05-08-2012, 08:55 AM

Thank you @OlderMacUser - good advice there

As I type the G4 is being upgraded with OS 10.5 which I'm told should work as long as it doesn't slow it down too much. I was told I can continue to try it out before I decide. However I've decided to use this machine for the kids and using iTunes etc, and I'm going to invest in something (much) better for myself

Anyone have experience with a Mini Mac?

I don't think I need an iMac (and only found out today that the computer is built into the screen)!!!!!!

As long as it wil recognise modern devices, has USB ports I'm happy. It doesn't need a cd drive as I can use the kids Mac or can always plug in an external one surely....

Any thoughts appreciated (very much)

Thanks!

05-08-2012, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by msid

Anyone have experience with a Mini Mac?

Of course there are folks who have experience with a Mac-Mini...what is it you want to know?

Originally Posted by msid

I don't think I need an iMac (and only found out today that the computer is built into the screen)!!!!!!

Maybe the screen is built into the computer!

- Nick

05-08-2012, 11:02 AM

I use a 2009 Intel Mac Mini as my desktop machine. Hooked to 27in Viewsonic Monitor and use Wireless Keyboard and Magic TrackPad for input.

4GB RAM
320GB HD

Works great running Aperture and Adobe PSE.

05-08-2012, 11:13 AM

I have a Mini attached to my TV, running 24/7 as a media server.

05-08-2012, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by pigoo3

Of course there are folks who have experience with a Mac-Mini...what is it you want to know?



Maybe the screen is built into the computer!

- Nick

Ah don't make me feel any worse than I do

@Razormac - what's the advantage of a Magic track pad??

05-08-2012, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by msid

Ah don't make me feel any worse than I do

Not trying to. As far as the Mac-mini question...it would just be clearer if you specifically posted your concerns/question about it. hard to know what's important to you in a computer.

Originally Posted by msid

@Razormac - what's the advantage of a Magic track pad??

I have the magic trackpad as well. It's simply an alternative to the "Magic Mouse". If you like using a trackpad as an input device (like on a laptop)...then get a Magic Trackpad. If you prefer a mouse...get the Magic Mouse.:0

With the Magic Trackpad...it does support more of the "gestures" than the Magic Mouse (in case you like using a lot of the gestures).

http://mac.appstorm.net/how-to/os-x/...s-magic-mouse/

- Nick

05-08-2012, 09:39 PM

Some people (I call them the "grippers") find the Magic Trackpad a smoother and more relaxing alternative to the Magic Mouse, since you can't hold it in a death grip all day.

05-08-2012, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by chas_m

Some people (I call them the "grippers")...

"Grippers"...ha ha...that's a good one!

- Nick

05-08-2012, 10:05 PM

I like the TrackPad because I am not constantly fighting desk real estate to move the mouse around. All I have to deal with is the 5x5 inch square the TrackPad sets in.

05-08-2012, 10:58 PM

As far as the mouse vs. Trackpad thing goes- here's my input- I've always disliked trackpads... I Find them extremely hard to use and just... well, annoying. But that's all opinion related.

I like the TrackPad because I am not constantly fighting desk real estate to move the mouse around. All I have to deal with is the 5x5 inch square the TrackPad sets in.

I agree, Fighting for mouse space is very annoying, But Personally; I'd prefer a Stationary Trackball over a Trackpad. But again, It's Opinion.

Of course, everything I've stated above really has no content to the original question conversation...

But still, In the current day and age, If you're using a new mac, I think It makes much more sense to use a trackpad; simply because OSX is starting to become more and more like the iOS with the gestures and all; so That would be beneficial as time goes on.
Unless apple throws us a curveball and stops that... yet I don't see that happening anytime soon.

To make a long story short for you msid, The Magic trackpad is basically the same thing as the magic mouse... without the mouse part... which allows more gestures.
(Isn't it strange how I'm responding even though I wasn't originally asked about it?)

05-08-2012, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by OlderMacUser

I agree, Fighting for mouse space is very annoying, But Personally; I'd prefer a Stationary Trackball over a Trackpad. But again, It's Opinion.

I'm right with you!. A stationary trackball with both left & right click mouse buttons is what I primarily use as well with my desktop computers. But I do miss some of the "gestures" available with the trackpads on my notebooks & Magic Trackpad.

- Nick

05-09-2012, 03:46 AM

Ok - first of all I hate track pads on a laptop I love my wireless super fast mouse with scrolling wheel. I've never used a magic mouse so not sure how I would take to it.

Secondly - what I need my computer for is photoshop and work related to photography, security, speed, fun and easy maintenance. Surfing etc :-)

It's still unknown whether my G4 can be saved it's looking doubtful but in the meantime I think I will go ahead with the mini mac.

I have read I will need a HDMI to DVI cable. ( does that mean I won't be using the adapter that comes with it?)

I'm sure I'm forgetting something as I'm rushing for the school run so I wil check in again later

05-09-2012, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by msid

Ok - first of all I hate track pads on a laptop I love my wireless super fast mouse with scrolling wheel. I've never used a magic mouse so not sure how I would take to it.

Secondly - what I need my computer for is photoshop and work related to photography, security, speed, fun and easy maintenance. Surfing etc :-)

It's still unknown whether my G4 can be saved it's looking doubtful but in the meantime I think I will go ahead with the mini mac.

I have read I will need a HDMI to DVI cable. ( does that mean I won't be using the adapter that comes with it?)

I'm sure I'm forgetting something as I'm rushing for the school run so I wil check in again later

Have you ever used an Apple Trackpad? They are worlds above PC trackpads. The best PC trackpad would be like a sleaziest, drug dealing, bed bug ridden hotel you can find, versus a 5 star everything catered to your needs resort.

05-09-2012, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by Stretch

Have you ever used an Apple Trackpad? They are worlds above PC trackpads. The best PC trackpad would be like a sleaziest, drug dealing, bed bug ridden hotel you can find, versus a 5 star everything catered to your needs resort.

No I've never tried it but what I can do is try one out in the apple shop over the weekend.

My Mac Mini is ordered and I should have it by Friday.

I can always decide to get accessories like the trackpad or magic mouse at a later stage.

I'm going to connect the Mac mini to a HDTV via HDMI and see what happens

05-09-2012, 02:00 PM

Just my tuppence, but I'd seriously consider whether buying secondhand macs is a good idea. I appreciate you have a budget, but these things really do hold their value.

If you can run what you have for a little longer, or consider getting a finance deal (I really shouldn't advise that, but that's how I got my Air), maybe look at getting a Mac Mini.

(Apple - Mac mini - Even more powerful. Even more affordable.)

It's the cheapest way to get a mac and mine's been a super solid machine. Althought the cost is a lot more, they depreciate so slowly that often 2nd hand macs just aren't worth it.

Even secondhand this is probably the best way to go, and any G4/G5's that you invest in would likely be dead money. Not sure what the 2nd hand market is, but if you can get a late G4/G5 for $100-150 then that might be worth it. $250? for a 5+ year old computer that's totally unsupported? madness!

Had a quick look and a Mac Mini would set you back $600 in the US, less if you or someone in your family is eligible for an 'educational discount'. This is a computer that could last you 10 years (who knows what the future holds).

This would get you a machine that to be fair is a real pocket power house. I've got 2 G4's in the house and their only used to serve files, play music and sometimes films.

Good luck with your search!