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Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: h linamen
Date: February 17, 2010 02:27PM
I see lots of interest in the minis in our forum. Why? Are they being used just as a primary computer with external monitor or are they being used in some special way?
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: freeradical
Date: February 17, 2010 02:32PM
I think that they're expensive compared to an iMac, but a lot of people use them as home theater pc's.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: blusubaru
Date: February 17, 2010 02:33PM
Small footprint, near silent, low power consumption, upgradability, powerful. I use my two for media centers. They spend 90% of their non-sleeping time in Front Row.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: NewtonMP2100
Date: February 17, 2010 02:33PM
.....as proof that size really DOESN'T matter......?


_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: celliott
Date: February 17, 2010 02:36PM
I can't afford a Mac Pro but don't like the all-in-one iMac. That being the case, I didn't have a lot of choice if I wanted a desktop Mac to use with my stand alone display.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: Wailer
Date: February 17, 2010 02:38PM
Because they show much more leg than knee- or ankle-length.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: abevilac
Date: February 17, 2010 02:43PM
mini as media center for me!
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: mattkime
Date: February 17, 2010 02:45PM



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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: Mini 9
Date: February 17, 2010 02:46PM
simple.

Apple has yet to build the HEADLESS iMac.


$600 - $1200 - $2400

These are filling THAT VOID at $500 a pop, instead of people stepping up to the lower end of the Mac Pros at $2500.

Not everyone wants to throw away (trade/sell) the monitor that is attached to an iMac; or stuck with not being able to upgrade the iMac's monitor.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/17/2010 02:47PM by Mini 9.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: 3d
Date: February 17, 2010 02:46PM
Some people like to use their own monitors. The glare shining off of the glossy screens on the current iMacs is just awful. There's no BTO choice for matte screens on iMacs.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: Black
Date: February 17, 2010 02:56PM
Huge amount of computer for under $500.
Since they started supporting dualies there's twice as much excitement.
The reason you see so many threads is that they pop up very irregularly in the refurb store and people are being helpful to those gunning for them.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: Will Collier
Date: February 17, 2010 03:00PM
A mini is one of the best HTPC hubs out there. If there were native Blu-ray playback in Front Row, it'd be the best.

(And yes, Plex fans, I'm aware it exists. I just don't really like it.)
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: RAMd®d
Date: February 17, 2010 03:14PM
Mine is my torrent machine, with a 24" monitor, and audioengine A2s.

Small, hides under a monitor, needs very little attention, does not run nearly as hot as my iMac. I'll upgrade to the current flavor in a few months.





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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: ScottG
Date: February 17, 2010 03:25PM
Cheap, and not an all-in-one. I have two young children, the computer is in the living room. The computer is used for entertainment and work, and sometimes the fingers pointing at the screen are over enthusiastic and not totally clean. I could have an iMac, worry about the screen and buy a screen protector, or use a Mac mini with an old CRT. The mini is fast enough for what we use it for (which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, video and RAW photo editing, but mostly for fun rather than work), quiet (it replaced a dual 1.25GHz G4 MDD, now we can hear the TV even if the computer is on!) and I could afford it.

cheers
scott
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: PeterB
Date: February 17, 2010 03:27PM
Quote
mattkime

Great, now I can't stand up. Thanks Matt! grinning smiley



Freya says, 'Hello from NOLA, baby!' (Laissez bon temps rouler!)
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: davester
Date: February 17, 2010 03:29PM
I think the iMac has more bang for the buck if you're looking for a complete computer. However, the mini is incredibly versatile. I'm using mine as an HTPC and a home media and backup server, and will probably run a long monitor cable to an adjacent office room and use it as my regular PC also. All the other computers in our house are wireless laptops so it's nice to have one stationary "always on" server. From an HTPC standpoint the mini is way better than my ReplayTV which previously couldn't be beat by anything except HD TiVo.


