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I've read about a lot of people using their Mac Minis as a file server, or media centre or something similar.

Does the mini function alright as a standard desktop PC? The Mac will be used primarily for web development, that is, it will need to run Coda, Photoshop, possible Firefox and Safari at the same time. So it will need suitable performance.

Or am I better off getting an iMac?

I though the mini looked like a good option because:

  • cheaper
  • I already have a keyboard, mouse and 24" monitor
  • I could use a KVM between the mini and PC

Also, does the mini support multiple monitors?

Thanks

Jonik
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alex
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12 Answers12

11

Of course they are! There's not much difference between a Mac mini and an iMac, except for form factor, so definitely yes, given the fact that you already own a keyboard, mouse and monitor, get yourself a Mac Mini.

Also, from their specs page, (linked by John):

Extended desktop and video mirroring:
Simultaneously supports up to 1920 by 1200 pixels on a DVI or VGA display; up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on a dual-link DVI display using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (sold separately)

Edit: Apparently this doesn't mean you can attach 2 monitors I think, but using something like DualHead2Go should fix this.

fretje
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9

I agree with the others, the Mac Mini is a solid desktop replacement. I bought one earlier this year and am very satisfied with its performance. I should add that I upgraded it to 4GB, so I can't judge the performance of the basic version.

Regarding the multiple monitor part of your question Apple says two monitors are supported - taken from http://www.apple.com/macmini/features.html :

Expand your experience
There’s nothing quite like seeing your photos and movies on a big, beautiful display. Unless, of course, you add a second. Mac mini comes with both mini-DVI and Mini DisplayPort output ports, so you can connect up to two displays. Choose the beautiful, widescreen Apple LED Cinema Display or displays available from many third parties.

I hooked mine up via DVI to a Samsung 2343BW that runs at 2048 x 1152. Works perfectly fine although the specs say only 1900 x 1200 are supported.

Turismo
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Absolutely. I've even upgraded both of mine to run Linux instead. I've got one running as a media server, and the other as a development box.

The How-To Geek
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Judging by the specifications it can sure function as a desktop PC if you wanted it to! A quick glance over the "Graphics and video support" section suggests that it does in fact support multiple monitors.

2

You probably want a USB (or preferably FireWire) external hard disk, though. The internal disk is smallish and slowish. There are nice enclosures available that fit in with the Mini's design.

Thilo
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2

I think Mac minis are good desktops. The biggest downside is that upgrading them is almost like open-heart surgery (even moreso than the iMac). You're not even supposed to upgrade the memory unless you're apple-certified.

Jason Baker
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2

I use one as my main web development machine at work, usually simultaneously running Safari, Firefox, Textmate, Sequel Pro and Versions, plus non-development stuff like Tweetie and Adium. Other than the odd beachball here and there (it’s an older model with just 1GB of memory), I’ve had no problems so far. You’ll probably love it, just max out the RAM if you can afford it, and you’ll be fine.

Guillermo Esteves
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1

Having used a few, I'm going to have to disagree. The specs are attractive, but when you actually sit down and use one, the user experience is sluggish. Really nice form factor for applications where you don't need the speed. However, for a primary desktop, it's not exactly ideal.

Brian Knoblauch
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As mentioned above, the hard drives on the minis are a bit slow, which you might notice if you work with big PhotoShop files.

A solid state drive can really help there, but I’m not sure if that’s an option on iMacs either.

Paul D. Waite
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0

mac minis are awesome.

I USB-KVM the mac mini and a desktop pc.

The only problem is the lack of easy upgradability: upgrade it when you get it IMO.

Paul Nathan
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Mac Mini is very easy to upgrade RAM. Just use a kitchen spatula to open the case instead of the recommended putty knife. My 1st generation C2D with 512 MB of RAM just didn't cut it. Upgraded to 2 GB and it is a whole different machine! I have since retired it as my primary desktop in favor of my MBP, and it now serves duty as an outstanding media server, including Hulu for TV and Movies.

0

We use a bank of mini's for testing our web application code. They are perfectly suitable desktop replacements. They are not for power users, but are perfectly capable for everyday tasks (word processing, email, web browsing, etc.)

myopic.bones
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