Dilemma:  MBP or mini

The guy I work with is about to buy a 17" MBP for personal/studio use. I was all for it, but now I'm starting to have reservations. It seems like a mini duo might be a better investment, especially if coupled with my powerbook, a nice 19" flat-panel, and a Focusrite Liquid Mix, all for about a grand less. Has anyone used one? Looks nice. Then we'll get the quad core book when it comes out. i bet it won't even be that long, but i hate to speculate...speculations not my forte.

If you already have a portable machine, I'd go for the mini. They have proven to perform CPU wise almost at par with a dual 2Ghz G5, though have a slow notebook hard drive. A lot of computer power for the money.
Dual 2Ghz Powermac G5   Mac OS X (10.4.6)   Logic 7.2 Gentoo PPC

Similar Messages

  • Share from MBP to Mini

    My main computer is my MacBook Pro, which I use at my desk, and take with me to the office or on the road.  So I have my music library on there, and it works fine. 
    I've set up a Mac Mini in the living room, which I want to attach to speakers so it can be the hub of my home entertainment system.  It will share the music library on my MBP, but there are times when the MBP is powered down or away, and I'd like to duplicate my music library on the Mini.  What's the easiest way to copy the music files from my MBP to the Mini ... and keep them in sync. 
    (I know I can do iTunes Match and just have everything in the cloud, but until I'm ready to wrap my head around that, I'm looking for a simple, old-fashioned way to just copy all the music from to the other ... and then keep them in sync.)
    Any advice?
    Thanks in advance.

    Thanks. That worked for me (different "Full Name" on each computer). I didn't realize the OS was not capable of distinguishing these. Usually user entered info (file names, folder names etc) are symbols for a more complex underlying ID assigned by the OS. Also the distinction between account name and full name were certainly not obvious to me nor was the consequences of changing either of them.
    Thanks much for the tip!
    Apple - how about a few tweaks to manage this. eg Inform users when creating accounts of the possibility of conflicts and/or pop up a dialog when the conflict arises telling the user there's a conflict (don't have to expose the other name) and/or fix the OS to recognize the same full name on different computers as unique ID's. There's probably more/better ideas but you get the drift.

  • Will Apple let me exch MBP for Mini after 14 days

    It has been about 24 days and I have decided the mini will suite my needs better. The MBP is just to hot to use as a laptop and I am not crazy about the whine batt life etc. Do you think the mac store in SF will let me swap out for the mini?
    Or would I be better of selling it? I got the student discount and Apple care.

    DEFINITELY expect to pay a 10% restocking fee.
    They will most likely do this for you, just be sure to stand your ground and be polite. When you don't get what you want ask for a manager, and be sure to let them know you want to remain an apple customer, but are just overall disappointed with the MBP and would like a different intel computer

  • Asking for permission when screen sharing between MBP and Mini?

    Hi Guys,
    Like many others I have a mini connected to the TV, and use that as my media center, all music, movie, pictures, etc. is shown thrue the mini.
    After upgrading to Lion I cannot use screen sharing as before, where I just connected to the mini, and voila I had the full control. Now it seems I have to accept the screen sharing request!?!? Is there a way around this, I surely hope so, because otherwise it will defeat the purpose of my mini! I mean, I have no mouse or keyboard attached to it obviously!
    I hope there is an answer to this
    Best regards
    Viktor

