Not sure what to buy...help?

[book_grrl]

Hi all, I'm new here and a complete computer moron. I had a Blueberry Mac years ago as my first computer and have since migrated to Windows for some strange reason (conformity? stupidity?) I now want to go back to the more intuitive and user-friendly Mac. My needs are basic: I surf, shop, email, download a few jpegs here and there, watch YouTube, type the odd document now and then. I don't think I need mega memory, do I? I have a nice Dell flat panel moniter, Dell keyboard and mouse. I would love some thoughts on which mini I should get - - the 1.6GHz or the 1.83? This is all gibberish to me anyways..I would like to stay under $800 if possible.
Thanks in advance:girl:

 

[Kash]

Since your needs are basic, you definitely won't need the faster processor. So you can start out with the $599 Mac Mini. Upgrade it to 1GB of RAM just because that seems to be about the sweet spot for OS X. Since you already have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, your total would essentially be $674, well below your $800 budget :black:

Now, I would still recommend getting an Apple keyboard simply because the keys are slightly different compared to a regular PC keyboard. This would just make your life a bit easier (plus, an Apple keyboard only costs $29). So with the above computer and an Apple keyboard, your total comes out to $703

 

[book_grrl]

Cool! Thanks! :girl:

 

[fiveightandten]

This is pretty much the position I was in. I'd 2nd the recommendation for the 1.66GHz Mini. The 1.83GHz is a nice machine, but at that price, you may as well just buy a 17" 1.83GHz iMac.

1GB of RAM is definitely a good idea. Actually, I agree with everything Kash said.

I bought an older Mini, used on eBay, and I couldn't be happier. I had a Dell Dimension, and i'm still using the Dell Flat panel monitor. I did buy an Apple Keyboard, then Apple mouse however. And I like those better.

Something to note about the Mini (and all current Macs) is that they do *not* have PS2 connections for input devices. In english, this means that if your Dell keyboard and/or mouse have the round plugs on the end of the wires, you won't be able to plug them into the Mini, as it only takes USB stuff.

You have 2 ways of getting around this:
-Buy a PS2 to USB converter, which will cost you about $15-20 to get one that will take the keyboard and mouse and plug it into a single USB on the Mini.

-Buy an Apple Keyboard, which is $29 and has 2 USB connections on it to plug a USB mouse into. My Dell mouse was USB, so I was able to just plug it into the Apple keyboard. I'm not sure about yours, it it's PS2 you'll need a converter or a USB mouse.

Just something to keep in mind. The Monitor will plug right into the Mini if it's DVI. And if it's a VGA connection, the Mini comes with a converter.

Hope that helps.

-Nick

 

[book_grrl]

This is pretty much the position I was in. I'd 2nd the recommendation for the 1.66GHz Mini. The 1.83GHz is a nice machine, but at that price, you may as well just buy a 17" 1.83GHz iMac.

1GB of RAM is definitely a good idea. Actually, I agree with everything Kash said.

I bought an older Mini, used on eBay, and I couldn't be happier. I had a Dell Dimension, and i'm still using the Dell Flat panel monitor. I did buy an Apple Keyboard, then Apple mouse however. And I like those better.

Something to note about the Mini (and all current Macs) is that they do *not* have PS2 connections for input devices. In english, this means that if your Dell keyboard and/or mouse have the round plugs on the end of the wires, you won't be able to plug them into the Mini, as it only takes USB stuff.

You have 2 ways of getting around this:
-Buy a PS2 to USB converter, which will cost you about $15-20 to get one that will take the keyboard and mouse and plug it into a single USB on the Mini.

-Buy an Apple Keyboard, which is $29 and has 2 USB connections on it to plug a USB mouse into. My Dell mouse was USB, so I was able to just plug it into the Apple keyboard. I'm not sure about yours, it it's PS2 you'll need a converter or a USB mouse.

Just something to keep in mind. The Monitor will plug right into the Mini if it's DVI. And if it's a VGA connection, the Mini comes with a converter.

Hope that helps.

-Nick

Wow, thanks! Looks like I will have to get a new keyboard and mouse. Sorry, but I don't know what DVI means or if it's a VGA connection, d'oh! How can I tell?
thanks again!:girl:

 

[Aaagogo]

DVI

VGA

 

[Netty4mac]

Welcome book grrl!! What part of Southern Ca are you from? If you don't mind me asking..

 

[book_grrl]

Thanks for your input everyone, it really helps! I'm in the Pasadena area..
Peace:girl:

 

[Sachsr1]

I'll offer up another way to go, but it's a bit more then you wanna spend. Since you have the large monitor already you could go with a laptop, and hook it up to the monitor when your home. Just an idea

 

[Kash]

I'll offer up another way to go, but it's a bit more then you wanna spend. Since you have the large monitor already you could go with a laptop, and hook it up to the monitor when your home. Just an idea

A laptop would be nice, but also way out of her price range

 

[book_grrl]

I did it!

I went ahead and ordered my mini - - 80GB, and 1GB, new mouse and board, went $31 over my budget which is cool. Yay! Thanks for your help everyone;D

 

[andrebnu]

Congrats for your purchase!! Let us know how happy you are with your new toy.

Oh, and share some pictures of your setup, if you don't mind.

 

[Kash]

Very nice!! You won't care about that extra $31 once you start using it since you'll be so happy with it

 

[book_grrl]

The shipment should come today, YES!! I wonder if it will be easy switching my Earthlink acct. over to new comp. I'll figure it out....some day I need to get a digital camera and scanner too. It never ends!
Thanks for the support!:girl:

 

[rollershoer4MAC]

Yay Book Grrl. Im happy for you