Need Help Deciding on a MAC Mini

Hi All,
Quick question for the experts here, because, I am actually torn right now on spending some money for a new Mini.
I am currently using a 2006 iMac, 2.16Ghz Intel Core 2 DUO with an ATI Radeon X1600.
I do movie converting, HD TV streaming (Eye TV 250+) unit, some web surfing, Music conversions, and, stream Audio.Video from my iMac to my iPhone/iPad when I'm away from my house and Garageband Recording (usually an 8 to 10 track recording)
all seems to work well, but, within the last year, even after a full reinstall of OS X, things are starting to bog down. I am running Lion on it now, and, for the most part, it's "OK", but, I kinda think it could be a little snappier and a little faster.
So, I'm looking at buying the i7 MAC Mini.
My question is, will this be a step forward, or, is my iMac a little better? (I don't know. this might be a stupid question). Basically, will I notice a HUGE improvement.
As I type this, I have the MINI in my shopping cart and I am approved for the 1 year finance plan. All I need to do is click "Purchase", but, I wanted to get some opinions on this before going ahead with it.
Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated

Yes. I have a monitor ready for it. I also have an external CD/DVD Drive as the internal in my iMac hasn't been too reliable lately.
I agree about the price of apple's memory. What I did was, as soon as I ordered the Mini (Yes, I went ahead and ordered it. i couldn't wait any longer), I went to the crucial website and got an 8gb memeory kit for $37.00, so, I was pretty happy about that
Anyway, thanks for the reply. I figured I would notice an improvement as well. I'm thinking, ESPECIALLY with video conversions

Similar Messages

Need help: Belkin Flip for Mac mini doesn't support the new Intel chip?!

Hi folks,
I recently purchased a Mac mini Intel Core Duo and planned to use a Belkin KVM Flip switch for it and my Sony VAIO.
However, the current Belkin KVM Flip switch for the Mac Mini does NOT support the Intel Core Duo. Until Belkin comes up with a switch that does, I have to unplug and replug my monitor, keyboard and mouse into the appropriate computer to use either one. Obviously, that isn't very convenient. Has anyone else encountered this problem and come up with a better solution?
Thanks.
Mac mini Intel Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4) KVM switch for a Sony VAIO

I think what you're saying is that I should just swap out the monitor cable from one computer to the other when I want to use that computer. Not elegant, as you say, but workable.
Given you want to use a Flip I gather you're wanting both of your computers permanently connected to your TV/display at the same time. To do that without a KVM you will need to, for instance, connect your Mac mini to the RGB input and then your Vaio to HDMI. So, to select which computer you want you actually want to view you use the display remote just like you would if you were swapping from your cable box to your DVD player. I would suggest you play around with whatever combination gives you the best quality for both computers as not all inputs to your TV have the same quality.
That takes care of video. Now, for USB, yes you will have to physically swap a cable although there are many ways you can do this which does in some way depend on how you place your computer and the peripherals you want connect to one or both computers. What you do is use a USB hub with everything connected (keyboard, mouse scanner etc) to it and which ever computer you want to use you connect it to the hub.
It's all about finding a solution that suits you the best.
PS As for the Flip, you might want to note that the Flip does NOT have digital DVI connectors. It has two analog VGA connectors which at high resolution does not perform at all well. I would suggest you ensure that the VGA performance to your 1080i TV is acceptable before buying this product.

Need help deciding on which Mac to get? Macbook Air vs Macbook Pro Retina

Hey im new here, sorry if these questions get repetitive but im investing a lot of money and dont have much knowledge on computers so i came here. So my options are :
Option 1
13 inch Macbook Air
1.7GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz
8GB 1600MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM
128GB PCIe-based flash storage
$1249.00
Option 2
13 inch Macbook Air
1.4GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz
8GB 1600MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM
256GB PCIe-based Flash Storage
$1299.00
Option 3
13 in Macbook pro Retina
2.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 2.9GHz
4GB 1600MHz memory
128GB PCIe-based flash storage1
Intel Iris Graphics
$1299.00
here is how i find myself as a computer user...
i use a computer everyday as a college student... a lot of microsoft programs and internet usage...
occasionally i use netflix but i find myself hooking it up to a tv if i watch or stream off my comp
here is my issue why do i need a retina if i can watch most things on tv now that they have internet integrated such as netflix youtube.
so what would be more useful more hard drive space with 8gb of ram or less harddrive space with faster processor
thank you in advance as this is my first post

