Thinking about buying a Mac mini - thoughts?

[War Pig]

So it's time for a new computer. Have a good 21" LG monitor and the gal at Best Buy recommended a Mac Mini. I had never seen one before and am amazed at the compact size and price for a Mac. I'd like to say that I'm not a tech guy at all. I use a computer to surf the RC forums, edit a couple small videos and do a few spreadsheets/word documents. I like the fact that it comes with it's own Office type program and iMovie. I don't play many video games so that's not an issue. My wife and I also have iPhones so I like the fact that this computer was kind of designed around this operating system. Any thoughts on this computer? I'd like to get some feedback before I spend $560 on it. Thanks!

 

[JeremyH]

Get a PC!

 

[neillarson]

The Mac Mini is a great product. It gets you into a MacOS device at the cost of a PC. I am a Solutions Architect and design solutions for customers based on Microsoft and Linux but I have not owned a PC for 6 years. I am have a MCSE certification but I would never run a PC again if I can help it. The 2.5Ghz with 4GB of memory will do anything a PC will with 8GB. If you end up needing a PC for a specific software package, dual boot it with Windows 7 or 8. I do that to play the MW series on my MacBook Pro.

 

[imthatguy]

If you've already got a great monitor, keyboard and mouse you're happy with, the Mac Mini is hard to beat for a value oriented Mac.

 

[Big Daddy]

The only issue I've run into owning a Mac is the castle link won't work and the software for my old Magellan GPS was PC only. There are ways around both, but I refuse to buy a copy of windows to run those two things. I don't use the GPS anymore and when I need my castle link I go to the LHS and they have one or I bust out my old pc tower and hook it up for a day or two.

 

[nappahdog]

after using pcs all my life I just got a macbook and will never turn back. everything I do is much more professional and its already paid for itself.

 

[BigBaller]

Don't have THAT apple product...yet. :lmao: More Apple Koolaid please...


Minus the Castle software update mentioned and a few other non apple friendly companies...there is NO WAY I would switch back to a PC. Heroes a question for ya...why would you want to even consider a PC again? I can't stand the BS "trial" software you get installed in these base models now. Ever bought a computer from bestbuy and then been asked if you want the geek squad to UNINSTALL all the garbage preloaded into them? Seriously, why buy a new PC and then have to remove stuff from it? Apple doesn't have any of that BS kinda stuff going on. It's ready to rock outta the box, user friendly and oh yeah...STILL NOT BUYING NORTON ANTIVIRUS sh!t every year. :mrgreen:

 

[justinart24]

I used my PC for interent/Excel/Powerpoint and my Mac Mini for video editing only. I would only say get a Mac if you plan on getting into doing videos....if not, stick with the lower cost of a PC. Also, check out NewEgg.com, that's where I get a lot of stuff...sure cheap micro usb cords(for charging my Android phone) and memory cards."thumbsup"

 

[EeePee]

Other than the Castlelink software being non compatible, I cannot give you one other single reason not to get a Mac Mini. Seriously. I have a 5.1 iMac from late 2006 and it's still my daily driver. Practically a perfect track record. Millions of hours of use. It's one of the decisions in life you won't regret. And the newer stuff is even better.

 

[hpiguy]

Made the jump two years ago to a Macbook pro, and I could not be any happier. You can bootcamp Windows on it for the programs that just have to have Windows to run like the Castle software, and for gaming for things like Steam, and it's the truly the best of everything at that point. I love my Macbook. :mrgreen:

 

[EverettY]

Mac Mini's are great! My brother had one and even though it was a little older it worked super well... My dad is getting the newest one when it comes out... They never have issues with viruses like PC's... They don't freeze as much and like you said they integrate with iPhones really well "thumbsup"

 

[War Pig]

Awesome! Thanks guys.....picking one up tonight. I have a laptop that I can use the castle link with. I appreciate the input. Tim.

 

[fr8cture]

I love mac's specifically the macbook pro. I would still have one but I need a pc to play my games. thats the only downfall of a mac. Some people will say bootcamp for games but we all know you wouldn't get the performance of a purpose built gaming machine. I'll probably get another when I can afford it.

 

[EeePee]

And then?

 

[War Pig]

I bought it, just need time to hook it up and get info transfered. I'm trying to get a bunch of stuff done getting ready for the SWSC.

 

[badhoopty]

i have one of the early 15" titanium mac laptops. its so old i can no longer update the software so its use is dwindling. i had to swap a cd drive but other than that its been solid for 12+ years.

 

[kmas]

I have a mini mac, its 8 yrs old, I have maybe turned it off 10 times since I got it, never had a virus, never had to buy anti virus software, never had to take it to be worked on. I will buy another. have fun with your mini.