[marhan]

If I don't get the Bluetooth adapter pre-installed when I get a Mac Mini, how difficult is it to install myself? Is it something that would be preferrably handled by a service pro?

I've put together PCs in the past and could probably handle it, but I'm concerned about the mini's small size being an issue.

[Goldfinger]

I think it's more of an issue to get a hold on that bluetooth module.

[PurpleGiant]

If you can picture yourself using bluetooth with your mini in the future, save yourself the hassle and potential impossibility of doing it yourself, and get it preinstalled.

[Cadaver]

Couple of problems:

1) The module is not available aftermarket through normal channels. You have to get this as a service part (read: more expensive than it would have been if you just ordered it with your machine from the beginning).

2) The internals of the Mac mini are not user-serviceable. Opening the machine will void your warranty.

My suggestion is to order the machine with both BT and Airport. However, if you don't, the best solution for adding bluetooth is a USB adapter like the D-Link that Apple sells. Its fully supported by Apple's BT software and even uses the same firmware updates as Apple's internal module. My guess is aside from being external, its 100% the same.

[subego]

Originally posted by Cadaver:
2) The internals of the Mac mini are not user-serviceable. Opening the machine will void your warranty.

Very true. I have 1GB of memory sitting around, which I figured I could install in my mini. Looking around for instructions on how to pop the case, I found the default homebrew mini case-cracking tool is a "pair of putty knives".

I'm fairly techno-savvy, and am pretty good with my hands, but there's just no way I'm popping my mac open with some putty knives. I'll pay someone else the $50 and let them worry about scratching the hell out of it.

The instructions also have the dreaded "do this too hard and you'll snap off all the retaining pins" caveat.

[ratlater]

First off, popping the case of the mini will NOT void your warranty. You can install more RAM yourself, but if you break stuff while in there the warranty will not cover that. Which is how every warranty works.

Second, popping the case was scary at first, but actually very easy. It just has catches that run up the left and right sides, so the putty knife slides between the top and bottom and bending it away from the mini pulls them away so the case can be removed. I was a little timid the first shot, but it was actually very simple. Also, the chances of scratching the case are about zilch.

-matt