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Mac Mini. Worth it?

  • 08-06-2020 10:38pm
    #1
    Leftwaffe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,558 ✭✭✭


    Thinking of investing in a Mac Mini with a third party curved 32/34 inch monitor. Anyone got a Mac mini? If so what is your experience with it? I’ve been a Windows user up until now but I’m sick of it to be honest.

    Looking 900-1200 for the Mac Mini 2020/2018. Steep enough.


Comments

  • #2
    Blazer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,473 ✭✭✭✭Blazer


    Redordeadqwwer wrote: »
    Thinking of investing in a Mac Mini with a third party curved 32/34 inch monitor. Anyone got a Mac mini? If so what is your experience with it? I’ve been a Windows user up until now but I’m sick of it to be honest.

    Looking 900-1200 for the Mac Mini 2020/2018. Steep enough.

    What are you planning to do with it?
    I get the Mac mini if you actually use it for graphic designer etc or something specific.
    Getting a Mac just because you’re bored with windows is a poor excuse really to get one, however resale value is excellent if you change your mind.

    Otherwise I’d lean towards the MacBooks. I adore the MacBooks, they just run rings around windows laptops as regards battery life, linking to my iPhone etc and general ease of us.
    Sure you can get a more powerful windows laptop for cheaper or similiar price but show me a windows laptop 6 years old that still runs as good as the day it was bought. Hell show me one a year old that does.


  • #3
    Leftwaffe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,558 ✭✭✭Leftwaffe


    Blazer wrote: »
    What are you planning to do with it?
    I get the Mac mini if you actually use it for graphic designer etc or something specific.
    Getting a Mac just because you’re bored with windows is a poor excuse really to get one, however resale value is excellent if you change your mind.

    Otherwise I’d lean towards the MacBooks. I adore the MacBooks, they just run rings around windows laptops as regards battery life, linking to my iPhone etc and general ease of us.
    Sure you can get a more powerful windows laptop for cheaper or similiar price but show me a windows laptop 6 years old that still runs as good as the day it was bought. Hell show me one a year old that does.

    To be honest I'm probably going to use it for a general purpose home computer. I don't have one at the moment and could do with one. I have an iPad Pro 2020 12.9 and love it, it's nearly acting as a laptop with keyboard and trackpad support so I'm leaning towards the mac mini as the prices for macbooks look mental on first viewing. You could get a mac mini with proper monitor for 1500/1600 quid.

    That's why im leaning towards Mac rather than Windows. Windows just isn't a good user experience and maybe an iPad, mac mini, and iPhone might be combo I'm after. On the look out for a deal.


  • #4
    Rebel_Kn1ght
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 244 ✭✭Rebel_Kn1ght


    I had the original mac mini and it lasted for years before it eventually packed in due to cooling issues but it definitely lasted 9/10 years and was performing just as well as day one. It was a great little machine and the specs of the new macmini are much better than my one.


  • #5
    whiterebel
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 15,119 Mod ✭✭✭✭whiterebel


    I've had Mac Mins for years until the price went through the roof. Instead of a mini, I went for an iMac this time, which I think is better value for money. For €1600 you would get a decent spec in the refurb store Here.

    By the way, this is the iPhone/iPad/iPod forum. The Mac forum is here: Mac forum


  • #6
    Leftwaffe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,558 ✭✭✭Leftwaffe


    whiterebel wrote: »
    I've had Mac Mins for years until the price went through the roof. Instead of a mini, I went for an iMac this time, which I think is better value for money. For €1600 you would get a decent spec in the refurb store Here.

    By the way, this is the iPhone/iPad/iPod forum. The Mac forum is here: Mac forum

    Ah sorry. Didn't realise there was a Mac forum. Wonder if a mod can't move this.

    Thanks, will check out the refurb store. Would have no problem buying a second hand one provided it's in good nick. I've heard the 2012 ones still run great.


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  • #7
    whiterebel
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 15,119 Mod ✭✭✭✭whiterebel


    Refurbished isn't second hand. It may have been returned as fauly or unwanted, checked, repaired and put back up for resale. Never had a problem with any refurb purchase


  • #8
    long_b
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,963 ✭✭✭long_b


    Have you thought of running Linux on your Windows machine?
    it's free and easy enough


  • #9
    DeconSheridan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 141 ✭✭DeconSheridan


    One of my work horses is a mini running High Sierra older model but solid, no issues at all, I upgraded the RAM and threw an ssd into it and it's great. Considering investing in the 2018 / 20 model as the hardware looks nice for a price though. There are upgrade restriction on the newer mini's so take a look at that before you purchase. The only thing I don't like about the mini is the fan noise.


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