I had the same question as I was starting grad school and my old MacBook Pro was just getting too tired and slow.
I visited the Apple store and spoke with four different employees and they each came to the same conclusion- separately- that the Pro was the way to go.
If you upgrade your flash like you mentioned you might want to do with the Air that's great, but with the pro upgrading your flash automatically upgrades your RAM as well, doubling you from 4 to 8. I kept going back and forth over what to do because the difference in price was significant, but ultimately more RAM makes for a much faster machine and it will work better, longer. It would most likely buy me another year or more of a well working machine over the Air.
Cost was definitely a factor me as well, but I was able to use the Education pricing, and I chose to buy refurbished.
Also, in terms of portability, the difference in weight is only half a pound. My roommate has the Air and I honestly feel no difference when I'm carrying hers or mine in my school bag. I'm really happy that I went with the Pro with Retina because even though I probably don't use half of the amazing features available on it, I always have the option to. Plus, not being much of a techie I have so much flash storage that I don't need to bother with my external hard drive anymore other than to backup my files. Really, really glad that I listened to the Geniuses!

MacBook Pro smell and need help deciding on which MacBook Pro to buy

So I bought a 17-inch MacBook Pro from my brother in August of 2009. He bought it in March of 2008. A couple days ago I noticed that my MacBook Pro has been releasing a really bad smell almost as if burning plastic. But the smell isn't that bad. What could be wrong with my MacBook Pro? I'm getting a New 15 or 13-inch MacBook Pro in June so idk if I should just not worry about it? And I need help deciding if I should get a high end 13-inch MacBook Pro or a low end 15-inch MacBook Pro?

What could be wrong with my MacBook Pro?
Take your computer to an Apple Store. The staff will be able to check as to the cause of the smell.
I'm getting a New 15 or 13-inch MacBook Pro in June so idk if I should just not worry about it? And I need help deciding if I should get a high end 13-inch MacBook Pro or a low end 15-inch MacBook Pro?
Why not ask in the MacBook Pro (Late 2008 and 2009) forum area?

I need help! I have iPad mini and I can't use App Store. It always asking my credit card lnformation to download, but the apps I will download are free. I don't know how it will work again.

I need help!
I have iPad mini and I can't use App Store.
It always asking my credit card lnformation to download, but the apps I will download are free.
I don't know how it will work again.
Help me please!
Thank you.

You need to have a payment method on file. If the apps are free you will not be charged anything. Either enter your credit card information or purchase and enter an iTunes gift card.

Please help me decide on a Mac mini server or MacBook Pro i7 for Logic

Hi folks,
I've really taxed my brain trying to figure out what's the smartest way to go. I'd love to know what any of you think I should do.
My current setup:
2007 MacBook Pro 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo
2GB Ram
FSB 667 MHz
M-Audio ProFire 610
WD-Passport external drive for samples and audio files
Logic 8 (looking to upgrade to 9)
Record 1.5
Various AU plugins including Omnisphere, Miroslav Philharmonic, Amplitude 2, FM-8, BFD 2 and Korg Legacy Analogue
Final Cut Studio (latest version) for modest HD editing but sometimes multiclips as well
I tend to use lots of tracks - around 10 vocals, 4 guitars and lots of software instruments.
As you can imagine, Omnisphere runs like a dog past 2 instances and BFD practically makes everything grind to a halt.
Since going to Record 1.5, rewiring also seems to be unusably slow.
I'd love a new iMac or Mac Pro but I make several plane journeys to visit my Mum in another country. My solution has to be mobile, although I have got monitors, a keyboard and mouse that I can use at my Mum's.
As far as I can see, there are 2 options:
1
A new MacBook Pro 2.66 Ghz i7
2
A Mac Mini Server 2.66 Ghz Core 2 Duo
Physically, the Mac Mini is the better option:
- much lighter in my hand luggage so I could take it in addition to my existing MacBook Pro.
- more USB ports
My worries with getting a Mac Mini are:
- Is it powerful enough or at least significantly better than my MacBook Pro?
- Will it run the latest version of Final Cut Studio (a little off-topic, I know but I couldn't seem to find any straight answers elsewhere).
- Is it noisy when under a heavy workload?
- There is no Superdrive so can I use my MacBook Pro to install the software DVDs across a network?
Thanks for reading this. Let me know what you think.
Kind regards,
Steve

The mini will be about as powerful as your current MBP. You could have more RAM in the mini, 2 GB is certainly not enough for any serious work.
People on this list were initially(LP 9.0.0) underwhelmed by the MBP i7 dual core, it is a step up from your older MBP, but don't expect miracles. Get lots of RAM/a SSD for optimum performance.
9.1.3 may have improved performance, not sure,
Fast and relatively cheap: iMac i7 quad core. Not very portable, though.
Not ideal either is your M-audio interface, its drivers are below par making your Mac sweat more than necessary.
My 2c,
Zip

Help connect my new Mac Mini with my stubborn HP Printer!

