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#1
10-26-2011, 08:30 AM
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Mac Mini - PC alternative? Looking for small form factor.
I'm looking for a small form factor PC for my father. We had considered moving him to Mac, but the price and learning curve are obstacles.After 30 years of using a PC, I don't think it would be wise to have to start all over with a Mac. I was thinking of getting him a Dell Zino but see that those have been discontinued. I can't find anything even remotely in that form factor now. Any suggestions? Needs to be i3 minimum (or equivalent) and no less than 6gb RAM. |
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Multi-Quote| 10-26-2011, 08:30 AM | |
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#2
10-26-2011, 08:35 AM
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You can always install Windows through bootcamp on a Mac Mini.
I actually got myself a Mac Mini for my living room (was also considering the Zino that was discontinued) and it's a decent machine for the size. The base version does only come with 2GB of memory, so you'll have to upgrade the system with 4GB x 2, though that shouldn't be too big an issue. |
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#3
10-26-2011, 08:48 AM
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Why not a laptop PC? An i3/i5 w/ 6gb laptop would be cheaper than a mac mini and has higher portability.
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#4
10-26-2011, 08:58 AM
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I've considered both.
I simply don't appreciate overpaying for the Mac, especially if I'm planning on using it specifically for Windows. We also considered a laptop but he never uses it (already has an iPad and iPhone [I know, you'd think it would make buying a Mac a no brainer, but....]). He's very set on small form factor, big monitor. |
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#5
10-26-2011, 09:03 AM
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30 years huh?
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#6
10-26-2011, 09:21 AM
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OK, I guess 25 years is a bit closer. I think we bought our first IBM in 1986.
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#7
10-26-2011, 09:53 AM
I miss those small laptops with power button exposed even when the LCD is closed (eg. Dell Latitude 420 - the switch is at the right side of the LCD hinge), that way you can skip the docking station purchase. But connecting/disconnecting all other devices would be a pain if the laptop gets moved around a lot. |
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#8
10-26-2011, 09:58 AM
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If you're looking for something Zino-esque, search for 'nettop'.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...688310329 |
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#9
10-26-2011, 10:30 AM
I use my work laptop the exact same way, without a dock. I do however keep the lid open for dual monitor use. Is it possible to shut the lid without a dock though and still be able to use it? I certainly don't want him to have to open the lid to wake the system up. He won't move it so that's not an issue. A dock however is out of the question. |
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#10
10-26-2011, 10:41 AM
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The Lenevo H330 series seems to check off alot of your boxes. Think it's going to come in at a larger footprint than the Mac Mini, but otherwise it seems to suit your needs.
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#11
10-26-2011, 11:05 AM
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#12
10-26-2011, 11:30 AM
hibernation i think only works if you press the power button, there's some laptops that have their power button on the side, that may be an option (i know sony's vaio line has it) Intel i7 2700k | Asus Maximus IV Extreme-Z| 16 GB Gskill Ripjaw X | Corsair H80 | 2x EVGA GTX 670 FTW | Crucial M4 256 GB SSD | Samsung F1 1TB | WD Black 2TB | Seagate Barracuda LP 2TB | Seagate Barracuda 3TB | WD Green 2TB | Creative Titanium HD | Sony BD Drive | OCZ ZX850 | CM Storm Trooper | Dell U2711 | Filco Majestouch Linear R Limited Edition | Filco Majestouch 2 Metallic Blue MX Blue | Razer Naga Epic | Creative Gigaworks T40 II | Windows 7 Ultimate
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#13
10-26-2011, 12:33 PM
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What about one of these [asrock.com]?
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#14
10-26-2011, 12:51 PM
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#15
10-26-2011, 01:01 PM
All told you could probably get the machine you want for around $650. Less even if your dad is interested learning OS Lion. Which honestly isn't that hard to get into. Apple stores offer lessons I believe. There are books on it. Obviously tinkering around is a good way to learn as well. |
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