[mac4theblind] Re: New member thinking of getting a Mac mini with Lion Server 2.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 -

  • From: Edward Redfern <edwardredfern@xxxxxxx>
  • To: mac4theblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2013 13:58:44 +0000

with your answers,  you will need to weigh up your use of the mac besides 
future upgrades. here's what I'd do.

if you're just going to use it as a general purpose mac, go for the standard 
configuration but upgrade the ram so that you're covered for the next OS 
upgrade, etc. if however you're going to need more storage space like what is 
offered by the mac mini server edition, then opt for it. memory is user 
upgradeable through a user panel, simple as that. so you could save money by 
going direct to crucial.com and buying ram for it. the way to ensure you're 
getting the right ram is to download and run the mac version of crucial ram 
scanner tool from crucial's site. it's a web plugin to safari and reports 
what's available. and offers you upgrade potential at a cheaper price than 
apple.

depending on the cost of the mac mini expanded to your needs, I'd recommend 
considering an iMac. or maybe a 13" macbook pro.

lew


Edward Redfern
Vintage Mower Restorer.
E-Mail: Edwardredfern@xxxxxxx
Twitter: redfernmowers
Website: http://redfernvintagemowers.wordpress.com
Breathing life back in to old equipment, one day at a time.

Want to recycle your old lawnmower and make a difference? Get in touch for more 
information.




On 20 Jan 2013, at 13:47, Craig <facecraig@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>  
> 
> Thanks for all of the responses and many thanks for the warm welcomes!!!
> 
>  
> 
> Well it looks like the starting point is whether or not to upgrade the 
> processor. 
> 
> I am thinking that if the 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor is 
> sufficient for everyday computing task (email, internet and maybe some 
> document drafting), along with listening to music, I may just update the RAM 
> to 8 GB.
> 
>  
> 
> If I were to get the one that starts with the 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, 
> for cost purposes I would not be upgrading the RAM so with that one I will 
> have 4GB RAM.
> 
>  
> 
> I am taking in to account that I will be using it primarily to learn a Mac 
> with in the first 6-12 months.  The only production program I may use is 
> garage band but probably not as heavily as I use music production tools in 
> windows.
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 
> On 1/20/2013 4:26 AM, Edward Redfern wrote:
>> 
>> with reference to lion server.
>> 
>> OS X mountain lion is installed by default with the Mountain lion server 
>> PLUGIN mounted. this will, by apple be configured as a standard mode but on 
>> first launch of the server app, will ask if you want to create workgroups, 
>> etc. you don't have to use the server portion.
>> 
>> with reference to the mac itself, because apple make systems that are now 
>> impossible for an end user to upgrade and this is now confirmed by apple 
>> through the new iMac, macbook air, macbook pro retina models, etc, you must 
>> order your machine with a spec you know you're going to need, otherwise 
>> you're stuffed, because the ram is built to the logic board as soldered 
>> components and not user replaceable.
>> 
>> the server edition mac mini is a good solution if you want dual drives for 
>> storage, my best advice is to maximise the performance of the mac mini by 
>> cpu upgrade on the apple store, ram upgrade etc and go from there.
>> 
>> lew
>> 
>> Edward Redfern
>> Vintage Mower Restorer.
>> E-Mail: Edwardredfern@xxxxxxx
>> Twitter: redfernmowers
>> Website: http://redfernvintagemowers.wordpress.com
>> Breathing life back in to old equipment, one day at a time.
>> 
>> Want to recycle your old lawnmower and make a difference? Get in touch for 
>> more information.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 20 Jan 2013, at 04:43, John Panarese <john@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> 
>>>      Welcome to the list.  
>>> 
>>>     Unless you have specific reasons for it or a particular need, I don't 
>>> know why you would opt for Lion Server.  VoiceOver is compatible, but I 
>>> would think you'd want the standard OS.  Again, unless you have the need 
>>> and desire for a server.
>>> 
>>>     Secondly, the question about the need for a monitor is a controversial 
>>> one.  Some will claim you don't need a monitor, while others will tell you 
>>> that you do need one.  From my personal experience with a July 2011 Mac 
>>> Mini, I needed to trick the Mini into thinking it has a monitor for it to 
>>> work properly.  Without one, I had several issues that made it difficult to 
>>> use.
>>> 
>>>     Lastly, again, there might be debate about this, but 8 GB of RAM is 
>>> better than 4.  I have noticed a big difference in my most recent systems 
>>> going from 4 to 8 GB of RAM in them.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Take Care
>>> 
>>> John D. Panarese
>>> Director
>>> Mac for the Blind
>>> Tel, (631) 724-4479
>>> Email, john@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>> Website, http://www.macfortheblind.com
>>> 
>>> APPLE CERTIFIED SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL FOR MAC OSX LION
>>> 
>>> AUTHORIZED APPLE STORE BUSINESS AFFILIATE
>>> 
>>> MAC and iOS VOICEOVER TRAINING AND SUPPORT
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Jan 19, 2013, at 11:17 PM, Craig <facecraig@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>> 
>>>> Hello everyone,
>>>> 
>>>> I am new to the list.
>>>> 
>>>> I am a windows and Jaws user.  I am considering getting a Mac computer to 
>>>> learn the Apple OS and possibly making the switch.
>>>> 
>>>> I have iOS devices.
>>>> 
>>>>  
>>>> 
>>>> I am looking at the Mac mini with Lion Server 2.0GHz quad-core Intel Core 
>>>> i7. 
>>>> 
>>>> I was considering getting that computer and using my TV as a monitor.  
>>>> But, do I have to use that computer with a monitor?  Would Voiceover still 
>>>> work even if I do not have a monitor connected?
>>>> 
>>>> What about the differences between Lion Server and regular Mountain Lion 
>>>> as it relates to voiceover stability?  Is one preferred over the other?
>>>> 
>>>>  
>>>> 
>>>> I am only considering Lion Server because I could get a good deal with the 
>>>> Mac mini running that OS.
>>>> 
>>>> For faster and optimum performance, is there a big difference between 4 or 
>>>> 8 gigs of ram? 
>>>> 
>>>>  
>>>> 
>>>>  
>>>> 
>>>> Well I hope I did not bombard the list with too many elementary questions.
>>>> 
>>>>  
>>>> 
>>>> Regards.
>>>> 
>>>>    
>>> 
>> 
> 

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