anybody have a mini Mac?

[leftofthedial]

reliable?

quiet?

fast?

audio?

[LeftCoast]

1. I have one of the original Mini's

Now they've just come out with the Intel Mini. As far as mine is concerned, I've had no problems (highly reliable). It's very quiet, though occasionally the fan will come on and make a bit of noise (not bad though). It's not superfast, but the new Intel chip should make a huge difference in that regard. I recommend maxing out on the RAM if you can afford it. I also think the new Mini has an optical audio port, but I'm not sure about that.

All in all, I really recommend the Mini.

Hope this helps.

[leftofthedial]

2. gracias!

I'm thinking of using one in my recording studio.

It sould be dedicated to audio applications and maybe a few games.

[alfredo]

3. The new Mini is quiet. It has one empty slot for RAM.

Max it out.

The new one has an audio in port so you don't have to get a USB device. I've read good reviews. I'm thinking of getting one too.


You will love how well it recognizes peripherals.

[leftofthedial]

4. I was just in the Apple Store (for something else)

and the salesguys there talked me into a new iMac instead. Faster processor, included monitor, keyboard etc. and cheaper to upgrade memory. All for about $400 less than outfitting the mini.

BUT . . . the mini is small (easy to fit into and isolate in the studio) and I already have a usable monitor and keyboard/mouse.

I think I'd go for the $799 model and max out the RAM. That's about a grand. With Apple Care, its about $1150.

[alfredo]

5. I don't have much money, being on disability, so the

Mini seems to be closer to what I can afford. Maybe a laptop could be better for me.

[NYCGirl]

6. Yep, just got the Intel Mini (with 1Gig RAM) and it's great!

It's the fifth Mac I've owned, BTW.

[alfredo]

7. I think I can scrape together enough for the Mini Duo.

Let's wait and see how much a dish washer and water heater will set me back.

[NYCGirl]

8. I'm sending good thoughts your way. Hope you can make it!

:hi:

Edited to add: Forgot to mention above that I got the Duo — it's FAST! (With the RAM upgrade, it came to $899 and NY tax it came to about $975.)

[alfredo]

9. I need $300 to get the machine I want.

[Elwood P Dowd]

10. I picked up a used original Mini

along with a 17" KDS monitor for a little over $400.00. It's also Mac number 5 for me.

[LeftCoast]

11. Do you mind letting me know what the stats are on that mini?

I'd be particularly interested in knowing how much ram & processor speed. :hi:

[Elwood P Dowd]

12. It's the 1.25 gig with 256 RAM

I'm trying to round up the cash to up the RAM to a gig, buy the DiskWarrior update from my old one ($39.95), and maybe a new keyboard. I'm using it with a cheap KSB monitor, my old iMac 333 keyboard, and a cheap Logitech mouse.

Five years ago buying this stuff wouldn't have been a problem, but now I'm trying to survive on half the income I had then. Thanks George for the fucked-up economy you've created.

I've seen the video from OWC on popping the bottom off and replacing the
RAM. It's not as difficult as changing it on the iMac 333, which takes some time, but it's also not the snap it is with the slot loading iMac I own.

Edit to add: There were some refurb Minis going for $379.00 with warranty when I purchased this used one. That probably helped lower my price to $300.00. You simply cannot beat it for that price.

[LeftCoast]

13. If you can afford it, I recommend upping the ram

It is possible to do it yourself, but it's a scary prospect. I tried it and gave up. Ended up paying CompUSA $30 to do it. It was worth it to me not to break the case.

Seems like you got a great deal for $300! I hope you're enjoying it! :)

[Elwood P Dowd]

14. If I can tear an iMac CRT apart, I should be able to do the Mini

You won't believe all the stuff you have to remove on the old iMac 333.
I'm more worried about the cost. Times are tough.

Just what problems did you encounter?

[LeftCoast]

15. You need at least two very thin putty knives to pry the the case apart

There are something like nine clips that have to be unfastened. It makes all kinds of horrible snaps and cracks as you try to do it. I think it would be very easy to crack the case. I started to do it and just couldn't get it open. The cracks and pops it was making really stressed me out so I gave up. :)

[alfredo]

16. Mac World review.

http://www.macworld.com/2006/03/firstlooks/minitome3/index.php

[leftofthedial]

17. thank you!

[alfredo]

18. Yer welcomed

[politicat]

19. I'm thinking real hard about one....

It'll be Mac #7 total, #5 currently. (We gave away the MacTV and the 8600 because they use more power than we want to use.) I bought a PC laptop, kept it a week, and took it back to Costco. I couldn't deal with Windows. But I have a couple of games I want to be able to play, and there's a MS only development environment I'd like to have access to.

I've bought a LCD, priced RAM and I have keyboards, drawing tablets, mice and trackballs. I'm just stalling now on buying the Mini until the old house is totally paid off (we have the check from the insurance company in hand!!).

But then Apple had to go and come out with a Macbook.