[RRRuss]

Until recently, I have been using my PC as a gaming machine, but I have since decided to move over to a PS3 as I have less time for gaming now.

As such, I feel as though my PC is wasted somewhat and needlessly big and noisy, so I am contemplating changing it for a Mac Mini (or maybe a SFF PC?).

Given that my main uses will now only be:

- Internet Browsing
- iTunes/Music
- Storing/Organising Photos

Do you think a Mac Mini would be sufficient? I might also get a Macbook in time to replace my HP Netbook, rather than a tasty HP Laptop I have been looking at.

My only other question is will the Mac Mini struggle for any reason running applications at 1920x1080 res?

Thanks

Russ.

[DillonTheCat]

A Mac Mini will do all of those things with ease - and will be whisper silent ! I ran a G4 Mac Mini (3 years old) until very recently for the family's main computer, and it had no problems. The current Core 2 Duo Mac Mini's will run it all without even breaking sweat.

You should wait until after MacWorld on Tuesday before ordering one though - the Mini is due a refresh...

The MacBook's are really nice too - I have one as my personal computer, and it's truly wonderful. It does so many things well, but the best for me is how fast it wakes from sleep and connects to the wireless network. You can be surfing the web 6 seconds after raising the lid - it means that you end up using it all of the time and for really fast googles/lookups/etc. You've got an answer before a PC has even woken up and connected !

Just do it - once you've tried Mac, you never go back !

[clockworks]

I've got a Core Solo Mini - slowest Intel Mac they made - and it works fine. Currently sitting under my TV, happily running at 1920x1080.

The only time it really struggles is playing HD .wmv files.
DVD rips, photos, etc. are perfect.

[A n d r e w]

Do you think a Mac Mini would be sufficient?

More than sufficient. And it comes with OS X. What more could you ask for?

will the Mac Mini struggle for any reason running applications at 1920x1080 res?

It depends on how much of a brain suck the application in question is, but maximum resolution on the mini is 1920 x 1200.

[RRRuss]

Thanks for the replies guys - looks like a good option for me then.

I'll see what comes of Tuesday then... then get my PC sold!!

I'm slightlyu nervous bieng 'PCless' but I'm sure Apple is the way forward

[jont]

There's plenty of folks on here that have made the move and not regretted it a bit ;-)

Jon

[RRRuss]

Thanks guys.

What does Apple TV do then? I see from your sig that you have that?

[Dave Bartram]

Originally Posted by RRRuss

I'm slightlyu nervous bieng 'PCless' but I'm sure Apple is the way forward

I made the move from PC just over a year ago and certainly wouldn't go back Only downside is I keep spending money on Apple gear!!! In just over a year I have bought:

iMac
Macbook
Apple TV
Time Capsule
iPhone
iPod Touch
Wife also now wants a Macbook to replace her Win note book....

[Spy]

Is a Mac Mini suitable for diting Hi Def AVCHD footage in iMovie ?

[jont]

The current models - possibly but would be fairly slow and hard work - I'd wait until Tuesday and see what's announced at the Expo - rumour sites abounding at the moment with a major overhaul to the mini ...

Jon

[A n d r e w]

Originally Posted by Spy

Is a Mac Mini suitable for diting Hi Def AVCHD footage in iMovie ?

The answer is "yes" again. Bear in mind that all of Apple's video editing programmes (iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Studio) convert AVCHD to a more edit friendly format using either Apple Intermediate Codec (AIC) or Apple ProRes. iMovie and FCE both run on the mini (I use mine for editing in FCE) and use AIC. It's a good idea to upgrade the RAM to at least 2GB.

But like the man says, wait until the expected updates are announced (or aren't) before you get your cheque book out.

[sajhid]

Go for the Mini, don't let size fool you, it will more and more and more... Apple mac Computers are great and will never go back to PC for productive work even though I do own PC just for gaming thats all. Hope this help.

[stuart07970]

Originally Posted by RRRuss

Thanks guys.

What does Apple TV do then? I see from your sig that you have that?

Think of it as an ipod for your lounge
You connect it up to your TV/HiFi

It will wirelessly sync from your mac (music/video)
It will wirelessly stream from your mac (music/video)
You can buy movies on it
You can rent movies on it
You can view your photos on it
You can watch YouTube on it

They're great! (I've got 2!)

[baldrick]

Originally Posted by stuart07970

Think of it as an ipod for your lounge
You connect it up to your TV/HiFi

It will wirelessly sync from your mac (music/video)
It will wirelessly stream from your mac (music/video)
You can buy movies on it
You can rent movies on it
You can view your photos on it
You can watch YouTube on it

They're great! (I've got 2!)

