About to go Mac shopping again!

[ironman]

On the list:

Macbook 1.83ghz core 2 duo
2x Mac Mini

At the moment I have a launch edition Macbook 1.8ghz/512mb ram with the original core duo chip but seeing as my sister needs a new laptop, i've decided to give her my one and then get myself one of the new core 2 duo ones and fill it with 2gb of ram Hopefully should speed things up for me as with 512mb I feel switching between apps slow at times.

The Mac Mini, I haven't used these before but for what they are, the price seems great value, especially with HE discount. One of the Minis will be used as my dad's new office machine and the other one will be used as a box which just streams remote cctv footage - overkill maybe, but for the price there isn't a much cheaper option.

The only thing is, I have to install XP on both the Mac Mini's, i'm going to have a 1.66ghz with 512mb ram for the streaming box but my question lies with the one my dad will use. Will running XP really bog down the system, is 1.66ghz fine for Office XP and MS Money? Should I add another 512mb to bring it up to 1gb?

Basically I need guidance as to what I should do as i've been using Mac OS X on my 1.83ghz Macbook and Office XP runs ok, if only a little slow in loading up. Will it run similar/faster with XP?

Thanks

 

[Caged]

Don't buy the mini's on HE discount if they're going to end up being used by your dad in a business. I wouldn't want to see the discount cut due to abuse.

 

[Deleted member 329]

you can only order one of each thing a year under there rules under the HE discount.!.. tis a shame,.....

ps i would wait a few weekd before gettinging the mac mini... there due for a Core 2 duo update shortly

pps windows will run fine on the minis... no stress at all

 

[ironman]

Don't buy the mini's on HE discount if they're going to end up being used by your dad in a business. I wouldn't want to see the discount cut due to abuse.

How can they ever find out and why does it bother you?

you can only order one of each thing a year under there rules under the HE discount.!.. tis a shame,.....

ps i would wait a few weekd before gettinging the mac mini... there due for a Core 2 duo update shortly

pps windows will run fine on the minis... no stress at all

Oh really? Any idea on actual dates? Thanks for the reassurance regarding Windows

 

[Caged]

How can they ever find out and why does it bother you?

Well they sometimes follow up purchases. And 2 MacBooks and 2 Mac minis for a student isn't really the most normal thing in the world.

It bothers me because I wouldn't have this laptop if it weren't for the HE discount, and I don't want to see it taken away for other people.

Anyway, there's the issue that you're buying a Mac mini just to run Windows on, which is crazy. Yes they're small, but a cheap Dell box can likely be had for the same kind of money, and comes with a Windows license already.

Edit: For the remote CCTV streaming thing, once you've bought a computer and a capture card, you might as well have bought an Axis video server, which are like £400 ex. VAT.

 

[ironman]

Well they sometimes follow up purchases. And 2 MacBooks and 2 Mac minis for a student isn't really the most normal thing in the world.

Well maybe I didn't want an old macbook anymore so I decided to get the upgraded one, and 2 mac minis as, one is for my uni room and one for when I work at home? I don't think they really care that i'm spending thousands with them.

It bothers me because I wouldn't have this laptop if it weren't for the HE discount, and I don't want to see it taken away for other people.

It's an added perk, you could still buy the laptop without HE.

Anyway, there's the issue that you're buying a Mac mini just to run Windows on, which is crazy. Yes they're small, but a cheap Dell box can likely be had for the same kind of money, and comes with a Windows license already.

I didn't come in this thread to question the type of box I wanted. Great so a similar dell box can be had for similar money....and I save like £60 on a license...........the Mac Mini is miles more convenient and I prefer Apples service and aftersales care. Getting a new Dell box everytime a system is needed will take up valuable space, which is why I want Minis, as they take little to no space at all. This will bring the PC count in the room to 4, with a possible 2 more next year.....space is valuable.

Edit: For the remote CCTV streaming thing, once you've bought a computer and a capture card, you might as well have bought an Axis video server, which are like £400 ex. VAT.

Heh, again........that's not the question I was asking. If you actually want to know, a comprehensive security system is already in place....add two more zeros onto your price and you will be more accurate too.

I didn't want to get arsy but I came into the thread with particular questions, relevant information is what I'm after, not ones which take the thread off topic.....

/brings thread back on topic

 

[Caged]

It's an added perk, you could still buy the laptop without HE.

I'm glad you like to think we know each other so well, even down to the last details of my personal finances.

And that price was right for the video server. Within £30, which is lot closer than two more zeroes. But hey if you want to disregard it and then run a full on PC system with more points of failure than a box which is dedicated to the task of streaming footage from a CCTV system, then be my guest.

 

[ironman]

I'm glad you like to think we know each other so well, even down to the last details of my personal finances.

And that price was right for the video server. Within £30, which is lot closer than two more zeroes. But hey if you want to disregard it and then run a full on PC system with more points of failure than a box which is dedicated to the task of streaming footage from a CCTV system, then be my guest.

When you know what systems we run you will be in a position to make recommendations.

The entire security system is a complex array of components, the software and hardware has been specially designed for our requirements and i'm not prepared to discuss that any further.

A windows box is what I require, that doesn't take up much space and one that is reliable.

I want a Mac Mini and this thread is about how well it copes in running XP as I haven't used a Mac/XP combination.

 

[zetec452]

I think for your dads machine I'd be inclined to upgrade to 1gig of ram. It may not need it but worth popping it in at the beginning.

 

[Atari]

I can't see it running too badly. I've been using Windows XP on my MacBook (black 2ghz core2duo) and it's been fairly nippy. But as it's Windows, I'd probably upgrade it to a gig of RAM just to keep things running smoothly.

 

[ironman]

Awesome, I was thinking of a gig of ram just to keep things happy.

 

[Deleted member 651465]

Purchase Quantity.
Staff, students and parents purchasing from the Apple Store for Education Individuals will be allowed to purchase the following quantities of product per academic school year:

a. Desktop: One (1) may be purchased per academic year
b. Mac mini: One (1) may be purchased per academic year
c. Notebook: One (1) may be purchased per academic year
d. Display: A maximum of two (2) may be purchased per academic year
e. Software: A maximum of two (2) per software title may be purchased per academic year
f. iPod: there is no limit on the quantity of iPod purchases per academic year

Basically, if you buy two they will be suspicious and will halt your order until they find out why you need two

A windows box is what I require, that doesn't take up much space and one that is reliable

Buy a Small Form Factor PC? If that's what you require

 

[Deleted member 651465]

They will still check via the phone.

The safest bet is to get a friend to order one at the same time as you..I have been there when they check orders. It's particularly stressing because it usually wastes a week messing about.

Just a head's up thats all

 

[Deleted member 329]

if he wants to run windows on them fair enough.... the hardware you get is mint and runs windows better than machines designed to run windows!

dont abuse the HE discount tho.... it would be a shame if they stopped it due to this type of abuse...

i bought a macbook then sold it... then bought i higher spec'ed one... i had to pay full wack for the second one... thats just the way it is! by the way is the black c2d one i got and its mint!!!!!! (btw all those people who have probs with the black ones cases getting marked must be seriously mistreating them. the black ones are built out of a more solid material too... its harder.)

cheers !±