HELP!! Mac Mini vs IMac Preformace

I need someone to help me with learning about the Mac Mini. I am trying to buy one for my dad who really wants to turn use it for converting his old records, and editting home videos. He has a PC and really wants to go Mac. We have all external stuff like monitor and such, so it seems that a mac mini would work well and save money. We were are looking referbished IMac but I am looking at the mac mini as a cheeper option. I really do not know anyone with a mac mini so thats why I am unsure of it works.
1. If I buy a mac mini will it preforme the same as IMac or is it more like a Macbook Air.
Is it safe to assume the Mac Mini is about on par with the IMac 21.5 inch. From a quick glance they seem pretty similar, Harddrive space, memory. I think the Imac has better graphics card but i dont know for the kind of editting he is doing it is very neccessary.
http://www.apple.com/mac/compare/desktops.html
If you have any knowledge or experience please share it. I would love it hear it. He wants a computer that will last awhile and worth the money.
Thanks!!!

You can still find iLife '11 DVDs at eBay and Amazon and it appears to be that it is compatible with Mavericks. Check this discussion for more information. There are some other DVD creator programs available but there seems to be no consensus on a good replacement for iDVD.
As far as the performance differences between the iMac and mini: I chose the top 21.5" model for personal use last year and I use a base model mini at work. In terms of using iMovie, Photoshop and other basic software I really don't notice that much difference between them. Movies & slideshows take longer to master on the mini but since I walk away from the computer to read or perform some other task that isn't an issue. When I return to the mini or the iMac the job is complete.
However there is one difference between the two systems (originally) that I considered a big deal. Both systems ship with a 5400RPM drive standard. I chose the Fusion drive for my own computer, the IT department chose to stick with the default drive. The slow mechanical drive drove me nuts so as an experiment I hooked up a USB 3 external drive with an SSD and cloned the internal drive to it. The difference was amazing. So I'd strongly recommend the SSD or fusion drive upgrade.

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File sharing between Mac Mini and iMac "breaks" after reboot of either device, and won't restore. Why? Running Maverick 10.9.1 on both. File sharing is setup on both. Help.

I'm a new user - recent convert from longtime Windows to Apple. Thought having desktops and computing aligned with phones and tablets would help. Not so far.
I have a MacMini running Mavericks 10.9.1, and an iMac running Mavericks 10.9.1. File Sharing is set up on both. If either device is rebooted for any reason, file sharing from the Mac Mini to the iMac "breaks" and will not easily restart. Various things eventually brings the connection back - usually having to do with checking and unchecking File Sharing, the AFP button, and/or the SMB button on the iMac - but never the same procedure twice in a row. File Sharing from the iMac to the Mac Mini is never disrupted - always comes back up without a problem. Screen Sharing also works between both without fail, and comes up after reboot of either. No problem there. Only difficulty is from Mac Mini to the iMac.
Why? Any ideas?

Should also clarify - usually takes multiple hours of checking/unchecking file sharing settings in order to restore the share between Mac Mini and iMac. NEVER happens automatically.
This is disruptive because I've got the Mac Mini pointing to several file locations on the iMac for various things - photos, music, etc. - and they all hang up unless the share is restored. Real bummer.

Getting error "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer." on mac mini and imac but it works on old macbook pro

Please help! My hard drives work on all other computers except new imac and macmini.

Both the mac mini and imac do not have cd drives. The trouble is why should I repair the external HDs when they work fine on other computers? I'm running OS X 10.8.4. I feel like its an OS X problem but I cant say. I will try the suggestion but I absolutely cannot reformat these drives right now becuae it would be way too time consuming to recover all the files on them

Can I connect Mac mini to iMac monitor

Can I connect a Mac mini to iMac monitor ? To view Mac mini files

Hi Ricemail,
You *may* be able to do so, depending on the specific models of your iMac and Mac Mini, using a feature known as Target Display Mode. You may find the following article helpful:
Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3924
Regards,
- Brenden

How reliable is the Mac Mini or iMac (2009) models?

