Consider this when purchasing a Mac mini

[sdclassic]

You can have a pretty, petite PC for less. In my search for such a computer, I came across the Shuttle Zen at $260. Add 512MB ram ($60), a Celeron 1.8 ($60), and a CDRW/DVD drive ($50), and you have something with more power at $430, $70 less than the standard Mac mini.

Shuttle Zen: http://www.ajump.com/ajump/product.asp?dept_id=4001&pf_id=9940122

 

[runt]

You can have a pretty, petite PC for less. In my search for such a computer, I came across the Shuttle Zen at $260. Add 512MB ram ($60), a Celeron 1.8 ($60), and a CDRW/DVD drive ($50), and you have something with more power at $430, $70 less than the standard Mac mini.

Shuttle Zen: http://www.ajump.com/ajump/product.asp?dept_id=4001&pf_id=9940122

it may be cheaper, but it isn't as "cool". personally, i wouldn't mind a mac mini. but first i will buy an ipod shuffle since i can't afford an ipod photo right now.

 

[Vertigo Acid]

Considering purchasing a Mac Mini?
ahahahahahhah
That's a good one

edit: because I can't spell

 

[runt]

Considering rurchase a Mac Mini?
ahahahahahhah
That's a good one

i didn't even see that. damn drugs for my toe

 

[FLECOM]

since im sure that blazing fast celeron 1.8 with its massive 128kb cache can blow away that g4

 

[sdclassic]

since im sure that blazing fast celeron 1.8 with its massive 128kb cache can blow away that g4

Probably not, but you could do equally little with either of them. Upgrade that Celeron to a Pentium 4 2.4B (northwood, 512kb l2) and it's wicked faster at $500.

 

[UltimaParadox]

it may be cheaper, but it isn't as "cool". personally, i wouldn't mind a mac mini. but first i will buy an ipod shuffle since i can't afford an ipod photo right now.

Just dont eat the IPOD shuffle

 

[S1nF1xx]

It's funny that for $450 you can either get an imac, or an ipod.

 

[palindrome]

Its not about the power, its about the OS.

 

[dariob]

The problem is, that PC will never run OS X. And also, you forgot to add the price of Windows, unless you plan on running Linux on it. All new Macs come with OS X. Its great for end users (read, not techs) cause there are no spyware or virus problems. The mini comes with iLife05, which has tons of multimedia goodies for people. These are all important factors.

 

[[Spectre]]

The problem is, that PC will never run OS X.

I wouldn't say never......in a word Solaris.....who would have thought? Who couldn't be happier......

 

[FLECOM]

Probably not, but you could do equally little with either of them. Upgrade that Celeron to a Pentium 4 2.4B (northwood, 512kb l2) and it's wicked faster at $500.

ok, now add the $75 for a copy of XP home, thats $575...

so for $75 less, you get a neat tiny silent computer, with a friendly easy to use interface, all sorts of free software, and a warranty...

 

[[Spectre]]

ok, now add the $75 for a copy of XP home, thats $575...

so for $75 less, you get a neat tiny silent computer, with a friendly easy to use interface, all sorts of free software, and a warranty...

No offense to anyone but on a number of boards around the web have already played this game. If you do it right you can build one cheaper BUT the guy who is going to build one cheaper or build at all is already NOT the target audience for this piece of hardware.

THe thing that cheeses me about it is the advertising it's shortfalls as features. No keyboard, no mouse, no monitor just use your own...........how the hell does that help the people who are first time users you are trying to draw in or the secondary computer folks?

I would buy one if it would drive one of those 30" monitors but it won't so

 

[antirush]

If I'm not mistaken, you'll also have to add a hard drive to the windows system, so another $40+ .

 

[placeboFx]

If you have the xtra $500 dollars to throw around, and you already have a pc then why not.
I really like the look of the Apple OS. I have really wanted an apple for sometime and I was about to buy a powerbook. I am glad that they made this product. Now when I say "Macs are purrty, or Macs are dumb I can at least say I have one.

 

[qdemn7]

The only Mac I'll every buy is a Mac laptop.

 

[markt435]

The problem is, that PC will never run OS X. And also, you forgot to add the price of Windows, unless you plan on running Linux on it. All new Macs come with OS X. Its great for end users (read, not techs) cause there are no spyware or virus problems. The mini comes with iLife05, which has tons of multimedia goodies for people. These are all important factors.

don't forget it comes with office apps as well now. i'd say thats a pretty good deal...but i would wait til Tiger comes out then you don't have to spend money on the upgrade

 

[placeboFx]

I was thinking of buying an A64 laptop. But if they are a as bad as you say they are then I want one again.

 

[dariob]

don't forget it comes with office apps as well now. i'd say thats a pretty good deal...but i would wait til Tiger comes out then you don't have to spend money on the upgrade

I bought one today, and, no office apps installed.

 

[RS3RS]

So for more than the price of a mac, you have a SFF system that everyone else has with no OS, and can only run Linux and Windows.

