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Suikolove · Jul 18, 2007, 01:04 AM

Really... what's the point of a Mac Mini? From what I've been reading on here, they seem to be more trouble than they're worth, and a MacBook Pro is really the smallest anyone needs to go.

Enlightenment, please.

besson3c · Jul 18, 2007, 01:35 AM

What are you trying to ask?

C.A.T.S. CEO · Jul 18, 2007, 01:59 AM

Originally Posted by Suikolove

Really... what's the point of a Mac Mini? From what I've been reading on here, they seem to be more trouble than they're worth, and a MacBook Pro is really the smallest anyone needs to go.

Enlightenment, please.

For people on lower budgets, PC switchers, and the like.

Simon · Jul 18, 2007, 02:03 AM

Originally Posted by besson3c

What are you trying to ask?

Seconded.

peeb · Jul 18, 2007, 03:28 AM

"What's the point in making the mini so, well, mini?" would be my question. If it were a bit bigger, made with desktop parts, and a bit more expandable (that would also make it a bit cheaper) then it would be more desirable to all but the hardcore design junkies.

Andrew Stephens · Jul 18, 2007, 06:07 AM

Originally Posted by peeb

"What's the point in making the mini so, well, mini?" would be my question. If it were a bit bigger, made with desktop parts, and a bit more expandable (that would also make it a bit cheaper) then it would be more desirable to all but the hardcore design junkies.

To make it small, I'd guess. People like small things. It contributes to the wow factor. A bigger mini with cheaper parts would just be a desktop machine. A mini is a mini.

I love mine, it takes up no space, works plenty fast enough and is currently standing in for my MacBook Pro, which is broken AGAIN!. It's busy kick ass using Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, not quite as quick as my MBP, but it's also ultra stable so no time lost to those pesky unexpected quits.

Later it may well become an all in one HD recorder, DVD player, iTunes server etc as it looks so nice sat next to the TV.

Suikolove · Jul 18, 2007, 08:32 AM

Thanks for the responses.

I think I sort of see what you mean now, but if I had an MBP, I probably wouldn't need a Mini.

besson3c · Jul 18, 2007, 09:18 AM

Why not? There are all sorts of reasons to have a second computer.

Andrew Stephens · Jul 18, 2007, 09:36 AM

indeed and it's lucky I've got one. Well actually I have several but the mini is the next fastest.
Different Macs fulfill different roles in most people lives.

peeb · Jul 18, 2007, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by Andrew Stephens

A bigger mini with cheaper parts would just be a desktop machine.

You've hit the nail on the head! That's what we need!

Ikon · Jul 18, 2007, 12:40 PM

A mac mini is like an apple TV, only a whole lot better.

CadetStimpy · Jul 18, 2007, 01:09 PM

Well... my wife and I have two, one in her office upstairs, and I have one in my rec room that I use for my normal computer needs and playing World of Warcraft.

We opted for the Minis because we already had really nice LCD displays. Sure, we could have opted for new iMacs, but with the Minis we got two machines for the price of one, with the same features and capabilities... it was just a better deal, and we didn't have to eBay two perfectly good displays.

Honestly, I love mine. It's a great LITTLE computer, takes up virtually no space and is virtually silent. Plus... if I ever want a computer in my car...

Sparkletron · Jul 20, 2007, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by Suikolove

rom what I've been reading on here, they seem to be more trouble than they're worth.

A number of people seem to have issues with the fan. I suspect many of those issues are hardware related (i.e., faulty sensors). If you have fan noise and the usual software purges don't work I would take it in and get it replaced. I've seen brand new Mac Minis right out of the box start up with fan noise...

Originally Posted by Suikolove

and a MacBook Pro is really the smallest anyone needs to go.

Yes but this is a notebook with a large LCD. What if someone wants the smallest Mac they can buy so they can hook it up to an ACD? True you can hook a notebook up to an ACD but the form factor is larger and you're paying for an LCD you don't want. Hence you have a number of solid product niches including ultramobile PCs and HTPCs and SFFPCs. For many, the Mini is everything they need and nothing they don't.

-S

mitchell_pgh · Jul 20, 2007, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by Ikon

A mac mini is like an apple TV, only a whole lot better.

Not if you want a turnkey solution.

"why buy a bicycle when you can have a motorcycle"

Big Mac · Jul 20, 2007, 12:22 PM

The real question the OP is asking would be, "why isn't there a prosumer tower?" And that question has been discussed to death. The answer is that the iMac is strong enough for many prosumers, and Apple wants you to pay up for a MP if you're so inclined.