Greetings to you all. I have a question directed at anyone who owns the 2009 Mac Mini or has recently bought a Mac Mini either last year 2009 or this year, 2010. My Acer Aspire L-100 finally died on 29th Dec 2009 as a result of USB failure caused by a windows auto update. Fed up with Microsoft, I am thinking about switching over to Mac and thought the Mac Mini or iMac would be a good start. I am however troubled by the numerous complaints I am reading on the Apple website posts regarding the 2009 model Mac Mini loosing sound after a month or two of use and some posts claim that the sound on their Mac Mini is distorted, crackling and some had broken systems out of the box. How many of you have had similar sound issues with the Mac Mini? Also, is it better to get the iMac 21.5 inch instead? Has anyone had hardware issues with the Mac Mini and or the 21.5 inch iMac in less than 2-6 months of use? If so please let me know so that I can make up my mind, whether to purchase Mac computer platform or just build my own customized machine. What I need to know is, how reliable or durable is the mac mini computer, especially the 2009 model and how does the mac mini, especially with its small size, handle temperatures? Does the mac mini overheat? Please help. All information will be highly appreciated.

Remember, Apple offers a 1 year hardware warranty and 90 days free software support, both of which can be extended to three years from date of computer's purchase. This means if you appear to have what is a technical issue with your machine off the bat, Apple will cover the lemon issue, if it is obvious it is not an issue you the user could have caused. Mind you, if issues appear much later during the ownership, it gets harder to justify that it is a manufacturer issue. As long as you don't upgrade the internal hardware, the hardware test CD that comes with the machine will be able to tell if there is a manufacturer issue with the machine. All bets are off, if you change the RAM, or hard drive beyond the specs of the machine. Apple publishes the specs of the machine on http://support.apple.com/
Your machine shouldn't overheat unless you excede the published specs.
The advantage of the Mac is that malware and viruses are practically a nonissue, and everything you usually could desire is already built-in to the machine. So while you could build your own machine, you can't really get the integrated hardware and software as you do with the Mac.
Yes, the 27" iMac has been hit hard with issues, more around the display than anything else. I for one, if were forced to get an iMac, would get the 21.5".
I've not seen any specific Mac Mini issues really come to the fore.
If sound is lost on a Mac Mini, it usually is due to the fact that minijack connectors themselves are fragile to begin with, and endusers tend to jiggle them a lot in the connector, causing the connectivity to get lost. If you are careful to follow these directions about cables*:
http://www.macmaps.com/frayguide.html
You should avoid most of those issues. Thankfully there are 5 USB ports on Mac Minis, and USB audio is frequently better than the built-in audio, except when adding your own 5.1 speaker system with mini-Toslink connector speakers.
Don't forget the number of posters to this board, don't even amount to 1 tenth of a percent of all purchasers of iMacs, Mac Minis, or MacBooks any one quarter. Thus the remark you said was "rude" is not. It is factual. You are basing your information on what amounts to less odds of happening than a space program disaster with NASA. Mostly people who have problems are posting, and those who don't rarely do post.
I recently had a hard drive die after the three year warranty was spent, but hard drives I've seen die on Acers and Dells on the first day of ownership too, so that's nothing new. Backing up your data is the best way to deal with data loss*:
http://www.macmaps.com/backup.html
- * Links to my pages may give me compensation.

Is it possible to add a second monitor via mac mini with iMac

Hi
is it possible to add a second monitor via mac mini with iMac
or is there another solution?
all i want to know is if i can run a second monitor or link a mac mini for more speed like i heard you can with the G5 Towers.

The iMac will allow you to connect a second monitor but that monitor will show the same thing as the iMac's built-in screen.
You can network a Mac mini and iMac via Ethernet or Firewire.
Software load sharing like Xgrid can allow you to share work between the Macs.

HT204388 how do I switch between my mac mini and iMac using iMac screen?

how do I switch between my mac mini and i mac using i mac screen? I thought it was using F2 but that does not seem to work.