You're compairing apples to oranges. It still won't be a Mac. That's what you're buying it for, to have a Mac. If you wanted a Windows machine, well, you probably wouldn't be looking at a mini-mac in the first place...

 

[S1nF1xx]

ok, now add the $75 for a copy of XP home, thats $575...

so for $75 less, you get a neat tiny silent computer, with a friendly easy to use interface, all sorts of free software, and a warranty...

And then when you go to the store, you don't have to be confused by the huge game selection. Because there are only 5. Like, Break-Out!, Super Break-Out!......

 

[D1sc1pl3 0f Mal1c3]

Why would you buy a mac mini if you were going to play games? It's all about what you want to use the computer for, which has already been said. It's silly to dismiss OSX because it doesn't game as well as XP.

 

[bealzz]

And then when you go to the store, you don't have to be confused by the huge game selection. Because there are only 5. Like, Break-Out!, Super Break-Out!......

i already beat it... but its still fun

 

[ShaolinDragon]

Any linkage to Solaris? Like general info... I have no idea what it is, but sounds an interesting read

 

[[Spectre]]

Info- http://www.sun.com/software/solaris/binaries/

Download- http://www.sun.com/software/solaris/binaries/get_x86_dl.html

Freeware- http://www.sunfreeware.com/

 

[markt435]

I bought one today, and, no office apps installed.

i thought iWork was supposed to come with the Mini? wtf?

Use AppleWorks 6 to compose a spreadsheet or write the next literary classic.

AppleWorks 6 at least. I take that back.

 

[KaosDG]

I wouldn't say never......in a word Solaris.....who would have thought? Who couldn't be happier......

Solaris is *hardly* OS X.

 

[[Spectre]]

Solaris is *hardly* OS X.

You are right solaris is better

The point is there was a time when people would have said the same thing about solaris......thought that was pretty obvious.

 

[KaosDG]

You are right solaris is better

The point is there was a time when people would have said the same thing about solaris......thought that was pretty obvious.

Better on Sun Hardware. on x86 it's pretty much garbage.

 

[[Spectre]]

Better on Sun Hardware. on x86 it's pretty much garbage.

Hasn't anyone ever said this before...it's all about personal preference? I qualified my statement by saying it makes me happy because I came from using it in school ot being able to use it at home. On x86 it's pretty much garbage must refer to non-opteron systems, I would guess. Since if you pick and choose benchmarks like the mac lot you make it look impressive.

 

[palindrome]

I don't know about you guys but i personally love having half a dozen programs for spyware.

 

[KaosDG]

Hasn't anyone ever said this before...it's all about personal preference? I qualified my statement by saying it makes me happy because I came from using it in school ot being able to use it at home. On x86 it's pretty much garbage must refer to non-opteron systems, I would guess. Since if you pick and choose benchmarks like the mac lot you make it look impressive.

Point out to me where you qualified your statement. If you meant just now, then so be it, however you make it seem that Solaris is an equal to OS X, and you are misleading someone who doesn't know any better.

You are far more likely to get a better OS X experience with FreeBSD, X11 and a fancy WM.

Also, is not an opteron x86 based, with 64bit extensions?

 

[[Spectre]]

I wouldn't say never......in a word Solaris.....who would have thought? Who couldn't be happier......

Notice the huge grin there............. That would be me. I am happy it is available for x86.

Also, is not an opteron x86 based, with 64bit extensions?

Uhhh....yeah that is why I said......

On x86 it's pretty much garbage must refer to non-opteron systems, I would guess. Since if you pick and choose benchmarks like the mac lot you make it look impressive.

See that means you must be excluding the opteron's from your assesment of x86.

 

[KaosDG]

Notice the huge grin there............. That would be me. I am happy it is available for x86.



Uhhh....yeah that is why I said......



See that means you must be excluding the opteron's from your assesment of x86.

Yes that WOULD be you who is happier, yet you don't explicitly say so.
Add to the fact that some people here don't know what solaris is, and you are making it seem like Solaris is an x86 equivalent of OS X.

My comment on x86 solaris being "garbage" is based on my usage. I've used SunOS/Solaris for nearly 12 years. All on Sun hardware (Sparcs, Ultras, etc)
The way the operating system behaves on anything other than sparc is completely abhorrent.

 

[[Spectre]]

Yes that WOULD be you who is happier, yet you don't explicitly say so.

You can't fill in the gaps there? What is the point of having a smiley if you can't use it?

Add to the fact that some people here don't know what solaris is, and you are making it seem like Solaris is an x86 equivalent of OS X.

Are you looking for a fight or what? How about you stop misrepresenting my position?

Please actually read what I wrote not what you think I wrote. Here are all of my posts on this subject again please review them carefully.

I wouldn't say never......in a word Solaris.....who would have thought? Who couldn't be happier......

Me making the point not to say never and that I am happy that soalris broke that line of not being available on x86.

