Switching from PC to Mac Mini advise.

[had0ukenn]

Hey guys,

I have 2 uncles who currently own a PC, they are not too tech savvy and have kids that use the PC as well. Ive installed virus scanners for them before yet the machines still manage to catch something, i cant really keep up with the problems and help them fix it every time.

The PC is used for everyday things such as browsing the internet, using iTunes for their phones, Microsoft office and print/scanning. They don't really play games on the pc besides the stock games that comes with the system.

I was looking at the late 2012 i5 mac mini models for them, they currently go for about $549-$569 here at some retail stores. I figured that switching over to mac will be a better option for them as its not as buggy as the PC. The mac mini is also a cheaper option compared to iMacs or the mac pro etc. I understand that there is a speculated update soon according to the buyers guide but i don't think that a new processor or more storage space will really matter to my uncles.

My questions to you guys are:

1) How do you like the mac mini? If you have switched from a pc to the mac mini, how was the transition for you?

2) Since both of my uncles already own a LCD monitor, will i be needing a adaptor/convertor to attach from the mac mini to the LCD monitor? Also, do just about any monitors work with the mac mini?

3) Since there is no keyboard or mouse that comes with the mac mini, is it necessary for them to buy the apple brand keyboard and mouse or can they somehow manage to use the mouse and keyboard that they currently have?

4) I know i said that a new processor or more storage etc wont make a difference to them, in your opinion, would you recommend on holding out until the new models are released? The reason i ask is, since the current base model of the mac mini is going for around $550, would it be worth to invest in this product now or should they just hold out because the price of the current model will drop?

5) Do the mac mini's have a problem with overheating easily??

Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

[old-wiz]

just about any monitor will work

if the keyboards/mice are usb connected they will work fine.

they don't overheat easily.

the mini is great for switchers who already have monitor/keyboard/mouse.

 

[Micky Do]

As old-wiz said......

To which I would add:

Monitor - just about any will work, but you will need to get the correct connector cable. Not a problem; they are easily available. I am using a mini display port to VGA cable for my 2005 vintage monitor.

New model - who know for sure when the Mini will be up-dated? When it is the average Joe or Jill is unlikely to notice any significant difference in use, and the current model will not become obsolete for a good long time.

I am using an early 2009 Mini, to which I added an extra 4 GB of RAM and updated to the latest (Mountain Lion) operating system last year. I gather that it will be compatible with the Mavericks OS, which will be available within the next month or two. I expect my Mini to be good for a few more years yet......

Unlike my first, the 2005 G4 model, which was on its way to obsolescence when the shift to Intel chips was announced later that year. Whereas the early Minis were a bit behind the play, the current models are up there with other offerings from Apple.

Buy what you need, when you need it.

 

[blanka]

I never had PC's, yet all my Mini's have PC keyboards and mice, just cause they are better (I had Apple keyboards but they are prone to malfunction after cleaning) and cheaper. No problem with that, only the Windows Key defaults as Mac Key, but you can shuffle that to your like under Keyboard prefs.

Another thing I like is that it is easy to get keyboards with both dedicated Audio/Multimedia AND Function buttons. Apple keyboards default to multimedia keys and you need an FN button with them to function as F-keys.

 

[had0ukenn]

Thank you guys so much for all the informative replies. I really want my relatives to make this transition mainly because the stability of the mac os compared to windows. Constant virus infections.

 

[MJL]

To help with switching over for those that never have used OS X I suggest that you buy the book "Switching to the Mac , Mountain Lion Edition - The missing Manual by David Pogue".

 

[QWERTYMac7]

And, if they go the MM route and positively NEED windows in the future, you can buy Parallels 8 (9 is on the way) and install your favorite Windows OS (I use 7).

A Mac that can run Windows in a virtual machine.

A good backup plan...

 

[ChristianVirtual]

A Mac that can run Windows in a virtual machine.

True, technical no problem. I use Fusion for that. But OP want to runaway from Windows and it problems, why then install a virtual version ? Just get the problems back.
I would suggest to switch/convert fully and consequent. Mac Mini is a very capable computer.

