Customer Reviews
Excellent System, but overpriced... 
2008-06-18
Never had a Mac before, this is great! Way better than my custom-built Vista Ultimate computer! Though I have found glitches in Mac OSX, the glitches are far more minor than those found in Vista. If it weren't for the ease of use and the tiny design, I would have given this computer a four star rating because it is overpriced for what you get. Not a gaming machine, but certainly a reliable computer for all sorts of activities that have minimal hardware requirements. (Such as web browsing, basic photo editing and music production, word processing, and so on and so on.) I am very pleased with this computer. I am now a Mac convert.
Overall great product 
2008-06-16
The Mac Mini works great as a simple desktop solution. It was very easy to setup and worked with all of my existing PC components without issue. I was also surprised by it finding and installing my older printer (Epson Stylus Photo 825) and camera, although that speaks more for the MAC OS than the Mac Mini itself.
My only minor gripes is that the system is sometimes slow with only 1 GB RAM and a slow hard drive. I also get annoyed b/c it takes a while to find my wireless network everytime it "wakes up" from going into hybernation mode.
Runs smoother than an 86 Yugo 2008-06-03
So far I am very pleased with my new MiniMac. I switched over from a PC because I was sick and tired of my PC and its continuous problems/viruses. I had little to no experience with MAC's but making the transition was easier than I thought. A quick tutorial and I was up and running. I primarily use it for internet, email, etc. and so far so good. It runs like a top, comes with cool software, and no viruses make this a good buy.
Cute, but Powerful 2008-05-30
For it's size, this computer can handle a lot more than one would expect. This is my second Mac (I got a MacBook Air a few months ago), and so far I love them better than any XP or VIsta computer I have ever used. I use this computer to run File Maker Advanced 9, Adobe's CS3 suite, and VMware Fusion (both XP and Vista) for SQL Server, Visual Studio, Access and a few other programs, it runs everything pretty well stock. Being the crazy IT person that I am though, I did end up creating a Mini mod, I added 4GB of RAM (yes, it will work with up to 4GB's, despite what APple says), a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, a Sonnet Aria Wireless N card, a SuperDrive for burning, and a paint job by ColorWare PC, and with these upgrades, this computer is by far the best little machine in the market. If your a typical, everyday user, only running Office 2008, or iWorks, than your fine running this computer stock, even for what I do, stock works, but I wanted to see how much this tiny little computer could handle.
PERFECT for new Mac user... 2008-05-17
Its small, its powerful, its a mac. Its perfect for new mac users that are trying to make the transition into the Mac World. Since it runs an Intel chip, I decided to install Windows XP and it runs both operating systems PERFECTLY! I connected it to my HDTV through an HDMI connect via DVI converter and the DISPLAY is INCREDIBLE! (No sound through that connection though, had to connect Mac to external speakers). I'm still in shock at the size of this thing; almost the same size as my external hard drive.
Back To Mac 2008-07-26
I have been a Mac user on and off over the years. Like Mac better, but overpriced. I decided to try the Mac Mini with my 40 inch LCD and Voila! I now have a Mac with a 40 inch screen with WiFi and linking to ITunes and Internet with Safari and Leopard. Easy as pie. My daughter uses this in the living room and it adds another computer to the household for little money. Not a powerhouse, but if you want to use for surfing and other non-heavy duty purposes, this is the way to get back to Mac. Wireless keyboard and mouse allow us to sit on couch and use with ease and comfort. Very glad I purchased! I am writing this on my Compaq notebook and have an old E Machine too. Like the Mac Mini the best. If Apple ever lowers their notebook prices to more competitive prices, I will buy then. Hope this helps.
Walt from Dallas 
2008-07-22
Apple Mac mini MB138LL/A (1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Combo Drive)I have used a PC for many years: My first PC was a 1987 Zenith, the first portable on the market and a weighty 18 lbs: with DOS. I am on my 5th PC.
Since this was my first Apple computer, a MAC Mini, I decided to spend the $150 for a 3 years tech-service and warranty.
