Help soothe some Buyer's Remorse...

[Cassady]

A month ago that model was selling for R11k, its a good buy. Was it a special at IC?

Still there I think - but possibly not for much longer.

 

[psion]

Ja. Has been mentioned to rather sell the cMBP kitted out - but would be nice to max the Mini, for longevity purposes.

But using it the same after upgrading it won't make it last longer?

 

[Cassady]

But using it the same after upgrading it won't make it last longer?

Kind of depends on expectations, I guess. My cMBP in stock format, would possibly have been feeling the heat under Yosemite (it coming out originally with Lion OSX) - but with the upgrades - my real-world *perception* of the laptop, upgraded - feels like a machine that can last a good few more years. I'm hoping it would be the same for the Mini.

 

[w1z4rd]

You're about as helpful as a one-legged man in a bum-kicking competition.

You've twice made the point that it was too much money. Congratulations. It must be very self-rewarding to make a broad statement without having to actually contribute anything in the line of reasons. My request that you actually add something was obviously a bridge too far. The horror.

If I mention it a third time would that be more helpful?

 

[Cassady]

If I mention it a third time would that be more helpful?

YES!!! That was the magical number! Fanks.

 

[w1z4rd]

YES!!! That was the magical number! Fanks.

Lol

 

[vinodh]

Upgrade the RAM, install a 2TB drive with an SSD in Fusion mode and then consider installing OSX Server ($20). You can upgrade in stages.

Here's a link explaining all the main features of OSX Server: https://www.apple.com/osx/server/features/

 

[Cassady]

Upgrade the RAM, install a 2TB drive with an SSD in Fusion mode and then consider installing OSX Server ($20). You can upgrade in stages.

Here's a link explaining all the main features of OSX Server: https://www.apple.com/osx/server/features/

That's not a bad idea. Never played around with servers before - but am I correct in saying media all gets placed onto the Mini - and then all the PC's, iPads, iPhones in the house can access it? Would the devices need to download the media - or would they be able to stream it? In other words - watch the movie "off" the Server, without downloading it onto their own drive?

 

[vinodh]

That's not a bad idea. Never played around with servers before - but am I correct in saying media all gets placed onto the Mini - and then all the PC's, iPads, iPhones in the house can access it? Would the devices need to download the media - or would they be able to stream it? In other words - watch the movie "off" the Server, without downloading it onto their own drive?

You don't need the Server app for media streaming. I have 3 Apple TV's and all movies in iTunes get streamed from my Mac Mini to the ATV's. I use iFlicks to auto-add meta data to the MP4's and auto-add to iTunes. If you don't want to use iTunes, then Plex Media Server is also an excellent option for streaming: Not to Apple TV's but to iPads, iPhones etc. It's purely streamed so no downloading takes place to the device.

The server app however is used for a variety of other services. That link I posted gives you a good idea of what it's capable of.

 

[Thelangfordian]

I also got the Mac Mini... Replaced the Hard Drive with an SSD, and it is running very nice now, very snappy.

As too lots of money for so little, that is just rubbish... depends what you need it for. I need it for OSX, and I also much prefer OSX to Windows.

That being said for your purposes a cheap pc running FreeNAS would've been the best option. OPtionally if you do want to use the Mac Mini as a 'server' head, then get an external NAS enclosure, then your Mac Mini can runt he service applications like Plex or what have you, there are plenty of routes to follow.
Honestly, don't worry about Server, just stick with normal OSX, it will do the job just fine. Get an SSD for the snappiness, install more RAM (especially if serving media or performing lots of background operations), and use an external for media (will be easier to replace as well)

 

[Arthur]

Make a firm resolution to never give this another second's thought. It was an impulse buy, and the impetus for that impulse still holds.

Your decision was not wholly rational, so trying to think it through now is an exercise in futility. The deed is done. Give intellectual assent to that impulse, recognise why you did it, and for goodness sake enjoy the machine!

Trying to rationalise it now is a waste of effort, and only exacerbates the pangs.

Move on. And enjoy it.

(If this sounds irrational, it is. I'm typing this post on an Android tablet - also an irrational purchase. )

 

[Cassady]

I also got the Mac Mini... Replaced the Hard Drive with an SSD, and it is running very nice now, very snappy.

As too lots of money for so little, that is just rubbish... depends what you need it for. I need it for OSX, and I also much prefer OSX to Windows.

That being said for your purposes a cheap pc running FreeNAS would've been the best option. OPtionally if you do want to use the Mac Mini as a 'server' head, then get an external NAS enclosure, then your Mac Mini can runt he service applications like Plex or what have you, there are plenty of routes to follow.
Honestly, don't worry about Server, just stick with normal OSX, it will do the job just fine. Get an SSD for the snappiness, install more RAM (especially if serving media or performing lots of background operations), and use an external for media (will be easier to replace as well)

Yip - heavily invested in OSX, so not viable looking elsewhere.

