You can use any SVGA or DPI type monitor with the MacMini.

I don't believe that the mac mini has a VGA port built in but it does come with a DVI>VGA adapter.

chicorasia - A little math clarification. I agree that a Mac will save you at least an hour a week (I have experienced that) but there are 56 weeks in a year, so that would be 56 hours. But it's 56 hours of frustration you never needed to experience, and 56 hours you will never get back.

As for the monitor, before I got a Dell LCD, I was using a very old 20" NEC with VGA input with no problems.

yeah it will be fine

In chicoroasia's defense, it was at least an hour per week. My feeling is that it's more than two, and that could easily be an understatement. One piece of spyware could easily take up 10 hours if you don't get it all on the first shot. Mac users don't often realize what a pain it is or how long it takes to reinstall Windoze and reconfigure because you've run out of other options.

And to this, I will agree. ;) Especially the reinstallation. Not to mention HOW MANY security updates, service packs and whotnots!?

No. That's not true. You can connect lots of sound input devices through USB ports.

Chris

When Apple disappointed – CompUSA delivered
 

Hmm... We bought our last computer at CompUSA – and it was, in fact, a Mac and we bought it during MacWorld. For some bizarre reason, Apple could not and would not deliver a 12" PowerBook with the RAM and harddisk upgrade that my daughter wanted, within a reasonable time. CompUSA did.

That really disappointed me. It astonished me that Apple was not more flexible and service minded.

With best regards,
ArcticStones

Schneb & Chicorasia,
I would love to have either one of your calendars!
That would solve a lot of problems for me.

;)

When a new OS comes out do you think 512MB will be enough or is it best to be on the safe side and buy a GIG.

I read in a Macworld magazine that it was not hard to upgrade the RAM on a mini but it wasn't easy!

We have a mini here.... I have litterally this second just updated it from 512 to 1 gig! (with 2 pallet knives it took me 5 mins to switch the ram, and that was my first time)

with 512, it is fine for general use (mail, safari, word, excel) but we run Photoshop and Indesign... now it has a gig it seems LOADS quicker!

If you have the money it might be worth just getting the 1gig of ram... you will be glad you got it in 12 months time!

These websites look really helpful - thanks.

Yeah, that's what I thought. If I buy it now it will save me trouble in the long run. What is the size of your Minis HD. Will 40 GB be enough for home use?

40 or 80.. might be worth buying the 1.42 mhz model...

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObje...i&mco=6A2AA4B0

Alot of people are receiving a 'free' upgrade to a 1.5mhz processor's apparently! :D

Speed wise would there be a great deal of difference between the 1.25 and the 1.42 Processors? I am trying to save money and don't mind waiting a few extra seconds :D

I bought my first Mac at CompUSA. What I meant was, the sale papers (anyone's) lists specs and prices, which to those who don't know better, portray the Mac a being more expensive with less to offer.

The difference is about 170 Mhz in processor speed, so not a huge difference there. Then the bus speed is the same, so that 170 Mhz will only show up in processor intensive apps. The only other difference that I see is the hard drive.

For general use, you would not see much of a difference, same with your RAM. If you wanted to use GarageBand, I would go the opposite way and suggest you get the higher CPU, 80gig HD and more RAM. And unless you are doing audio or video editing, 40Gb will do just fine. However, if you have alot of music you want to grind for iTunes, take that into consideration.

I just saw at the Apple Store that the 1gig is only $100 more. So I am changing my mind and advising the upgrade. Man, when I bought mine, it was $300!

I think from everyone's posts that you would be better off with this configuration and to run screaming away from Windows.

So--The Schneb's advice... Mac Mini with 1gig upgrade.

yeh, I am with everyone else!

if you can afford it.... get it!

that aside.... if you only do internet, mail and text... a 1.25mhz with 512 ram is very respectable and will still be loads quicker than your imac.

My advice would be to get the 1.42mhz (there are alot of rumors that apple are shipping them with faster 1.5mhz chips) with 1 gig of ram, get a cheap monitor off ebay (£15-20) and use your old keyboard and mouse if you really need to save money!

OR, follow these steps to make your own PC.

Note: Be sure to read all the pages, it will only take a few minutes.