Don't let my coworker buy a MiniMac - Recommend a sub-$1000 PC!

[mect]

I think I agree, just because of the security. Just wondering though, why does everyone think more ram is neccessary. I admit, I don' know much about Macs, but unless os x is as big of a memory hog as xp (which I doubt), I don't think the extra ram would be needed. The only exception would be if she's into digital photography or something. Who knows, maybe she's gonna become a hardcore gamer.

 

[Jeffyboy]

Only problem with the Mac is that there is 100x fewer people who know how to fix them... not to mention software is more expensive. I admit, it is cute I'd be tempted to have one myself... kinda like the machine you'd have in yer bedroom for researching on porno or something..lol.

Jeff

 

[everman]

Mini mac all the way for a 60yr old woman. No spyware or viruses, easy to use. She probably won't need much if any extra software beyond word processing.

 

[OSUBeaver]

as far as ram goes, with 256 having safari open and then trying to open word as well takes forever. it can run one program at a time pretty well, but 512 just makes it way smoother, and makes the system feel a lot faster. As for expensive software, it really comes with all the productivity software you need including a word processor, and iLife gives you a bunch of extra stuff that a bored 60 year old woman might find interesting lol.

 

[Shenkoa]

512 is better.

 

[sparkyclarky]

Get her a mini. I love mine, and have switched over to it from my main Windows PC (which is no slouch mind you - 2.25 Barton, gig of RAM, 6800GT, awesome HD setup). It makes a great daily use machine, and OSX is much more pleasant to use than Windows from what I've experienced so far. However, you do need to add memory to the base config. I'm running a 1.25 G4, combo drive, 40 gig HD (came as 5400 RPM), and today added a gig of RAM to it along with a 160 gig external HD. The system is quiet, reliable, and actually performs outstanding thanks to OSXs caching. I'd have her get the base mini with 512 RAM, a decent Dell (or other) LCD, and an Apple keyboard combined with some decent 3rd party multi button mouse. She'll want the Apple keyboard if only for the convenience vs. remapped Windows keys (I run a Microsoft Wireless Desktop Elite set, and I don't mind the remapped keys, but I can see how an older lady wouldn't like that). It's a reasonably priced machine, with a full load of useful software, a lack of viruses and spyware, and an OK warranty. Just fine for her.

 

[sparkyclarky]

Originally posted by: mect
I think I agree, just because of the security. Just wondering though, why does everyone think more ram is neccessary. I admit, I don' know much about Macs, but unless os x is as big of a memory hog as xp (which I doubt), I don't think the extra ram would be needed. The only exception would be if she's into digital photography or something. Who knows, maybe she's gonna become a hardcore gamer.

OSX isn't a RAM hog by any means, it just makes extremely efficient use of all available RAM due to great caching. However, for the caching to truly work decently, 512 RAM is a must.

 

[Baked]

Who cares, it's not your money. Just mock her like crazy when she doesn't like it down the line.

 

[Darien]

macmini++;

easier to use, the unit is rather inexpensive, and not as much crap for os x as there is for windows out there.

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: CraigRT
how about this

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/product...ed_dp_desktop1_1?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

that is my computer no lie...fucking pos sucks the left nut

 

[amol]

i dont understand why people are so worrysome about the mac mini . . . it will probably be my parent's next computer (or the iMac, since they dont have an LCD and they would like one)

the OS X operating system is IMHO, the BEST! the only thing that XP has over OS X is driver support (mac is catching up) and games (and i dont think a 60 year old woman plays Doom3)

btw, people consider me a hardcore PC user (2 in my room)

but i've tried OS X and it's very nice

 

[TRUMPHENT]

Originally posted by: batmanuel

Originally posted by: TRUMPHENT
The mini Mac is an eyecatcher. You could fit an even half dozen inside a Dell mini-tower case with room to spare.

On a side note, can you cluster with OS X? You could stack those babies into little towers of processing power if you had the cash to burn.

We know virtually nothing about the mystery customer except for her age and gender. What if she has a keen interest in medical research? A lot of people do for reasons very close to home. She could be a novelist. She may only need to keep current on the news around the world. Others have intimated that if she is a Windows user, she will soon be frustrated with Mac. I don't think so. She may not be building a Beowulf cluster either. But then, you never know. You just never know.

 

[tk149]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I'm really surprised the Mac haters didn't materialize.

For the record, my coworker uses an Win2000 PC at work, but has extremely limited knowledge of the interface. I don't think switching over to a OS X will be much of a problem (although I've never used OS X).

 

[sparkyclarky]

Originally posted by: tk149
Thanks to everyone for the replies. I'm really surprised the Mac haters didn't materialize.

For the record, my coworker uses an Win2000 PC at work, but has extremely limited knowledge of the interface. I don't think switching over to a OS X will be much of a problem (although I've never used OS X).

That's because a significant amount of Mac hating concerned price. With the introduction of the mini, the price argument was essentially negated, as you get a computer with a full set of useful, easy to use, legal software combined with an outstanding OS for a reasonable price. Sure, it is not a barn burner, and sure, some Dell deals beat it on price when combined with a monitor and keyboard, but the gap isn't as wide anymore. And quite frankly, the fit and finish on the mini blows away the majority of Dell's product line. The only real downside is the general lack of upgradability, which is something most entry level buyers don't really do much of anyways.

Mac and PC owners need to learn to get along. Currently I have 1 full tower homebuilt gaming rig, 1 Dell laptop, 1 SFF PC for HTPC use, 1 Mac mini, and 1 Pocket PC. Everything serves its place, thanks to careful purchasing decisions over the last several years. None of it was insanely expensive. And all of it works well most of the time!