 

[Fishrrman]

[[ How do you like the mac mini? ]]

My Mini replaced a PowerMac g4 "tower" that I had used for almost 9 years. It's faster, quieter, more powerful (in spite of the small size)

[[ Since both of my uncles already own a LCD monitor, will i be needing a adaptor/convertor to attach from the mac mini to the LCD monitor? Also, do just about any monitors work with the mac mini? ]]

Just about all monitors will work, but you WILL need the right adapter/cable. My late 2012 Mini came with an HDMI-to-DVI adapter in the box. If you need to connect through VGA, you may need to pick up an adapter.

[[ Since there is no keyboard or mouse that comes with the mac mini, is it necessary for them to buy the apple brand keyboard and mouse or can they somehow manage to use the mouse and keyboard that they currently have? ]]

Your existing keyboard and mouse should work fine (provided they are USB). In fact, I recommend that you DO NOT buy Apple's keyboard or mouse offerings. Your uncles may find the "flat" Apple keyboard hard to type on, and Apple's pointing devices are quirky. Let your uncles use whatever keyboard "feels best" to them. Same goes for the mouse. I happen to like Logitech mice best. You can either use the Logitech mouse driver, or use "USB Overdrive" or "SteerMouse" to add function to a 3rd-party mouse connected to a Mac.

[[ I know i said that a new processor or more storage etc wont make a difference to them, in your opinion, would you recommend on holding out until the new models are released? The reason i ask is, since the current base model of the mac mini is going for around $550, would it be worth to invest in this product now or should they just hold out because the price of the current model will drop? ]]

New Minis probably won't arrive until Jan/Fed 2014. If your uncles don't mind waiting, you can wait. Apple seems to "constrain stock" just before new models come out, so don't expect any "big" reductions in price on the old model when the new model is introduced. There will be _some_ discount, but not too much. You could also consider an "Apple factory refurbished" product. To check on what's available, visit "refurbme.com" at regular intervals. Be advised that when products show up, they often sell out quickly.

[[ Do the mac mini's have a problem with overheating easily?? ]]

I'm not saying this can't happen if you run the computer at continuous high-output, but I haven't had any problems with mine (late 2012 model). Once in a while the fan speeds up, and then slows back down.

 

[darky90]

1) How do you like the mac mini? If you have switched from a pc to the mac mini, how was the transition for you?

I enjoy using mine. The mac mini uses the same OS as all mac computers so if you're use to Mac OS, there is no difference. Switching between PC to Mac on the other hand you might need some time to get adjusted, but if you can use a PC, you can use a Mac. I honestly like Mac OS better than windows. It just seems more seamless and intuitive. Less cluttered.

2) Since both of my uncles already own a LCD monitor, will i be needing a adaptor/convertor to attach from the mac mini to the LCD monitor? Also, do just about any monitors work with the mac mini?

If your monitors are current, you won't need any adapters or converters.

3) Since there is no keyboard or mouse that comes with the mac mini, is it necessary for them to buy the apple brand keyboard and mouse or can they somehow manage to use the mouse and keyboard that they currently have?

Any keyboard and mouse would work, however with an Apple keyboard, it has icons on your F keys to show you the hotkeys for sound volume, etc. However, I personally prefer a different keyboard than an Apple. I don't like the way Apple keyboards feel. They look great though

4) I know i said that a new processor or more storage etc wont make a difference to them, in your opinion, would you recommend on holding out until the new models are released? The reason i ask is, since the current base model of the mac mini is going for around $550, would it be worth to invest in this product now or should they just hold out because the price of the current model will drop?

https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/mac-mini/ I assume the current model will drop in price as soon as a new update comes out just like all Apple products. I suggest waiting, but if you don't care for the upcoming upgrade, buy the current model when the release is out.

5) Do the mac mini's have a problem with overheating easily??
I use to play a little bit of D3 on my Macmini3,1 (upgraded to 8gigs ram) and it would totally overheat. Not sure about the newer versions.

 

[QWERTYMac7]

True, technical no problem. I use Fusion for that. But OP want to runaway from Windows and it problems, why then install a virtual version ? Just get the problems back.
I would suggest to switch/convert fully and consequent. Mac Mini is a very capable computer.

Because OP seems to know wery wittle of Mac Mini.

Onry posted to make honorable Op morely informed.