#Mac mini review for general purpose how to
#Mac mini review for general purpose update

With the Mac mini, you simply unplug your existing keyboard, mouse and monitor, then plug them into the Mac mini and keep working. It's the ideal computer to switch from if you have a Windows PC and you don't want to make a big investment in the Mac, but want to see if it's right for you. But for another, the Mac mini really is Apple's gateway drug for new Mac users. Why, you may ask, doesn't Apple include a keyboard or mouse? It helps keep the cost low, for one thing. You can also use HDMI directly (also useful if you're using your Mac mini as a media server. You just need to use the right Thunderbolt adapter to connect to DVI or VGA (Apple sells them separately). Hooking one of those 27-inch behemoths up to a Mac mini is a bit of overkill, but you can attach any commodity monitor to the Mac mini with good results. Apple only makes one display: the $999 Thunderbolt Display. You'll also need to supply your own screen. You're certainly welcome to buy one - Apple's own Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad work wonderfully. Unlike Apple's other desktop computers, the Mac mini doesn't include its own keyboard and mouse. Apple's gateway drug: Mac mini BYODKM (Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, and Mouse)

#Mac mini review for general purpose how to

Now that we know what the price range is, let's break it down and figure out how to configure your new Mac mini in a way that makes sense. The Mac mini also supports Bluetooth 4.0.ДЇor software, Mac minis come with the standard suite of apps included on other Macs: OS X Yosemite and all the requisite general-purpose software like Mail, Safari, various and sundry apps and utilities, as well as Apple's iLife suite, iPhoto, iMovie and Garageband, and iWork: Pages, Numbers and Keynote.

#Mac mini review for general purpose update

The latest update to the Mac mini puts it on a level playing field with other newer Mac models: It has 802.11ac Wi-Fi networking, up to three times faster than the older, slower 802.11n standard found on older machines. The second, priced at $999, bumps the processor to 2.8 GHz and adds a 1 TB Fusion Drive to the mix - a combination of a 128 GB flash drive paired to a 1 TB hard disk drive, to create a fast, big logical volume that combines the best of both worlds. The first, priced at $699, upgrades the Mac mini to 2.6 GHz with 8 GB RAM and 1 TB hard disk drive. Intel HD Graphics 5000 comes standard.ДЄpple offers two other standard configurations for the Mac mini.

All Mac minis also come equipped with the same external features: Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, two Thunderbolt 2 ports, four USB 3 ports, audio in and audio out jacks and an SDXC card slot, all on the device's back side.ДЇor $499, you get a 1.4 GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor, 4 GB RAM and a 500 GB 5400 RPM hard disk drive.