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Mac mini

Avatar Mark Ford
Does anyone have experience of the Mac mimi? I have never even seen one!
My nephew, a young PC user, has asked me what I think of them because he might buy one.
So what do I think of them?

Re: Mac mini

Avatar Mick Burrell
I don't have one but see lots of people using them in my travels. I see them as a great entry system if you already have a monitor from a previous machine. They're still attractive price-wise even if you need to buy a monitor. Even when you add keyboard/trackpad/mouse as required, I still think they are good value, very capable machines. Do check which adaptor (if any) will be needed to connect to the screen.

Re: Mac mini

Avatar Douglas Cheney
My son has bought one and seems to like it and has had no trouble with it that I know of

Re: Mac mini

Avatar Eleanor Spenceley
A 'Mac mimi'? Oh! Err missus! Does this come in pink? ;-)

I have a 2010 Mini it's lovely little machine with lots of ports.

'My nephew, a young PC user, has asked me what I think of them because he might buy one.'<br />


I suppose it all depends on what he wants to do with it. New Minis have no DVD built in so make it not too good for a home entertainment system (if you've got loads of music/films to import/listen to). They do have a HDMI->DVI adapter, a VGA adapter is extra assuming he wants to connect it to an old PC monitor.

Their intel graphics is not too fast compared to dedicated chips so games won't run super well.

Internal HD's are slow (5400 rpm) unless you choose to get an SSD and replacing the HD was difficult (on my 2010 Mini), easy to break the tiny thermal sensor. (£25 to replace!).

That said. I'd get another one! :-)

Re: Mac mini

Avatar John Surtees
Had one for a couple of years - sound out port stopped working a while back, so just used one of the USB ports instead. Would buy again in an instant. A great little machine.

Re: Mac mini

Avatar Euan Williams
And then, for some extra readies, there is the SSD with HDD option using Apple's Fusion technology: http://www.macrumors.com/2012/11/09/apples-fusion-drive-faster-performance-in-a-simple-consumer-focused-package/ -- this URL has some speed tests and also references an excellent Ars Technica article on the technology.

As Thunderbolt drives come down further in price, like the other newly-revised Macs, the new MacMini will have enviable data shifting abilities which are worth taking into account.

Re: Mac mini

Avatar Mark Ford
Thank you all for that - he has decided to get one!
I notice that there may be one on display at the next meeting in B'mouth.

Re: Mac mini

Avatar Mick Burrell
That's an iPad mini.

Re: Mac mini

Avatar Mark Ford
Ah! I should pay attention. He is my Grandson too - not nephew!
Time to hang up my boots - Ho hum.

Re: Mac mini

Avatar Alan Cox
Despite that gaffe, Mark, you'll be very welcome at our next meeting in Bournemouth (Tuesday 20th November). As it is in the Solutions shop, they may let you see a Mac Mini (if you ask very nicely!).
 
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