    Viktorrrrr,
    It appears that Screen Sharing is a bit "buggy" in this first release of Lion.
    Having said that, I have managed to get mine working and it is possible to have screen sharing without the approval prompt - the key is that you need to connect using the same account that is already logged on at the machine you're connecting to. So, in your case, after you click "Share Screen..." on your MBP, you should enter the account name and password that matches the account currently logged on your Mac Mini.
    This should be fine if the account currently logged on your Mac Mini is allowed to do Screen Sharing (see the list of users in the "Allow access for:" section of the "Sharing--->Screen Sharing" system prefs).
    If this works for you, stop reading here!
    However, if (like me) you log on locally to your Mac Mini with a Standard account, but only allow Administrators to connect to the Mac Mini via Screen Sharing, then you have some extra work to do because, as you know, when you connect via Screen Sharing with one account in order to view the screen of another logged-on account on the Mac Mini, you get the prompt asking for permission. There does not appear to be an option to switch off this behaviour and, I suspect, this behaviour will remain due to privacy/security issues. So, if you want to avoid this prompt, you are going to have to log in using the same account. And to do this, you will need to allow this account to Screen Share.
    The quick way to enable this would be to choose the option to "Allow access for: All users" on your Mac Mini - this would then allow your account (and ALL others!) to connect via Screen Sharing. But you really don't want to enable this if you can help it. Much better, would be to create a new local group on your Mac Mini called something like "Screen Share" and populate this group with all the accounts you want to be allowed to connect via Screen Sharing.
    To create and populate a new group:-
    Go to the "Users & Groups" system pref and click the + below the list of users to bring up the "New Account" window. Where you see the pull-down menu that says "Standard", click on this and select "Group". Enter your new group name and click "Create Group". The new group will be created and you can then select the accounts you want to include in this group (ie. the accounts you want to allow to connect via Screen Sharing) in the "Membership" section - just tick the boxes of the ones you want.
    Now go back to the "Sharing-->Screen Sharing" system pref. Where it says "Allow access for:", click the "Only these users:". Now click the + below the list to bring up a window of all users. Make sure "Users & Groups" is selected in the left pane, then click on your newly-created group in the right pane and click "Select".
    Sadly, this is where the real bugs seem to be!! When I try to permission my group for access, more often than not, my selected group is not added to the list of allowed access. I have played with this for hours, clicking various options in various sequences, but have not found a pattern. Even when my selected group does get added successfully, I sometimes find access is still not granted to that group and its members!!
    I'm afraid it seems to be trial and error at the moment - I guess a fix will come eventually, but for now you just need to keep adding the group, removing it, turning Screen Sharing on then off then on again, try adding again...etc! I CAN tell you that I did eventually get my group to stick and work as intended, so it is possible...but it will take time!
    Sorry for the lengthy response. Good luck!
    C.

  • Airport Extreme + MBP + Mac Mini

    hi all. i am really not into networks that much. so forgive me if i sound like a 5 year old. (nowadays even 5 year olders are experts anyway). i have an airport extreme and a macbook pro and a mac mini wirelessly connected to it. Mac mini has external hdd attached to itself and uses as it's time capsule. I've attached another one to the airport extreme as a time capsule for the mbp. the thing is i cannot access the hdd attached to the airport extreme by any means. and the airport extreme itself does not recognize the drive either. if i attach it to the mbp it is recognized and the system asks if i want to use it as a time capsule. but when i attach it to the airport extreme, even in the airport utility>disks tab i dont see it. and in finder i do not see my airport extreme under the shared on the left column. but the mbp and the mac mini are visible to each other. i'd appreciate if anybody can give me a heads up on this.
    the os is 10.7.3

    I've attached another one to the airport extreme as a time capsule for the mbp. the thing is i cannot access the hdd attached to the airport extreme by any means. and the airport extreme itself does not recognize the drive either
    Apple does not officially support Time Machine backups to a drive at the USB port of the AirPort Extreme, so that might explain some of the difficulty here.
    Some users seem to be able to make this work, while some have only some success and some (like me) have no success despite repeated attempts.
    If you want to try this anyway, the drive must be formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and a powered USB hub is often required for the hard drive.....even if it has its own power supply.

  • [MBP 15"] Mini-DisplayPort to Eizo S2431

    Hi all !
    I've a MBP Unibody 15" with an adaptator MDP to VGA and a Eizo S2431 in native resolution 1920x1200.
    When I connect my external screen (eizo) I can't have the native resolution, I can only have a 1680x1200 resolution...
    Is it due to VGA cable ? If I buy a MDP to DVI, is it going to work ?
    My screen work very well with my desktop linux in vga or dvi.
    Thank you for your answers!