To switch between your Mac mini and iMac, you just have to turn on or off Target Display mode. To do it, press Command and F2 keys in your iMac, not only F2

Connect mac mini to imac

Hi,
I was wondering if I can connect an old mac mini to an imac so I can use the mac mini as an aditional hard drive to store all my music and pictures.
If so, how do I do it?
Thanks in advance.
Oscar

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
If the Mac mini and iMac have got FireWire or Thunderbolt (probably, FireWire 800), just buy a FireWire cable and start the Mac mini holding the T key while your Mac is starting. Doing this, your Mac mini's hard drive will show up as an external drive in the iMac, so you can store data in it. You may want to format the hard drive first.
This isn't the best way. If you aren't going to use the Mac mini, you can take the hard disk out of it, buy an enclosure, install the hard drive in it and connect it to your iMac. Then, format the hard drive > http://pondini.org/OSX/DU1.html Finally, open Finder and you will see the hard drive in the Finder sidebar, under "Devices"

Mac/Apple Tech Guys: Please help (Mac Mini/Imac issues)

I have been tasked with setting up one of our rooms as a Mac lab. We want to do it wireless. We have a MAC mini server which is going in via a cat 5 into our network, which works, it sees our network and the internet. We wanted to use the wireless features on the new IMacs and use the mac mini as a work group server. It was grabbing a .192 address so the units cannot grab the internet. At the end of the day we just want these macs to be able to share files and access the internet.
We thought we could just use the air port feature and they would "see" each other.
I never said I knew anything about MACs/apples outside of basic trouble shooting stuff and my boss understands this, but we need to get this working for the kids (they start school Tuesday).
Keep in mind when you answer, I know virtually NOTHING about macs and apples, etc so speak to me like I am a baby.
PLEASE HELP!

I'm not sure I completely follow your description, but I'll take a stab:
1) you want the Mini to act as a file server for the iMacs
and
2) you want the Mini to provide a internet connection for the iMacs.
Do I have that right? Is there anything else?
Perhaps you could give us more details about what these Macs will actually be doing and running. (For example, will you be running Windows?)
How Many iMacs are there? And did you purchase OSX server software for the Mini, or are you intending to use the builtin sharing features of Leopard?

Mac mini vs. imac

Okay looking for some advice. I'm sure this has been discussed previously, for that I apologize. Need to replace my main computer ( currently a imac g5 ppc) because the screen went dark and its just old anyway. I have loved this imac so top on my list was to check out the brand new iMacs, which look amazing to me! (Especially with the 27" screen). A friend of mine who has a MBP was trying to convince me that desktops are becoming extinct and that the MBPs are every bit as capable of a machine as any IMac. I think it's an interesting discussion. However, once I started to price either option ( a nicely loaded 27" iMac vs. a MBP) I soon realized that I may have to rethink my options. Trying to more fiscally responsible this year ( a resolution) I had to look honestly about my computing habits. Our family has 2 iPads and 3 iPhones. If I'm truly honest about what I really need a computer for its very little. Mainly just basic computing needs as well as controlling a huge music library (300 GB). Since I got my ipad 2 I'm using it 80% of the time! Enter the idea of the new Mac mini. My first thought was that it was a cheap way to get by until I could save the funds to get a REAL machine! (MBP or 27" iMac) Obviously I have a compensation problem regarding this because I can't help but want the big bad machines! But I know it's overkill for me ( hard to admit but true!). So with level headed ness I'm trying to determine which Mac mini is right for me. Hear it goes. This will be a family's main computer. None of us do anything particularly advanced however, would like some future flexibility regarding this as I have 2 teens of which 1 is starting to get into photography. The rest is playing videos and managing our big music library but would like to get into some basic video editing as well. That's it. I have all the gaming systems ( spoiled teens!) as well as a separate small home theater for watching movies so I have those areas covered. When I start pricing the Mac minis I'm interested in the $799 base model but when I add the features that interest me, namely the fusion drive and faster processor it prices out at $1049 with no monitor! Well for $1299 I can get a base IMac! So this is a real long story (I'm so sorry!) to really just ask this question. Which is the better buy for me? $799 Mac mini with add ons? Or a base model Imac @ $1299? I really want hear personal experiences and discussions regarding this. I want to solve my computing needs for the next 6 years or so. (Is that realistic?) and even though the higher end machines are probably out of reach for now (ever?) I would like thoughts on the whole MacBook Pro vs. loaded 27" iMac thing as well. Sorry again for the lengthy post. I just didn't want questions thrown back at me so hopefully I gave all the pertinent information. Thanks in advance!!!

