Thinking about the mini mac

[brianwhi76]

Just as title says.

Questions I have....

Would I notice the difference between the 2 processors? Mainly be using for internet, photos, and a few other things. No extreme apps.

Also, is the wireless keyboard, and mouse a good decision?

Superdrive, or combo....don't do much dvd burning. Do watch some dvd's on 'puter though....

Decisions.....

 

[pknz]

You would definitly notice the difference between a single G4 and one G5, let alone two.

If you have a screen consider the Mac Mini, if not look into the iMac.

For internet and I assume photo viewing (not editing in Photoshop etc) and viewing movies a Mac Mini will be fine.

I would tend to recommend getting a DVD burner if you can afford it just to future proof it, and if you sell it will give it a bit more money pulling power.

Definitly increase the RAM.

Alot of people recommend the wireless keyboard and mouse, I did not go for this option as I didn't want to bother with the hassle of batteries.

 

[brianwhi76]

Thank for the reply.

I've spent an incredible amount of time researching this decision.

I'm switching platforms....tired of constantly "fixing" windows only to find that 2 days from now something else isn't working right again.

Couple more questions

Is it allright to buy refurbished products from Apple?
From what I can tell, you still get the same warranty, its just a refurbished(by the factory) unit.

Any other tips, or places to search for info?
Kinda getting wound up about making the switch.
I've used the Mac before, just not as my primary machine.

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

Is it allright to buy refurbished products from Apple?
From what I can tell, you still get the same warranty, its just a refurbished(by the factory) unit.

Any other tips, or places to search for info?
Kinda getting wound up about making the switch.
I've used the Mac before, just not as my primary machine.

Refurb products from Apple are just the same as the store but CHEAPER and hold the "refurbished" name. I'll be buying a 20" iMac from there soon....

Yes, there is a really great thread that tells almost everything you need to know to maintain your Mac, what software to use, etc.

Anymore questions? We don't mind!

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

I have the Wireless Mouse and Keyboard from Apple and they ROCK! Batteries last 6 months, if you turn them off at night. Look great, classy. Connecting to the computer is no hassle - of course, we're using a Mac!

I'd get the Wireless Mouse and Keyboard if I were you... especially if you have the money to do so...

 

[wdlove]

Yes, I think that a refurbished Mac is a great place to start. With the money you save then you can afford AppleCare and extra RAM.

This is a very good place to start.

http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/

 

[FFTT]

Right now the big story on Mac minis are the upgrades being discovered on some new shipments.

Primarily a faster 1.5 GHz CPU and more importantly
a 64 MB VRAM update.

With all the new PowerBook rumors floating around about next week, what may happen is that you'll eventually see the current PowerBook guts available
in the mini.

I wouldn't make any moves until after we see what happens Wednesday and possibly over the next 2 weeks.

 

[iEdd]

I'd get the Wireless Mouse and Keyboard if I were you...

Just a question... How do you setup a wireless mouse and keyboard if it's all you have?
Do you need a wired usb mouse to set them up?

 

[weg]

I would tend to recommend getting a DVD burner if you can afford it just to future proof it,

Does the mini come with a different superdrive than the Powerbook? Because my superdrive is oh so yesterday (slow, no dual layer), the exact opposite of future proof. Or were you talking about an external DVD writer?

 

[fayans]

Just a question... How do you setup a wireless mouse and keyboard if it's all you have?
Do you need a wired usb mouse to set them up?

Unless you have the mini with bluetooth option, wireless mouse & keyboard will not be an option.

 

[annk]

I can definitely recommend Apple´s bluetooth keyboard. Battery life has not been an issue - I turn it off at night or when not in use for more than 30 minutes, and the batteries last for months.

I also have a bluetooth mouse, but not Apple´s, I wanted two buttons and a scrollwheel - it´s Logitech mx900. It works great, but I really regret not making sure that it had an on/off button. No problem if you use it at home - just pop it in the charger when not in use - but a real drag when travelling. Since you probably won´t be dragging a Mini around, I would suppose that that on/off issue won´t bother you.

I am REALLY pleased not to have to deal with cords! Once you go wireless, you won´t go back

I agree with pknz, increase the RAM. I seem to remember the Mini will take up to 1 GB, so max it out now.

 

[FFTT]

Does the mini come with a different superdrive than the Powerbook? Because my superdrive is oh so yesterday (slow, no dual layer), the exact opposite of future proof. Or were you talking about an external DVD writer?

THe mini's Superdrive is another feature that will hopefully be improved in the updated, but I think you'll be lucky to get 8X.

Dual layer DVD blanks are still quite expensive, so a 16X dual layer burner
has it's downside.

I burn my data at 1 X for data accuracy most times anyway.

 

[kjr39]

My wife has been using a Mini since they came out and has had no problems for general computer use.

I am also looking to switch to bluetooth keyboard+mouse on my PM and hear great things about the Apples.

And, since I've owned my Gen1 PM 2.0, I have used the Superdrive all of twice... If you don't think you are going to use it, don't buy it. You can always add an external writer at a later time.