What is a Mac Mini?

by pkmcr

What is a Mac Mini and does it really make a good entry level option if you are looking to move from the pc to a Mac? Let's take a look at what the Mac Mini is and what it does

If like me you have been thinking about moving from a PC to a Mac then you may have come across the The Mac Mini. But what is a Mac Mini? What does it do and does it really love up to the hype when it was first introduced?

Without question the thing that stands out about this computer in the world of desktop computing is the size and weight. It is just 1.4 inches tall and an amazing 7.7 inches wide and 7.7 inches deepand it weighs in at just 3.0 pounds.

At that size and weight it is very portable. So wherever you have a screen, keyboard and mouse set up you can attach the Mini Mac and you are ready to go. So if you want to move between home and office or even between homes, you can move the Mac Mini itself. Again the size means that it will take up very little space on your desk.

Designed using a unibody aluminum case it also comes with an HDMI video port. Quite a lot of people have welcomed the addition of the video port because it means that they can use it as a home theater system. It makes it very similar to Apple TV, but much more powerful.

If you are trying to be greener in your computing then you are going to like the Mini Mac! Because of the small size and the components used it's also extremely energy efficient. You will find that it takes less power to run than other desktop computers, including other Apple Macs! It is also made using recyclable materials., which gives it big bonus points for me!

Buying a Mac Mini

What Do You Get When You Buy a Mac Mini?

So if you make the decision to buy a Mac Mini what do you get when the box arrives and you excitedly start to open it?

Well there is one thing that you need to bear in mind!  That is that when you buy the Mac Mini, you are just buying the small desktop unit with nothing else. So you don't get a screen, keyboard or mouse.

Apple designed it for those who were switching from Windows to Mac. So they made an assumption that you would already own a screen, keyboard and mouse to use with it.

So when you open the box What you will get in the box:

  • The Mac Mini,
  • Power cord,
  • HDMI to DVI Adapter,
  • Installation and restore DVDs,
  • Documentation.

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Mac Mini

One of the major benefits of buying th Mac Mini, alongside the fact that it is very small, is that it's is a very affordable way of moving from Windows PC to the Mac. The price of switching from PC to Mac for many people has always been the price. With the Mac Mini not including a screen, keyboard or mouse it does mean that it is one the most affordable Mac options.

Apple think of this as their budget offering, which does mean that it is less powerful than other Mac computers. So you will find that it has a smaller hard drive size, less processing power, less powerful graphics and lower RAM.

Don't worry though because it is still a very powerful machine.  Which means that it is well worth it for most users who are looking to switch from PC to a Mac.

People will always argue that you can get all the features of the Mac in a PC at a significantly lower price.  But if like me and are keen to look at the option of moving away from a PC to a Mac then the Mac Mini is definitely an option. If you want the quality and stability of a Mac, then the Mac Mini is definitely an affordable option.

More Apple and Mac Articles

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The Apple Macbook could be the laptop that makes a difference to the way you use your computer! You will find that it offers portability and useful working space
There are a number of compelling arguments both for and against making the switch from PC to Mac for us to consider. Are you thinking about switching from a PC to a Mac?
Updated: 05/27/2013, pkmcr
 
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Have You Considered Moving From PC To The Mac?

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Sam on 02/10/2012

I have a mac Mini and absolutely love it! It is a little work horse and the best, in my opinion, is that I can take it easily with me when traveling. As long as there is a spare monitor at the end of my journey I am all set to work wherever I am ;-)

Dianne on 06/19/2011

I have switched from a PC to a Mac and I love it. I never plan to go back. This looks like a great option for those who are thinking of converting to Mac.

sheilamarie on 06/19/2011

I like the fact that it's made from recycled materials. And if you already have a screen and keyboard, why would you need another? It's a good option.

petunia on 06/19/2011

I have thought about switching to a Mac and this Mac Mini sounds like a good option.

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