Mac Mini?

millster · Post by **millster** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 9:14 am

Quote, originally posted by Kari Â»"No way to connect a printer"? Please. Have they ever heard of a thing called USB? LOL Guess not. It's a joke. I saw it on Macslash or Slashdot, one a week or so ago. If you read the other articles on the site, they're all about the same. However, I had a few choice things I would like to have said to that writer, no less.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:13 am

whew! I was gonna say... If it were true, sure looks like that guy spent more time FIXING his Windows machine than he actually was able to spend USING it. lol!

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 1:07 pm

I found a really nice sites for future software. http://www.pure-mac.com/http://www.macosarchives.com/

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 1:44 pm

Great stuff! So far, I've downloaded Opera, GIMP, Ogg Vorbis plugins, Open Office, various other things... Gotta get all I can while I'm at a place with broadband, sure don't want to be downloading all that stuff over dial-up. Now, time to sit back and wait for 2-3 weeks for the thing to get here. Which I have a feeling is going to kill me!

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 2:34 pm

Oh I am so looking forward to you two getting your Mac Minis...I can feel it, you're turning into Mac people already. When I bought mine just so I could work on my stuff for school, where we were using Macs exclusively, I never dreamed I'd switch and NEVER go back. But now you couldn't pay me to take a Windows machine, much less buy one myself. Looking for software already and haven't even placed the order yet... (removed)

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 3:22 pm

I don't think I've ever really been this excited about getting a new computer... In the past, it's always been something like "oh, wow, it's... a new computer..." I've already got a little bit of software. And I'm playing around with itunes at work trying to figure out what music i'm going to buy once I do get the Mac.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 4:18 am

Decisions, decisions... What to do about input devices?The mouse, I'm covered. I've got a Logitech USB optical wireless mouse that I love dearly. Keyboard, ugh... The one I have now is both PS/2 and USB so it may work... But I don't feel right getting a Mac and using a keyboard with a Windows logo on a couple of the keys. It's bad enough not running Windows but still having to have a Windows key on a regular PC. LOL!Seriously though, I'd like some sort of Mac-specific keyboard so I can have the added bonus of being able to eject the CD from the keyboard. Any suggestions on your favorites? I can't stand the ergonomic split keyboard design, just give me something flat and I'm good to go. CompUSA has the standard Apple flat keyboard for $30, I'm going to stop by tonight on the way into work to check it out and see what else they may have...

millster · Post by **millster** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 4:24 am

As far as Mac specific goes, I prefer the genuine Apple ones. If you want to save a little money though, Kensington would be a good choice. I have a Kensington Studio mouse that I love. Their keyboards aren't too shabby either.That said, you can eject from any keyboard using the F12 key. If recall, Windows is Command (Apple), Alt is Option and of course, F12 is eject.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 4:30 am

Oh, cool! How well would it work the other way around, i.e. Mac USB keyboard on a PC? Thinking in terms of what would happen with a KVM switch.I like the Apple keyboards as well, from what little I've used them. I'm definitely going to buy one of those, who knows what other type.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 4:36 am

Honestly, I think a mac would have been the ideal computer for my parents...BUT...they're so used to PC's and the hassles they'd endure of converting files between PC/MAC (along with not having a floppy drive ) they're probably better off with their Dell.

millster · Post by **millster** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 4:36 am

Seems to work fine. The Command key maps to the Windows key, Option to Alt and Control is universal.(I typed this message on my Apple Extended USB keyboard attached to my Gateway)

millster · Post by **millster** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 4:40 am

Macs are great for people who don't want to fuss with maintenance constantly. The file conversion bit isn't as big of an issue anymore, with OpenOffice or MS Office. But, there is the issue of learning a new interface. For someone who is not real comfortable with a computer, that change can be daunting.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 4:53 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»Honestly, I think a mac would have been the ideal computer for my parents...BUT...they're so used to PC's and the hassles they'd endure of converting files between PC/MAC (along with not having a floppy drive ) they're probably better off with their Dell. It can be a challenge! If I didn't know much about computers, it would probably be a bit rough for me as well. Even those who have been using PC's for years will still have quite a period of adjustment to contend with. And admittedly, I'm among that group. Messing around in Linux, I kinda know what goes on behind the scenes of OS X, but everything else will be completely new to me. I've used Mac OS before, but not on a massive scale.On the flip side though, it could be a good thing for some people... As I was reinstalling Windows on my sister's XP box for the second time in a year, my sister finally says "I think I need to get a Mac. But they cost too damn much!" So, I did a little sales pitch to her about the Mini, mentioned I was considering one , yada yada yada. I'll bring that baby down and let her try it out to see what she thinks. Her not being very computer literate, sometimes it's difficult for her to get along with the machine. And with something different, she may not have to bug me as much for technical support. Walking someone through the registry over the phone, well, just sucks. So we'll both win.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 8:24 am

Well, got the keyboard... http://www.compusa.com/product...EARCHIt's kinda weird! But in a good way. Tested it out at work on a windoze box, works perfectly. Everyone here loves those MS Natural keyboards, so needless to say, they weren't impressed. Gonna hook this puppy up as soon as I get home! Now, KVM switch and that's about it...

millster · Post by **millster** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 8:26 am

Great! Congrats. Eh, the MS Naturals are nice, but I prefer to have an Apple keyboard with my Macs. Maybe Apple will come out with an ergo eventually.

