Buying a Mac?

Post by **Shmee** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 2:50 pm

So, I've been toying with the idea of buying a Mac mini 1) because they're tiny and I have almost no desk space and 2) because I've always wanted a Mac - you know, just to have one.

Some questions. Can I use my generic windows keyboard and my intellimouse with the thing? I'd love to just plop the Mac on top of my PC and hook both into a KVM for my monitor and peripherals. I simply do not have room for another set.

Also - WTF do you do with a Mac anyway? I certainly don't want to play games with it, but I would like to learn my way around the OS and see what it can do...

Thoughts?

Post by **Shmee** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 2:50 pm

^^ Total Mac n00b.

Post by **Canis** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 3:17 pm

Yes, both input devices will work as long as they're USB, and your monitor will work as well. The mac mini has a DVI output but comes with a DVI --> VGA adaptor. OS X is just another computing environment, that offers a different approach to windows. There are many features that bring information to your finngertips, and ways of searching and organizing your files that IMO are just lacking in windows. For a full rundown, check out http://www.apple.com/macosx

Post by **+JuggerNaut+** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 3:39 pm

get a USB hub. the thing doesn't have enough USB ports.

Post by **plained** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 3:40 pm

um jugg mac keyboards have those so

Post by **PhoeniX** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 4:28 pm

Post by **Shmee** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 4:32 pm

Canis wrote:Yes, both input devices will work as long as they're USB, and your monitor will work as well. The mac mini has a DVI output but comes with a DVI --> VGA adaptor. OS X is just another computing environment, that offers a different approach to windows. There are many features that bring information to your finngertips, and ways of searching and organizing your files that IMO are just lacking in windows. For a full rundown, check out http://www.apple.com/macosx

You work for Apple don't you?

Post by **4g3nt_Smith** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 5:49 pm

Shmee wrote:
Canis wrote:Yes, both input devices will work as long as they're USB, and your monitor will work as well. The mac mini has a DVI output but comes with a DVI --> VGA adaptor. OS X is just another computing environment, that offers a different approach to windows. There are many features that bring information to your finngertips, and ways of searching and organizing your files that IMO are just lacking in windows. For a full rundown, check out http://www.apple.com/macosx
You work for Apple don't you?

Its called knowing what the fuck you're talking about. :icon14:

Post by **Shmee** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 5:52 pm

No need to get in a snit. Jesus, you mac people are touchy...

Yeah, I think I'm getting one today. What's better is that I'm making an executive decision to leave an hour early to do so. I AM the IT department where I work

Post by **plained** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 5:53 pm

oh very

and id say about average here.

Post by **Shmee** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 5:57 pm

What? Did you post in the right thread?

Post by **plained** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 6:08 pm

mac forum very snooty here...

about average , in the knowing stuff about macs department

Post by **Dave** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 9:27 pm

I'm a Mac person and I'm not touchy... I use the best tool for the job. That's why I use a Mac at home and program at work on Windows in .net

Post by **Geebs** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 9:47 pm

Heh, Smith's just on his period. Again.

Hope you enjoy it. They're pretty cute.

Post by **4g3nt_Smith** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 9:53 pm

I was actually joking as well, but obviously its a double standard, so I really don't give a fuck.

Post by **Shmee** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:31 pm

So - I bought the thing. Now I know there's still minis out there with Panther on them, so I SPECIFICALLY asked if the one I was buying had Tiger on it - they said yes. So I boot it up and what do I have?

Panther.

Tiger was in the box on CD, so I guess I get to figure out how to upgrade my brand new mac... lol

Wish me luck.

Post by **feedback** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:34 pm

You're not gay enough to be a Mac user

Post by **Dave** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:34 pm

call Apple and or go back to where you got it, especially if you went to an apple store

Post by **Shmee** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:35 pm

feedback wrote:You're not gay enough to be a Mac user

Apparently not

Dave - why bother? Can it not be upgraded? Hell, I'll do it if I can...

Edit: I bought it from Best Buy.

Post by **Dave** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:36 pm

Of course it can be upgraded.. Don't it back, go back and get what you were promised or threaten to take it back

Post by **Shmee** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:40 pm

Bah - I'm not that hardcore a consumer :P

Hell, if nothing else I'll get some experience upgrading what is to me a foreign tech.

Post by **Dave** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:41 pm

unless you 'acquire' it through other means, 10.4 is going to cost you a pretty sizable percentage of what you paid for the whole mac

Post by **4g3nt_Smith** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:45 pm

He just said tiger was in the box.

Post by **Shmee** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:45 pm

[quote="Shmee"]
Tiger was in the box on CD, so I guess I get to figure out how to upgrade my brand new mac... lol
[quote]

Post by **4g3nt_Smith** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:49 pm

Stick the Tiger Disc in, reboot, and right after the chime, press and hold "c" Also, I personally recommend a clean install, which you can in fact do, then re-install the things like iLife and whatnot from your mini's restore discs.