Mac Mini!

I am taking part in this board on a PowerMac G4 with an upgraded processor @ 1 gig. I just purchased an iMac for my wife with a 1.8 gig processor and superdrive. I own a iBook G3 with a combo drive. All great computers and reliable beyond belief as long as you stay with OE processors (I have had a few minor issues with my G4 after the upgrade, but not enough to make me worry). Go for it, I have seen them set up on display working and am very impressed. Once you go Mac you will never go back.

 

Absolutely, before I upgraded my G4 to 1 gig I was running a 350 meg that ran faster than my Windows XP @ 850 meg. Make the jump to total Mac, you can still run your windows programs on the Mac, you just have to buy the proper software. I have just purchased this and will be doing so shortly. If you like the Mac Mini, check out the iMac, it is awsome.

 

The whole computer is the same size as the monitor and is in the monitor. A bulky computer is any tower model that is made.

 

We need a drooling Graemlin to express my desire to have a new one from the factory.

 

PC or imac

I am trying to decide between getting a new PC or going with Apple. They say you get more processor for the money but you better get extra ram from somebody other thann Apple, there expensive. The graphics cards seem to have middle of the road amt of ram compared to a PC. How the the games demand memory compared to a PC? I would be using it for internet and photography. GAming on occasion.

 

I have 2GB of RAM on my new MacBook, though I do not have a dedicated graphics card, but rather the integrated graphics of the Core 2 Duo chip, which is sufficient for me.

If you want to do gaming and want a Mac you should get an iMac with a dedicated graphics card. Macs are great for photography, at least I think so, I love iPhoto. I would suggest you go to an Apple store (if you are near one) and talk to someone.

It sounds to me though that if you are just a casual gammer and you want to to photography and internet then a Mac would be great for you. Of course thats just my opinion (I'm a recent switcher).

 

I like the Minis. I don't own one (I have a MacBook) but when it comes time to get a new desktop I will definately consider one.

For what are you planning on using your computer? That will help answer your question if the Mini is right for you. If you aren't a big gamer and want it for internet, photography, everyday computer stuff, a Mac Mini may be what you need.

If you are doing more with accelerated 3D graphics I would suggest an iMac with a dedicated video card.

Maybe ask your friend if you can use his Mac for a little while so you can see if you like it.

 

imac questions

If you get the Big addy MAc Pro can you use any brand of monitor? And about the imac- is all of the hardware MAC? You just cant get a hard drive and install it right?

 

Correct you can use any monitor. Macs use dvi output, but if you have a monitor that is VGA you can get an adaptor for $19.00. Macs can use just about any periphials you use for your PC.

I am not sure about your iMac question. Perhaps Dale can answer that question.

 

Basically all parts are standard on a Mac.
You can replace the hard drive and ANY mac with an industry standard part.
I replaced the hard drive on my Mac mini with a larger one I got at Best Buy.
iMacs are even easier to upgrade. Actually I don't suggest the average user upgrade a Mini, even though the parts are standard for the most part, the case is a little tricky to get open.

As for monitors, you can attach any monitor to any mac as well.
the iMac has a built in LCD screen but you can attach a second for an extended desktop setup. The second monitor on the iMac needs an adaptor though.

If you are looking into a Mac, check out this site for the best deals.

 

I bought my new MacBook from http://www.macmall.com/. They offer some pretty neat software bundle deals pre-installed on your new Mac.

I needed windows to run my Logos software because the Mac version is not out yet and Macmall offered Parrallels with WinXP pre-intsalled for a nice price.

 

Thanks all. We have a CompUSA in Tallahassee, Fl. I will go there and check one out.

 

CompUSA is a decent place to go.
Usually they will have a knowledgeable Apple guy there..unlike Best Buy.

A few Best Buy stores sell mac minis (but no other models) and they are terribly ignorant about Mac in my experience.

 

There ya go.

When Apples use a top o' the line AMD CPU and can run my games without having to use anything extra, then I'll consider it. But they'll have to get a whole lot cheaper... and I like building my own.

 

Trotter, that is actually what I loved about the Mini, it essentially allows me to "build" systems for people.
I usually never buy anything else from Apple other than the Mini, I go with third party for the display etc..

 

What do you use for a keyboard? Must you use an Apple keyboard or will a keyboard meant for Windows work just as well?

I am trying to get my father-in-law to switch to a Mac and He allready has a nice display and a standard keyboard. Obviously though it does not have the command or option key on it.