Mac Mini Questions

[nikehair]

I have been offered a 2009 Mac Mini:

2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (P8400)
2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x1GB
160GB Serial ATA Drive
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
9400M 256MB shared

For $425. This seems like a good deal to me. My goal is to use it as a media server / HTPC for music, movies and pics. Would it be better to purchase an HDMI Mac mini with a 7200rpm drive?

I currently plan to connect it via an hdmi cable and stereo output cable for audio to a 720p television. I also own a 2007 24" iMac that I will use to stream some of the content from the mini, mainly music.

Thanks for your feedback. I only recently switched to the Apple platform.

[philiparcario]

if you think you can open the 2.26 mini up the ram to 4gb and put in a wd scorpio black hdd. cost to do so would be about 140 diy. your total cost would be 565. that would be as good as a 2.4ghz 2010 base model which costs 699.
_________________
2010 Mm 2.4 C2D oem 320gb hdd 8gb ram
2012Mm base 2.5 with 16gb ram diy fusion drive
2012Mm quad with 8gb ram oem 1tb hdd

promise pegasus r6 3x 3tb + 3x 4tb =21tb hdds
lacie little big disk 2x 512gb ssds
synology 2tb disk station

[nikehair]

Should I expect poor performance with the base config? I probably won't upgrade until ram prices go down.

Also, are there any advantages in build quality that the new model has?

[philiparcario]

the new machine is good for tv hookup and streaming netflix . it is easy to add ram to it but hard to add a better hdd.

I have had close to 75 minis come in and out of my home in the last two years. If I wanted one for myself I would say get a refurbished 2009 2.53ghz model from the apple online store and pay 589 for it( usa store price).

If you plan to hook your machine to a monitor I would say get a 2009 model. If you want to hook up to a tv with hdmi the new machine may be better. frankly I have disassembled tons of 09's and only 10. I believe the 09's are better built and more durable.. But the 2010's are pretty.


I have used the machine you have been offered I certainly would put in a wd scorpio black 320gb at the minimum. It needs a better hdd the oem hdd is slow. a poster is selling ram in the classified why not make him an offer.
_________________
2010 Mm 2.4 C2D oem 320gb hdd 8gb ram
2012Mm base 2.5 with 16gb ram diy fusion drive
2012Mm quad with 8gb ram oem 1tb hdd

promise pegasus r6 3x 3tb + 3x 4tb =21tb hdds
lacie little big disk 2x 512gb ssds
synology 2tb disk station

[nikehair]

I definately want the TV hookup and netflix streaming. I looked at the guides for adding ram and hard drive upgrades, and I don't think I want to try it. Maybe I should just save up for the new mini then.

Thank you for the advice.

[philiparcario]

The new machine's biggest strength is it has a built in scaler that helps to fit the picture. it also has hdmi and that can mean 1 wire hookup for sound. they will have refurbs of the new machines and you will be able to save money on them see these links. they are a good discount but they are sold out. look for them twice a day around 11 and 4 east coast time you may get lucky


http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC270LL/A?afid=p201%7C1541719&cid=AOS-US-AFF-FEED


http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0H50LL/A?afid=p201%7C1541719&cid=AOS-US-AFF-FEED
_________________
2010 Mm 2.4 C2D oem 320gb hdd 8gb ram
2012Mm base 2.5 with 16gb ram diy fusion drive
2012Mm quad with 8gb ram oem 1tb hdd

promise pegasus r6 3x 3tb + 3x 4tb =21tb hdds
lacie little big disk 2x 512gb ssds
synology 2tb disk station

[nikehair]

This is my last question...

I notice that the new mini also just comes with a 5400rpm drive. The ram is easier to upgrade though.

The used Mac Mini I would buy also includes a wired keyboard I can probably sell to knock another few $$$ off so in reality I would be paying $400 shipped. I would save at least $250 after tax. I think I jsut got my answer.

I would connect the 2009 mini via dvi/vga to my tv and stereo audio via the headphone jack. I don't mind having two cables. Then if I ever decide to upgrade, I can probably sell the Mini for at least 75% of what I pay and just buy a new mini, hopefully by then a quad core.

[philiparcario]

waiting is not to bad a move, or buying the lower cost 2009 mini may be best for now.
_________________
2010 Mm 2.4 C2D oem 320gb hdd 8gb ram
2012Mm base 2.5 with 16gb ram diy fusion drive
2012Mm quad with 8gb ram oem 1tb hdd

promise pegasus r6 3x 3tb + 3x 4tb =21tb hdds
lacie little big disk 2x 512gb ssds
synology 2tb disk station

[nikehair]

I bought the last generation Mac Mini. Going to pair it with an external enclosure.