disc worth?I'll let you guys know after I get some good ideas of a value. =]

I'm debating keeping it though. I've only wanted a mac for 2 years, but I'm afraid I've grown accustomed to ubuntu linux. My complete lack of multimedia editing on this just doesn't seem worth it anymore. All of the mouse clicking and navigation of the gui just seems so anti user coming from ubuntu linux.

Any suggestions to possibly convince me of this purchase?

 

[scaredpoet]

The GUI is anti-user?

I've used Ubuntu linux as well, and the GNOME desktop that comes with the desktop version is pretty much similar to the Mac OS X interface. There's just a little more eye candy with the Mac.

There's the server version, which is just the command line interface. Most people wouldn't consider that very user friendly though, except for very specific applications.

But then you COULD use terminal in OS X to get a UNIX prompt, as well as use the Mac distro of X11. Underneath the hood of the GUI on a modern Mac is a UNIX kernel that traces its roots to BSD. So at the heart of things, what you're used to and the Mac mini you're using have more in common than you think.

Ultimately, my assessment of Ubuntu is that it's a neat little OS for a desktop, and well-suited for basic operations that would suit a public computer lab for web browsing, or a secondary computer to play with, but not something I'd use as a primary desktop computer. The server edition makes for a fine LAMP platform though, and I do use it extensively for that.

But, there's just more mainstream programs for the Mac than there are for Ubuntu. OpenOffice is nice, but it has its problems, and HAVE to have to have MS Office for work. Same for photoshop. And, I do video editing, which the mac seems pretty much made for.

Ultimately, no one should "convince" you of anything. If it's not for you, then it's not for you, and that's that.

 

[ADent]

The Core Solo machines are really slow reportedly.

I wouldn't pay that much for one (I personally would have to upgrade the CPU), but good Mac minis are hard to find cheap used. Good G4 minis were hard to find for much under $400 in October.

Check eBay or Craiglist for the latest value.

The 1.8GHz C2D mini comes up on Apples refurb site for $499 occasionally and you get a copy of Leopard with that.

 

[bijou]

Recently I purchased a Core2 Duo 1.83 Mini on Craigslist for $400, only 3 months new and in pristine condition. If you're patient you should be able to find something similar. I wouldn't waste money on the older, slow ones.

 

[ch4920]

250 or less = good deal

 

[vansouza]

250 or less = good deal

Agreed... I have one, it was my first Mac. $200-$250... not more then that.

 

[tMac85]

im not sure how much you are willing to pay, but there are some great deals out their if you are patient. I just got a brand new factory sealed mac mini 1.8 core2 duo 1 gb ram 80 gb for $449. be patient and keep looking. The deals are out their.