    Is the MacBook Pro recognizing the TV at all?
    If not, it's worth trying to reset to NVRAM and PRAM: http://www.macbook2tv.com/2012/04/resetting-pram-and-nvram.html
    If the MacBook Pro is recognizing the display but nothing is showing, try different display resolutions (System Preferences->Displays).

  • IPad and pc laptop downloads @ 24 mbps, Mac mini downloads @ 6  mbps. What the problem?

    All 3 devices in same location, why is the Mac mini so slow on download from wireless network?

    I too was experiencing very slow surfin with my intl mac mini.
    I have had it for 4 days now. My windows desktop was running ok and my PB 12" was okay too but I did find it running abit slow tho.
    The mini was so slow that it did begin to annoy me. I was pretty sure is wasn't the mini's fault. I went out today with the intentions of picking up some memory but when I got to the counter the sales guy new about Mac's too and we chatted abit and he agreed it was probably the internet connection or the 6 month old router. So to isolate it, I should connect the mini by wire to see if there is a difference. The memory can wait for now.
    While out shopping, I decided to pick up an indoor antenna for my Dlink router. The sales guy said it should help. I figured I'd try it.
    I know my connection at home has been up and down, meaning fast to slow to annoying slow. When I got home, I hooked up the antenna and I'm just flying along! We'll see later this evening if things slow down.
    The gadget I got is made by DLink, a Omni-Directional 7 dBi, High-Gain indoor Antenna. Came with a SMA to TNS adapter to use on other routers. Also came with an extension cable and mounting screws. The bottom of the base has magnets on it.
    I used the extension cable. Kinda neat!
    I'll have to get my daughter to check her PC upstairs as she was complaining about the slowness.....hopefully there is improvmement.
    If the improvment doesn't stay the same, my next plan is to move the cable modem and wireless router back to my desk area and run a cable under the carpet to hook up both the Windows PC and Mini by wire. Hubby won't notice!! LOL
    Well we'll see how it goes later this evening.
    Cheers!

  • Mac mini will not keep MBP in airdrop

    The Mini will only "see" the MBP when I have Bluetooth preferences open on the MBP.  About 15 seconds after I close the Bluetooth Preferences on the MBP, the Mini drops it from the Airdrop choices.  The MBP "sees" both the iPhone and the Mini in Airdrop. Thanks for any suggestions.

    An update:  As I'm sitting here working on my Mini with the MBP open on a chair next to me, the MBP appears in the Airdrop window on the Mini.  ????

  • Mini Controlled by MBP very Slow

    Hi all,
    i control my headless Mini with my MBP and sometimes although my wifi is at 7MB up/1.5MB down speeds the respond time for communication from MBP to Mini is exceptionally slow. On Screen Share on the MBP i do something or press a command on the Mini and it takes minutes to respond. Any ideas why? What to look for? Utilities i can track whats happening?
    Mini is the MC815B/A model with maximum memory, 8GBs if i remember rightly....

    The 2.3GHz model only came with 2GB, so yes it very well could be the lack of RAM.
    see > Mac mini (Mid 2011) - Technical Specifications
    Use the Activity Monitor to check for RAM usage and look for a failed process.
    see > Activity Monitor Demystified | Mactuts+
    It can upgraded to as much as 16GB.
    see > Mac mini: How to remove or install memory
    and/or > Apple Mac mini Ram upgrades for 2011 Mac mini models

  • Can you use PC-1066 memory in 2011 Mac Mini?

