Mar 08 2006
I still like my Mac Mini
Even though Apple announced a new Mac Mini with an Intel processor, Front Row and remote, I’m still in love with the one I bought right before the announcement. I’ve tried not to read every review and blog article about the new mini, but I couldn’t help it- I wanted to see just how much I was missing.
And while I may miss the speed of the Intel processor, here are the things included on the new Mac Mini that I can live without:
- Gigabit Ethernet port: This allows the mini to travel the network 10 times faster than usually, but only if you have the correct equipment. I don’t own networking gear that can travel that fast, and I’m connecting to the network wireless. So no use for me on this one.
- Front Row with Remote: After doing some research on the web, I’ve found a way to put Front Row on my Mac Mini (it’s not just a straight install). As for the remote, I have a wireless keyboard and mouse that I use from the couch; and if I want something smaller, I can download a free program like Romeo and use any Bluetooth device as a remote.
- Larger and Faster Harddrive: While a faster harddrive would be nice, I don’t need anymore space (at least not right now). I’ve placed most of my music collection on the Mini and I still have about 70 Gigabytes left.
- Two Extra USB Ports: I’m not using the ones I have now, why would I need more?
- Digital Audio Jack: Great for movie to give you the best surrond sound, but I’m just playing my music from my mini into my stereo.
When it’s all said and done I also saved about $250 by buying the older one, which will do everything I need it to and more.
[tags]Mac, Mac Mini, Intel, Front Row[/tags]
I’m glad to see you’re happy; I thought of you as soon as I heard about the new one.
We just got the new intel mac mini at work, I love macs…… but I hate that thing all the other macs in the office have been pretty stable and we’ve had nothing but problems with the mac mini that I’ve been banging my head in frustration trying to fix it so I can get The Noob at work (btw at genacom we all have nicknames the hazing ritual is that the newest person at the office gets the nickname The Noob until 3 months pass or we hire someone new who then becomes The Noob) something to do.