More importantly you can rent HD movies, a services denied to you in iTunes on a Mac! I have a mini with an Elgato tuner that I use as our PVR and it seems silly to have an ATV next to it just for HD movies!?!?!

[thejudge]

Originally Posted by RRRuss

Until recently, I have been using my PC as a gaming machine, but I have since decided to move over to a PS3 as I have less time for gaming now.

As such, I feel as though my PC is wasted somewhat and needlessly big and noisy, so I am contemplating changing it for a Mac Mini (or maybe a SFF PC?).

Given that my main uses will now only be:

- Internet Browsing
- iTunes/Music
- Storing/Organising Photos

Do you think a Mac Mini would be sufficient? I might also get a Macbook in time to replace my HP Netbook, rather than a tasty HP Laptop I have been looking at.

My only other question is will the Mac Mini struggle for any reason running applications at 1920x1080 res?

Thanks

Russ.

I converted to a Mac Mini from a PC just over a year ago and haven't looked back once! The Mac is so much better as a user interface than a Windows based PC. Programs no longer take an age to install! OS X is a dream compared to windows. The only downside so far is that because OS X isn't as widely used as Windows you may find it a little harder to get any problems ironed out. Then again the Mac community is a pretty tight knit bunch and so if you know where to go you will get the right solution.

Wait and see if the Mac Mini Range is refreshed and then make your purchase..... you won't regret it.

[Spy]

Originally Posted by A n d r e w

The answer is "yes" again. Bear in mind that all of Apple's video editing programmes (iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Studio) convert AVCHD to a more edit friendly format using either Apple Intermediate Codec (AIC) or Apple ProRes. iMovie and FCE both run on the mini (I use mine for editing in FCE) and use AIC. It's a good idea to upgrade the RAM to at least 2GB.

But like the man says, wait until the expected updates are announced (or aren't) before you get your cheque book out.

If the Mac Mini (particularly any pending revision announced at MacWorld) is so great, why would you buy an iMac ?

Basically, I want to swicth from a PC to Mac.
I want to use the Mac for web browsing, creating the odd letter and more importantly, touching up photos and editing AVCHD footage.

I was looking at getting an iMac (post MacWorld announcements) but if the mini can do all this why would I spend the extra money ?

Thoughts appreciated

[A n d r e w]

The iMac has a built-in LCD, supports dual monitors (something the mini doesn't yet do), can take more memory, a larger harddrive, a better graphics card . . . Take a look at the Apple Store online and compare the specs.

[Spy]

Originally Posted by A n d r e w

The iMac has a built-in LCD, supports dual monitors (something the mini doesn't yet do), can take more memory, a larger harddrive, a better graphics card . . . Take a look at the Apple Store online and compare the specs.

Thanks Andrew, I realise it is better specced which is why I thought it would be more suitable for editing AVCHD movies and that the Mini would be underpowered

How does the Mac Mini hold up when gaming compared to a normal PC?

[Digitalize]

Originally Posted by el101

How does the Mac Mini hold up when gaming compared to a normal PC?

Terribly.

The iMac is a much more powerful PC Than the Mac Mini. The iMac will easily Edit HD Footage, where as the Mac Mini can do it, just not amazingly well.

[clockworks]

Originally Posted by el101

How does the Mac Mini hold up when gaming compared to a normal PC?

2 problems with gaming on a Mac - the operating system and the graphics card.

Most "PC" games need Windows, so you have to run XP on your Mac, or buy a special OS X version of the game.

Minis, laptops and iMacs have non-upgradeable graphics cards, not really designed for the latest games, with the possible exception of the top-spec iMac.

For games, buy a console - much more cost effective.

[baldrick]

Originally Posted by clockworks

2 problems with gaming on a Mac - the operating system and the graphics card.

Most "PC" games need Windows, so you have to run XP on your Mac, or buy a special OS X version of the game.

Minis, laptops and iMacs have non-upgradeable graphics cards, not really designed for the latest games, with the possible exception of the top-spec iMac.

For games, buy a console - much more cost effective.

Don't the GPUs in the new MacBooks/Pros/Airs lessen this divide somewhat, especially the 'super' GPU in the Pro?

[Digitalize]

Originally Posted by baldrick

Don't the GPUs in the new MacBooks/Pros/Airs lessen this divide somewhat, especially the 'super' GPU in the Pro?

Even the 9600GT Will struggle, as its still a mid range card, you could probably play Fallout 3 at medium settings at full Res.