New apple mac mini

[JackTheTripper]

Now there's no reason for you not to switch to mac.

http://www.apple.com/macmini/

[Sane_Man]

I agree. With the smaller size, it will be easier to flush down the toilet rather then carrying it out to the trash can. :laughing

[xpdition03]

Any thoughts on the new mini mac?

My background is PC-based but wanted to expand my knowledge on OSX.

500.00 dollars is not a bad price and you can use your existing VGA monitor and 2 button mouse.

Hopefully it will work with a KVM switch.

Oh and hows networking, I know they use apple talk but when connecting to my home network, will I be able to see the apple share from my windows based laptop and vise versa?

As you can tell, I don't know sh*t about macs... LOL...

[JackTheTripper]

Originally posted by xpdition03
Any thoughts on the new mini mac?

My background is PC-based but wanted to expand my knowledge on OSX.

500.00 dollars is not a bad price and you can use your existing VGA monitor and 2 button mouse.

Hopefully it will work with a KVM switch.

Oh and hows networking, I know they use apple talk but when connecting to my home network, will I be able to see the apple share from my windows based laptop and vise versa?

As you can tell, I don't know sh*t about macs... LOL...

Networking with X is so easy now. I just installed it on an old iMac I had and the mac was already hooked up to a hub. First time booting up X auto connected to the network and I was able to access the net with no problem. I was also able to access my lap top from it and vice verca with not set up.

[girish]

Now, if only it came with a freaking keyboard and a mouse :p

[deaconblues]

AppleTalk is out - OS X uses TCP/IP as a transport protocol, and SMB comes bundled native.

[Nep-Toon]

when you connect to a Wireless Access Point. Do you have to reconnect every time you turn your computer on/off? Or is it automatic?

[slomustang]

If you use AirPort with a WAP, ordinarily it is set-up to automatically detect the signal.

My only complaints with the new Mac mini (or xMac as some are calling it), is the NON-USER UPGRADABLE components. The ram, Airport, and Bluetooth components need to be added when you order or installed by an Apple Service Provider. Otherwise, you void the warranty. I don't mind waiting until the warranty is expired, but c'mon.

I think it's good Apple didn't include a keyboard or mouse. Many PC users probably have USB keyboards and mice they can use. Personally, I don't like Apple's one-button mouse. Great that I don't have to pay for it with the Mac mini.

That said, I'll probably pick one up after I get a new iPod Shuffle.

[gabemg]

I am tempted to turn the new Mac mini into a wireless router that I can plug network accessible storage into.

[RydTher]

seems pretty interesting. I also have been thinking about picking up some sort of Apple computer to learn about OSX.

For those that know more about the tech specs, how good relative to the rest of the Mac range is the processor etc?

[deaconblues]

it's low to midrange. The G4's are a bit dated, but 1.4GHz isn't too bad (I own one of the original G4 towers and it runs at 450 MHz....)

I suspect that there's also cooling probs with such a small form factor, so using a G5 wasn't an option.

If it sells (unlike the G4 Cube), then next year they'll probably release a dual-processor and/or G5 version.



Personally, if I were to get one of these, it'd be with the bluetooth wireless keyboard/mouse option, and the s-video adapter... replace my DVD player with this, plus hook up the camera and the stereo so as to put together a music/video production system.

[slomustang]

Unfortunately, when decked out with what I want (SuperDrive, 512MB ram, AirPort and Bluetooth) it comes out to around $700.00.

That makes me think a little more about actually purchasing one spontaneously. I have a PowerBook that is similar spec to this, so it wouldn't be an upgrade (except for the SuperDrive).

I think it's a great value for parents/students or those looking to get familiar with OSX.

[JackTheTripper]

ya, even at $700 if you don't already have a mac it's a good deal. I'm considering getting one to replace my origional iMac.

[Atak Kat]

Sounds like the G4 Cube reborn with updated technology.

-ak-

[deaconblues]

yep. also without the Cube price.

(or the cooling fan, or the stupid lucite case, or the 'toaster' dvd slot, or.....)

[whySareFIFTYymb]

looks cool

[Papi-C]

Bah I dont need a mini mac I still have my NeXTSTEP turbo color!!!

[RydTher]

anyone picked up one of these yet?
thoughts?

[Deeter]

Looks like a canned ham . . . Without that canned-ham reliability. :rolleyes

[Gragorin]

A few people on arstechnica have gotten them and can't stop raving about them. All of the other reviews of them that I've seen are very positive.

[deaconblues]

OK. one thought about 'reliability' here.


in the years i've had my G4 tower, the only times i've had to reboot the thing was when I powered down the system to add memory or additional hard drives.

that's 4 YEARS, people. my longest uptime was a year and 10 months, between upgrades.

try that with windoze, then you can trash-talk on reliability.


(the only reason I don't use it much now is that the hardware IS getting outdated, and can't keep up with today's apps very well.)