[Maflynn]

Probably a dumb question, but since you can now install a second hard drive in the mini by removing the optical drive, how would you install OSX on the computer. Would a usb(or fw) optical work, could you boot off an optical drive hooked up via the usb (or fw).

I'm looking at the minis and upgrading it myself but the loss of the optical drive, if I install a second hard drive has me confounded?.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by Maflynn 

Would a usb(or fw) optical work, could you boot off an optical drive hooked up via the usb (or fw).

Yes, that would work. Hold opt/alt while booting and you'll launch the bootloader. You can then select the external drive.

You can also clone the Leopard DVD to a partition on an external HDD and then use that to install OS X.

And finally, you can also hook up the Mac mini to another Mac in FW TDM and install from the DVD that way.

[Maflynn]

Thanks, accessing an external optical drive is probably the best option, especially when I need to install software, not just the OS. I haven't pulled the trigger, I'll probably wait till the summer or wait until the refurbs come trickling through. (Yes, they do go quick, I've seen the come and go before)