Thoughts on a MAC Mini?

[singin_intherain]

I'm planning to make the PC to MAC transition and planing to get a Mini (don't really need a notebook yet, working on one hurts my neck, and transporting it around he house would be too hard anyway; I need a monitor on an arm and a cordless keyboard.)

Anybody have reservatios or thoughts about the Mini? If you think it's a good idea, what would you advise for the amount of RAM, a monitor, printer, scaning/faxing software (my current printer/fax won' work with MAC, and I'd be happy to just receive and send from the computer).

I'm borrowing G3 right now and am astounded at how slow it is, copared to my '98 PC. Will that disapper or is the Mini slow too?

[Broknwing]

Even after reading about the Mac Mini I wouldn't be able to make an informed decision about it, I really got kinda confused myself...What about the iMac? I've noticed recently that Costco has made the WONDERFULLY BRILLIANT move of carrying them now and included in the purchase price is a 3YEAR Apple Care Warranty Plan (YEAH) (usually an added cost)

I personally LOVE my Mac 17" Powerbook, but if you don't need a laptop, you don't need the added expense...

I'll let some of the other computer GURUs make more technical recommendations re your other questions.

[dan_nc]

What are the primary applications of that mini? Will you be working with graphics? Gaming? Is this going to be your primary computer? Primarily web surfing. Do you use voice-recognition software?

[singin_intherain]

It will be my only compuer for a whle. I'll use MAC equivaents of Word, Excel, outook, Internet explorer, quicken, Acrobat and I'd like to be able to keep a lot of it open at once and not have to reboot that often. I have lots of pictures, and might like to be able to do some vdeo stuff. no gaming. I would ike to be able to use voice recognition though I don't yet.

[Jadis]

you should be fine with it. The G3 doesn't run OSX well at all, so if that's the OS, it could be why it's so slow...also, it's a G3 anyway. I have one here that the boy is using, so I know how it crawls. Mine is even one of the high-end G3s before they quit making them and went to the new emac as an all in one imac-looking replacement and revamped the imac to the lamp.

I am looking at a mini for the boy's first "not a handmedown from mom" computer. The mini is a 1.5 Ghz processor (compared to the approx .5Ghz of the G3--depending on the year.) The G3s ranged from 330-700Mz. At that point, iMac switched to a G4 (the "lamp") at 700-800 Mhz. I think they finally cleared 1Ghz before being replaced by the G5 processor all-in-one flat panel looking thing that is selling now. Go by approximations, I'm going from memory and am too lazy to look it up right now.

I just proofed this, singin.... my mac geekiness is showing.:o (I also have the first Rev A Codename Columbus iMac here. Holding onto it for sentimental reasons. Well, because I'm a mac geek.)

[Zeus]

Singing,

The Mac Mini is a tremendous machine. You will love it. But make sure you get the Core Duo model. For the extra $200 you get an extra 166Mhz (no biggie), a second core (a HUGE biggie), an extra 20GB of hard drive space (nice but no biggie) and a DVD burner (another biggie). The single core Mac Mini should be overlooked IMHO.

You will need to get a few extras. You will need Apple's USB modem (a $49 option) to send/receive faxes. The good news is faxing software is built into OS X. Definitely get 1 GB RAM (as 2 x 512MB chips it's a $100 option). To minimise costs Apple uses integrated Intel video so 80MB of your RAM is automatically used as video RAM. This makes 1GB RAM a must IMHO. Finally you will need a keyboard and mouse set. Apple's set (which I really like) is $78 and the bluetooth wireless pair (which I like even more) is $99. As for monitors, any monitor will do. Apple's 20 inch monitor is gorgeous, but it's a premium product. You can definitely find cheaper monitors if you look.

The only Achilles heel of the Mac Mini is gaming. The integrated Intel video kills 3D rendering speed, but otherwise this is a brilliant computer. Better yet you can run Windows XP too which means one day I'll experiment with Dragon (I've got iListen for OS X, the only current OS X voice recognition product, and I'm less than impressed).

The other computer to consider is an iMac. I have an iMac G5 and it is simply the nicest computer I've ever owned. The Intel iMac has (over a Mac Mini) a much bigger hard drive, a much better video card, a built-in webcam and a built-in monitor. On the down side though, in a couple of years when I want to replace my iMac G5 I'll be tossing a perfectly good 20 inch LCD monitor.

Now that the Mac Mini is a dual core Intel machine I slightly favour it over the iMac. Mainly because it ushers in the age of near-disposable computing. Every 2 years for around $500 you'll be able to update your computer if you so choose!

Chris.