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:46 am

Like I said in a earlier post I'm going with the Apple Pro Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. I just found out that the Apple Wireless Mouse has only one button. That's not right! One Big Button Mouse! That could really screw things up for me. I always knew there was something different about you Mac people.

millster · Post by **millster** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:48 am

Quote, originally posted by rasermon Â»I always knew there was something different about you Mac people. You're right, there is.We're so efficient we only NEED one button.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:48 am

one button?ONE BUTTON?ONE BUTTON?!?!?!?!?!?how do you survive???

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:52 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»one button?ONE BUTTON?ONE BUTTON?!?!?!?!?!?how do you survive???This is the Apple wireless mouse. Now tell me where is the button?

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ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:56 am

I felt a couple of those up at Comp USA. The top of the entire mouse is the button I do believe.There are two indentations on either side - I thought they were 2nd and 3rd buttons, but are kinda in the wrong place. You could push them in though... On the demo Macs there, I don't think they did anything. Maybe they don't, I dunno...And we don't need more than one steenkin' button... We got command key! Although I'm gonna stick with my two button mouse with scrolly rolly thing.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 11:47 am

No, the parts on the sides don't do anything. They are actually the parts of the mouse that *don't* move when you push it down. Otherwise, you are correct, the whole mouse is the button.However, you can put a multi-button mouse/trackball/whatever on your Mac and it will work just fine. I have a wireless Kensington 6-button mouse with a scroll wheel.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 11:51 am

Oh! I didn't play with them enough, I guess. I do remember pushing on the whole thing though and click!

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 12:02 pm

So, it's one big button.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 12:31 pm

Yes, basically. You can hold down "control" and that's the same as a right click with the one-button mouse. Or you can buy a different mouse with more buttons.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 12:31 pm

Quote, originally posted by rasermon Â»This is the Apple wireless mouse. Now tell me where is the button?I think I see it on the side...

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 12:32 pm

Absotively, one big button!

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 12:37 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»I think I see it on the side...Nope, those are some sort of grips, which I found useful for times when I had to pick up the mouse while holding down the button, because they don't move when you click.

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:01 am

Why Apple Makes a One Buttoned Mouse!http://www.gearlive.com/index....80820/

millster · Post by **millster** » Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:08 am

Quote, originally posted by rasermon Â»Why Apple Makes a One Buttoned Mouse!Hmm... you know, even after all the times I've been through that exact same procedure: Me: "Right click on the desktop and select properties"Them: "Right click or left click on properties?"I never even considered it might have something to do with Apple's stubborness. They might be on to something there.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Feb 23, 2005 10:15 am

Hmm, Mini in a PC case...http://www.appletalk.com.au/articles/miniserver/Clever, definitely. But you're sacrificing the Mini's cute looks for a bit of expansion. Why I like the Mini - it's cute and looks like it can go with you everywhere. So, no chance in me ever doing this mod... lol!Now, a Mini's case with PC guts... That ain't too bad... http://www.kevinrose.com/index.../191/

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Feb 27, 2005 5:19 pm

*drooling all over the place tonight* The mini is on its way! Shipped on the 26th, estimated delivery date is the 1st! That's tomorrow! (note to self - pay rent.) Right now, it's somewhere in Harrisburg, PA. I have to work Tuesday night, so somebody is going to be sleeping on the couch so I can hear the fed ex guy banging on the door.

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Sun Feb 27, 2005 6:58 pm

Great news James.I should be placing my order this week. I also expect a full report later this week from you.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Feb 27, 2005 7:49 pm

I know! I'm still pretty darn tickled about it. Ask and you shall receive, so you bet a detailed write-up with the strenghts and weaknesses is in the works. I didn't expect it this soon, so I still haven't purchased a KVM switch! I may see if CompUSA or somewhere like that has any deals. In the meantime, the Linux box here in the living room will have to go without a monitor. That's why we have VNC anyway, I'll connect to it through the mac if i really need it. lol!

millster · Post by **millster** » Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:40 pm

Congrats man! Can't wait to hear your opinion!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:09 pm

Rats... Just checked to see the whereabouts of this thing. Still in PA! The estimated delivery date has been bumped up until tomorrow. Oh well, I've gone this long without it. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 3:06 am

I knew this thing was small... I've read about it, checked out pics, but I've gotta say... Despite knowing what I was getting, somehow I'm still in awe over the size of this thing!My lil' diecast Vibe hangs off the edges on both sides! This is SMALL! Hard to believe there's a computer in there! The mini is mighty dang cold, so I'm going to go grab a cup of coffee for myself and let this thing warm up for a bit, then hook it up in a little while.I'm so happy! This thing is gonna rock, I hope.