1) During research on Apple's website on the Mac Mini I noted that the applications in Leopard did NOT include a word-processor. I entered a search "word processor" but the only result was their iWorks an added cost option of $ 80. A friend who has an iMac told me the name of the software is "TextEdit". I was told at the Dallas Apple store that TextEdit is in fact part of the Leopard offering and was confirmed by an on-line chat. No where on Apple's website is a users manual listed. After I setup my Mac I checked out TextEdit and found it comparable to Windows WordPad: This was confirmed in a borrowed "Mac for Dummies." I have used Word-Perfect and Microsoft's Works & Word and expected that TextEdit was similar. Apple was too ashamed to list TestEdit in Leopard, but for a reason: When you get your Mac they have a sucker-punch offer for you: You get a free 30-day trial of their word processor. So, I gotta lay out $80 extra for their iWorks word processor. Not a good way to earn creditability with a first-time customer.
2) During my telecom with a Tech, I was given instructions on how to install my Logitech wireless 2-year old keyboard/mouse which is designed for OS X. Some 20 minutes was spent on the installation process and the Rep gave up saying: Your keyboard/mouse can NOT be installed. We than installed my old hard-wired keyboard/mouse. So, now I have a $100 Logitech paper-weight. So far I have "lost" $100 on buying the Mini, and will need to spend another $80 for iWorks. Total now: $180
3) When I visited the Apple Store for a second time, I asked what `preparation work' must I do to make my Works files capable of migrating to TextEdit. He said, and later confirmed by an Apple instructor, that I would need to change the code from ".wps" to either ".doc" or ".txt"
I told the telecom Tech that I wanted to migrate some of my Works files, and told him about the scenario involving "change wps: to doc or txt" And he responded you need to call Microsoft for instructions on how to migrate "Works files." More $$ need to be added to my un-expected incremental increase of $180. Only once did I find it necessary to spend $40 for a Microsoft engineer's "fix" of my computer: money well spent. I told the Rep that I spent $150 for your Apple Care Protection Plan, which now is very apparent that I needlessly spent $150 for being told, "we are not capable of installing your OS X wireless keyboard/mouse" And "We at Apple are not capable of migrating your word-processor files, but for more $$ I could buy Apple software to accomplish this. On their website the following information is found: Copying the files from your PC onto external or removable to storage media and then use that media in your Mac to transfer the files to your hard drive. And, further states: If you don't want to install Windows and Boot Camp on your Mac, you can move just your Windows files to your new Mac and use them with Mac applications. This is a lotta Apple B.S. Again, I told 5 Apple "experts" that I only want to migrate some Works files and Pictures to iPhoto. After all this disappointment with Apple I did not find it worthwhile to talk about iPhoto. The Tech-Rep was pleased that I took the time to fill out two forms: "email account settings for my mac" and "My Mac Cheat Sheet."
4) Notoriously absent from their website is any information regarding internet security software (Search), yet other companies offer it is for sale. My own Trend-Micro just announced the availability of Mac software.
5) On my 4th startup, the keyboard & mouse would NOT function.
So here is my tally of "$ 370 down-the-toilet," if I choose to keep the MacMini:
$ 100 wireless keyboard/mouse: great software; + $ 80 iWorks; + $ 40 Microsoft Engineer; + $ 150 AppleCare." Bogus "truth in advertising" on website.
-- unanswered is: Will I find in the future, a need to spend more money for Apple's internet-security ? Stay turned for an expected announcement from Apple on its new internet security software.
UPS just picked up the MAC Mini.
Coolest MAC around!! 2008-07-14
This weekend I picked up a Mac Mini (with the above mentioned specs..) after doing tons of research and truly looking at my overall needs. Originally my thought was to pick up a Macbook but after focusing on my needs and seeking a cheaper alternative to jumping into the MAC arena I decided to go this route. After being a PC user for many many years the thought of learning a new operating system seemed rather intimidating but having friends who have made the jump made the task seemed a bit less daunting..