No offense to anyone but on a number of boards around the web have already played this game. If you do it right you can build one cheaper BUT the guy who is going to build one cheaper or build at all is already NOT the target audience for this piece of hardware.

THe thing that cheeses me about it is the advertising it's shortfalls as features. No keyboard, no mouse, no monitor just use your own...........how the hell does that help the people who are first time users you are trying to draw in or the secondary computer folks?

I would buy one if it would drive one of those 30" monitors but it won't so

MY reason for not buying a mac mini.

Info- http://www.sun.com/software/solaris/binaries/

Download- http://www.sun.com/software/solaris...get_x86_dl.html

Freeware- http://www.sunfreeware.com/

ME providing links to what solaris for x86 is when asked.

You are right solaris is better

The point is there was a time when people would have said the same thing about solaris......thought that was pretty obvious.

ME joking that solaris is better. And pointing out that you missed the point of my previous posts.

Hasn't anyone ever said this before...it's all about personal preference? I qualified my statement by saying it makes me happy because I came from using it in school ot being able to use it at home. On x86 it's pretty much garbage must refer to non-opteron systems, I would guess. Since if you pick and choose benchmarks like the mac lot you make it look impressive.

Me pointing out where you misinterpreted my posts.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spectre
I wouldn't say never......in a word Solaris.....who would have thought? Who couldn't be happier......

Notice the huge grin there............. That would be me. I am happy it is available for x86.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KaosDG
Also, is not an opteron x86 based, with 64bit extensions?

Uhhh....yeah that is why I said......
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spectre
On x86 it's pretty much garbage must refer to non-opteron systems, I would guess. Since if you pick and choose benchmarks like the mac lot you make it look impressive.

See that means you must be excluding the opteron's from your assesment of x86.

Me pointing out where you misinterpreted my posts again.

My comment on x86 solaris being "garbage" is based on my usage. I've used SunOS/Solaris for nearly 12 years. All on Sun hardware (Sparcs, Ultras, etc)
The way the operating system behaves on anything other than sparc is completely abhorrent.

Ok so ..........how much of that experience was on opteron systems?

 

[KaosDG]

You can't fill in the gaps there? What is the point of having a smiley if you can't use it?

Me making the point not to say never and that I am happy that soalris broke that line of not being available on x86.

Look, the poster you quoted says "that PC will never run os x"
Then you say "I wouldn't say never... in a word, solaris" thereby implying that Solaris is akin to OS X on the pc. Which leads to my first post in this thread "Solaris is hardly OS X"

Get my point?

I'm not trying to pick a fight or have a pissing contest about what platform is what. I'm simply saying that you misled people.

My posts after that are based on my experience with solaris. If you like solaris on x86, then be my guest. I personally do not.

If you want to continue this take it to PM.

BTW There is an opteron sitting in my server room that is running solaris, or was. we are in the process of selling off that system.

 

[[Spectre]]

If you want to continue this take it to PM.

I am making this last post becasue you are misattributing things to me. If I fail to respond to your accusations here in public when the accusations where made in public that damages my credibilty in the forum. Not to mention trying to force me to take this to a private means would smell of bullying since you are in a position of power......which would damage both of our credibilities.

Look, the poster you quoted says "that PC will never run os x"
Then you say "I wouldn't say never... in a word, solaris" thereby implying that Solaris is akin to OS X on the pc. Which leads to my first post in this thread "Solaris is hardly OS X"

Get my point?

No I don't becasue as I pointed out never say never, I never made an equivalency between the platforms beyond the possibilty of one running on a different system architecture.. 10 years ago if someone told me you could run Solaris on an x86 I would have said....uhhh...no. But time would have made a fool of that statement. The problem is you assumed or interpreted I made some other equivalency when I did not.

I'm not trying to pick a fight or have a pissing contest about what platform is what. I'm simply saying that you misled people.

I didn't mislead anyone, you misinterpreted what I said. If I did mislead someone show me where i sadi solaris=osx....without using a logical fallacy.

My posts after that are based on my experience with solaris. If you like solaris on x86, then be my guest. I personally do not.

Yeah I think I already covered that:

Hasn't anyone ever said this before...it's all about personal preference?

BTW There is an opteron sitting in my server room that is running solaris, or was. we are in the process of selling off that system.

So one?

 

[dariob]

i thought iWork was supposed to come with the Mini? wtf?



AppleWorks 6 at least. I take that back.

Yeah, I was looking in Apps for iWork and didn't find it. I completely looked over Appleworks. I guess its better than nothing, but it still kinda sucks. I wanted to give iWork a test-drive, but I have a spare copy of Office which I installed.

 

[darktiger]

But I cannot play HL2, WoW or FarCry on the Mac mini....

 

[Fezdog192]

Remember, that the Mac Mini is practically useless without a ram upgrade to 512mb. Quote: As I've sternly recommended before, do not purchase the Mac mini with 256MB of memory - 512MB is not only the sweet spot, but it's absolutely necessary. Source: http://www.anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=2328&p=18
That's another $70 you HAVE to add to the price of the Mac.