Apple Mini

[dcss1205]

We have all but decided on an Apple Mini to interface with a 42" TV as it's monitor.
We are finding a lot of good stuff, and would consider a refurb from Apple but their on-line store stock is depleted.
We accept that the new models lack disc drives, and understand that O/S software updates are somewhat annual and very cheap.

Any real life pro or con experience?

[guzzijason]

We have all but decided on an Apple Mini to interface with a 42" TV as it's monitor.
We are finding a lot of good stuff, and would consider a refurb from Apple but their on-line store stock is depleted.
We accept that the new models lack disc drives, and understand that O/S software updates are somewhat annual and very cheap.

Any real life pro or con experience?

Keep checking back to the refurb section of the Apple website. From my experience, the stock there tends to change frequently.

I've purchased a few refurbs from Apple - including a Mac Mini a few years back. No issues, but I mainly just use it as a glorified network backup server (I don't even have a monitor attached to it). I skipped the refurb store on my last Mac purchase (a MacBook Air) simply because the specific model I wanted was new and not available as a refurb yet... and I didn't want to wait. I would definitely recommend the refurbs to anyone who doesn't mind forgoing the latest/greatest models. Sometimes you can get some great deals.

__Jason

[seand]

If your point is a media center computer, I heartily endorse XBMC as your software, though Plex is a popular spin-off on the Mac.

Obviously you need a Mini new enough to have the HDMI output if you plan on getting surround sound out of your computer.

Even though I'm a Mac guy on my "work" computers, my Home Theater Computers are usually mini PC's dual booting Windows and Linux, mostly because they also function as "game" machines and I can get more games on the Windows format. I like to keep my TV computer running a simple OS when its being a TV computer.

XBMC runs on a variety of different computer platforms and its really the grand daddy of open source media centers.

The next question is where are you going to keep your shows and movies, where is NAS or video/music host?

[Moonraker]

This is not to be a media/video center. We may sing up with Netflix. For now this is replace a pc an d provide conference style viewing by several at once.


To your point, Friday there were 3 refurb models, this afternoon 1' now none. They evaporate!!!

[lewblum]

I've been using a mac mini hooked up to my tv for the past year. It's my first mac and it's the best computer purchase I've ever made.
Definitely get an external hard drive with it.
I'd say the only drawback is that it's a bit cumbersome for any use beyond media/video (e.g. Adobe products, Office, etc)
I'm not a gamer.

[sudama]

When I'm shopping for a refurbished Mac I always check the online Apple store and also Small Dog, an Apple reseller based in VT. They provide outstanding service and you get a bunch of small dogs with every order!

[ShoshTrvls]

Keep checking back to the refurb section of the Apple website. From my experience, the stock there tends to change frequently.

I've purchased a few refurbs from Apple - including a Mac Mini a few years back. No issues, but I mainly just use it as a glorified network backup server (I don't even have a monitor attached to it). I skipped the refurb store on my last Mac purchase (a MacBook Air) simply because the specific model I wanted was new and not available as a refurb yet... and I didn't want to wait. I would definitely recommend the refurbs to anyone who doesn't mind forgoing the latest/greatest models. Sometimes you can get some great deals.

__Jason

Same here -- in that, I've bought a few things refurb'd from Mac, with no issues. And I have an older mac mini (not bought refurbbed) that has lasted me very, very well.

[lucidinnature]

I always go to Best Buy for new apple stuff. They always have 10-15% off apple's prices, and their ram upgrades are far cheaper. Just bought a new mac mini 6 months ago for the shop and love it. I don't miss the dvd at all-I have a usb drive in the shape of a key on my keychain, which is more than enough for me to transfer files if need be.

I agree with lewblum-get an external hard drive to go with it and you'll never have to worry about backups again. Time machine does everything automatically.