I spent many hours perusing You Tube for Mac reviews...everything from Macbook AIR..to PRO..to Macbook and eventually MINI. There's a lot of good informative stuff out there!! Also reading the reviews on this site and many other online reviews I felt I was armed with enough knowledge to finally visit an APPLE store and ask some intelligent questions. Fortunately I ran into 2 young sales guys who knew their product well and tried to be as objective as possible about the product they were selling...I got the feeling they were truly interested in making sure I understood the differences between Windows Vista and Leopard and spent a great deal of time showing me features in ilife and Leopard in general. This made a difference to me in that the APPLE store staff exhibited such "refreshing" professionalism. I think that in itself made a big difference in helping me make a decision to try APPLE products. Their support was top notch compared to the experience I had received in the past from other vendors.
After I picked up my Mac Mini...set up was a breeze. I had a Dell 17" 1703 monitor that was formerly coupled to my Dell Dimension 8300 that I hooked up to with no problems. I had a made a decision to get the APPLE keyboard due to the Command features and the fact that I liked the way the keys felt and am glad. Dell speakers and a Logitech wireless mouse completed the set up and I was off and running! The OS booted up so quickly that I immediately thought I'll never be able to go back to VISTA again..LOL! And setup was effortless..wireless..email..all very intutive and painless. No wonder APPLE has so many people switching!
Once everything was set up I was working within the OS within minutes and what's cool is on the APPLE website there are many informative video tutorials as well as written support that helps a lot.
For video & pictures the OS recognized both my Sony digital & video cameras and I was able to download all my files seamlessly with iphoto and imovie. Here is where I can see the advantages of having additional memory but generally it wasn't too much of an issue..I will eventually upgrade my memory in the near future..
Overall for the weekend spent acclimating myself to this amazing little computer, the experience has been pretty darn good! I still have much to learn and will follow up with a more detailed review further on down the road...
But for first impressions I'm pretty happy! The bottom line is...look at your computing needs and budget and work within those parameters. You don't really need to pump out a couple of grand for an ideal APPLE experience..If you have a good monitor, keyboard and mouse..and are looking to change to the APPLE OS this would be the best and economical way to go!
Older Cinema Displays require expensive adapter 2008-07-04
Complaint #1: First thing I discovered when I went to hook up my new Mac Mini: I could not connect my "older" (c. 2004) 23" Cinema Display. Apple doesn't tell you that part. If you have an older Cinema Display with an ADC connection (it looks like it'll fit this DVI connection, but count the pins - it's wider), you'll have to purchase Apple's DVI-to-ADC adapter (P/N M8661LL/B). Unfortunately, it's expensive ($99 from apple or $89 on amazon plus shipping), it's bulky (almost as big as the mac mini), requires use of one of my precious USB ports and yet another electric outlet. Also, when my Mac goes to sleep, both USB ports on the rear of my 23" Cinema Display shut down. AND, because I have a "white-light Cinema Display" (i.e. the power button has a white glowing light behind it rather than a green glowing light), the button will no longer work as a power-on button. It just sort of pulses white light when you touch it. So there's that. Still, I'm able to use my "old" display with the new Mac Mini, which means a lot to these old eyes. btw, you might think you can get one of the other "DVI to ADC" cables that come up with a search here - but take close look at the male and female ends - as far as I can tell they're really ADC to DVI, i.e., for a newer DVI display to an older ADC Mac. Just a warning if you've got an older Cinema Display you want to work with a newer mac.
Complaint #2: Leopard. Sidebar in the Finder is now far less customizable than in Tiger; Sherlock is gone w/inferior Spotlight in its place (it doesn't separate search items in categories--boo); etc.
Complaint #3: My only other complaint on the Mini so far is that because it's basically a notebook without the screen, the ports are very close together. I'd rather see it be an inch or two wider just to accommodate the cords better.
The Mac Mini performance seems, at two days now, almost on par with my old G5 and is SO much quieter. That alone gets 3 stars!
Great way to go Mac on the Cheap 2008-06-29
Using monitors, keyboards, and mice I already had, my wife was pleased that she could go Mac at the price of an entry PC. I did upgrade to 2 GBytes of memory by spending $50 at Crucial.
Adding memory is difficult. It may not have been worth the hours spent. You'll feel like a surgeon afterwards. This is why the 4 stars, not 5, were given.
This Mac runs far faster than the Core 2 Duo PC's running at 2.2 GHz.