I just got a used, but cleaned up Mac Mini. My HP Deskjet 6980 printer, worked flawlessly with my old G4. Right out of the box, i didn't need to install a driver, i just hooked up the USB ( most simple of the 3 connection options), and it worked fine. Now that i have a new Mac Mini, i hooked it up, it recognizes the HP printer in System Prefs, but when i try to print i just get page after page of strange code. I installed the printers' installatin cd (which, i didn't even need on my first computer), and It still won't print. Again when i hit "print"... just endless code.
What can I do. I am not totally computer computer literate or familiar with all the terminology, so please, keep it simple. Thanks so much for your help.

You don't say, but first thing we need to know is whether you have a G4 Mini or and Intel Mini. (Intel Mini has 4 USB ports on back, G4 has 2 USB ports.)
If you have an Intel Mini, odds are you need to download the latest drivers for Mac OSX 10.4 (Tiger) from the HP site. The drivers on the old CD probably won't work right with an Intel Mac. And you may have to uninstall all the HP stuff you have already installed from the CD.

Which adapter do I need to connect my new Mac Mini to my old Apple Cinema HD monitor?

I have a perfectly good Apple Cinema HD monitor (model M8536), but it has an ADC connection, and my new Mac Mini isn't compatible with it. I've bought a new screen for the Mac Mini, but there are going to be times when I need to run two screens in parallel on the Mini. Can anyone tell me which adapter I need to do this? I've looked at the Apple DVI to ADC connector (M8661LL), but I'm not sure this is what I need, and they're quite pricey, even second-hand on eBay, so I don't want to make a mistake!
Thanks!

Thanks, dwb ... unfortunately I don't think I'd get very much for my old display, it's so old (> 10 years)! But it still works perfectly, and I'm loathe to throw it away ... and there are going to be times when I need the two screens, so even though I've bought a new 27" Philips monitor, it would be good just to buy an adapter to hook up the old screen ...

Can you help with a TV / Mac mini configuration?

So.... the plan is to buy a new 32-40 inch TV for the bedroom upstairs. All of my TV cables and Internet stuff are at the basement. I am not planning to bring any cables upstairs (TV or Ethernet) so this is what I am thinking:
- HDTV 32-40 inch
- Powerline to bring network connectivity upstairs
- Slingbox PRO-HD
- Mac mini to use SlingPlayer, Hulu, iTunes, DVD Player etc. etc.
- One of those Air Mice
These are the questions I have:
1) The HDMI on the new Mac mini transfers sound as well as video. Correct? No need for extra adaptor?
2) Can some suggest a good Air Mouse that works well with the new Mac mini?
3) Anything I need to make sure the TV is capable in order to work well with the Mac mini (except of course for the HDMI port)? Resolution? Other ports? Options?
4) Anyone with a similar configuration? Any issues that you might see with this configuration?
Thanks

I cannot answer any of your other questions, but, yes, the Mid 2010 Mac mini carries both a digital audio and video signal from the HDMI port.
Sorry, what is an air mouse?
Dah•veed

Please help me choose a Mac Mini

I have not owned any mac computer and have been waiting for the new mini for a few months. I need a decent mac computer without having to spend too much to program iOS and maybe some photo viewing and casual editing. So the OS X is important to me.
The new Mac mini is kind of disappointing. I would expect a better quad CPU and user expandable memory (still uncertain so far). So I am struggling between two choices:
1. I may choose the new 2.6 G model and definitely need the memory to be 16GB. I am not sure if I want the 1TB fusion drive for $200.
2. There are still some old 2012 quad models available at some online stores and I may get one and expand the memory to 16 myself. Can we easily swap out the hard drive and install one 1TB SSD? How do we transfer the OS and app with the box to the new SSD? The biggest concern on this option is if I can update the OS to OS X Yosemite and even later versions because I will use it for programming iSO apps and must be able to update to the latest OS X.
Thanks.

