Which new Mac Mini to buy?

I'm looking to buy the new mac mini. Please help me decide which one that I should buy based on my uses. I will use this computer for app development, internet browsing, some photo editing, and maybe even for games. I know that I will at least need the mac below:
2.5GHz : 500GB
2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
4GB memory
500GB hard drive1
AMD Radeon HD 6630M
OS X Lion
But what upgrades should I invest in? With my uses will it be worth getting the 2.7GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7 and the 750GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm??
If not just say so and tell me what your opinion is.
Thanks in advance.

>With my uses will it be worth getting the 2.7GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7 and the 750GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm??
Yes and yes if you plan on doing photo editing and games. I would also get 8 gigs RAM, but by all means get it aftermarket.

Similar Messages

Which older mac mini to buy?

I want to know the best cost effective mac mini for the price thanks.

{quote:title=http://www.mitsubishielectric.com says:}{quote}
Input Connector: 15-pin mini D-Sub
The "15-pin mini D-Sub" Connector is a VGA connector. The mini comes with a DVI to VGA adapter, so that monitor will work perfectly with it!

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 ...

Whats the best way to transfer everything from my old macbook pro to a new mac mini, i have a external hard drive which i backup to regularly via time capsule

whats the best way to transfer everything from my old macbook pro to a new mac mini, i have a external hard drive which i backup to regularly via time capsule

Check out > OS X Lion: How to use Migration Assistant to transfer files from another Mac

Can I install and boot mac os x 10.6.8 on a new mac mini model A1347 which shipped with osx 10.8.3? I need to run a custom application using Mac OS X 10.6.8.

Can I install and boot mac os x 10.6.8 on a new mac mini model A1347 which shipped with osx 10.8.3?
I need to run an application customized using Mac OS X 10.6.8 on this new mini.

Hi, not normally, but you can run a Virtual Machine, using 10.6 Server within...
Parallels...
http://www.parallels.com/
VmWare Fusion...
http://www.vmware.com/mac
VirtualBox...
http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

Some advice - about to buy new Mac Mini.

Hi everyone - I'm hoping that someone can help me out with some advice.
I'm a former blackberry user and not a mac user, so I hope I'm clear in my explanation.
My mother is a PC user currently and owns a Blackberry Curve 8900. Actually, she and my dad both do, and currently use the PC to sync their (shared) calendar and contacts from one login in Windows XP to both of their blackberries. Yep, they're at that stage where they really don't need independent contacts or calendar. They sync with USB and curerntly use Outlook -- so no Exchange integration is needed for push email/etc.
Anyway, the PC is on its absolute last legs and I was thinking of migrating them over to a new Mac Mini since she's never really gotten the hang of Windows XP and I'm guessing that she'll do better on the Mac OS. Plus her friends all use Macs and I'm hoping they can help her. I'm guessing we'll just get them the latest version of Entourage with their new Mac.
I've been holding off migrating them to this until the Blackberry Desktop Manager for Mac was available because the Blackberry Desktop Manager on their PC is one of the few things that works really well for them. They're used to the interface, and it just works.
So, now that it's available I was looking through the forums here and it looks like there might be some issues with it that are persistent? I've seen references to 32 bit vs 64 bit and other sorts of stuff that I don't quite get.
Can anyone tell me if the new system for them would just work? Maybe someone out there has a similar configuration?
Or should I hold off or just consider moving them to a new Windows PC instead?
So it would be:
* 2 Blackberry Curve 8900s syncing to a single shared set of contacts and calendar using Blackberry Desktop Manager. They don't do email sync and probably won't make much use of audio sync. Images, though, yes.
* Brand new Mac Mini, which evidently comes with Mac OS X 10.6 (I don't know if it is 32 bit or 64 or what??)
* Sync to Entourage from Office 2008
thanks in advance,Aaron

