03-03-2012, 09:49 PM

Is a mac mini a good choice for a 1st time apple user? I am under the impression that its just like any other desktop only u need an external display.. any input would be a great help

ps.. i switched over in hopes to learn about photogrophy and editing, so any pointers/advice/guidence would be greaty appreciated.

Thanks and look forward to learning all about the power of a MAC

03-03-2012, 10:03 PM

A Mac-mini would be a fine 1st Mac...and lower cost. Not much else to say.

- Nick

03-03-2012, 10:05 PM

My 2c worth: I switched from a G4 eMac OS Tiger to a 2010 Mini Intel 2.4 GHz SnowLpd with a ViewSonic monitor, and I am chuffed with it. [Others might suggest an iMac as more appropriate for what you seek to do.]

The MIni is not perfect, mind you, I'd prefer the ports at the side where they're easier to get at. The almost silent operation takes a little getting used to, but everyday performance is good - or better.

Your hopes will be guided as much by the software you use as the Mini itself.

Printers - I like Canon for inkjet, Brother for mono laser.

Enjoy your Mac experience.

03-03-2012, 10:11 PM

Thank you for the quick responses. Ive got a list of questions a mile long so as long as i get answers im going to keep asking. i apologize and appreciate the help.

i hooked up the mini to my tv and everything worked fine. i noticed i couldnt see the whole home screen (top gray menu bar) so i started choosing different sizes.

one of the settings i chose made it go blank and says "format not supported" and now i cant get it to come back on. any suggestions ?????

maybe a way to RESET the unit ????

03-03-2012, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by jZmolik

Is a mac mini a good choice for a 1st time apple user? I am under the impression that its just like any other desktop only u need an external display.. any input would be a great help

Originally Posted by jZmolik

i hooked up the mini to my tv and everything worked fine.

I guess I'm a bit confused. In your 1st post it sounded like you were someone thinking of switching to a Mac computer...and were asking a "pre-purchase" question in regards to "appropriateness" of a Mac-mini.

But in your 2nd post...it sounds like you already have the Mac-mini??

- Nick

03-03-2012, 10:37 PM

To reset the monitor, go to Sys Prefs and play about with Displays. Your tv guide may have optimum settings advice for an external input (like your Mini).

03-03-2012, 10:37 PM

i just bought the mini. havent been able to use it. so i guess both would be accurate. lol

03-03-2012, 10:39 PM

my monitor is a sony bravia. any idea what settings i need to change?
can u reset the mini?? i mean, it worked at first

03-03-2012, 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by jZmolik

i just bought the mini. havent been able to use it. so i guess both would be accurate. lol

Not exactly. Looking is looking...owning is owning.

If...we told you a Mac-mini was a TERRIBLE 1st Macintosh computer...and you already purchased it (before posting here)...then that wouldn't have been a very good purchase decision would it??

This is why this why "having it...but not really using it yet"...does not still count as "looking/shopping" for your 1st Mac (which the initial post sounded like).

The important thing is we now understand that you actually own the Mac-mini (rather than still shopping for your 1st Mac). But it's probably a little too late to be asking if a Mac-mini is a good 1st computer for a switcher...if you've already purchased it (this is something that should be asked BEFORE buying)!

- Nick

03-04-2012, 12:37 PM

heres my story: i bought an iphone 4gS. i figured as i might as well buy a mac to sync it to so i bought a used 08 macbook. i only use it to sync my phone/music so i dont really know anything about it. i have a HP TOUCHSMART that i use for quickbooks. i bought the mac mini to hook up to my SONY BRAVIA and use for photo editing. this is all new to me and figured this place was the place to find answers to my question...... sorry for the confusion

03-04-2012, 12:40 PM

by the way; i got the display working............ now i just need to know how to make the mini my home on itunes so that i dont have to have the MB running you use the music

03-04-2012, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by jZmolik

heres my story: i bought an iphone 4gS. i figured as i might as well buy a mac to sync it to so i bought a used 08 macbook. i only use it to sync my phone/music so i dont really know anything about it. i have a HP TOUCHSMART that i use for quickbooks. i bought the mac mini to hook up to my SONY BRAVIA and use for photo editing. this is all new to me and figured this place was the place to find answers to my question...... sorry for the confusion

Thanks for all the details.

From what you mentioned...it seems to me that the 08 MacBook would have been fine for all your computing needs (unless I missed something)...so no need for the Mac-mini. For the photo-editing...all that is needed is the proper cable & adapter to connect the MacBook to your external monitor/TV.

But...there's really nothing wrong with owning both a laptop (MacBook) and a desktop (Mac-mini). Only mentioning this in case you would have preferred not spending the extra $$$ on the Mac-mini.

- Nick