11-07-2010, 01:07 AM

I used to have a Mac Pro (vintage 2005). I sold my recording studio and recently let the Mac go too, switching to a PC I had. It did not have an Intel processor and I hit the wall on a lot of upgrades so it was time. But I miss it terribly.

I REALLY want to ditch this PC, and since I don't have a lot of money, I was thinking about the Mac Mini. Now I could take this to an Apple Store, but I figured the MAC Community would have the best advise for me.

What I do: The web is a given. I'll need MS Office, Turbo CAD, Adobe Illustrator and an audio recording program. I don't need Protools, but will it handle something like Garageband or similar program? Also dual monitors is a must.

I configured one with the following options:2.66Ghz CPU, 320GB SATA, 4Gb Memory. With other stuff, it came to $1200.00 which is the most I want to spend.

So, opinions please? I have no experience with Mac Mini's so any constructive input will be greatly appreciated.

--> Dan

11-07-2010, 01:10 AM

The New (Latest) Mini will do dual displays. You just need to purchase the adapters. It should do everything else you mentioned also. Only thing I am not sure about is Turbo CAD but should work fine. Will let someone else answer that one.

I understand your dilemma. Once you use a Mac and OSX for a while, it's hard for a lot of people to go back!

11-07-2010, 08:59 AM

FYI...the proper/agreed on abbreviation for a Macintosh computer is "Mac" not "MAC".

- Nick

11-07-2010, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by pigoo3

FYI...the proper/agreed on abbreviation for a Macintosh computer is "Mac" not "MAC".

- Nick

It's not an "agreed on" abbreviation, it's just proper usage period.

A Mac is short for "Macintosh." It's not an acronym, thus it should not be capitalised.

Acronym: Federal Bureau of Investigation = FBI
Abbreviation: Jonathan = Jon

PS. For around $1200 you should be able to get a refurbed current- or most-recent iMac, so there's another option to consider.

11-07-2010, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by chas_m

It's not an "agreed on" abbreviation, it's just proper usage period.

By "agreed on" I'm saying most people use it (due to what we've seen in Apple advertising & mass media articles over the last 26 years)...and hey...it's just shorter.

But yes...it's not like we all took a vote...and "Mac" was the winning/"agreed on" choice.

And like you said...all caps generally indicates an acronym...and MAC certainly is not an acronym for Macintosh.

- Nick

11-07-2010, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by dtravis7

Only thing I am not sure about is Turbo CAD but should work fine. Will let someone else answer that one.

I've never used TurboCAD either so I can only provide you (the OP) with the system requirements:

Minimum
G4
256 MB of RAM
200 MB Free on Hard Disk
DVD-ROM Drive
Macintosh OS X (10.4 or greater) 32 MB Accelerated video card with OpenGL support
Leopard and Snow Leopard compatible

Recommended
G5
Mac OS X 10.4.5+ or later PPC/Intel
512 MB RAM
250 MB Free Hard Drive Space
1 GB Allocated Virtual Memory
Internet connection and service to access some online content

Make sure you meet those and you should be fine.

11-07-2010, 10:12 AM

With that budget I would seriously be looking at one of these especially when you compare specs. Configure - Apple Store (U.S.)