Let me respond. First 10.6 (known as Snow Leopard) enables 64 bit technology...you can read this for more info:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/technology/
Now as far as sync goes...Unfortunately there is no perfect solution. Why? BB, Entourage, Mac Address Book & iCal do not share identical "fields". So it is impossible to get them to all have the same info. The truth of the matter is, I do not think your parents will need to constantly sync the contacts...seriously how many new people do they met to add to their contact list? It is probably a one time...let me get all of their contacts on the computer and the devices. Now the calendar does need to be synced regularly. Some have had no issues with the sync between iCal and BB...others...well a different story. I migrated my parents (both sets) to Mac about 8-10 years ago. Why, because Mac software (OS included) is so much easier for them to understand and use. I also do the technical support (which I can do remotely with screen sharing) which is easier for me (and there are not many issues). I use mobile me and we have contacts and calendars synced across the family...all automated (if I make a change they get it within seconds). Hope this helps.
4.6.1.305 hybrid
Mac Pro 2X2.8 Quad SL

Where can I buy a 3.0 usb hub (2008 version 1 USB 3.0 specification) for my new Mac Mini?

Where can I buy a 3.0 usb hub (2008 version 1 USB 3.0 specification) for my new Mac Mini?

I'd go for the > USB 3.0 4-Port Hub Belkin, mostly because Belkin has never let me down.
Also the > D-Link | DUB-1340 4-Port Superspeed USB 3 Hub, looks like a good choice.
For more, see > USB 3.0 Hubs - Google Search

Which HDMI Standard have the new mac mini(2014)? 1.4 or 1.4a

Which HDMI Standard have the new mac mini(2014)? 1.4 or 1.4a

This only says 1.4
Mac computers: Frequently asked questions about using HDMI - Apple Support
Which version of the HDMI spec do Macs with HDMI support?
Mac computers released after Mid 2010 are designed to work with HDMI devices complying with versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.2a, 1.3, 1.3a, and 1.4 of the HDMI specification.

Upgrade a mid 2010 Mac Mini or buy a new one?

I have a mid 2010 Mac Mini with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB SDRAM DDR3, and a 320 GB HDD. I use it primarily as a way to watch movies, TV, and internet videos on my TV. However, lately it has become excruciatingly slow with choppy video playback. I realize upgrading the RAM and/or the HDD to a SSD would offer an improvement. But my question is, would it be better to upgrade a computer that's getting close to 5 years old now, or buy a new Mac Mini, despite the complaints I've heard about the inability to upgrade RAM and/or hard drive.
Thanks

For your use going to the max of 8 GB of memory and an SSD will be fine.

New mac mini, resolution incompatible with TV

My shiny new mac mini just arrived today in the mail. I hooked it up to my Emerson 27 inch 720p tv and booted her up. I got the grey screen, then the apple, then a spinny wheel of white lights, then "Please change computers resolution".
This is my first boot and the machine only comes with the onboard HDMI port and the HDMI to DVI adapter. I have no DVI monitors, and my only HDMI monitor is my TV.
Safe boot doesn't work, single user mode doesn't work. Both just throw the same error, safe boot runs a progress bar for a bit before doing so at least.
Apple support is closed right now (***).
My bro and I are Linux admins so we got into the shell and tried editing the com.boot file to change the resolution, but that didn't seem to do anything.
All the forums I've referenced say to install tools to solve this problem, but that's not helpful unless I can get in the first time. Also unhelpful are the people who say buy a new TV or monitor, which cost more then the machine.
I need this machine to boot exactly once into the GUI so I can set up logmein, VNC, and ssh. This is a dev box so I don't care about seeing it on the TV.
Can anyone get me into the GUI one time?
Since it's brand new, it's running Lion which I've been having endless issues with at work.

It sounds like the new Mac Mini has HDCP enabled (as it is on the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros).
This is a kind of copy protection, and will not allow HDCP protected content to be played on an analog source.
A tool like http://www.hdfury.com/ will take the HDCP stream, and convert it to an analog stream. It's perfectly legal.. and will extend the life of older TV's (manufactured before 2002).

How to install windows xp on bootcamp on new Mac mini?

How can i install windows xp on bootcamp on new Mac mini?
I know that i should get an external usb optical drive, but buying such hardware for one use is a waste of money. Is there any other method?
I currently own a MacBook white, and really like the configuration. I it possible to copy the image of bootcamp to new mac mini? If so, what will happen to hardware and drivers?

