Mac Mini or iMac as a small business server?

HongKongAlan · HongKongAlan #1 (**permalink**)

04-04-2012, 05:29 AM

Hi, hope I have posted this is the right place but starting up a new small office and wanting to switch to Macs. Office will only be maximum around 7 people after a year (and will start with only 3 or 4 people). We will not be strong much data as we 99% use web based applications

The apple store is recommending we go for a IMAC 21.5/2.5QC/2X2GB/500GB/67 as the Server. I've been wondering about the Mac Mini Server instead. Trying to do something cost effective but don't want to underspeck the hardware and have to double up in the future.

Appreciate anyones thoughts on the choice

thanks in advance

Alan

bazanders · bazanders #2 (**permalink**)

04-04-2012, 05:34 AM

It all depends on what you want the server to perform, if its just for file storage then a NAS appliance would probably be OK(make sure its backed up). Need to know alot more before anyone can answer your question

HongKongAlan · HongKongAlan #3 (**permalink**)

04-04-2012, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazanders

It all depends on what you want the server to perform, if its just for file storage then a NAS appliance would probably be OK(make sure its backed up). Need to know alot more before anyone can answer your question

It would just be network storage of shared documents, spreadsheets etc. Also want to be be able to centrally administer Apple Mail/iCal/Address book/wiki server etc. The Apple store are recommending a Time Capsule as the back up device either way.

Let me know if I can tell you more.

Thanks

Alan

Stretch · Stretch #4 (**permalink**)

04-04-2012, 07:33 AM

We use a Server Mini where I work. It hosts the Filemaker database and serves it to 10 computers. Haven't had any issues where an iMac would have made a better server.

bazanders · bazanders #5 (**permalink**)

04-04-2012, 07:36 AM

For such taks a mac mini server would fit the bill perfect

HongKongAlan · HongKongAlan #6 (**permalink**)

04-05-2012, 04:07 AM

Thanks for all the replies. Do I need a dedicated monitor for the Mac Mini or can I administer it from an iMac?

Stretch · Stretch #7 (**permalink**)

04-05-2012, 07:29 AM

You can administer from another computer. That's what I do where I work.

Deckyon · Deckyon #8 (**permalink**)

04-05-2012, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HongKongAlan

Thanks for all the replies. Do I need a dedicated monitor for the Mac Mini or can I administer it from an iMac?

While you dont need a dedicated monitor after it is set up, keep something on hand just in case you have to get hand's on with it.

I am using a Mini as a media server for iTunes and it has been great. I have it hooked up to a 27" HDTV but rarely use it there, I access it from my MBP. Now, I am not using Lion Server, but it does not matter for media anyway.

rabbitjetta · rabbitjetta #9 (**permalink**)

04-05-2012, 11:05 AM

I would go with the mac mini server personally due to the cost.

chas_m · chas_m #10 (**permalink**)

04-05-2012, 05:41 PM

From what you've written about your needs, even the Mac mini would be overkill.

I think in your situation I would recommend it. The current Mini is an amazingly powerful machine for the size and cost.

HongKongAlan · HongKongAlan #11 (**permalink**)

04-06-2012, 06:59 AM

Feeling much more confident about using the Mac for the new office. Thanks again

Alan

Stretch #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 13, 2007 Location: Central New York Posts: 4,614 Mac Specs: 15in i7 MacBook Pro, 8GB RAM, 60GB SSD, 500GB HD	04-04-2012, 07:33 AM We use a Server Mini where I work. It hosts the Filemaker database and serves it to 10 computers. Haven't had any issues where an iMac would have made a better server. Blog and Photo Gallery: http://philolin.me/ Currently running OS X 10.8.2
	QUOTE Thanks

Stretch #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 13, 2007 Location: Central New York Posts: 4,614 Mac Specs: 15in i7 MacBook Pro, 8GB RAM, 60GB SSD, 500GB HD	04-05-2012, 07:29 AM You can administer from another computer. That's what I do where I work. Blog and Photo Gallery: http://philolin.me/ Currently running OS X 10.8.2
	QUOTE Thanks

chas_m #10 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 22, 2010 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 13,808 Mac Specs: 2009 MacBook Pro, Black speakers, Black Benq second monitor, black iPhone 4, Black 2012 iPad, etc.	04-05-2012, 05:41 PM From what you've written about your needs, even the Mac mini would be overkill. I think in your situation I would recommend it. The current Mini is an amazingly powerful machine for the size and cost. Cheers, chas_m -- My essay for switchers and newbies
	QUOTE Thanks

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HongKongAlan #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 04, 2012 Posts: 6	04-04-2012, 05:29 AM Hi, hope I have posted this is the right place but starting up a new small office and wanting to switch to Macs. Office will only be maximum around 7 people after a year (and will start with only 3 or 4 people). We will not be strong much data as we 99% use web based applications The apple store is recommending we go for a IMAC 21.5/2.5QC/2X2GB/500GB/67 as the Server. I've been wondering about the Mac Mini Server instead. Trying to do something cost effective but don't want to underspeck the hardware and have to double up in the future. Appreciate anyones thoughts on the choice thanks in advance Alan
	QUOTE Thanks

bazanders #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 30, 2010 Posts: 161 Mac Specs: mid 2011 27" imac Core i5 2.7GHz, 8GB, 1TB	04-04-2012, 05:34 AM It all depends on what you want the server to perform, if its just for file storage then a NAS appliance would probably be OK(make sure its backed up). Need to know alot more before anyone can answer your question
	QUOTE Thanks

bazanders #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 30, 2010 Posts: 161 Mac Specs: mid 2011 27" imac Core i5 2.7GHz, 8GB, 1TB	04-04-2012, 07:36 AM For such taks a mac mini server would fit the bill perfect
	QUOTE Thanks

HongKongAlan #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 04, 2012 Posts: 6	04-05-2012, 04:07 AM Thanks for all the replies. Do I need a dedicated monitor for the Mac Mini or can I administer it from an iMac?
	QUOTE Thanks

rabbitjetta #9 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 08, 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 890 Mac Specs: 13" Retina Pro, iPhone 5, iPad 4, iPod touch 3-5, iMac 27	04-05-2012, 11:05 AM I would go with the mac mini server personally due to the cost.
	QUOTE Thanks

HongKongAlan #11 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 04, 2012 Posts: 6	04-06-2012, 06:59 AM Feeling much more confident about using the Mac for the new office. Thanks again Alan
	QUOTE Thanks

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