Hello, my thoughts...
Mac Mini will outdo your G5 iMac by miles & likely do what you want, but I hate the fact it has no real Video card & will likely be one of the 1st ones dropped in some future update of the OS if history repeats itself.
MBPs, while fast, are short term fast, not really meant to be run all the time at full speed, are too expensive to upkeep & repair.
2012 iMacs, seem like disposable computers to me, if getting the 21" model you must upgrade the RAM to max at purchase, 27" can upgrade the RAM later, but both are nearly impossible otherwise to even do a simple thing like replace the PRAM Battery.
No matter which you get, be sure to factor in & get the 3 year exyended AppleCare, & expect the new Mac not to last near as long as your G5 iMac did.
Have you cconsidered a newer yet older Mac?
The Aluminum or up here...
http://www.powermax.com/parts/code/PM_CU_IM_I4?p=2
21.5"...
http://www.powermax.com/parts/code/PM_CU_IM_I1
27"...
http://www.powermax.com/parts/code/PM_CU_IM_I8

Internet connection sharing between Mac Mini and Imac G3- how?

Ok, I'm trying to connect my G3 Imac (running 10.4.8) to my Mac Mini (also running 10.4.8) but it just wont work.
I've turned Internet Connection sharing on on my Mac Mini, and set it to share the airport connection to computers connected using Built in ethernet.
Network (on the M Mini) shows
Built-In Ethernet is currently active. Built-In Ethernet has a self assigned IP address and may not be able to connect to the Internet.
Network (on the G3) shows
Built-In Ethernet is currently active and has the IP address 192.168.2.7. You are connected to the Internet via Built-In Ethernet.
When i try to go to a webpage on the G3 it fails stating, 'You are not connected to the Internet'.
I'm using a standard straight through ethernet cable, as I was told a while ago from apple support that it doesn't matter which u use, straight through or crossover.
Any help would be really appreciated
Macbook 2.0Ghz 2GB 80GB/Mac Mini 1.42Ghz 1GB 80GB/Imac G3 450Mhz 640MB 80GB Mac OS X (10.4.8)

OK after some playing about I can now manage to connect to the mac mini and vice versa to share files.
The iMac G3 now says it has an IP address of 192.168.2.18, and that it's connected to the internet via built-in ethernet. I've set configure IPV4 to Using DHCP.
Except it's not connected to the net.
If i select Using DHCP on the Mini it doesn't obtain an IP address, not even a self set one. So i've set a manual IP address on that, and everything shows up green. Airpot connected to the internet and Ethernet has an IP address of 192.168.2.30.
After reading some forums I set up firewall logging. The result is what happens on the Mac Mini when I use network diagnostics on the G3:
Feb 11 16:43:52 richard-xxxxx-mac-mini natd[394]: failed to write packet back (Host is down)
So I opened port 394 (not really knowing what i'm trying) but it had no effect.

Mac Mini and IMac intergration

I'm preparing a presentation for my bosses who dislike having to basically halt production on other projects when exporting the print ready files of one in Indesign. (you can't package one file in indesign and work on another)
A idea i had was to find a way to take a mac mini backup and interface it so i could use my Dell XPS m1210 laptop or 17 In Imac as just the monitor.
any way i can link another computer with the Mini and just use the monitor?

NekoLLX wrote:
Does that make sense?
Not really
But I think I know what you're getting at...I just answered a similar question in another post...If you're just doing this occasionally you could use Apple Remote Desktop (or a free VNC client) to control your mini's "screen". Basically on your mini go to the Sharing control panel and turn on the Apple Remote Desktop service. Then click Access Privileges button and turn on "VNC viewers may control screen with password" and assign a non-trivial password.
now on your PC or another Mac download a free VNC client. (I use the Apple Remote Desktop app ($500) so am not familiar with free clients but I hear "Chicken Of The VNC" mentioned alot) and use client to connect to mini...
If it works then you should be able to start up the mini w/out a monitor (headless) and then connect to it using VNC. you may have issues with finding mini, however, if your network/subnet changes. Maybe Bonjour will help?!?