Admiralali wrote:
Let me get this right:
1- copy the exact image of the winxp installation dc to USB
2- start bootcamp assistant, go through everything, till rebooting
3- boot from USB (hold ALT and select the USB volume)
4- go through winxp setup and done!
Am I missing anything?
I think that USB would be readable only on Mac os or winxp, but will the winxp installer read from USB?
Correct me if wrong.
Having read further websites, I am now a bit more dubious you can do this, at least with an XP installer.
However if you have a USB memory stick and an existing Windows computer (even a Boot Camp one) or can borrow one you could try using the free WinToFlash utility to make a supposedly bootable USB memory stick of the installer. See http://wintoflash.com/overview/en/
The problem is XP predates EFI firmare and XP only really knows BIOS firmware. As such (supposedly) XP would have problems booting from a USB device fully - it might lose connection part way through. Windows Vista and 7 do support EFI firmware.
The other approach I mentioned of temporarily moving the hard disk from the Mini to the MacBook so you can use the MacBook internal CD/DVD drive would work - be careful of the cables. Fortunately a new Mac mini and an old MacBook are two of the easier models to get at the hard disk. See http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook-Core-2-Duo-Hard-Drive-Replacement/514/1 (they also list other MacBook models) and http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-Mac-Mini-Mid-2011-Hard-Drive-Replacement/ 6422/1
Regardless of which method you try, the first step would be on the Mac mini to run Boot Camp Assistant and to create the partition for Windows. Then via either method try booting from a Windows XP installer.
As I have taken Macs apart many times, I personally might go the swapping the hard disk over route.

New Mac Mini or iMac (late 2012) for Logic Pro?

Between these two specifically, which would be better for Logic Pro, and why?
The new Mac Mini (mid-tier) has a 2.3gHz i7, and the low-end iMac which has a 2.7GHz i5. Both are quad-core. The i5 is faster in clock-speed, but the Mini sports the i7, which has hyperthreading.
Can anybody offer any insight on which of these two computers would be better for Logic?

While this is not quite the answer you be looking for...
The 2011 Mac Mini Server, is in many ways the better bet for use with Logic because...
It has a 2.0Ghz i7... so slightly slower than the 2012 models..but it is the i7 version with 8 Cores.. so it still flies..
It comes with 2 x 500GB 7200rpm Hard Drives built in (Compared to 5400rpm Drives in the 2012 model)
Memory easily upgraded to 16GB for about $90 via Amazon..
..and yoi get a free copy of OS X Server, if should wish to use it at some point in the future... (The MMS comes with the Standard OS X installed and you have to run the add on server program to install OS X server so if you don't need the server stuff, don't run the Server installation software and you'll be running standard OS X as normal)
USB2 instead of USB3 is about the only other important difference that matters for AudioExt Drive use but using the FW800 and Thunderbolt ports, via Tbolt to FW adaptors on the 2011 MMS removes the need for USB3 I find..
Othert than that the 2011 and 2012 models are pretty much the same...
But.. the real kicker is that Apple are currently selling refurbished ones (with full warranty) at $759..... down from $999 originally...so they are quite the bargain..
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC936LL/A/refurbished-mac-mini-with-lion-serve r-20ghz-quad-core-intel-core-i7
I bought two of these originally and have never regretted it.. So much so that i just picked up another as a spare...
Got to be worth consideration... and at that price.. You could buy two... and use Vienna Ensemble Pro 5 to sync them together..
A Basic Guide to VEP5 and Logic info that i wrote, can be found here...
http://www.logicprohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=78956http://www.logicprohe lp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=78956
...add a screen and still save money conpared to buying a mid level iMac.... and you would be getting one **** of a punchy system for your buck.
Other than that suggestion..
In regards to the original question... Always go for the i7 models as hyperthreading adds 4 more (virtual) cores and that can really make a difference in performance compared to the 4 cores of an i5...

I have Aperture 2 in CD and want to install it in new mac mini

Hi,
I have Aperture 2 in a CD which I installed in my old "white" mac book about 6 yeas ago.
I have now bought a new mac mini and I want to install Aperture again. Of course the new mac mini does not have a CD port.
Question is: how can I download Aperture 2 from the Store so that I enter the software serial number and buy the required upgrades on top of it.
thanks
ratoslibres

If it is new and is running Yosemite you cant run Aperture 2, it is not compatible and ill not run.
In addition Aperture 2 is not available anywhere as a download. If you what to run Aperture you will need to purchase Aperture 3 from the Mac App Store.
regards

Quality issues with new Mac Mini 09?

