Anyone own a Mac Mini?

[ProudMarineDad]

My current PC is a Dell and is about 6 or 7 years old and I need to replace it.

Thinking about switching to an Apple computer. I wish I could afford an iMac but the Mac Mini falls more in my budget. About the only thing I use my computer for is to surf the net and do some spreadsheets for my fitness routines. Will the Mac Mini be a decent choice for this?

If I get the Mac Mini, I can use my current monitor so that will save me some bucks.

I know it won't be as fast as the iMac or some of the newer PCs but wanted some input from you folks.

[lxskllr]

I don't have one, but with Apple, you're paying a premium for the O/S, and pretty hardware. You'll always get a better deal by not buying Apple unless you value the O/S and pretty hardware. What's wrong with your current machine, and what are the specs? Your tasks aren't particularly demanding.

[N0mad]

Get a Dell Inspiron 15R Laptop for 499.99 and be done with it. I'm a software engineer I've owned lots of custom Desktops and many Laptops also a Mac Book Air the Dell's are as good as any IMHO... Oh by the way you can also use your existing display if you need something larger to view it on... Macs are not better just different and MAY present a sharp learning curve... Although you may not mind spending a lot of time getting to know the Mac OS.

It sounds like price $$ could be an issue for you based on your post, also keep in mind you can't use you PC apps on a MAC unless you dual boot, but if you're a techie type that may not be a problem.

Please no flames this is just a recommendation...

[TheJanitor]

Mac is overpriced, way overpriced. As lxskllr said they are pretty, but who cares? Build yourself a big, ugly gaming beast for a fraction of the price. It's really not as hard as it seems.

[Mawdryn]

Unless you plan to do design work, music editing, etc...I would totally go PC. I've had both Apple and PC, and for ease of use I surf with an HP Pavilion Entertainment PC. 18" screen, super quick and easy...all win.

They can be had quick and cheap at BestBuy all day long, including really cheap refurbs...

[internope]

Mac is overpriced, way overpriced. As lxskllr said they are pretty, but who cares? Build yourself a big, ugly gaming beast for a fraction of the price. It's really not as hard as it seems.

If you don't require an application that is Windows-only, the Apple is only over-priced in comparison to a Windows system if you get enjoyment from tinkering with PCs or don't value your time. I enjoy messing around with computers, so I use crappy PCs. My wife is not technical, she just wants to use her computer without having to worry about drivers, malware, and other Windows nonsense. I have never had to waste a single minute helping with her Mac Book and she has never had a minute of downtime. Nearly every non-technical Windows user I encounter has constant problems with their home PCs.

You really can't compare a Mac Book Pro machined from a solid piece of aluminum to a plastic hunk of sh*t laptop on sale at Walmart that won't last 12 months. Apple systems are not just pretty, the engineering and quality control is top-notch. Once you start comparing Mac Books to quality business grade Windows notebooks the price difference narrows or disappears.

[dpete]

I do own a Mac Mini but it is just about as old as your Dell so would be of little help to you with the modern ones. I've been an Apple owner since the late 1980's but have used the pc at work. Will not let a pc in my front door at home but that's just my own opinion/bias. I am quite happy with the form and function of all the Apple products I've owned through the years. I'm watching the Red Sox-Orioles game on my iPod (3-0 Sox in the 6th) as I type this so, yeah, I like their products.

I would suggest you go to the closest Apple Store and spend an hour asking questions, listening to them trying to sell you, and play with the computer itself. Then go and grab a cup of coffee and think about it. As purchases go it may not be the most expensive you've ever made but it is enough that you should be well informed. You may even choose against buying it but then you will know why. If the store is a little ways away then you get the added bonus of a day trip.

[N0mad]

I would suggest you go to the closest Apple Store and spend an hour asking questions, listening to them trying to sell you, and play with the computer itself. Then go and grab a cup of coffee and think about it. As purchases go it may not be the most expensive you've ever made but it is enough that you should be well informed. You may even choose against buying it but then you will know why.

Well said...

[snusgetter]

... I am quite happy with the form and function of all the Apple products I've owned through the years. ...

I would suggest you go to the closest Apple Store and spend an hour asking questions, listening to them trying to sell you, and play with the computer itself. Then go and grab a cup of coffee and think about it. As purchases go it may not be the most expensive you've ever made but it is enough that you should be well informed. You may even choose against buying it but then you will know why. If the store is a little ways away then you get the added bonus of a day trip.

Ditto ... As a former 'tinkerer' of PCs, I'm more than happy to forego the 'pleasure' of spending more time upkeeping a computer than just enjoying it. For the few Windows programs I need, I use Parallel Virtual.

[Bigblue1]

You have explained your needs, surfing and minor spread sheets, I imagine the unsaid need is for it to work at all time without messin with it. If my assumed third reason is there, then buy the best apple machine you can afford. Period.

[lxskllr]

Well said...

Yea, that's a reasonable approach. To balance things out you could go to BestBuy, and play with their offerings. I imagine the Apple guys are a lot more knowledgeable about their products, but at BestBuy you can at least put your hands on something, even if the sales people aren't particularly helpful

[snusgetter]

Yea, that's a reasonable approach. To balance things out you could go to BestBuy, and play with their offerings. I imagine the Apple guys are a lot more knowledgeable about their products, but at BestBuy you can at least put your hands on something, even if the sales people aren't particularly helpful

You can do hands-on at Apple Stores ............ and even some of the BestBuys have a dedicated Apple department... Around these parts the BB Apple people are as knowledgeable as the Apple Store employees.


btw, I have an iMac and a Mini along with a few iPods... minimal upkeep!!

[lxskllr]

I'm not sure if my BestBuy has Apple or not. I haven't been there in forever. I exclusively build my own, even though that doesn't give the price break it once did. It's still fun customizing things exactly the way I want, and I can overclock on a self built system. The only prebuilts I'm interested in are netbooks, and I'd buy them online. Asus' new netbooks look pretty sweet. I'd get one if I had the extra money :^)

[wadetheblade]

I used to use one 5 years ago at my old job, for me it was a little underpowered (design) but for surfing and general purpose, its a great little machine. You won't have to worry about viruses all the time. I've been thinking about getting one for my samsung tv so I can watch football games that are not on tv and watch hulu. I like that they are small enough to be tucked away for purposes like this.

[Ainkor]

I just picked up a new Macbook Air myself and it's a pretty sweet little laptop. Being a life long wintel guy it has been quite an adjustment, but not too bad overall.

The advice about going to either an Apple store or Best Buy is spot on. I'd never buy any computer that I couldn't "test drive" for a bit to see if I will like it.

As far as software is concerned, here is a link to Open Office for Mac. It's a free office suite (spreadsheet, word processor, presentation and such) http://porting.openoffice.org/mac/do...qua-Intel.html

I'd hold off buying any Mac until next week on the 14th though. Supposedly there will be a hardware refresh on that day and the Mac mini is one of the devices that they are expecting to refresh with faster processors.

As far as price is concerned, yes Mac's are more expensive but there is something to be said about the experience. As far as laptops are concerned, the hardware is great (if dated on some models) and everything works well. I spent 20 years hacking and messing with hardware and software, at this point in life, I just want something that is very reliable.

One thing that people forget to mention when they mention the "Apple Tax" is re-sale value. Most used, well taken care of Mac products sell for 70-80% of their original value even a few years down the road. When it's time for me to upgrade my Mac, I'll bet I can get at least $800 for my laptop. I also own a top of the line Dell and I was hard pressed to get offers for even half of it's original price and it's just a year old.