Consolidating/sharing the files on Mac Mini and iMac

would be grateful for any help on how to consolidate and share the files (iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie) on my old iMac with my new Mac Mini/250GB iomega HD. both macs are connected to the same wireless network.

gjellern - best to read through this article that explains most of what you ask. Please post if a specific part needs elaboration or if you get confused about something. (skip anything about AppleTalk - that is for older pre-OS X computers - best to use the newer sharing technologies version if everyone is on OS X)
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106461
the short answer is you need to enable Personal File Sharing on each computer that will accept another to see the files that are local to that computer. Then you have to choose to either share a user/password to mount a share.
Once one mac has mounted the other's drive - you can work as if all files were on one computer (copy them - use them over the network, etc...)

Mac Mini vs. iMac G5 in warm environment

I need to choose between a Mac Mini 1.42GHz (1 GB RAM) with a third-party 17" digital LCD a new iMac G5 1.8GHz 17" (1.5GB RAM). I think both machines will handle my client's applications (MS-Office 2004, QuickBooks Pro 2005, Aatrix Payroll 15.x, Now Up-to-Date and Contact, AOL, and Now Contact and Events server. 100base/T Ethernet is fine. The question is whether one machine is more robust than the other in a sometimes uncomfortably warm environment. (Upstairs in a loft in an un-insulate, un-air conditioned building.) I like the idea of the all-in-one iMac G5 solution. But the Mini is using an ostensibly cooler running G4 processor, has an external power supply, and a separate display. The machine is going to be running all day (although we'll let Energy Saver put it to sleep). Any thoughts or recommendations?

Assuming that both iMac and mini systems would be capable of running the necessary applications sufficiently well to be viable, the all-in-one enclosed design of the iMac would on the face of it be at a disadvantage in an evironment such as this one where temperature is not controlled. The iMac certainly runs considerably hotter than a mini would and the screen and internal PSU would certainly add to that heat. However, the iMac's cooling system is considerably more effective at heat dissipation.
Ultimately, where I think the mini has the advantage (in addition to cost and the external screen and PSU) is that it is possible to place it on a cooling pad of the sort often used by laptop owners, to help it dissipate heat. If such a pad is used, it is imperative that it is of a solid design so that it doesn't risk blocking the ventilation slots, and it may help to have a fan blowing air over it , but that should help ensure it remains functional in perhaps all but the most extreme temperatures.
Personally, I'd be rather more concerned about the person using the system in that environment!!

Mac Mini or iMac good for graphic apps?

I currently have an older G4, dual processor, 450 MHz, 768mb RAM running Tiger. I'm a graphic designer working mainly with Quark, Freehand, Photoshop. I'm not a heavy Photoshop user. I'm trying to decide if I should upgrade to a G5 tower, or if the new iMacs or Mac Mini would work for me. I've heard that the Mac Mini could be a step backwards for my type of use. Any informed opinions would greatly help. Obviously speed is not my number one concern, but I wouldn't want to be slower! I do have an external CD/DVD burner and I need to keep my external ZIP drive.
Thanks,
Kristi

The Mac Mini may not be good for your use (Intel Macs in gerneral) do not have a native version of Photoshop (PPC only app so it would run under PPC emulation), so unless you have 1+GB RAM it would run slow, not as slow as on your current machine though so you might not notice the way some others might. The Mac Mini (even the core solo 1.5Ghz) will be much faster than your current machine, any modern Mac would be.I would go for an iMac since it, IMO, is going to be a better buy, since it doesn't cost that much more, and is a top of the line consumer machine. If you don't do much Photoshoping the G5 Power Mac is overkill, IMO. You may even want to look at refurb G5 iMacs if you want to save a little money.

HELP!! Mac Mini vs IMac Preformace

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