I've been itching to hit the 'buy' button -- but in reading the many postings about the new Mac Mini, I'm seeing lots of issues with the bluetooth ... *wireless signal* ...
Is there anyone who's not experiencing any problems?
Sounds like it may be a hardware issue with connections... the last thing I want.
My other choice is the 2008 Mac Pro which seems trouble free.
What do you think?
Thanks.

There is a general issue/trend with the new Mini. There are plenty of reports in these forums and the news has begun to hit the wider press; I guess this is more important to a company with only 2-3% desktop share than posts to these forums. I went to the Genius Bar on Saturday and they have now lodged an official bug report with Apple. It looks like the Mini cannot pair with more than one HCI device. So if you pair with the mouse first the keyboard won't work and vice-versa. They don't think the Mini hardware is broken but that we will just have to wait for Apple to fix the firmware.
Where I do agree is that some issues are OS-X 10.5 related and can therefore affect all Macs. The WiFi has issues where it randomly drops, it doesn't seem able to re-connect at all to channels above 13 and only manually to channels below 12. The system resume function is unreliable. All these started when we moved from 10.4 to 10.5 and so far they have not been addressed. One issue is that there does not appear to be a way for users to log bug reports, except when software crashes. However, the bluetooth issues on the Mac do appear real and are either firmware or hardware related.

Brand New Mac Mini (Intel 2.53 320HD 4gb - January 2010 - new Airpot Extrem

I purchased a new Mac Mini Intel Duo 2.53 320HD 4gb and a new Airport Extreme, new iWorks, wireless Mouse and keyboard, ipod touch 8gig and have a iphone 3gs 16g already few months old. My Mac Mini keeps trying to install something in System/Library/CoreServices and halts permission check until Disk Utility saying that it has been altered and will not repair. I did notice in that directory everything about Apple Remote Desktop, including ARDAgent / AppleVNCServer.bundle which contains curtainlock, kickstart, remote desktop.incs, RemoteDeskoptAgent, lock.jpg, networkUser.tiff, Lockscreen, lockscreekLeopard386, VNC Gues, sshHelper, writesettings, VNC PrivilageProxy, AppleVNCServer, Screensharing, Upgrade User, UserAccountUpdate, WorkflowServerRunner, Ticket Viewer and so on. My new Apple Extreme Dual Band, paid $179 for it, shows another base station when trying to re-set to factory settings that doesnt match mine, and I have no other apple stuff in my apartment. Also, before I can even enter the password and set it up, the Amber solid light turns green, and thanks me at the end for setting up my wireless with a usb printer. I don't have, nor ever setup a printer, no in my sharing, and under Airport at the top of my screen listing all the networks in my area also has a second section listed Devices - and it shows a hpsetup under my computer's airport.
Would buying techtools deluxe help fix this problem? Or norton Security for mac? or use the PGP Corporation Whole Desktop security Apple recommends to encrypt everything and re-install my operating system after I do a full erase with a one zero clean on both empty and disk02 - Machintosh HD?
Also my iphone 3gs is acting strange. It says the AT&T firmware is 5.11.7 and 3.1.2 (7D11) but the actual model number has changed from whatever M..L/A to now just M...LL (no /A).
Thanks for any help.
Rick
[email protected]

Actually, he has 2GB of RAM and a 2.26 GHz processor.
I'd suggest trying it. Worst thing that could happen is your system is too sluggish to use, in which case you reformat the partition (or remove if you want) and install a different, more compatible version of Windows. But personally, I could see it working well for you. However, if you're using an Apple Wireless keyboard and Mighty/Magic Mouse, you may run into some problems with pairing, however, this is a Boot Camp driver problem and can be fixed fairly easily.
I can't see it creating any problems, I'm running Windows 7 32 bit on my Mac mini with only 1GB Ram and a 1.66 GHz processor. And it's running really smooth. I should also note that Windows 7 uses far less resources than Vista, thus it runs a little better on slower machines than Vista did.

Which new Mac Mini to buy?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for