Which 2011 mini 2.3 or 2.5 to run PS CS5 well?

[spoll]

I'm currently on an older mini with the Intel GMA950 that CS5 won't even recognize so it's time to upgrade.

I really need to access the rotating tool in CS5 and wasn't sure if both machines are up to the task.

My other option is picking up a used Mac Pro instead, in the range of $800 -$1000 if that's the best route.

I'd really appreciate someone's help on this, thanks.

[spoll]

If this will help anyone in the future, I purchased the i5 mini 2.5ghz and although 4 gigs worked well with CS5 and all it's functions, I upgraded to 8 gigs and it's really a great machine.

Btw, the first level at Applecare is an absolute joke, they're about as bad as Dell support which surprised me. I knew more about the machine than 3 of the first level responders.

[Bandit Bill]

Congrats on the new computer.

What questions did you ask the first level responders that they were not able to answer?

[renton]

I can second the 8GB upgrade Spoll on the i5 machine.

Aperture 3 ran ok on 2GB, but now runs up to 4GB whilst doing relatively straight forward editing tasks. On a sidenote of memory upgrades, I still fail to see why Apple charge SO much for that upgrade, unless the answer is going to be "because they can". I bet Crucial are rubbing their hands at the minute!
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2011 Mac Mini 2.3GHz i5 - 500GB HD - 8GB RAM

[spoll]

To make a long frustrating story short, I simply wanted to transfer my files from my older 2007 mini to my new i5 2011. I went through 2 first level techs and they told me that in order to transfer the files I would need 2 keyboards and mice and an additional monitor to perform the task and then I could transfer through firewire or ethernet cable between the machines via Migration Assistant. After explaining that in the past I was easily able to transfer files from my PPC to my 2007 mini when it was new, it wasn't nearly as difficult and time consuming. I didn't need dual equipment to transfer and I thought it was absurd! Anyway, MA wasn't working properly, I couldn't connect at all, they offerred no advice and when I asked both Level one's to speak to a level 2 they said ok, please hold on. After holding for 5-10 mins in each instance I heard a click and I was disconnected twice! Called back yet again, asked for a level 2, please don't disconnect me and finally spoke to an intelligent gentleman. Connected the minis via firewire (with adapter) set up the 07 in Target Mode, holding down T on startup and transferred files to the 2011 and drag and dropped. I'm sure this isn't the correct way to do this but everything's running beautifully and have a seriously bad taste in my mouth for Applecare.

Pheww!

[Bandit Bill]

It happens. Perhaps the first couple people of reps you spoke to were new. Apple expects to have ~8X the AppleCare call volume once iOS 5 is released, I'm sure they have hired a lot of new staff recently.

I'm glad you got the issue resolved.

I have to go a bit on the defensive. I work in Apple retail. People expect me to know everything about everything Apple. If that were the case, I wouldn't be working in retail. The same can be said for a tier 1 support rep.

I'm working towards corporate sales. I'm consistently improving my product knowledge but it's a a hell of a lot of work. I have 30+ years computer experience with many of those years working as an onsite service tech. Keep in mind that 95% of the stuff I do day to day is very similar. I only get to deal with a small number of new situations each day. I'd imagine the same goes for a tier 1 support rep.

Who knows what is going on with the phone lines. That's an entirely different issue.

Beyond AppleCare you may want to deal with a reputable Apple reseller. The reseller I work for has been selling Apple and Apple related products exclusively for over 33 years. We would have transferred your accounts from an older Mac to a newer Mac for free with the computer purchase. We also offer free phone support, a support desk (no appointment necessary), onsite service, remote access etc.

Again, I'm glad you got the help you needed. Too bad Apple didn't meet your expectations.