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Old Mar 19th, 2008, 12:38 AM   #1
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Mac Mini Advice

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.
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Old Mar 19th, 2008, 12:46 AM   #2
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For those 3 items, the 1.66 w. 2GB RAM will be fine.
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Old Mar 19th, 2008, 12:58 AM   #3
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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).
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Old Mar 19th, 2008, 01:01 AM   #4
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How difficult was the processor upgrade?
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Old Mar 19th, 2008, 01:07 AM   #5
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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****
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Old Mar 19th, 2008, 01:11 AM   #6
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The Apple refurb site doesn't exactly update itself at the same pace as such units are sold, to say the least.
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Old Mar 19th, 2008, 01:15 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lars View Post
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.
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Old Mar 19th, 2008, 01:17 AM   #8
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$469???!?!!! Even if it IS an older "Duo" it's still peppy!

Man...... maaaaannnnn.... I'm fighting off the urge to buy that sucker NOW!!
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Old Mar 19th, 2008, 01:21 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueMax View Post
$469???!?!!! Even if it IS an older "Duo" it's still peppy!

Man...... maaaaannnnn.... I'm fighting off the urge to buy that sucker NOW!!
Go try. I dare ya.
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Old Mar 19th, 2008, 01:17 PM   #10
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GRAAAHHHH!!!!! I should have just ordered it! It's now gone.
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