"In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." (1987) -- Carl Sagan



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/17/2010 03:30PM by davester.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: Ombligo
Date: February 17, 2010 03:39PM
One is my HTPC running front row most of the time (handbrake, ripit, miro the rest), using airmobilemouse on a touch for keyboard and mouse. The TV has a direct PC video input, so it is the perfect solution.

The second is my wife's computer on a older CRT. She doesn't want a macbook and her Dell laptop from school won't go on our home wi-fi (the school crippled it for security, stupid but true).

For price, their great.


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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: jdc
Date: February 17, 2010 03:45PM
Quote
3d
Some people like to use their own monitors. The glare shining off of the glossy screens on the current iMacs is just awful. There's no BTO choice for matte screens on iMacs.

Not everyone is put off by the glossy screen. Been staring at mine for 2+ years now, perfectly fine.




Edited 999 time(s). Last edit at 12:08PM by jdc.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: 3d
Date: February 17, 2010 04:22PM
Quote
jdc
Quote
3d
Some people like to use their own monitors. The glare shining off of the glossy screens on the current iMacs is just awful. There's no BTO choice for matte screens on iMacs.

Not everyone is put off by the glossy screen. Been staring at mine for 2+ years now, perfectly fine.

I prefer to not work in a cave. A BTO choice of matte screen on the iMac would've been appreciated. Choice is always good. If I could do it all over again I would not have bought the iMac and gone with a mini and a Dell monitor.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: John B.
Date: February 17, 2010 04:33PM
Bought one about a month ago. Added a $130 Dell 22" monitor. Using my several-years-old 15" Apple LCD monitor as the second monitor. Monoprice monitor adapter cables are cheap. Maybe for my next system I'll carry forward these two monitors and add a third.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: billb
Date: February 17, 2010 04:36PM
Quote
PeterB
Quote
mattkime

Great, now I can't stand up. Thanks Matt! grinning smiley




Fix that for ya
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: mikebw
Date: February 17, 2010 05:08PM
Quote
Mini 9
Apple has yet to build the HEADLESS iMac.

A headless iMac wouldn't have any eyes. It would have to be the neckMac or stumpMac.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: Panopticon
Date: February 17, 2010 05:21PM
and for $500, only two choices are possible:
  1. C2D Mac Mini
  2. DIY fauxPro Quad*
*and not everyone wants a 'non' Apple computer running x86 or, sincerely believe they are not capable of assembling one.

pirate smiley
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: Article Accelerator
Date: February 17, 2010 05:37PM
Quote
h linamen
I see lots of interest in the minis in our forum. Why?

To summarize these responses:

- very low energy consumption combined with good performance
- near silent
- very compact
- excellent connectivity
- good value

...plus:

- good record of reliability
- moderately hackable
- a dedicated accessories market

Those seem like reasons enough to me...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/17/2010 05:39PM by Article Accelerator.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: MacMission
Date: February 17, 2010 05:45PM
Dual monitors!
Quiet!
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: Zoidberg
Date: February 17, 2010 05:59PM
Quote
jdc
Quote
3d
Some people like to use their own monitors. The glare shining off of the glossy screens on the current iMacs is just awful. There's no BTO choice for matte screens on iMacs.

Not everyone is put off by the glossy screen. Been staring at mine for 2+ years now, perfectly fine.

Ditto on what jdc said; no glossy-screen hatin' here. (And, yeah, I've heard the "well I guess you don't care about accurate colors" argument.) I don't work in a cave either; I have a nearly-whole-wall window facing west so I get a lot of sun in the afternoon. I have shades on it but I get a lot of natural light and haven't had any trouble.

Love my glossy iMac monitor. Have a dual setup (with a Dell P2310H) and I really am pining for Apple to make a proper (non-MacBook attachment) 24" monitor, though I'm looking at the Dell U2410 ...

As for the Mac mini, I'm considering one for my home theater setup as well.






Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/17/2010 06:02PM by Zoidberg.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: hotdogthemovie
Date: February 17, 2010 06:10PM
Another vote here for the Mini HTPC. Mine boots from a 2TB external FW800 drive containing all my dvd's, home movies, photos, and music. It also runs my MagicJack phone. When I'm not watching movies or Hulu (no cable tv at my house), it's busy ripping dvd's or converting vhs tapes of old Disney movies for my daughter.