From what I see in the Apple Store, the new Mini still does not have a quad-core cpu
nor did the older Mini (Late 2012) across any they had listed. However if you need a
quad core model and performance, looking into the future, you should seek to inspect
the higher specification computers in the line. Since there is a limited upgrade, I can
see why the Mini is desired. If you get a Mini server model, internal storage options
can be increased. New MINI 16GB RAM upgrade is an Online Store-only upgrade.
http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/mac-mini
The only small computer with quad-core cpu technologies in the Store, is 15" MB/Pro
portable, offering several features but at a higher price; including a Retina display.
Of these, two models; both near & above $2K USD; the dual GPU model may have
gotten past the hardware earlier model owners cited issues with over a few years.
http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/macbook-pro
An SSD and RAM upgrade could make the MINI a fair computer, even though it only
has the Dual-Core technology. However the upgrade may affect AppleCare coverage.
There often are Late 2012 model Mini Macs in the official online refurb store page, &
they qualify for the optional AppleCare; however they don't offer custom upgrades.
The low-end MINI has similar specs to the low-end non-Retina MacBook Pro 13-inch.
A little faster bus speed, and a slightly newer graphic processor...
At least the newest Mini, according to the online Apple Store, says it will ship with
Yosemite; so with 16GB RAM, that can be a good start. You should ask an Apple
genius or specialist what they can do for you in the way of an upgrade to larger SSD
or HDD, after delivery, so AppleCare is not affected. If they still let you do anything.
In any event...
Good luck & happy computing!

Help, it feels slooow: Mac Mini 2012 2.3 Quad Core 1TB 4GB

Hi, I already posted this on another forum but I haven't got any feedback yet, I hope I'm luckier here :-)
I'm a long time Mac user. Last week I bought a new Mac Mini 2.3 i7 1Tb Quad Core.
Now, having left the OS X platform years ago when my good old G5 started feeling pretty old for more modern systems and programs, and having used a cheap basic Asus notebook in the meantime, I was really expecting the Mac Mini to fly. Well, to be honest I'm quite puzzled right now: it just feels it's lagging so often, that it doesn't feel that different to my 10 year old G5 running 10.5.
Things like opening System Preferences take an awful long time, often just going to the upper menu and clicking on things I get the dreadful spinning ball, switching between tabs in a browser, and in general the machine (especially considering it's basically new, I didn't even install anything serious on it yet, like Logic Pro, etc) feels definitely not responsive enough for a 2012 quad core.
I know, no SSD and still only the stock 4gb of Ram, but tell me this can't be true. I did some quick check with Disk First Aid and everything looks ok, I fixed permissions too.
I unchecked the "put hd to sleep when possible", but no improvement. I tried also a safe boot, but that didn't tell me much. Of course the machine feels a tad snappier, but it's hard to compare.
I was also surprised to see how slow and laggy Photoshop CS 6 felt even just working on pretty small images, (I'm just trying a 30 days demo), I mean, we're talking of a Quad Core. It's funny 'cause I was expecting it to be day and night to my G5 and that crappy notebook of a few years ago, and it doesn't feel like that. I know, apples and oranges, but still...
So these days I've just used things like Chrome (terribly RAM hungry, I know), Spotify, Open Office here and there, Text Wrangler, things like these...
Oh, the machine came with 10.8.3, now I'm on 10.9, but to be honest I didn't experience significant differences (actually I updated hoping it would have solved the problem).
So, before I return this Mac Mini, please tell me about your real life experiences with a similar configuration, and give me any advice you may have. I'd be really grateful, I don't want to end up buying another PC :-)

Wow, that has me worried as I've been waiting for the new mini. It seems nuts to me that any mac ships with 4Gb RAM these days!
I would recommend that you get at least 8Gb of RAM into your mini ASAP. If you go to the Activity Monitor app you can look for "Page outs" or "Swap Used" and that will show if your mac is having to transfer data from your RAM to your HDD - seriously slowing down the machine. With just 4Gb and Adobe CS your mac is probably doing a lot of it and really struggling. If you have the cash then an SSD will be awesome but to me, RAM is the priority - and you can do it yourself easily.
Just to highlight the differences, here's the effect of different upgrades for me, hopefully that will help with your decision
I have a mid 2010 13" MBP and it shipped with 4Gb / 250Gb 5400rpm HDD.
I updated the memory to 8Gb in 2011/2 and put in a WD Black 7200rpm HDD. That was a massive improvement that could easily be seen when using a different MBP in the original specs (my boss bought 2 so I could see them side by side). Startup was improved by a good margin but apps - especially multiple apps open - were much happier and zippy. I could have all my apps open whereas my boss had to close anything he wasn't using.
About 2 months ago I added a 120Gb SSD from OWC and the difference is massive again. The machine knocked 45 seconds off the boot time and opening/saving/closing apps and files are almost instant, even on the old sata bus. It doesn't affect how many apps I can have open, it just does anything disk related a whole lot quicker.

HELP... MAC MINI DISPLAY RESET!