Had a look at the OSX Server, but - as mentioned - the standard file sharing/remote control features appear to be ample. Haven't played around with it properly yet - can get in to the Mini off my MBP when on the same Wifi network - but not finding it from work, as of yet. No biggie - sure I just need to activate the correct settings etc., and not even sure I need to yet.

As luck would have it, managed to pick up 16GB RAM at a nice price over at Carbonite, the day after the mini arrived. Should get it tomorrow, which will help things. After installing the family photos, and setting up iTunes - saw I had 2.6GB under "swap used", which will obviously no longer be an issue when the new sticks get put in.

When I open it up, will also have a look at where the HDD is placed - saw reports where same model minis sometimes have them in the bottom slot, making it really easy to install the SSD, since you don't run the risk of snapping those delicate cables in moving the HDD. Regardless, will throw in a SSD - just trying to make up my mind whether a 256GB will suffice, or whether I should bite the bullet and go for the 500GB [sadly, the 1TB SDD is simply too rich for my wallet!].

First need to get the OWC data-doubler kit though. See there's a reputable seller or on BidorBuy, that I will turn to next month. 10-14 days waiting, isn't too bad, I guess. Less hassle than importing it myself.

With that done, will have a pretty decent little unit. Won't see any serious gaming on it, but that's not why it was bought in any event. Then to Parallels/Bootcamp it, for the little ones to start practicing homework assignment research!...

All that being said - I realise I'm getting old. Eyes aren't as sharp as they used to be. Need to do a fair bit of zooming on my 46" screen, to be able to read things properly. XBMC and Youtube is a jol though!

 

[d0b33]

I hate where apple is taking macs with the non-upgradeable path, I've doubled the life of all my macbooks thanks to upgrading. Being forced to upgrade every 2-3 years opposed to 5-6 years make me less of an Apple fan.

 

[Cassady]

Make a firm resolution to never give this another second's thought. It was an impulse buy, and the impetus for that impulse still holds.

Your decision was not wholly rational, so trying to think it through now is an exercise in futility. The deed is done. Give intellectual assent to that impulse, recognise why you did it, and for goodness sake enjoy the machine!

Trying to rationalise it now is a waste of effort, and only exacerbates the pangs.

Move on. And enjoy it.

(If this sounds irrational, it is. I'm typing this post on an Android tablet - also an irrational purchase. )

Wise words.

Duly noted!

 

[Cassady]

I hate where apple is taking macs with the non-upgradeable path, I've doubled the life of all my macbooks thanks to upgrading. Being forced to upgrade every 2-3 years opposed to 5-6 years make me less of an Apple fan.

I cannot tell you how much I agree.

My mid-2012 MBP has 16GB RAM, a 500GB SSD, and the 500GB HDD. Will probably look at upgrading in 2016 (maybe 2017). I'm already putting money away - the thought of what getting something with those specs in a rMBP machine is going to cost, brings tears to my eyes! Easily R30k... And no ways I'd be able to justify a 16GB/1TB machine - so will probably settle on 16GB/500SSD...

Burns me no end though. I could afford to upgrade over time - now, going forward, all of that will need to be put in upfront. Sucks...

 

[AfricanTech]

Hello all. Need some kind words - even if you need to fib

Was swept up by all the peeps over at MacRumours - about all those buying up 2012 i7 quad-cores...

So did the same today. M388 i7 1TB hdd. R8k through IC. Same price as the M387....

Plan to use it as a media base, hooked up to the big screen. Kids will probably use it a bit, and will pop family photos/music and XBMC on it.

Silly paying that for a 2012 model - or not too bad, considering it's the last of the upgradeables?

Wait, wait - you got a 11K machine for 8K! with full warranty!

Sounds like a good deal to me, and you don't have to use it as a media machine - will work perfectly well as a normal 'desktop'

 

[Cassady]

Wait, wait - you got a 11K machine for 8K! with full warranty!

Sounds like a good deal to me, and you don't have to use it as a media machine - will work perfectly well as a normal 'desktop'

And Incredibly - they're still offering it... see here

 

[vinodh]

And Incredibly - they're still offering it... see here

Incredibly, that link now says:

"We are aware of a technical issue on our site and we are in the process of correcting the error.
We are really sorry but the page you requested cannot be found.
It seems that the page you were trying to reach doesn’t exist anymore, or maybe has moved."

 

[Cassady]

Incredibly, that link now says:

"We are aware of a technical issue on our site and we are in the process of correcting the error.
We are really sorry but the page you requested cannot be found.
It seems that the page you were trying to reach doesn’t exist anymore, or maybe has moved."

Buggers. Was working when I put up the link. Must have been too-an-Incredible deal!

 

[_dB_]

Link works again.