P.S. As for the speed of a G3, that is a very old Mac. If you're running Mac OS 9 on it it'll be zippy (except there were never any 'really fast' web-browsers released for Mac OS 9). Running Mac OS X on a G3 is just crazy.

For technical reasons I can't be bothered explaining, OS X has a really advanced graphics sub-system that pushes hardware. Windows Vista will have similar technology. But for now, Windows XP runs MUCH faster on old hardware than Mac OS X. Like Mac OS X, Windows Vista will be an absolute dog on old hardware if you turn all its graphics features on.

[Scorpion]

But make sure you get the Core Duo model. For the extra $200 you get an extra 166Mhz (no biggie), a second core (a HUGE biggie), an extra 20GB of hard drive space (nice but no biggie) and a DVD burner (another biggie). The single core Mac Mini should be overlooked IMHO.
I agree, unless you can only afford the single core Mini. I'd also suggest the Apple care extended warranty if you can afford it. Your printer might actually work on the Mac mini, even if it doesn't work on the G3 Mac you're borrowing.

Congrats on choosing a Mac! :applaud:

[Jadis]

Spanos...when I bought my iMAC I ordered ViaVoice with it and liked it pretty well. Might be worth checking into. I agree iListen is a pain.

[Scorpion]

Finally you will need a keyboard and mouse set. Apple's set (which I really like) is $78 and the bluetooth wireless pair (which I like even more) is $99. As for monitors, any monitor will do. Apple's 20 inch monitor is gorgeous, but it's a premium product. You can definitely find cheaper monitors if you look.
Don't forget, you can just use the keyboard, mouse and monitor you have on your current computer (even a PC) with a new Mac Mini if you need to save some money up front.

[JustinB]

Maybe they have changed a lot, but I absolutely despised the keyboard/mouse that came with my G4 tower.

I use microsoft keyboard/mouse combos on my macs and they don't explode.

-- JB

[Jadis]

Did you have the clear keyboard and mouse?

I use a wireless ergonomic keyboard and the Kensington Expert Mouse Pro Wireless Comfort Trackball.

I had to replace my mouse not too long after I got it. While I was at work, my yellow lab decided to climb on my desk in order to bark at a squirrel outside our window. He knocked various things off my desk, and my mouse was left dangling in front of the chair space. He, being the oversized puppy that he was (he was 10yo at the time) thought it was fun to attack the glowing red mouse. He chewed the tar out of it. I came home from work and caught him batting at it then biting when it would swing back at him.

For some reason, I don't think lab attack is listed as covered on the warranty.

[singin_intherain]

Thanks ll. I also meant to ask if anyone knows of good wireless keyboard with integrated pointer. I have an Interlink Verspint RF keyboard with one of thse disc pointers in the corner. I love that kind of pointer but I don't love the keyboard; the sensitivity is such that I lose a lot of etters, and it's nt mapping perfectly to the G3. so I' be u for nother one if anyne has suggestion.

An the ointer on this one is realy stiff, unlike the one I hve t work. Would that be the keyboard or more likely the nteraction with the computer It wasn't compatible with y old PC, which I found ut after I bought it, so wth the G3 i the first time I've used it.

[metronycguy]

[QUOTE=cspanos As for monitors, any monitor will do. Apple's 20 inch monitor is gorgeous, but it's a premium product. You can definitely find cheaper monitors if you look.
.[/QUOTE]

you can get the dell's wide screen on sale for under 400 now, i got a 20 inch widescreen that was $336 including shipping a month ago. they are made by the same factory that apples are, they have usb ports , s video , fire wire 400.
they actually are in some ways better than the 20 inch apple, the screen is height adjustable, rotates for 90 degrees.
a real nice product.
i am hoping the new imac rev b comes with vesa mounts

[Broknwing]

Singing-
Back when I used a desktop computer(also pre Mac days) I swore by my Logitec cordless keyboard & mouse. I believe that Logitec makes a keyboard that has an integrated pointer as well, but it's been a long time since I looked at them. I don't know however wether or not the Logitec accessories are compatable w/powerMac, but if they're USB I don't see why not. (afterall, I've used my mom's Microsqash(LOL) usb mouse on my Mac a few times when I had those "really wish I had a mouse" moments....

[singin_intherain]

Did you have the clear keyboard and mouse?

I use a wireless ergonomic keyboard and the Kensington Expert Mouse Pro Wireless Comfort Trackball.


Jadis,
My Interlink keyboard is black. What is the clear combo? What brand is your keyboard? Is it a bluetooth, RF or IR? Is the trackball integrated with the keyboard or is it separate? the one I have was the only integrated wireless keybard/pointer I could find, but that was a year or two ago. I'd love to find another, and bluetooth would be great.