    I have a Mid-2010 Macbook Pro 15" with the standard 4Gb of PC-1066 and I'm looking into buying the 2011 Mac Mini base model.
    Now, if I purchase 8Gb of PC-1066 for my MBP, is the Mini compatible with the PC-1066 memory? I know both the MBP and Mini use the same form factor memory, but the Mini takes PC-10600. With PCs, this sort of backwards compatibility is pretty standard but I'm still pretty new to Macs and I'm not sure how fickle they are.
    Anyone know if you can use PC-1066 in place of PC-10600 in the Mac Mini?

    Works physically, but the 1066MHz RAM is a lower speed than the 1333MHz RAM that 2011 Mini uses.
    Personally I'd leave the MacBook as is and order the correct upgrade for the Mini.
    Apple Mac mini Memory DDR3 / Ram upgrades for 2011 Mac mini unibody models
    Computer memory upgrades for Apple Mac mini (Intel Core i7 2.7Ghz) DDR3 - Mid 2011 Desktop/PC from Crucial.com

  • Best Way to Connect MacBook Pro (without Mini Display Port) to HDTV?

    Hello,
    Although I am fairly confident that I know at least one answer to this question, I thought it would be best to pitch it to the members of Apple communities, just to see if there is a better way to get to where I need to go. I have a MacBook Pro that I bought in July of 2007 for college. At this point, I know that it is fairly out of date, but I'm reluctant to throw down another three grand for a new one until I absolutely need to. Anyway, I want to connect it to my HDTV to play movies, games, etc. As this is an old model of the MBP, the Mini Display Port is not available. I do, however, have an Apple DVI port, as well as the (then included) Apple DVI to VGA cable/converter. Now, I know that VGA cannot transfer sound, but I think that DVI can. So here's my problem. If I create a bridge of wires to my HDTV, would sound come through? My idea is this: connect Apple DVI to VGA, then have a VGA to DVI converter, then have a DVI to HDMI cable, which connects to my HDTV. With all of those connections, however, I'm worried that something will go wrong along the way, and it won't work out. What I really need is an Apple DVI to HDMI cable, but I'm pretty sure those do not exist.
    Anyway, I was just looking for any feedback that anyone has. Thank you in advance!
    Best,
    Daniel

    danz0r wrote:
    Hey tjk,
    Thanks for the response.
    Do you have any recommendations for a potential set up? The audio output and Apple DVI are on different sides of my MBP, which is alright, I guess I can get two long cables to handle each. I was hoping to just have my MBP closer to where I use it, with a cord nearby plugged in on one side to the HDTV and resting near where I keep my MBP for when I want to use the HDTV as an external monitor.
    With a converter like this, you can run video out of the MBP's DVI port, and miniToslink (optical) audio out of the 3.5mm stereo mini jack to the converter, then it will combine the two and output audio and video through HDMI to the monitor.
    http://www.supermediastore.com/product/u/apogee-dvi-to-hdmi-converter-spdif-opti cal-toslink-coaxial-input-output?utm_source=cj&utm_medium=aff&utm_content=HDMI+A ccessories
    Otherwise, depending on the TV's inputs, for video you could run DVI to DVI on the TV, or DVI to HDMI to the TV. For audio you could run 3.5mm stereo mini plug from the MBP to RCA adapter on the TV. Toslink/optical is also an option.

  • Mini-VGA to VGA cable for HDTV

    1.)I am need of some real knowledge. I just purchased an LG 720p LCD HDTV. I want to connect my iBook to the display (which is one of the main reasons i bought the tv). I use the mini-vga to vga cable that came with my iBook, i then connect it to a VGA to VGA cable (the included cable is way to short to reach,so i attach the cable that came with my tv). Boot up...the iBook detects the display under the Display tab in system prefs, but the pc-input on the TV is still blank flashing "no signal" indicating there is no input. I've also tried LG's suggestion (which is the same every time i call) to lower the resolution and reboot to no avail. (they are some real smarties over there..Lifes Good must mean for their customer service rep's!
    2.)I know there is a mini-vga to composite/s-video cable available, but i heard the resolution suffers greatly. I'm make films and would want the best (VGA) resolution possible from my iBook. Any help is greatly appreciated.
    3.) I've also heard of programs like screenspanningdoctor and DisplayConfigX will these help with my HDTV problem??
    Thanks

