RIP MBP...now what

[importluva]

Background:

So my 2.2 c2d mbp died. Can't output to a display anymore, display won't turn on, won't power peripherals, i spilled crap on it, etc. It served me faithfully and im ready to let it go (minus the contents in the hdd that i need to retrieve).

Also had an iPad1 briefly before i gave it to my parents. Big mistake. They won't let it go now.

PS3 for blu-ray, netflix, games, dvd player.

Now i don't have any computer or idevice other than my phone.

Needs:

I need something to connect to the TV. I love to surf the web, youtube, pictures, storage, etc. at home. Would like it to have a cd/dvd drive but not opposed to external usb drive. Absolutely no spreadsheets or any office work (have work laptop and phone email for that). Need this to last a good 5 years or more.

I need something mobile thats more substantial than iphone. Again for the same tasks as above. I feel i need to be able to store things on it, keep up with fantasy, watch tv on it, etc. Must be super light and able to use on bed/couch/chair.

Solutions:

1) Base model Mac mini + MBA 13" base
2) Macbook air 13" base model only


Getting both is going to put a big dent in my wallet but if this solution works for 5 years ill be happy. This means I will be out of the running for an ipad3.

I know nothing about mac mini. Will base model with 2gb be enough for my needs? How easy is it to swap to higher vs buying the $799 model?

AJ

 

[gmans46]

I would probably go with the baseline 13 mba if I were you but in all honesty its tough to be able to tell if you'll get 5 years from one just because they haven't really been around that long. That being said there supposed to be refreshing the mbps pretty soon like before the holidays maybe a 13 base is your best bet?

 

[importluva]

Im implying that i should get both. I need an at home solution that can be ON all the time (i think this is what killed the mbp in the end) and a mobile solution.

Since this is the mac mini subforum i was hoping for insight on differences between mini models and which one i should get.

I will update the first post to reflect this.

 

[philipma1957]

you should get a base model mac mini put in 8gb ram and you are done.

568 for the mini

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MC815LL-Desktop-NEWEST-VERSION/dp/B004YLCLM6/ref=lh_ni_t


http://www.amazon.com/G-Skill-SQ-20...ref=sr_1_9?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1318866139&sr=1-9


54 bucks that comes to about 622 if you do diy.

Since I don't know if you are in the usa I have to say with very good shopping you can get a new 2011 macmini base model for just about 600 with 8gb ram. the deal at amazon will give you 3 % off if you have an amazon visa card that is about 18 off the 22 so that is 604.

Outside the usa they cost more. there are some on ebay . ebay can work with good sells and if you have eBucks. you can get 2011 mac minis under 600 from good sellers with the warranty.




http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...ct=&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=50



Please put the 8gb ram in the mini. it works much better with the 8gb ram.

 

[wrinkster22]

if you get the macbook air you could buy a cable to connect it to your tv

 

[MJL]

Lesson for life: There is always the struggle for making the best use of the limited resources available. You mention you have only a limited amount of money to spend.

Batteries in any laptop will not last 5 years. The lighter your laptop the more desireable it becomes for others and the more likely it becomes for disappearing from your possesion. Eventually you'll discover that the hardware is the least of your costs - how much money and time is invested in your work, pictures and music?

I've mentioned it elsewhere - for my deteriorating eyesight I've moved away from laptops to a Mac mini which is still somewhat "portable". And it is a lot better than when the initial "luggable" computers came around (Compaq was the market leader and highly respected).

Some may give me flak for this but OS X is nearly dead: it is morphing into iOS. Personally I would no longer spend time on it - windows is more stable and flexible to my requirements. From my signature you can read that I reckon a Mac (mini) is the best platform (at this time) for Windows 7. You want a laptop: get an Asus, most reliable of the laptops and reasonably priced. If you've got money to burn then you get a Mac laptop. ( After all a computer is not a fashion item, it is a tool for work. ) In general Apple is grossly overpriced and overhyped for their computers.

Then get a Mac mini for at home. (there is no alternative similar small form factor computer available in the same price bracket that is just as silent - I've searched) The Mac mini's keep holding their value, look at what even the older G4 are still fetching. You can sell it on after 1, 2 or 3 years and upgrade.

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Please put the 8gb ram in the mini. it works much better with the 8gb ram.

OS X requires 8 Gb, Windows 7 is happy with 4 Gb but wants a faster HDD for housekeeping.

 

[importluva]

Thanks for all the input everyone.

I went ahead and purchased both. Typing from the mac mini using bt keyboard (and trackpad) and its working great. I took the base model with 2gb ram and its reasonably fast. Definitely faster than my old mbp was. I will increase the ram soon though. Im glad i got the trackpad though, the experience would be half as good without it.

Now to open the air...

MJL - Apple will be extracting the data from my MBP so hopefully no lost memories. Had most of it backed up with time machine.