Thanks for the visuals :) . My technical naivete misses the smile in your and 'Chelle's wry references to hardware exploits, but the lab images do wonders for my in-canine-withdrawal spirit.

[PN]

Jadis,

When you're finished with the above, how do you like the Kensington Expert Mouse Pro Wireless Comfort Trackball? Is the Trackball the same size as the Queball or is it a little smaller? If I can find a good deal, I'm buying.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00006B8NW.01-A2R0FX412W1BDT._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[Jadis]

clear keyboard/mouse is the macintosh combo set.

That be the one, PN. Dunno what you mean by Queball. I'm thinking pool... it is about the same size as a que ball, tho :p very comfy. I'm left handed so i program the buttons backwards - so six is my primary, not one. it worked well for me.

[PN]

That be the one, PN. Dunno what you mean by Queball. I'm thinking pool... it is about the same size as a que ball, tho :p very comfy.
Jadis, thanks. I meant cueball (http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/showproduct.php?product=2518&cat=452) not Queball.

Sometimes one brain is not enough!

[Zeus]

Spanos...when I bought my iMAC I ordered ViaVoice with it and liked it pretty well. Might be worth checking into. I agree iListen is a pain.
Jadis,

ViaVoice has been discontinued for a while now. You can still find it, but with no development in over 4 years it's only a matter of time before an OS update breaks it. I'll give iListen another go, if not it's Boot Camp and Dragon for me - although I need an Intel Mac for that...

Chris.

[singin_intherain]

you can get the dell's wide screen on sale for under 400 now, i got a 20 inch widescreen that was $336 including shipping a month ago. they are made by the same factory that apples are, they have usb ports , s video , fire wire 400.
they actually are in some ways better than the 20 inch apple, the screen is height adjustable, rotates for 90 degrees.
a real nice product.
i am hoping the new imac rev b comes with vesa mounts

Mike,
Can you give a novice any advice on finding such a monitor? I went to the Dell site and the choices are dizzying, and none was under $400, maybe $500. I can’t find any info on which of those ports/connections they have (nor do I know which are important).

What’s the difference between a 20” widescreen and just 20” flat panel?

Do any of them pivot 90 degrees to accommodate length in landscape or portrait?

And what’s a VESA mount? Would I be able to put one of these current monitors on an arm? I need to be able to pull it in front of me while I’m reclining.

[metronycguy]

I went to the Dell site and the choices are dizzying, and none was under $400, maybe $500. I can’t find any info on which of those ports/connections they have (nor do I know which are important).

i would watch the fatwallett forums for the ifo on the deals there is one this week. http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.php?catid=18&threadid=614343

What’s the difference between a 20” widescreen and just 20” flat panel?

Do any of them pivot 90 degrees to accommodate length in landscape
or portrait?

yes s the dells do this

And what’s a VESA mount? Would I be able to put one of these current monitors on an arm? I need to be able to pull it in front of me while I’m reclining.

the dells have the vesa mount so you can put them on a extendable arm




mmmmmmm

[singin_intherain]

Okay, so it’s been a hectic few months but I’m finally ready to pull the trigger on a new computer.

1. Has anything changed so I should look at something other than a MAC Mini?

2. Thanks Mike for the above on monitors but I couldn’t really make an informed decision on the Fatwallet website I hate to be so high maintenance but can anybody just tell me what flat panel VESA mount monitor you would by if you were me? I’ll keep the monitor a long time so I would spend a bit more to get all the connections I might someday want.

And?
mmmmmmm You do intrigue…

3. I’ll be giving up my all-in-one printer/fax. Does the MAC come with fax software that would let me scan and fax from my computer and receive faxes as files rather than hard copy? Or is there another program someone would recommend for that?

4. Any recommendations for a laser printer/scanner?

I do insist there are worse ways to be high maintenance.

[PN]

I would recommend upgrading the RAM in the Mac Mini from 512 MB to 1 GB for $75. I know that Apple's new OS Leopard will be out shortly but I don't have an exact release date.

[sjean423]

I had to replace my mouse not too long after I got it. While I was at work, my yellow lab decided to climb on my desk in order to bark at a squirrel outside our window. He knocked various things off my desk, and my mouse was left dangling in front of the chair space. He, being the oversized puppy that he was (he was 10yo at the time) thought it was fun to attack the glowing red mouse. He chewed the tar out of it. I came home from work and caught him batting at it then biting when it would swing back at him.

For some reason, I don't think lab attack is listed as covered on the warranty.

Jadis ..... loved this story. I have a lab myself. And people think that only cats chase mice. LOL

Sorry, singin, back to topic.