    No cable can extract an audio signal from your MBP's mini-Displayport. It just isn't there.
    If your monitor offers the option of selecting separate inputs for video and audio when HDMI is used for the video, just add a separate audio cable from your Mac's headphone port to the monitor's RCA audio inputs (red and white). If the monitor assumes that audio and video will be delivered together whenever its HDMI port is used, then you'll have to send the video signal via DVI or VGA, neither of which carries audio. Then your monitor should play both signals, because it won't expect both to be coming through the same cable and will find the separate audio signal.
    Alternatively, there is also this option:
    http://www.kanexlive.com/iadapt20
    It combines a USB audio signal with a mini-Displayport video signal and sends them both to the monitor or TV through a single HDMI cable. But it's pricey, and it takes up a USB port that you may not be able to spare.

  • More questions on resolution of Mini-Display Port (Monitor)

    I have used several types of cables to connect several different types of external monitors all via my MBP's mini-display port.
    My questions:
    What resolution will the minidisplay port output to if it is a SINGLE output (says my Nvidia graphics cards) to a display port and to a DVI?
    Both my graphics cards say they will output 2560 x 1600.
    But since the input type on the monitors and tv is deciding what the resolution is, I'd like to know more about the Mini-Display port. Is it just going to MATCH whatever cord/input?
    My newest monitor says that BOTH the Display Port and the DVI will receive 2560 x 1600 resolution.
    Does anyone have good experience using one over the other? Is this true, given the adaptability of the mini-display output port?
    Does anyone have success with buying a dual mini-display port adapter (they have poor ratings on Amazon from MBP (non-2010) users?
    Will a mini-display port to a regular display port carry the 2560 x 1600 data??????

    Will a mini-display port to a regular display port carry the 2560 x 1600 data??????
    Yes it will. Electrically speaking, Mini DisplayPort is no different than the full sized version.

  • First MBP Grey Screen/Boot Problems/Only boots in Safe Mode

    Hi everyone,
    I've spent the last few days researching previous troubleshoots and threads on the subject, but haven't had much luck unfortunately.
    This is a 2011 MBP, 2.2 GHz, 4 gb RAM, 15 inch. As a preface, I use(d) an external monitor via my MBP's mini-display port, and at some points, the monitor (both) would become distorted, vertical lines running down, and then both would freeze, so I immediately thought my GPU was going. Then after a few restarts after the problem occurred a few times, I got the infamous boot issue: the grey screen (after viewing the spinning logo), so to the forums and research it was.
    Now, my MBP will boot in safe mode with no issues. Getting it to boot off of a disc with the "C" option works about 50/50, but I usually end up being able to get to it.
    This is what I've attempted thus far from everything I've read:
    Repaired Disk: repaired
    Repaired Permissions: repaired (both of which I did in safe-mode AND from disc-booting, if that helps)
    Reset SMC
    Reset PRAM
    Reinstalled factory RAM (2 x 2 gbs) ((I had a 2 gb stick and an 8 gb stick) Status of RAM via Profiler: OK
    Removed peripheral devices to give that a shot with no luck
    Reinstalled OS X (Snow Leopard, by the way, from disc)
    Performed both abridged AND extended Apple Hardware Test: No problems found (which is what took me away from Logic Board or GPU issues..)
    Used Time Machine backups to restore from previous working date (I regularly backed up my MBP) and have two seperate external drives with backups, though no clones.
    Reformatted my entire 750 gb HD, last night, reinstalled the OS X, did not try and restore from Time Machine (as I know I could do that at a later date) and following completion of the OS X install and upon the "restart" requested of me, my MBP had a dark blue freeze, so I cold booted to the same problem of the grey screen, which is where I'm at now.
    Summary:
    Can Safe Boot with no issues. Reformatted drive. Reinstalled OS X (10.6.7, software update to 10.6.8). Operating with original RAM, went through trouble shoot procedures.
    From what I've read, a lot of people have said to replace the MBP Hard Drive cable (SATA) cable, which I have ordered per my model, so I'm waiting on that.
    Is there anything else I can do, or try in the meantime? I'd like to know peoples' thoughts on if my HD has failed (thought DU says it's fine) and the fact I can boot in safe mode, and whether a hard drive cable replacement is a probable fix.
    This MBP was purchased NEW in June of 2011 and has been well maintained.
    Thanks for any thoughts, suggestions, critiques,...anything.

