why should I buy mini?

[bluebird3]

Been thinking about buying space saving Mac either mini or one of those note book....

I'm currently using power Mac g4 mdd 1.0 dp with 20" cinema display. Both are working out ok but time for space saving. I'm actually geared toward note book since it's potable. But i might still consider mini. Pros and Cons ?

 

[fa8362]

In my opinion, if you haven't defined your needs and don't know what to buy, you probably shouldn't buy anything.

 

[Saltymac]

Not sure about your need for a laptop that is safe to drink or cook with. I would agree with other comment if you are getting by with a mdd now i dont see why you would need to change.

 

[opinio]

As noted, you need a few more details.

But broadly speaking...

The mini has an exceptional 'power to weight' ratio, particularly a quad with 16GB RAM.

The mini also has the best value for money in the Mac line.

Easy to upgrade parts. It is still servicable and somewhat DIY.

Good options for hard drives. It still uses the universal 2.5" hard drive and sata connection as opposed to proprietry drives such as those in the MBA and rMBP. There are a lot of options for internals then with many SSDs and also HDDs up to 1.5TB in 9.5mm now. So you can run a 2.5TB fusion or 3TB RAID-0 internal.

 

[ohbrilliance]

If you're looking for one computer that is portable and can be plugged into a monitor, then a laptop such as the MBA is a pretty obvious answer.

For general usage, a MBA offers plenty of power. For heavy tasks, a MBP may be in order, or a Mac Mini, but then you'd lose the portability.

 

[yinz]

Mac Mini is the most repairable Mac? It also doesn't matter so much if the screen break, because you can just buy a different monitor. I think you might have more ports than a MacBook Air too.

 

[Micky Do]

It depends on your wants and needs.

If you need portability, from home to office to cafe to wifi hotspot, an Air will suit you better.

If you just desire a bit of transportability, from desk to desk, the Mini will be a good, versatile choice.

Get the peripherals you want. Upgrade or update parts of your modular system as needs dictate or budget allow. Have a couple of sets and and move the Mini between them, or just plug in to what is available wherever you go.

 

[GoCubsGo]

In my opinion, if you haven't defined your needs and don't know what to buy, you probably shouldn't buy anything.

This.
If you have to ask why then you're wasting your time and probably money.

 

[blanka]

The Mini is the best computer ever, with the lowest TCO and the best resell value. You can't go wrong.

 

[Fishrrman]

[[ I'm currently using power Mac g4 mdd 1.0 dp with 20" cinema display. Both are working out ok but time for space saving. I'm actually geared toward note book since it's potable. But i might still consider mini. Pros and Cons ? ]]

I went from a g4/DP 1.25 MDD to a 2012 Mini 2.6ghz. Very impressed with the small form factor, essentially zero noise (what a difference!), and power that exceeds that of the old Mac tower.

Remember that by going from g4 to Mini, you are replacing one desktop unit for another.

If you have-to-have "portability", that's an entirely different argument.

But considering the cost of the new Mac Pro (when it gets released), you could buy a Mini _and_ a MacBook Pro, and have two-for-one!

(Aside: a friend bought an identical Mini the same time I did. He satisfies his "need for portability" with an iPad)

 

[blanka]

I satisfy the portability with my Mini. It is more portable than a Mac Book Air, yet a lot faster! OK, you need to have keyboard, mouse and screen at all locations, but that is not a big problem in my case. You can even hook it up to a TV. And on the road, I'm on the road.... not working! You won't want to carry a G4 MDD with you .

I went from a g4/DP 1.25 MDD to a 2012 Mini 2.6ghz. Very impressed with the small form factor, essentially zero noise (what a difference!), and power that exceeds that of the old Mac tower.

Exceeds???? Make that Destroys! 10 times as fast at least. The only reason the G4 might feel relative snappy is the 3,5 inch HD. But that is fixed with a SSD in the Mini.

 

[old-wiz]

I have a 2008 24" iMac that's starting to have problems. I don't really stress the machine, so a mini plus a Thunderbolt display would be a great replacement in my thinking. I hate that when the iMac internals die you are left with a beautiful screen that you can't use.