I am looking at getting a Mac Mini to use with my HDTV. I will be using it with front row to watch downloaded content and to blast iTunes as well. I have been doing it with my Macbook (mini-dvi > dvi > HDMI) with great success. I just want a dedicated machine for it at this point.
Currently the 1.83 C2D is $649 but Apple.ca has refurbed 1.66 CoreDuo machines for $469.
The RAM and HDD specs are not a issue as i have 2GB of RAM and a 120GB HDD from my last Macbook just sitting around.
So here is the all important question. In your opinion, is it worth spending the extra $180 to get a new machine and a quicker processor? Or do I save the coin and hope that CoreDuo machine can chug along for a couple of years.
Just to add, I won't be doing any day to day computing on it. Just Safari, Transmission and Front Row. So a powerhouse isn't really needed.
That is a good price.. you will be fine. You can always hack it in a few years and upgrade the processor if you need too. I did this with a Mac Mini Core Solo 1.5... to a Core 2 Duo 2.0. It is two yrs old... and hope to use it for many more (desktop right now.. and later on as an entertainment hub like you).
What the hell, the Apple refurb site is wonky. Just went to order the $469 1.66 machine and it is now gone. Then it comes back. Now it is joined by a 1.83 with SD for $529. I am gonna buy that one right now before the site changes again. Weird.
***edit, site changed again. This is hilarious. I'll wait until morning and see if anything is added****
The Apple refurb site doesn't exactly update itself at the same pace as such units are sold, to say the least.
Sure, but just a second ago that 1.83 machine was there, i added it to my cart and attempted to check out all within seconds and it declined the order saying my order exceeded their inventory level. A few refreshes of the refurb screen brings up some pretty entertaining results.
Linear Mode