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ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 4:16 am

Up and running! The silence here is eerie. Not a peep from the mini - nothing, nada, zilch... I had to throw a cd in the thing so i can hear something other than silence. So far, I'm pretty dang impressed. This thing is wonderful, easy to set up and get up and running. Time to play around, but I'll write more about it later.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 4:32 am

And you won't hear that CD spinning for too terribly long either...that's the best part is the silence.

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 6:19 am

That is small, but can pack a good punch. I'm looking forward to ordering one soon. Actually I'm looking forward to learn and operate the mouse or button. How is it with just 256MB of memory?

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 6:28 am

It's actually a bit zippier than my AMD Duron 1600 linux box (256 MB.) I haven't done much with it yet - playing music, cruising the net, chatting - the bottom of the barrel mini is capable of all that without a hiccup. I still have to get The GIMP and stuff like that installed, and have yet to mess around with any of the ilife apps. But I'll let you guys know!I'm bringing it into work tonight. Shutting down now to pack it up.

tnpartsguy · Post by **tnpartsguy** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:19 am

OK, I finally did it.....I own a Mac Mini as of today. We had been to the Apple store in Nashville several times, because my wife REALLY wanted a new powerbook, but in the end couldn't justify the $2,200 pricetag. She had already sold her iBook 500, so we were out of the Mac world. (in the past I have owned a iMac (Blueberry), but I hated it, because it wouldn't upgrade to play DVD's, and it broke a few months after we got it....I finally gave it to Goodwill.After all our trips to the Apple Store, I kept playing with the Mini's.....and decided we needed another Mac. I really liked the iCal, and dashboard features. Got the 1.42Ghz, 512mb, 80 gig HD, with Airport Extreme and Bluetooth. So far I like it.......

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:21 am

Yay for owning a Mac again! Welcome back

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:45 am

Woo hoo! Get your (removed) in gear and write that dang review that I've been too lazy to ever bother to write! Your mini is better than my mini. I've got the cheapie, but I did invest in a couple of putty knives and a stick of 512 MB DDR. Welcome back to the dark side. It's a good place to be.

tnpartsguy · Post by **tnpartsguy** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 10:29 am

I'm kinda upset right now, Palm hasn't bothered to get their software to work with 10.4, and I was planning to use my old handspring Visor to introduce my address book and stuff to the MiniMac (Codename Luna), but it won't work. Any ideas Macmaniacs?

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 11:12 am

Back when I first switched, I had a lot of problems syncing my Palm because they hadn't bothered to support OS X yet and were still in Carbon OS 9. I ended up calling Apple tech support and they had me unplug and replug my USB cable for the Palm after launching the software, and it worked then. Is the software not installing at all or it just won't recognize the device?

tnpartsguy · Post by **tnpartsguy** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 11:57 am

it seems to be installed ok, I can get the palm desktop ok, I just can't get sync.

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 2:43 pm

go get the mighty mouse now!!!

dang i love mac's they friggin rule. its nice that one of my roomies has a powerbook and her bf has a ibook so i dont totally feel left out in the house if my parents g3 powermac dies soon, ill get them a mac mini.congrats on the purchase! now mod it overclock that sucker http://www.lbodnar.dsl.pipex.com/macmini/here colonelpanic you too can have a 1.42ghz mac mini

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 2:52 pm

Whew! I'll pass on modding my lil' mini. It scared the hell out of me to hear the plastic *CRACK* as the putty knives went to work on the sucker trying to crack it apart for the RAM upgrade. The bottom of that thing hasn't looked the same since. A wee bit chewed up to say the least. *sigh*

tnpartsguy · Post by **tnpartsguy** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 12:02 pm

I found a fairly inexpensive solution. Outlook2mac. It's $10 and works pretty good.http://www.littlemachines.com/

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:19 pm

Heh, check out this nice auction. Quote, originally posted by some dude on ebay Â»Opened the box, opened the case, overclocked the logic board, fired it up. It ran for all of five minutes -I'm fairly sure the CPU got burned. No, I'm not the smartest guy ever.All of the other parts have been tested good with another Mac Mini.ha ha ha! Yes, I shall not overclock my mini.