Unique Situation

[jmwalton]

I am in the market for my first Mac. First, let me say I am visually impaired so a screen means nothing to me. My primary target is the Mac Mini's, but I am patiently (not really) waiting for the refresh of them before I jump into one. I want to use my Mac as my main computer (Internet browsing, word processing, etc.), Skype, basic games, audio editing, etc. Also, a possible HTPC in the future. I guess my three questions are:

Should I stick with a Mac Mini, or look along a different route?

(If, or even if the price does not raise) Should I stick with the current generation Mac Mini (C2D 2.4), or wait for the refresh?

Would even a used/previous generation(s) be up for debate?


I guess just throw out anything and everything anyone thinks. ANYTHING is up for consideration here.


Couple of extra things: If the Mac Mini goes up in price by more than $50, it won't look as appealing to me anymore. Also, the fact of waiting for Lion is no big deal, I can obtain that on my own later on. Price range = doesn't matter to a point. Let me know your thoughts and opinions. Thank you!

 

[The Samurai]

I am in the market for my first Mac. First, let me say I am visually impaired so a screen means nothing to me. My primary target is the Mac Mini's, but I am patiently (not really) waiting for the refresh of them before I jump into one. I want to use my Mac as my main computer (Internet browsing, word processing, etc.), Skype, basic games, audio editing, etc. Also, a possible HTPC in the future. I guess my three questions are:

Should I stick with a Mac Mini, or look along a different route?

(If, or even if the price does not raise) Should I stick with the current generation Mac Mini (C2D 2.4), or wait for the refresh?

Would even a used/previous generation(s) be up for debate?


I guess just throw out anything and everything anyone thinks. ANYTHING is up for consideration here.


Couple of extra things: If the Mac Mini goes up in price by more than $50, it won't look as appealing to me anymore. Also, the fact of waiting for Lion is no big deal, I can obtain that on my own later on. Price range = doesn't matter to a point. Let me know your thoughts and opinions. Thank you!

From what you've said (in terms of YOUR usage), the current mini will be fine. That said, one of the good things about Apple is that when they release new ones (which is very soon) - the prices are at the same price point. For me personally, if I were in a situation where I could hang on - I would wait for the latest one. It will beneficial in the long run (speed wise).

Answers to your Q's:

1) The Mac Mini is an excellent wee machine - it would be ideal in your case.
2) Depends on how urgent you need it.
3) You may be able to get a good deal on the Apple refurb section and/or eBay.

 

[saulinpa]

It is good to be thinking Mac but what is driving you? The mini is more than adequate for what you are talking about. Even one that is several years old will work fine. Just make sure that it is a core 2 duo and 2 gig of memory.

Since it will be your first Mac you need to consider the support aspect. How much will you need? Do you need store support (buy at brick-and-mortar) or will phone be OK (on-line)? Or none (used)?

You can save $100 if you buy a refurbished unit on Apple's site and still get the 90 day phone support with 1 year warranty. Also eligible for Applecare if you determine that you need it.

 

[jmwalton]

It is good to be thinking Mac but what is driving you? The mini is more than adequate for what you are talking about. Even one that is several years old will work fine. Just make sure that it is a core 2 duo and 2 gig of memory.

Since it will be your first Mac you need to consider the support aspect. How much will you need? Do you need store support (buy at brick-and-mortar) or will phone be OK (on-line)? Or none (used)?

You can save $100 if you buy a refurbished unit on Apple's site and still get the 90 day phone support with 1 year warranty. Also eligible for Applecare if you determine that you need it.

I would rather have a 2010 or a new 2011 model (when it's released), just my preference (to have AppleCare). Plus the thrill of opening a "new" Mac.

I don't care as much about support, like in-store or over-the-phone, since I am an IT Technician so computers are my living, I know what I am doing. Don't need hardly any support, just AppleCare for the hardware warranty aspect.

I guess I should have put this first, I want a Mac for the simplicity and the accessibility features unlike what Windows has to offer. I love VoiceOver, hence, one of the main reasons why I like and want a Mac. The accessibility is awesome, and it's a Mac of course.


Also, I probably would not buy directly from Apple, since it's more with tax. Amazon has the current one for $664.05 and I have a Prime account, so I could overnight it and it would be under $670. Just a thought, but please, continue giving me suggestions. I keep going back and forth between a MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and the Mac Mini and I'm so confused lol.

 

[cocacolakid]

If the screen isn't important, I wouldn't pay the extra $400+ for a Macbook or Air. I assume you have a monitor now, and if you've narrowed it down to the current Mini or the next Mini, if it comes out soon enough, then just shop around for the best deal you can get.

I wouldn't rule out Apple's refurbished Mini's. You'll pay tax but get free shipping and they're still cheaper than a new one on Amazon. They're also impossible to tell from new, and come with the same warranty as a new Mini and are eligible for AppleCare.

I doubt you'll find a new Mini on eBay for less than Amazon's price, and you have the security of knowing you have a place/face to return it to if it has a problem at arrival.

 

[philipma1957]

I am in the market for my first Mac. First, let me say I am visually impaired so a screen means nothing to me. My primary target is the Mac Mini's, but I am patiently (not really) waiting for the refresh of them before I jump into one. I want to use my Mac as my main computer (Internet browsing, word processing, etc.), Skype, basic games, audio editing, etc. Also, a possible HTPC in the future. I guess my three questions are:

Should I stick with a Mac Mini, or look along a different route?

(If, or even if the price does not raise) Should I stick with the current generation Mac Mini (C2D 2.4), or wait for the refresh?

Would even a used/previous generation(s) be up for debate?


I guess just throw out anything and everything anyone thinks. ANYTHING is up for consideration here.


Couple of extra things: If the Mac Mini goes up in price by more than $50, it won't look as appealing to me anymore. Also, the fact of waiting for Lion is no big deal, I can obtain that on my own later on. Price range = doesn't matter to a point. Let me know your thoughts and opinions. Thank you!

THE WORST MACHINE YOU CAN BUY IS A 2010 MAC MINI.

I capped because I believe you when you said you are visually impaired. The only good thing about a 2010 mini is the gpu. Since you see poorly don't get a 2010 mini.


get a refurbed 2009 or wait for a 2011.

 

[cocacolakid]

THE WORST MACHINE YOU CAN BUY IS A 2010 MAC MINI.

I capped because I believe you when you said you are visually impaired. The only good thing about a 2010 mini is the gpu. Since you see poorly don't get a 2010 mini.


get a refurbed 2009 or wait for a 2011.

Why is a 2010 mini the worst he can buy, but a 2009 or 2011 is a better fit?

Comments like that with no explanation is not a help to anyone.

 

[TechnoDestructo]

ALL minis are currently a poor value.

 

[87am]

The current Mac mini sounds like a great choixe. The value of this great little machine depends on the owner. While they may be updating it soon, i imagine those updates may simply add to the horsepower of the machine. I know I'd see a difference in gaming and video encoding. Depedent on the extent of your impairment that may mean little to nothing to you. I think I like the idea of scooping one up right at the refresh, that way you save a bit to put towards Lion.

 

[dlimes13]

First off, I would (try) to wait until the next refresh of the Mac Mini. If you don't like it, you can probably get the current 2010 generation for cheaper than the $664.05 via Amazon right now. They always go down after a new generation is released.

Also, for your needs, the current generation is really all you need. I'd upgrade the RAM to 4 or 8GB (since it's cheap), and the hard drive (but it's complicated) then you should be all good. I know you might not like buying a new Core 2 Duo in 2011, but it's really all YOU need.