I've had my Dell PC for about 5yrs now and as I'm processing more and more digital images it's starting to struggle, it's already crashing with Lightroom 5 and it's not got much storeage. So I'm looking to upgrade, have been looking at the Mac Mini's as I've already got a good HD monitor, anyone got any experiance good or bad using them

Can't comment directly on mac mini but I got rid of a Dell Laptop in 2011 for a MacBook Pro and have never looked back! Far more reliable than windows and whilst it has had the odd issue (nothing major), it's been superb and not gone through the horrible crashing etc of windows based systems. Makes sense for me too as I have an iPhone and an iPad so they all sync via iCloud.

The thing with windows laptops is that windows do the software and various manufacturers do the computer itself. Apple do the whole lot and if something does crash on a mac, it won't have the domino effect that windows has.

Pricey but worth it  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

I'm not a Mac lover but I can say it does run nice on a Dell

http://www.tonymacx86.com/home.php



T Terran



'The' Car For The Modern Day UK Roads ( ie all the pot holes )

'A Freelander that leaks oil is just marking its territory' - Wise words

Now a member of the FL2 'Silly Bill' Club

Not had a Mac Mini. Pretty sure NPinky has one though so he might pipe up later.

Anyway, a few things to consider.
It doesn't come with a keyboard or mouse but you should be able to use your existing ones.
No CD/DVD drive built in so you'd need an Apple USB SuperDrive if you wish to burn anything to disk.

Like any computer. Get the best specification you can afford (or wish to spend).

If it was me getting one it would have the following configuration:

2.3 Quad Core i7
8GB Ram minimum
1TB Fusion Drive
Keyboard/Mouse

Sounds a lot but this spec should last you longer than a lower spec'd model. One which you'll enjoy using and not wanting for more later down the line.

If you are near an Apple store, do look at the iMac as the screen is very good. It's also good to compare each model and get the best advice for your needs.

Like the good Doctor, I switched from Windows to Mac back in 2008 when the new MacBooks were launched, and the rest is history!

I still have the misfortune of having to use a Windows laptop for work, and once you have become adjusted to the speed that a Mac provides, you will understand just how tedious and slow Windows actually is. Foraging near Gaydon....
——————————————
MY13 HSE Lux SD4, Baltic Blue - current, 30,000> miles without fault
MY12 HSE 2.2 SD4, Sumatra Black - gone after 10 months/43,000 fault-free miles

I have a Dell XPS laptop with windows 8, SSD hard drive and 8GB ram, never crashed boots instantly I lift the lid.
Apple have been fantastic but recent software upgrades on mobiles suggests there is trouble at 'mill.

Can't help wondering where I went wrong based on Badgers comments, my eldest works in sales at a computer supplies company, he mainly deals with University's, he bought a Mac book about a year ago and cannot get on with it and has installed windows on to it  p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior

I switched from Dell workstation to an iMac 27". Its the older one with the DVD drive in it. ITs been a good switch, but I still miss some of the windows ways of working.

I think there is some maturity to windows methods of working with files and folders that OSX in its stock form just doesn't quite match. ( Or that I've not learnt yet. )

Overall though. Good machine, very stable. Quite happy with it.

i have a Mac mini, i got the basic MAC MINI 2.5ghz i5/2X2GB ram/ 500gb version

I too run lightroom 5 (till my trial runs out) it works, but think i could do with extra ram to help

I would go i7 processor the next time, my brother bought the i7 with 2.6Ghz processor with the fusion drive, to run his itunes on.

It keeps the regularly used info on there, and been solid state its loads faster too



my 500gb is loads left, but i have a 2TB external hard drive as a time machine, and i also run a usb 2.0 LaCie 3tb hard drive for my photos, music and movies, bought a external CD/DVD writer from costco for the occasional disc i need to rip or program to install Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

to add, dont forget your keyboard and mouse


i opted for the trackpad, but that is not as easy as a mouse for editing Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Thanks for the feedback everyone, Deffo going to go for a Mac Mini, but going to hold off for a few weeks as apprently Apple, usually upgrade around this time of Year. So hanging on to see spec's etc

Between Mac and PC it boils down to which do you prefer, the "Beachball" of death or the "Bluescreen" of death.
I use both (Mac at work and PC at home) both are running the same software (Adobe CC and DaVinci Resolve) and both crash just as much as each other.
If I were you and wanted to run Mac OS build a Hackintosh system, if you pick the right MB you will get all the benefits of what the latest Mac's have i.e. Thunderbolt, ESATA & USB 3 ports at a 1/3 of the price.
Apart from the look of the case you would never know it wasn't built by Apple.