MacMini problem

[THUG LIFE]

Hi guys,

I'm planning to buy a MacMini to start developing on iPhone. The problem is that I have only a limited budget and can't afford to buy a monitor and a keyboard. Right now I just have a laptop, so I am wondering if there is any way to connect the MacMini to my laptop, and use it's screen and keyboard for working on MacMini... Any ideas?

 

[dtravis7]

Since a Laptops screen is connected to the motherboard and there is no way to interface with it, I will have to say no. A Keyboard you can get for $9 at Wal Mart but a monitor will cost more. I find 17" CRT Dells at my local thrift store for $20 all the time.

Not sure where you live but hope that helps.

If you do get a keyboard cheap just be sure it's USB and not older PS2.

 

[THUG LIFE]

I don't live in the US, and unfortunately in my country monitors are quite expensive (the cheapest I could find is 150$). The high price kinda beats the idea of buying a Mini...

 

[CrimsonRequiem]

I was at a computer show recently and there was a guy selling a 23" CRT for 1 dollar. No one bought it. >_>"

 

[Collin Bl]

Hi guys,

I'm planning to buy a MacMini to start developing on iPhone. The problem is that I have only a limited budget and can't afford to buy a monitor and a keyboard. Right now I just have a laptop, so I am wondering if there is any way to connect the MacMini to my laptop, and use it's screen and keyboard for working on MacMini... Any ideas?

You could connect the mini to the laptop by firewire - power on the laptop holding down the option key and boot off of the Mini

 

[THUG LIFE]

You could connect the mini to the laptop by firewire - power on the laptop holding down the option key and boot off of the Mini

and then what happens? I automatically see the Mac OSX on my monitor? Or do I need to install something else on my laptop?

 

[Collin Bl]

The laptop loads the OS off of the Mini but the laptop HD shows up on desktop as well so you can get files from either HD

 

[Collin Bl]

Ooops - just realised i forgot a step. You will have to plug a keyboard into the Mini and hold the T key for 8 - 10 secs after powering on to start it in Target mode, then u will b able to boot off it thru laptop. With no monitor you will not see the firewire symbol while it is Target mode but that wont stop your being able to boot off it.

 

[THUG LIFE]

Ooops - just realised i forgot a step. You will have to plug a keyboard into the Mini and hold the T key for 8 - 10 secs after powering on to start it in Target mode, then u will b able to boot off it thru laptop. With no monitor you will not see the firewire symbol while it is Target mode but that wont stop your being able to boot off it.

Thanks. I'll try it

 

[datamonger128]

If there are any thrift shops in your area, you could check there. Get yourself an old VGA monitor and a cheap USB keyboard and mouse. It may not be the prettiest setup, but it will get the job done. Just make sure that the Mac mini still comes with the VGA adaptor.

 

[pigoo3]

I was at a computer show recently and there was a guy selling a 23" CRT for 1 dollar. No one bought it. >_>"

Original poster...This is DEFINITELY the route to go to save money! If you have been looking at LCD computer monitors & the lowest price you can find is $150...you should really consider a used CRT monitor.

They are cheap, they are plentiful, and they get the job done! When you are on a limited budget...you can't be picky! ;D

- Nick

 

[Stretch]

You could connect the mini to the laptop by firewire - power on the laptop holding down the option key and boot off of the Mini

This will only work if the laptop is a Mac laptop, otherwise is useless. You will also be running of the laptop, but using the OS from the Mini, so if you needed the better hardware from the Mini, you won't have access to it.