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"Mac Mini"

Do you own a Mac Mini? What's it like? Did you buy it as your first Mac system?

I havent used a Mac before but I'm in a position where it would be good for me to use both (being an animator & artist). At the moment I only need to become familiar with it, web-wise, using it with some graphics programs, adobe, macromedia etc. Then I'll buy a Power Mac G5 for the more heavy serious software, video editing, animation etc. So the Mac Mini sounds perfect for a starter system.

I'm guessing if I'm going to be using graphics programs I'll need to buy some more RAM for it. I would also like the 30-inch Cinema HD display (that I would then use when I get a Mac G5) which I think the Mac Mini could handle. I would get the G5 now but it'll likely cost far more than the display and I can give the Mac Mini to my mum.

So can you refer me to any websites for Mac users (or sites for Mac artists, webdesigners, photographers,etc). Suggestions on good Mac magazines. Would it be a must for me to buy Apple Protection Plan (or maybe just for the G5 and not the Mac Mini?) Is the Apple online site cheapest for Apple products or do you suggest another place? I think that's all my question I'll add more if they come to mind.

phi11ip wrote:
> Tyla
> just uses his for media and testing sites, that's hardly anything
> compared to graphics design.

I run Creative Suite 2 & MX Studio 2005 Pro on my Mini too with no problems at all. Albeit, I do have 1GB Ram on board, but it still out performs my ageing XP 2400+/1GB!

I don't just use it for testing sites... As I said, I use it as a portable web/media server too. Quite handy having a webserver which is only just bigger than my NTL modem to carry about to clients. ALso handy when working with clients on design tweaks or popping down the printers to finish some print work.

I use it a lot more since Tiger arrived, Tiger is t3h s3><0r when it comes to OS's and it's always handy to have when contracting and they try to force you to live in a windows environment.

monkey_man wrote:
> This is more like it, after adding some extras - far too expensive for
> what you get:
>
> • 1GB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 DIMM
> • 80GB Ultra ATA drive
> • DVD±R/CD-RW
> • Internal Bluetooth Module
> • Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Kits
> • 56k V.92 modem
> • Mac OS X
> • Mac mini - 1.42GHz
>
> Price: £616.17
> VAT: £107.83
> Subtotal: £724.00

Plus you need to get a monitor!

M@rk, you're interested in using it for graphics programs right? Tyla just uses his for media and testing sites, that's hardly anything compared to graphics design.

If you only want to spend a small amount, get a cheap PC. You'll be able to get something that will be able handle it.

FinalFantasyFanatic wrote:
> Getting my 12" Powerbook next month = big yeys.

They are so cool. Been giving a client lessons in OSX over the last couple of week sf=after they bought a 12" back from the states. Very impressive little lappies.

I'm a long-time Mac fan and user - never had anything else at home - but, personally, I don't really think the Mini is worth it. I'd just jump straight into the deep end and get whatever you can afford.

Getting my 12" Powerbook next month = big yeys.

M@rk wrote:
> Yes you probably could get a decent
> PC for that price but it wouldnt be as tiny :).

Shuttle.

I'm not trying to put you off though, a Mac is probably more suitable for your needs anyway.

monkey_man wrote:
> I'm after an actual PC soon (I use a laptop for everything), but
> mainly for gaming - what advantages would this have over £1000
> spent on a custom PC that I can keep adding to?

if you had a Mac you wouldn't be able to play CS/BF2/99% of games.

M@rk wrote:
> Timmargh : ... So are you happy with your machine Tim? Or (if you had the money) would
> you go for a later model and if so what?

I'm very happy with my machine, but who wouldn't want more power and a bigger screen?

;^)


Tyla wrote:
> 12". Perfect for her needs and nice 'n small.

I'll be getting one in a couple of months - I'll be needing it to use in the shiny new conservatory.

M@rk wrote:
Tyla : Ah that's great, have you experienced any problems at all with
> your Mac Mini yet?

None

>Afterall it's pretty small, probably smaller than I
> imagine it to be, does it heat up fast?

Stays pretty cool, infact surprisingly cool.

>Fan & drive loud?

Nope, most of it is passivle cooled

> Being quite happy with your Mac Mini would you ever consider a more
> powerful Mac machine now?

For work, yes, would love a nice G5 set up, but just about to spend £2400 on a new PC, so it'll be a little way off.

> What iBook are you thinking of getting her

12". Perfect for her needs and nice 'n small.

Thank you for all the comments guys :)

Timmargh : Yes sorry you're right I got the drives (which the 30" display requires) mixed up, I think I would go with the 23" anyway. Thank you for the links, really helpful. Oh I asked about the prices (elswhere) because for some reason Ebuyer has some stuff only a tad more expensive which I found odd. So are you happy with your machine Tim? Or (if you had the money) would you go for a later model and if so what?

Tyla : Ah that's great, have you experienced any problems at all with your Mac Mini yet? Afterall it's pretty small, probably smaller than I imagine it to be, does it heat up fast? Fan & drive loud? Being quite happy with your Mac Mini would you ever consider a more powerful Mac machine now? What iBook are you thinking of getting her and what's the difference between them and PowerBooks? Just a more powerful model? Yes I thought it would be best to set aside the intel chip thing as it's likely a few years away although I'm not sure when I'm getting a Mac G5.

I think the model Monkey Man listed is what I would go with, that's all the top parts for it right? Yes you probably could get a decent PC for that price but it wouldnt be as tiny :).

monkey_man wrote:
> This is more like it, after adding some extras - far too expensive for
> what you get:

Could custom build a PC like that for about £350to£400 and have a better processor etc...