Server or reg mini 2010

[SmilesLots]

I was wondering what is the advantage of server software. Sorry for this noob type of question, but having always used 'client" software, I must confess to not knowing if I am missing something or not.

I just recently got the base 2010 Mini and did up the ram to 4 GB. In watching some of the discussion here, and in contemplating whether to get a refurb 27 in iMac, a Mac Book Pro, or wait for the Mac Pro, I seem to now have another option: and that is to get the Mini server. I would be doing audio recording and editing using a simple program called SparkME. The server mini has two hd's that can be raided, I have external 1TB drives for backup, so it seems a fair option. I even have a spare HDMI display, keyboard and trackball. I kinda like the idea because it is $900 less than the iMac or Mac Book solution, and maybe 1000's less than the Mac Pro solution. What do you folks think? Thanks.

 

[a2applegirl]

I was wondering what is the advantage of server software. Sorry for this noob type of question, but having always used 'client" software, I must confess to not knowing if I am missing something or not.

I just recently got the base 2010 Mini and did up the ram to 4 GB. In watching some of the discussion here, and in contemplating whether to get a refurb 27 in iMac, a Mac Book Pro, or wait for the Mac Pro, I seem to now have another option: and that is to get the Mini server. I would be doing audio recording and editing using a simple program called SparkME. The server mini has two hd's that can be raided, I have external 1TB drives for backup, so it seems a fair option. I even have a spare HDMI display, keyboard and trackball. I kinda like the idea because it is $900 less than the iMac or Mac Book solution, and maybe 1000's less than the Mac Pro solution. What do you folks think? Thanks.

For what you want to use it for, and for what you own already that you can connect to it, the mac mini server would be a good fit for you. The server software doesn't take any functionality away from the client functionality, it just adds user, network and resource management. You will be able to add users to your computer, manage your network, have a web site on the box, and other features with the server software. You do not need or have to use these features, they are just there if you want them. I bought the mini server to hook up to my plasma tv, and I bought it because it came with the extra ram and the larger, faster hard drive. I find that I am using some of the monitoring tools that come with the server OS just because they are there.

 

[Casey2]

More Versatility

Also if you should take a notion to you can install Snow Leopard Client with Bootcamp (Server OS doesn't have Bootcamp) and install Windows running as a complete operating system as opposed to using a Virtual OS such as VMWare.

My 2010 Mini Server is running Win XP Pro as well or better than I have ever had it run on my Dells or other PCs.

 

[SmilesLots]

Also if you should take a notion to you can install Snow Leopard Client with Bootcamp (Server OS doesn't have Bootcamp) and install Windows running as a complete operating system as opposed to using a Virtual OS such as VMWare.

My 2010 Mini Server is running Win XP Pro as well or better than I have ever had it run on my Dells or other PCs.

I have Parallels on the Mac Pro and almost never use it. I do have a web site that maybe putting it on the server is the thing to do when the present hosting expires. Something to think about. And to still be able to sue it as a sorta client and run the audio program, that would be a plus. Thanks.