Should I buy a Mini?

[CompUser]

I'm thinking of buying a Mac mini as a backup, as a 2nd computer, as a music server, print server and as a file server.

I pretty much get money for christmas and combined with my other non bank account funds I will have enough to get one. I am thinking of getting either a 1.25ghz mini (upgraded to 80gb) or the 1.42 non superdrive. We bought my mom one and I like it a lot.

Does anyone know when new minis will be coming out? Is the 1.25ghz now 1.33ghz and the 1.42 is now 1.5ghz. Both models now have 64mb Ram?

I have an LCD, and an apple keyboard, and I would probably would buy a mighty mouse (although i am concerned about their reliability). In total it would cost around $580 I am estimating with the Edu discount that I can get from my sister (college student).

 

[FFTT]

The new unofficial 1.5GHz mini with the 64 MB GPU upgrade is a very nice little computer.

Essentially you'll have a screenless 12" PowerBook in a box.
Since you already have a display and an Apple Keyboard, you'll be in great
shape.

The only problem is that there is no certainty your local store
has any of the upgraded models in stock.

 

[G5Unit]

Well you already have a screen but the iMac is WAY better deal. Look at this:

Mac Mini: 699 mac mini+17 inch widescreen monitor(maybe like 200-300 for decent one)+keyboard+mouse+speakers(mac mini one sucks)+USB hub(Mini has 2)+iSight=around $1000-$1300

iMac: 1299+uhhhh=$1299

And with the iMac you get MUCH more(processor, ram, HD, graphics card, monitor, 3 usb ports, less cables, decent speaker, iSight, frontrow, photobooth) We almost bought a mini for my mom but the iMac has way more stuff.

 

[doucy2]

just buy a cheap sawtooth for that
or an imac 500mhz or better

 

[FFTT]

Of course the newest 17" WS iMac G5 would be a far better system, but I was attempting to work within your budget limitations.

Perhaps a few visits to your local Apple Store with mom in tow will help
to work some elfin magic this Christmas?

 

[CompUser]

Of course the newest 17" WS iMac G5 would be a far better system, but I was attempting to work within your budget limitations.

Perhaps a few visits to your local Apple Store with mom in tow will help
to work some elfin magic this Christmas?

Haha, I'll try. But it will probably fail.

I haven't played around to much with her mini. I'm at my beach house right now and I'm freezing and bored out of my mind.

I like the mini though because it is not made out of that ugly plastic and if its monitor dies it won't be a huge problem. I miss the old style iMac.

 

[generik]

I will personally wait for a potential Intel mac mini at MWSF

Just imagine!

 

[iDave]

I personally wouldn't buy a mini right now until Apple figures out whether they're going to sell them with the new specs or the old specs, discontinue them or put Intel chips in them. What a fiasco!