I just got a Mac Mini for home and planned on using my LCD TV as the monitor. Not realizing that I had HDMI input on the TV, I purchased the DVI to VGA adapter. I was adjusting the Display Settings on the Mini (because the picture was terribly blurry) and the screen went blank when I changed the resolution (I was just clicking each resolution option). I was able to restart the Mini and it brought the display back up. So I tried to adjust again and the screen blacked out once more. Now, I am unable to see anything at all. I tried to reset the PRAM/SMC or whatever (I did both procedures) but I still can't get even the blurry picture back. If I unplug the DVI/VGA adapter, the screen flicks up what would be 'on screen' and blanks right back out. Is there a way to reset the display to the default?
Message was edited by: [email protected]

So, I called Apple Support today and tried all of their procedures. Finally, they told me to reinstall OSX. I reinstalled and the screen went back to old blurry. I purchased a DVI to HDMI converter, plugged everything back up and... not so blurry but still not satisfactory (even to my wife's standards, who normally doesn't know/notice/understand/care about things like that... so, it MUST be bad). I found my TV resolution in the manual, it is 1440x900 and says it is 720p. So, I tried to make adjustments again. Back to Black (I am starting to feel like JayZ). I am now reloading OSX (this time I clicked 'Options' and opted to erase the entire hard drive, then reload).
I called Apple Support back and they said that they are unable to do anything more over the phone (Dell did not buy Apple, right?). I was instructed to return the MacMini to an authorized agent to have them look at it. I guess I will do that tomorrow since I spent all of today F'ing with it.
In the mean time, if someone can help me figure this out, I would be very appreciative.
Thanks, Matt.

Need help setting up a mac to mac network (2 machines)

First, I apologize for the cross posting, but this got no replies in the networking category.
I have a new mac mini and I'm struggling to setup a network with the mini that shows my old G5 dual 1.8. The old computer has two internal hard drives. I've turned on everything (file sharing, etc.) I can think of in both machines.
I have a Netopia wireless dsl modem/router. Setup was done painlessly via firewire and I could see all drives on the old computer while hooked up via firewire.
Switching over to ethernet only I am only able to see the superdrive on the G5. Not the hard drives, just the superdrive. The old machine is now hooked into the ethernet router.
How do I get the mac mini to see the other computer via ethernet? Is this a Bonjour thing, and if so, where do I find that application?
I am sure this must be an absurdly simple thing to do but I am puzzled why it worked via firewire and lost when hooked up via ethernet. This forum has been super helpful in the past so I'm turning here for help.
Thanks

Connect to the other Mac by clicking on its icon under 'Shared' in the sidebar of a Finder window. The window will show you the Public Folders for the accounts on that Mac, and in tbe top right-hand corner is a 'Connect as...' button. Click that. In the pane which opens, click the radio button for 'Registered user', and enter the username and password for the user you want to access. You should be able to click 'Remember this password in my keychain' to save having to enter the details in future, but it's never worked for me.

Need help deciding on my first ipad

Hi guys/girls. I'll keep this short and sweet,
So I'm looking at purchasing an ipad. Either the mini or ipad 4
I mainly intend to be using it for surfing the web and streaming music from my macbook pro, all from around the home. So it will most likely be 16gb wifi only.
I think I prefer the ipad minis smaller design and cheaper price. Though I haven't seen one in real life yet (obviously) but I have used a ipad before and found it to be a little on the big side (and ugly side actually)
On the other hand I am liking the retina display on the ipad and the new A6X will keep the ipad nice and snappy
So basically is it worth forking over the extra dough for the ipad 4 based on my needs or would the ipad mini do just fine? I'm linda leaning towards the mini.
Cheers

Nathan-D wrote:
Be aware that the wifi only iPads do not have a GPS.
This feature can be added.
Deciding on the iPad mini VS. the iPad 4 basically comes down to how you'll use it. If it's at home or in the office then the iPad 4 is great, but if you plan to use it while being mobile, then the mini shows its strength. Play with both of them for around ten minutes and you'll start to see which one is for you. Whichever way you go congratulations on getting a great iPad.

Need new disk for 2011 Mac Mini i5 with Radeon 6630M

I need a new disk for 2011 Mac Mini i5 with Radeon 6630M
Will this fit?
Western Digital 2.5 inch Scorpio Black 750GB 7200rpm SATA 16MB Internal Hard Drive WD7500BPKT
Will I need special screwdrivers or tools?

Wow, I worked on my MacMini after watching the video.
But BEWARE!
That OWC video misses a crucial step! (I emailed them)
My MacMini had a bit of "invisible" black tape holding the disk connector to the disk, very hard to see. When I pulled off the connector, it came apart !
That bit of tape must be something Apple added, or some manufacturers added, but it really messed me up. I had to send my MacMini off to be repaired, at a cost about $200 including parts and labour.

Need Help Deciding on a MAC Mini

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for