Mini Mac I think

Noxia

Noxia

Noxia

Soldato
Joined
30 Dec 2010
Posts
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Over here
Hi all,

I have decided I would like to go back to Apple and all my machine will be used for is Web development and tinkering around with Swift/iOS development. No gaming or graphically intensive stuff.
My current thinking is to get an older model and upgrade the ram myself if it has 4GB. I also have a 240GB SSD spare that I can fit in there. I think the late 2012, model would be a good bet with the i5 (2.5).
I have a nice 1440p screen and I presume HDMI out can support this res from the Mac itself.
Just wondering if I'm missing out on any other options here, I'm quite unfamiliar with the models but I understand that the 2014 ones have the RAM soldered in so you cannot upgrade and thus forced to pay Apple's silly RAM prices. I don't think I need an i7 for what I'll be doing but I'd rather have an older and higher specced machine if it's cheaper than newer and lesser specced.

Thanks
 
Thanks, so I presume I'd need that adapter regardless of which year I bought? I cannot seem to find that cable either but I do see Mini-Display to DVI.
Also, on a windows keyboard, is the Windows button the equivalent of the command button on a Mac keyboard? I don't really like the Mac keyboards. I see what you mean about the prices too, base spec ones (4gb,500gb) are going for £400 plus. Such is life though.
 
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Yes I just checked and it says Displayport X1. Not familiar with that port at all. A few auctions I'm watching seem to come with it anyway and I've seen some unofficial ones for about a fiver http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-088-OK&groupid=1929&catid=1757. I'm surprised it cannot output 1440p through HDMI though, is there a not too technical reason for that?
Also, and excuse my ignorance but if I am installing a SSD (NTFS) into the Mac, I presume when I install the USB boot media I'll have an option to format it to the Mac format as it wil recognise it's not compatible.
I do have a HD caddy so I may be able to format it from my girlfriends MBP in advance to save the hassle I guess.

To save the hassle I'm tempted tp just get this: http://store.apple.com/uk/product/G0R70B/A/Refurbished-Mac-Mini-26GHz-Dual-core-Intel-Core-i5

Then again, with some patience and luck I could probably get what I want for £500 or less.
 
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Thank you that's very helpful. I'm not in a rush so I think this will be a case of biding my time and knowing when the right one comes available. I was unaware of a server version as well.
 
Sorry one more, my ideal setup would be one where I could also boot into windows when needed for example if I want to use visual studio. Am I right that I simply need a second drive or partition and a copy of boot camp?
 
Thanks again. It's great they include that standard. I understand it's a bit fiddly installing two drives so I suppose another option would be to install both OS on one SSD and I could then make use of an external hard drive partioned however I saw fit. Not very graceful but not a bad option.
 
Missed out on a few eBay ones. Tempted to go for 2012 i5/8GB/500GBon refurb store but it's £499 and you get the one year limited warranty. I did however miss out on the exact same model/spec and it sold for £436 and it had 12mth Apple care.
 
I got a midrange 2014 (i5 2.6 - 8gb) from refurb store in the end. Just changed to SSD and it's overkill for what I do. Find myself using windows more so perhaps should have got an NUC, nice and quiet though. What made me go for the 2014 was the two thunderbolt ports and Iris graphics over intel 4000.
 
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