Apple Mac Mini computer?

[130fe]

I am seriously considering buying an Apple Mac Mini computer. I was wondering if anyone here has one? If so, any likes/dislikes. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

[GeoffP]

I've used one at work. They are really good computers IMHO.

[critter]

Be aware that the new mini's have no optical drive. So no cd/dvd capability. Apple is pushing hard towards all solid state stuff. Also, they come with Lion as the OS (latest from Apple). You can not downgrade to earlier OS and Lion will not support any PowerPC applications. So if you have old software for the Mac it probably won't run on it. Other than that, we have a bunch in service at our business and they are rock solid for the applications we have used them for.

[jprewitt]

They also sell an external optical drive if you still have a use case for cd or DVDs. You can also share a drive from any other Mac or pc.

[dlrepmn]

I have 2 macbook pros, an i-mac, time capsule, macbook, and 2 apple TV's.

If you are trying to use the mini as a media center don't bother. Easier, cheaper ways to get there. And apple has locked their access so you have to purchase off i-tunes. They finally let Netflix into the party, but don't expect hulu+ or direct tv direct anytime soon.

Oh, and Steve Jobs hated Bill Gates's guts and refused to put flash support into Lion. This only matters if your wife is a Facebook addict and she has a fit if she can't farm on Facebook "all my crops will die", "these computers are junk (as she hits the keyboard harder and harder."

A mini is a good platform, but also relatively inexpensive and beats other machines in it's category is the Macbook Air. It doesn't have a removable battery (you have to take it in - ****GET APPLECARE FOR IT*****, but you can do anything you want with it and it is a usable notebook that traveler's love. Again no DVD drive, but a thunderbolt connection. If you have access to another computer you can remote access them to download pretty much anything you want.

No hdmi connection, but you can connect wirelessly to watch netflix or rent off i-tunes.

Battery life scares you? Plug it in. That simple.

Have a great day! Enjoy your toy!

Scott

[critter]

battery? On a mini? Sorry, not understanding.

[ChevelleNV]

I have a Mac mini as well, nice little computer. I am primarily a windows guy but needed it for iPhone app development. been pretty happy with the performance overall. Ohh and Mini's dont have batterys, hes talking about the Macbook pro

[130fe]

I have a couple of reasons for considering buying one. First I need to get another desktop (currently have an 04 vintage Pent 4 that is getting ready to go). My kids use apple stuff at school and it would be nice to let them be able to use the stuff at home instead of staying after school to finish apple specific software projects.

I have researched them quite a bit online. Not having an optical drive isn't that big of a deal to me, I have not used a disk in any of my computers for a long time. The new 2011's have an HDMI connection so there is some flexibility to different monitor choices. This is my first apple computer so previous compatibility to old systems aren't a factor. As far as a media center, I might use it to view some online stuff. I live in Chile. We finally got access to Netflix last month and other services like HULU aren't available unless you use a VPN server for it. I am not super computer smart in those areas but would like to know more in the future.

My last decision one which one to get. Mainly using it for web surfing and basic computer stuff (pics and videos) and email. I don't know whether to get:
1. base model 2.3 i5 dual core with 500gb HD and Intel graphics
2. mid model 2.5 i5 with better AMD graphics and 500 gb HD
3. the 2.0 i7 quad core server with 1TB HD with base model graphics.

I appreciate all of the inputs and any others that might help me decide which one to get.