Rcved new Mini. What now ?

[vim147]

1st time user of Mac's.

Just got a refurb mini 2.3 i5. Will be upgrading ram soon.

Always been a Windows user. Just wanted to now should i do something i.e reformat hard drive with clean OS ? I didnt recieve any disks with it.

Also what wireless keyboard/mouse do you recommend equivilent to magic mouse ?

I need a monitor too. Thinking of Samsungs 19"-22" HDTV LED for about £120.

Also any recommendations on a external DVD writer ?

 

[GGJstudios]

Just wanted to now should i do something i.e reformat hard drive with clean OS ? I didnt recieve any disks with it.

If it has Lion installed (10.7), it doesn't come with install discs. If you bought it from Apple, you don't need to reformat or reinstall anything. Just start using it.

Apple - OS X Lion Recovery - Introducing Lion Recovery
OS X Lion: About Lion Recovery

Helpful Information for Any Mac User
Mac Pro & Mac mini Fast Start: The new user's guide to the Mac

 

[vastoholic]

I'm very happy with my Asus LED 21.5" monitor. Sleek and Vesa mountable. As for the DVD drives I can't get any specific input yet, but if you ever think you'll need to rip Blu-Ray's get a Blu-Ray burner as well. If not, I'm sure the MacBook Air external drive will fit your needs just fine and match the look of the mini better than other drives.

 

[vim147]

I'm very happy with my Asus LED 21.5" monitor. Sleek and Vesa mountable. As for the DVD drives I can't get any specific input yet, but if you ever think you'll need to rip Blu-Ray's get a Blu-Ray burner as well. If not, I'm sure the MacBook Air external drive will fit your needs just fine and match the look of the mini better than other drives.

Got the model number for the Asus ?

 

[talmy]

Always been a Windows user. Just wanted to now should i do something i.e reformat hard drive with clean OS ? I didnt recieve any disks with it.

Other's have said "no" and the reason is that the OS install is already clean. There is no bloatware or trial software installed.

Also what wireless keyboard/mouse do you recommend equivilent to magic mouse ?

Unless you find a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse you like (there are few options) you would need to go with one that has a USB dongle if you must have wireless. There is nothing that is equivalent to the magic mouse. Some say others are better or are worse. I just use the "real thing" from Apple. There are plenty of wired options out there if you are going to be using the USB slot anyway. Choice is always a personal preference. For a good selection of accessories tested with Macs check out otherworldcomputing.com

I need a monitor too. Thinking of Samsungs 19"-22" HDTV LED for about £120.

Also any recommendations on a external DVD writer ?

Can't help with the monitor. Easiest approach with the external DVD writer is the Apple Macbook Air "Superdrive". However, again, check out otherworldcomputing.com.

 

[Fishrrman]

"Also what wireless keyboard/mouse do you recommend equivilent to magic mouse ?"

I like Logitech mice - well designed and durable.

Actually, a -wired- keyboard might better serve you (just my opinion). Depends on what your taste in keyboards is. If you have "switched" from a PC, why not use your existing keyboard/mouse now, which will give you time to investigate all your options before replacing them?

"I need a monitor too. Thinking of Samsungs 19"-22" HDTV LED for about £120."

Samsung (and at least one other mfr) offers a 27" LCD monitor with a built-in TV tuner that is 1080p. Not sure of the exact model number. Check amazon.com or newegg.com.

"Also any recommendations on a external DVD writer ?"

I would "lean towards" something that is "tray loading" vs. "slot loading". Yes, the slot-loaders don't have that clunky tray you have to pull out/push in. But every slot-loader I've tried is slow as all get-out. The tray loaders are faster, and perhaps more reliable as well. Again, check amazon.com and newegg.com.

 

[vastoholic]

Got the model number for the Asus ?

VS229. And pardon me, it's LCD with LED backlight. That may change your mind, but I still think it looks great. Just won't be as thin as an LED.

 

[Magrathea]

SSD SSD SSD ...... really, your machine will run a lot better. Get a $140 120Gb model.

 

[Poki]

Some things to consider. First, display. I really would recommend you looking for a 24" display! I right now sit in front of my 24" Apple LED Cinema Display and wish it would be bigger ... Trust me, you're going to think it's big... for some days. Then you'll love it! As for the brand, I like the cheaper Samsung displays you can get for about 150. And Dell has some sleek-looking 23-24" displays starting at 200 - of course all 1080p.

Next, Mouse and Keyboard. If you want wireless, go either Apple, or if you want cheaper, Logitech. Their Unifying-Receiver is great, as you only need one USB connector for up to 7 devices, and their mouses and keyboards work pretty well. For gaming, I would recommend a R.A.T. 3 or 5. I don't game much, but the thumb wheel is just DAMN COOL when you want to change the volume of your speakers or scroll to sides..

Last, SSD. Will make your Mac about ten times as fast at not-CPU-heavy applications, but you'll loose warranty if you build it in.

 

[onomike]

I have the same mini model and did the memory upgrade, too. Look into the Logitech stuff with unifying receiver as suggested by others. I use the Logitech K750 solar wireless keyboard and M570 wireless trackball. The K750 has a mac-specific version and includes a number pad which I need. Both have worked really well for me.