Mac Mini as a trial first Mac?

[PDACPA]

New to the iphone and I love it and wanted to try out a Mac without spending a fortune until I have used it a while.

Work requires a PC and at home PC's are what we have and the family uses.

The Mac's primary purpose would be for me (specifically using it to link with the iphone (maybe through Mobile Me) with iCal #1 priority and my contacts). I would try out the iLife programs (mainly the photo and movie), but gaming would not be used and nor would I load it up with tons of files (ie do not need alot of hard drive space). Would also like it to have OS X.

I have multiple monitors and USB devices so a Mac Mini seemed like a good option and there are a few on Ebay in the $200+ range.

Can any of you Mac users chime in and let me know if the Mac Mini will work for what I am trying to do? There seems to be different HD and processor speeds changing the price so my number might be different based on the actual item.

Thanks.

[fury]

Keep in mind a lot of the Mac Minis that are going for so cheap are a couple generations old, using G4 processors, so they will not be compatible with all the new stuff. If you can, make sure the one you get is at least equipped with an Intel Core Duo processor. That's my two cents; although you can get the general experience with anything that can run OS X Leopard, your experience will be best on Intel processors at this point.

[FlwrPwer]

I just traded my 4 1/2 year old Mac Mini for an iMac. While still functioning, for the most part, and was running Leopard and iLife '08, it was VERY slow. It was taking forever to load multiple things and basically, it became obsolete. It would've been fine if I was just using it for basic internet and surfing, but I was using the calendar and itunes and everything to run my phone. I still have a powerbook G4 that I use for basic internet and word processing and while it is old, it's not that bad.

As for the Mini in general, I loved it! Why would you spend $200 on a used one when you can get a brand new one with a lot of features for like $600-$700? Personally, if you have the monitor and all the equipment to run a computer, I would say go with a brand new mini. The reason I didn't was because it was time for me to upgrade to an iMac. I really liked the portability of the mini, which sounds ridiculous, but let me tell you, it came in handy.

My dad is somewhat of a computer guru and i had major issues with my mini in that the hard drive was corrupted. I just packed it up in a little bag and off I went to my dad's and he recovered the entire computer. It was easy.

If you want a brand new Mac and don't went to spend a ton of money, I recommend the Mini wholeheartedly.

[iHero]

My Mac mini was my first "good" Mac. I got it right after I was given my iMac G3, and I learned most of it on the mini. The mini is a great starter Mac, it's pretty powerful, and gets most things done. If you are getting a used PowerPC one don't, get a Intel one you will be much happier.

[JFN]

After 2 PC crashes, I made the jump to a Mini Intel based 2 gig and had no problems other than normal switching to mac deal. Does everything I need plus I run windows XP for some programs not available for the mac. itunes for the iphone work great. I will probably get an I mac in the future and will put the mini in my motorhome.

[smknSRT8]

Get a new mac mini, otherwise you will be outdated. Outdated computers are soooo five years ago.

[itsrainingkids]

Hi,
I bought a new mac mini a few months ago to go with my iPhone! I love it! It works flawlessly with my phone and after my phone was stolen I still loved it. When I finally got my 3G I brought it home and synced it with my "old phone" settings and voila!! Its like my phone was never stolen. Awesome machine and I agree with everyone, spring for the new one with the intel duo processor and leopard. You wont be sorry, I promise.
Good Luck,
Colleen

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Buy an Osborne. You won't be sorry.

[PDACPA]

Hey I donated two Osborne's with dual 5 1/4 floppys and a screen that was like half the size of the iphone to Salvation Army. They had no clue what they were.

I have found that most of the Mac Mini's with the intel chip sell on Ebay for close to $500 (and some do not have Leopard). I was also watching the Apple store for a refurb, but will probably just buy a new one for $599 if no refurb's show up.

I have to have PC's for my office due to the programs we run and the related databases (others have tried to run WinXP on a Mac with the programs and it is getting there, but not 100%). The Mini is going to be to have the ilife and calendar and mobile me as well as for my iphone.

New thought: Can I still keep my itunes on my PC with Vista and have the Mac itunes too (both with the same information)?

[PDACPA]

Can the 1.66 intel Mac Mini run Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard? Found a deal on one but it has the tiger OS.