I have owned dozens of computers since the early 80's, and I don't think I have ever had one that I got as much use from as my Mini.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: jdc
Date: February 17, 2010 06:10PM
Id get a $1000 21" iMac and use it in a dual monitor setup before I bought a mini.

Hook it to a U2410 (matte) and have a fast C2D dual screen setup.

Which is exactly what I did 2 years ago, but with a 20" 2.4 iMac w/ATI 9600PRO, 4 gigs ram + 24" Dell 2405.

If they made a 21" i5 iMac I would replace that 20" with one.

And maybe a new U2711 =)

[accessories.us.dell.com]




Edited 999 time(s). Last edit at 12:08PM by jdc.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: Zoidberg
Date: February 17, 2010 07:07PM
Darn you jdc; why'd you have to bring the U2711 to my attention -- I was trying to save my pennies for the U2410.


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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: Jimmypoo
Date: February 17, 2010 07:16PM
Quote
Mini 9
simple.

Apple has yet to build the HEADLESS iMac.

It IS a headless iMac!
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: Mini 9
Date: February 17, 2010 08:52PM
mobile chip versus i7 in (one) iMac....

I disagree.

Now, if they come out with an i5 Mac Mini, that might placate me/some/others.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: Black
Date: February 17, 2010 10:26PM
Quote
Zoidberg
Darn you jdc; why'd you have to bring the U2711 to my attention -- I was trying to save my pennies for the U2410.

I am now able to put a face to my tax refund.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: kj4btkljv
Date: February 17, 2010 10:29PM
All my workstations at work are Mac Minis, most of them are Intel machines. There are a few G4 Minis still in use too. I was getting tired of having to get rid of the whole computer (iMac and Powerbooks) every time one machine needed to be upgraded. Now, they can keep the monitor, I'll just swap out the computer.

I also have 2 at home, playing the HTPC role. 99% of the time they run Front Row, because it's really easy for my family.

Jeff
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: wickedsteve
Date: February 18, 2010 06:22AM
Why so much interest in the cheapest Macs available? Gee I have no idea.
Affordable brand new, Mac minis are almost impossible to pass up when they hit refurb or clearance prices. I remember when the cheapest Mac was $2000.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: wickedsteve
Date: February 18, 2010 06:23AM
Quote
kj4btkljv
All my workstations at work are Mac Minis, most of them are Intel machines. There are a few G4 Minis still in use too. I was getting tired of having to get rid of the whole computer (iMac and Powerbooks) every time one machine needed to be upgraded. Now, they can keep the monitor, I'll just swap out the computer.

I also have 2 at home, playing the HTPC role. 99% of the time they run Front Row, because it's really easy for my family.

Jeff

Yes and make sure to put team 38910 and user wickedsteve in the prefs.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: MacArtist
Date: February 18, 2010 10:38AM
Quote
mattkime

I really didn't have anything to add. I just wanted to see this picture one more time in this thread.


I sit on a man’s back, choking him and making
him carry me, and yet assure myself and others
that I am very sorry for him and wish to ease his
lot by all possible means — except by getting off
his back. - Leo Tolstoy, novelist and Philosopher
(1828-1910)





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/18/2010 10:39AM by MacArtist.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: NewtonMP2100
Date: February 18, 2010 12:35PM
......'cause Maxis are so yesterday.................?


_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: GeneL
Date: February 19, 2010 12:57AM
What's her name and what is she to you?smoking smileyyum smileycensored smileypatriot smileyold fogey smileyhot smiley




What was the question, again?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/19/2010 12:57AM by GeneL.
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Re: Why are minis so popular?
Posted by: particleman
Date: February 20, 2010 02:28PM
Quote
davester
From an HTPC standpoint the mini is way better than my ReplayTV which previously couldn't be beat by anything except HD TiVo.

Davester

What are you using to record TV? Elgato? TubeStick?

Thanks
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