What spec Mac Mini do I need?

[Boyd01]

Apple has abandoned their desktops. So do you want the latest hardware more or that program more?

I know it's hard for some people to accept, but many of us come to a site named "MacRumors" because we prefer the Macintosh. As long as it continues to do what I need, I will stay (got my first Mac in 1985 and an Apple ][ in 1978). I am not suggesting that Apple can do no wrong, and I'm no fan of Tim Cook. But I'm still satisfied with my Macs, and don't see any immediate problems with staying in the ecosystem.

I also have a Windows computer that I use for specialized software. I *could* switch, but I choose not to. I was using BSD unix in 1985, AT&T System V, and an was early Red Hat Linux adopter in the late 1990's (also owned a bunch of their stock, which is long gone ).

If you are unhappy with Apple then it makes sense that you have switched. But there are still plenty of people who are happy with the Macintosh.

Having said all this, I don't see a way forward with the Mini. I am still happy with my 2012 quad and 2014 base that is only an iTunes server. But it's not likely that I will buy another, unless Apple really hits something out of the park. But the mini isn't the only computer in Apple's lineup.

 

[mikethebook]

Absolutely!! I won't go back to Windows again, not if I can help it. And I'm not really excited by Linux. No, here I stay. I disagree with you when it comes to the Mac Mini though. I'll stick with it until I can afford a Mac Pro . . . if that ever happens! I nearly bought the 2.6GHz Mac Mini from the Apple UK refurbished page this morning. It's gone now. But I decided I wanted to see what happens at WWDC first, whether another Mini comes out.

 

[Boyd01]

I disagree with you when it comes to the Mac Mini though.

That's to be expected, since you've explained how basic your needs are, and the fact that anything will be a huge upgrade from your current system.

I'm already at the pinnacle of the Mini as we know it, with the 2.6ghz 2012 2.6ghz i7 quad with 16gb, 256gb internal and 1tb external SSD's, 10tb of hard drives, a Sony production monitor and other stuff. I use this machine solely for video and audio. That system competed favorably with the 2012 top of the line iMac, but I don't see Apple approaching anything like that with a Mini update - and am skeptical that there even will be another Mini.

Two years ago I also considered getting the top spec 2014 mini, which would have been about $250 more than the used/guaranteed quad that I got from MacSales. The 2012 quad is 50% faster than the top 2014 mini, so I went with it instead.

 

[mikethebook]

Nice! I hope the Mini isn't ditched but you may well be right.

 

[CharlesShaw]

I am still happy with my 2012 quad and 2014 base that is only an iTunes server.

If your best friend needed a Mac as an iTunes server in his AV closet right now, would let him buy the same base 2014 Mac mini? I’m in that situation.

 

[Boyd01]

Absolutely. If that's all you are doing then it is arguably overkill. Mine has been running 24/7 for two years with no problems, it probably gets restarted 3 or 4 times a year. It's hidden inside a cabinet (with an open back for air circulation). The slow internal HD is not an issue for this kind of use and you don't need any more than 4GB RAM. My media library is on a fast 4tb USB 3.0 external drive, with two additional external disks that I rotate for backups (Carbon Copy makes a clone every night). With file sharing enabled I can copy files over my gigabit ethernet LAN at over 100MB/sec.

Since it's a Mac, it is a no-brainer to setup and maintain. I also have a 24 inch screen connected for watching movies directly when I'm in the dining room and it is connected to my home stereo (with speakers in multiple rooms) through the headphone jack. I have two Apple TV 3's, a MacBook Air, a 2012 quad mini and an iPhone that all work great with it.

Now this is not a system I would want for general purpose computing - it can be very slow just opening an application. But it's great for just running iTunes and home sharing.

 

[krause734]

I am not the only one. Macrumors doesn't recommend buying the Mini either. Haven't even dropped the price like with the Mac Pros.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Now this is not a system I would want for general purpose computing - it can be very slow just opening an application. But it's great for just running iTunes and home sharing.

Thanks for your reply. I saw a tempting open-box deal on the base 2014 mini earlier today, but decided to spend more time investigating my options. I’m growing tired of waiting for a “Buy now” solution to this problem I created.

I’m using my MBP for iTunes home sharing, as a network DVR running Channels, and for sharing an iPhone’s hotspot with my router via Ethernet.

My small living space lacks a dedicated computer workspace, and my kitchen table is hostile ground for a laptop tethered 24/7 to an iPhone, external drives, and Ethernet running under rugs.

A Mac mini in the closet with the other network gear would be ideal. In an effort to test this and to clear my kitchen table, (and since I don’t work from home or need my MBP for work), I moved the MBP into the closet and am trying to make do using an iPad.

I like using the iPad a lot and would love the largest iPad Pro someday when it’s next updated, but in the meantime I want and need my 15” MBP screen and keyboard back and to be portable again.

 

[Boyd01]

Thanks for your reply. I saw a tempting open-box deal on the base 2014 mini earlier today, but decided to spend more time investigating my options. I’m growing tired of waiting for a “Buy now” solution to this problem I created.

You could get an older mini, or almost any Mac to use for an iTunes server. I was originally going to use my 2008 MBP, but prefered something new that could last me for a bunch of years.