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Switcher Hangout (Windows to Mac)
Mac Mini
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<blockquote data-quote="fiveightandten" data-source="post: 375807" data-attributes="member: 24555"><p>My Mini has an 80G HD, but I have a 160GB Lacie USB drive hooked up to it all the time for most of my media. I agree with the above post that 1GB RAM is a must. I have about 50GB of free space on my internal drive. I only have about 6GB of music on it, but that's 1300 songs. Video fills things up a lot quicker. </p><p></p><p>Seems like you have a few options here for using your media with the Mini:</p><p>-File sharing via networking with your PC (cost: nothing, unless you need a router)</p><p>-Transfer media to an external drive (cost: an external drive)</p><p>-Get a Mini with a large internal HD and use that (cost: built to order cost of a larger than base spec drive)</p><p></p><p>I use my Mini wirelessly, and have it networked with my PC through a wireless Belkin g router. I have a 120GB internal drive in my PC, and the Mini accesses it pretty well. The music works good, but accessing videos from the PC can yield a little lag. As far as front row file sharing is concerned, I haven't figured out how to get the media files from my PC to show up there for some reason, it still tells me I have no shared files. Though from witnessing the speed in normal use, I wouldn't imagine video sharing via front row would be blazing fast, music would probably be ok...maybe some more opinions will chime in from people who have done this. </p><p></p><p>External drives are great for desktop use, as you can unplug them and take all your media with you if needed. Your files will be accessible quicker than networking with the PC, but they're still never quite as instantaneous as an internal drive, and they do take up a port. You'll just need to weigh your options, while taking into consideration how many USB ports you'll need, and how much space you require. One of the limitations of the Mini (along with most Macs really) is the lack of USB real estate. I personally have a lot of USB interface electronics that I need hooked up daily, so a USB hub was necessary (luckily my monitor has a built-in hub). If you're going to plan on using an external hard drive, keep this in mind. You can get a firewire drive, or they sell stackable drives made to fit under the mini that have built-in USB hubs. </p><p></p><p>A large internal drive, IMO, is the quickest and easiest way to be able to access all your media. It's not a cheap option, but not really much more than buying an equalivant external drive. For an extra $100, and can get 120GB, and for an extra $200, you can get a 160GB internal. You also have the option of buying one after market...but that comes with the issue of warantee service. </p><p></p><p></p><p>At any rate. I think it's just a matter of weighing your options and seeing what would be best for your situation. I hope my rambling helped a bit. </p><p></p><p>-Nick</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="fiveightandten, post: 375807, member: 24555"] My Mini has an 80G HD, but I have a 160GB Lacie USB drive hooked up to it all the time for most of my media. I agree with the above post that 1GB RAM is a must. I have about 50GB of free space on my internal drive. I only have about 6GB of music on it, but that's 1300 songs. Video fills things up a lot quicker. Seems like you have a few options here for using your media with the Mini: -File sharing via networking with your PC (cost: nothing, unless you need a router) -Transfer media to an external drive (cost: an external drive) -Get a Mini with a large internal HD and use that (cost: built to order cost of a larger than base spec drive) I use my Mini wirelessly, and have it networked with my PC through a wireless Belkin g router. I have a 120GB internal drive in my PC, and the Mini accesses it pretty well. The music works good, but accessing videos from the PC can yield a little lag. As far as front row file sharing is concerned, I haven't figured out how to get the media files from my PC to show up there for some reason, it still tells me I have no shared files. Though from witnessing the speed in normal use, I wouldn't imagine video sharing via front row would be blazing fast, music would probably be ok...maybe some more opinions will chime in from people who have done this. External drives are great for desktop use, as you can unplug them and take all your media with you if needed. Your files will be accessible quicker than networking with the PC, but they're still never quite as instantaneous as an internal drive, and they do take up a port. You'll just need to weigh your options, while taking into consideration how many USB ports you'll need, and how much space you require. One of the limitations of the Mini (along with most Macs really) is the lack of USB real estate. I personally have a lot of USB interface electronics that I need hooked up daily, so a USB hub was necessary (luckily my monitor has a built-in hub). If you're going to plan on using an external hard drive, keep this in mind. You can get a firewire drive, or they sell stackable drives made to fit under the mini that have built-in USB hubs. A large internal drive, IMO, is the quickest and easiest way to be able to access all your media. It's not a cheap option, but not really much more than buying an equalivant external drive. For an extra $100, and can get 120GB, and for an extra $200, you can get a 160GB internal. You also have the option of buying one after market...but that comes with the issue of warantee service. At any rate. I think it's just a matter of weighing your options and seeing what would be best for your situation. I hope my rambling helped a bit. -Nick [/QUOTE]
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