    Hi everyone,
    I've spent the last few days researching previous troubleshoots and threads on the subject, but haven't had much luck unfortunately.
    This is a 2011 MBP, 2.2 GHz, 4 gb RAM, 15 inch. As a preface, I use(d) an external monitor via my MBP's mini-display port, and at some points, the monitor (both) would become distorted, vertical lines running down, and then both would freeze, so I immediately thought my GPU was going. Then after a few restarts after the problem occurred a few times, I got the infamous boot issue: the grey screen (after viewing the spinning logo), so to the forums and research it was.
    Now, my MBP will boot in safe mode with no issues. Getting it to boot off of a disc with the "C" option works about 50/50, but I usually end up being able to get to it.
    This is what I've attempted thus far from everything I've read:
    Repaired Disk: repaired
    Repaired Permissions: repaired (both of which I did in safe-mode AND from disc-booting, if that helps)
    Reset SMC
    Reset PRAM
    Reinstalled factory RAM (2 x 2 gbs) ((I had a 2 gb stick and an 8 gb stick) Status of RAM via Profiler: OK
    Removed peripheral devices to give that a shot with no luck
    Reinstalled OS X (Snow Leopard, by the way, from disc)
    Performed both abridged AND extended Apple Hardware Test: No problems found (which is what took me away from Logic Board or GPU issues..)
    Used Time Machine backups to restore from previous working date (I regularly backed up my MBP) and have two seperate external drives with backups, though no clones.
    Reformatted my entire 750 gb HD, last night, reinstalled the OS X, did not try and restore from Time Machine (as I know I could do that at a later date) and following completion of the OS X install and upon the "restart" requested of me, my MBP had a dark blue freeze, so I cold booted to the same problem of the grey screen, which is where I'm at now.
    Summary:
    Can Safe Boot with no issues. Reformatted drive. Reinstalled OS X (10.6.7, software update to 10.6.8). Operating with original RAM, went through trouble shoot procedures.
    From what I've read, a lot of people have said to replace the MBP Hard Drive cable (SATA) cable, which I have ordered per my model, so I'm waiting on that.
    Is there anything else I can do, or try in the meantime? I'd like to know peoples' thoughts on if my HD has failed (thought DU says it's fine) and the fact I can boot in safe mode, and whether a hard drive cable replacement is a probable fix.
    This MBP was purchased NEW in June of 2011 and has been well maintained.
    Thanks for any thoughts, suggestions, critiques,...anything.

  • Watching my MBP on a TV

    Hi all, I have a 2009 MBP and I would like to watch a video on the TV with the HDMI input.
    Is there a lead that would go from the mini displayport which would incorporate the audio with the 3.5mm headphone jack and put it all through the HDMI port?
    Thanks in advance!

    Yes, there are adapters that would serve your purpose.
    http://kanexlive.com/products/iAdapt51.html
    http://kanexlive.com/products/iAdapt20.html
    The first one carries 5.1-channel surround sound from the headphone port; the second gets 2-channel stereo from a USB port. Each combines the audio signal with a video signal from the mini-Displayport and feeds the combined signal into a standard HDMI cable.
    There is no audio signal from your 2009 MBP's mini-Displayport — the audio must be drawn from a different port.

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