Should I get a Mini?

[theRAMman]

I have been looking for a apple computer to replace my current 2.2ghz core 2 duo macbook. I have a limited budget so the mac mini was my first choice. All I want to do is some internet surfing and a little light gaming (Minecraft) what would be better, get a Mac Mini (when the new model comes out) or spend the same money on a 2010 MBP which has the advantage of a screen included. Any help appreciated

 

[S.B.G]

I have been looking for a apple computer to replace my current 2.2ghz core 2 duo macbook. I have a limited budget so the mac mini was my first choice. All I want to do is some internet surfing and a little light gaming (Minecraft) what would be better, get a Mac Mini (when the new model comes out) or spend the same money on a 2010 MBP which has the advantage of a screen included. Any help appreciated

I think the deciding factor for you is portability. Do you need to be able to take it with you? If so, then the MBP would be the way to go. If not, save a few bucks and get the Mini.

 

[MacDawg]

I think the deciding factor for you is portability. Do you need to be able to take it with you? If so, then the MBP would be the way to go. If not, save a few bucks and get the Mini.

I would agree
The mini is a great choice if you already have a monitor to use and you don't need the portability

 

[theRAMman]

I suppose portability is not such a concern, the battery on my current macbook is broken so not being able to move isnt new to me. it was the allure of not having to buy a separate screen, keyboard and mouse. Out of curiosity, what sort of speeds would you be talking with minecraft on a mini? its the only game i really play and all i want is the ability to play it without melting the CPU (you can see the black mark on my macbook where that happened )

 

[S.B.G]

I suppose portability is not such a concern, the battery on my current macbook is broken so not being able to move isnt new to me. it was the allure of not having to buy a separate screen, keyboard and mouse. Out of curiosity, what sort of speeds would you be talking with minecraft on a mini? its the only game i really play and all i want is the ability to play it without melting the CPU (you can see the black mark on my macbook where that happened )

I couldn't answer that question as I'm not much of a game player, but I think you'd be fine as long as it's kept in a cool place; not in direct sunlight.

 

[theRAMman]

lol, thx for the info. I might even be able to save up enough for the 2.5ghz model (or whatever the 2012 equivalent will be).

 

[Jackintosh]

Yes, I highly recommend the Mini. I never missed owning the iMac (except the G4 round lamp base version before the Mini). It's very powerful for almost all needs and you're not tethered to a monitor. I've upgraded my display a number of times thanks to the freedom of components the Mini gives.

 

[calvol]

I'm going thru the same decision. I have a 2010 C2D 13" MBA and love it for its portability. However, I bought a TB Display from a friend who gave me a good deal, so I need either a Mini or a 13" MBP. I'm thinking buying a Mini to use with the TBD, since I will probably keep the 2010 MBA, and synch the two in iCloud. I looked at the 15" MBP in the store, but they are too big I think, and the new RBMP is rev 1.0.

 

[mentaluproar]

Only get a laptop if you are tight on space or need portability. Otherwise, a desktop is your buddy.

If you don't already has a screen, keyboard, etc, get the iMac. If you already have a decent monitor and don't mind a few extra cords, grab the mini. I've had both the mini and iMac and they are both great machines. Your usage isn't that tough.

 

[Candunc]

Well, minecraft is quite graphically intensive for such a low res game, but to get decent frame rates without melting your CPU, I'd get the 2.5 GHz model with the Graphics card to share the load. If you really need portability, a macbook pro would be your best to go with, but a mac mini would be better.

 

[theRAMman]

there is, i suppose, another option.... the deep, dark perils of the Hackintosh