Definately. Only trouble is, most similarly spec'd dells can run OSx86 with discrete graphics for under $400 from the outlet. I mean 2 years ago I spent $300 on my E510 which has a Pentium D @2.8, and I just upgraded it to 4GB of ram for around $50. And it's, uh, fully capable of running leopard. Came with a DL burner. I'm sure you'd get more for less these days.
But honestly, OSx86 is a gateway for most folks. It runs great but occasionally freezes and tracking down the hardware issue is sketchy, drivers are homebrew, and bottom line it's quasi-illegal. All that said, it's cemented my love for OS X and I'll probably be buying a Mini if the refresh that's hopefully coming soon will bring a superdrive and lift the 3gb ram limit. For $599 it blows the doors off a PowerMac G5 Dual 2.5 which still sells for $800 or more on the bay.
You're right on about the "gateway" of OSx86. I too had a Dell Dimension E510 that ran Tiger almost perfectly. Had to buy a Wifi card that worked with OSX ... but for the most part it was a cheap Mac-capable computer. I have now sold that desktop and primarily just use my M1330 which runs Leopard pretty good.
Apple really needs to sell more laptops and desktops than just like 4 or 5. I'm personally not a big fan of the macbook look, it looks cheap and it's starting to get pretty dated - especially for the price.
And don't get me started on actual desktop towers. Not everyone needs a Mac Pro at like $2,000 or whatever. That's the biggest problem with Apple - the complete lack of variety. It's all the same. It's shame their OS is so easy to use and efficient.
Yes, it seems the expandability and discrete graphics is the reason PowerMac's still command a premium. The ability to put as modern an AGP card as you can find in a PowerMac and up it to 4gb of Ram (the mini is limited to 3, as is my Dell E510 sadly) is very nice if you plan on gaming or using 3d. Also, the higher fsb speeds on the PowerMacs makes them interact with ram better. it seems they're much faster at coping large files, but not as good at copying small files.
If you use Universal programs, and you want to use things that are cpu and memory intensive but not 3d-heavy, the Mini's the way to go.
But I'm still holding off for that penryn spec bump.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
starkruzr @ Apr 14th 2008 5:48AM
This was bound to happen eventually.
They should have just sold the machines with no OS, without comment. Stupid move on their part.
Ryan Trevisol @ Apr 14th 2008 7:32AM
Definately. Only trouble is, most similarly spec'd dells can run OSx86 with discrete graphics for under $400 from the outlet. I mean 2 years ago I spent $300 on my E510 which has a Pentium D @2.8, and I just upgraded it to 4GB of ram for around $50. And it's, uh, fully capable of running leopard. Came with a DL burner. I'm sure you'd get more for less these days.
But honestly, OSx86 is a gateway for most folks. It runs great but occasionally freezes and tracking down the hardware issue is sketchy, drivers are homebrew, and bottom line it's quasi-illegal. All that said, it's cemented my love for OS X and I'll probably be buying a Mini if the refresh that's hopefully coming soon will bring a superdrive and lift the 3gb ram limit. For $599 it blows the doors off a PowerMac G5 Dual 2.5 which still sells for $800 or more on the bay.
Rob @ Apr 14th 2008 10:06AM
Hey Ryan, I'm always interested in speed comparisons of Macs. Where can I find speed tests of dual G5 2.5 vs. a Mac Mini?
BTW, a lot of people think they need the expansion, hence the premium price... I guess...
Ryan Trevisol @ Apr 14th 2008 2:12PM
I found info here:
http://lowendmac.com/mail/0803mb/0317.html
and
http://www.barefeats.com/
Joshua.JWilliams @ Apr 14th 2008 2:49PM
Ryan,
You're right on about the "gateway" of OSx86. I too had a Dell Dimension E510 that ran Tiger almost perfectly. Had to buy a Wifi card that worked with OSX ... but for the most part it was a cheap Mac-capable computer. I have now sold that desktop and primarily just use my M1330 which runs Leopard pretty good.
Apple really needs to sell more laptops and desktops than just like 4 or 5. I'm personally not a big fan of the macbook look, it looks cheap and it's starting to get pretty dated - especially for the price.
And don't get me started on actual desktop towers. Not everyone needs a Mac Pro at like $2,000 or whatever. That's the biggest problem with Apple - the complete lack of variety. It's all the same. It's shame their OS is so easy to use and efficient.
Ryan Trevisol @ Apr 14th 2008 3:29PM
also @ Rob:
Yes, it seems the expandability and discrete graphics is the reason PowerMac's still command a premium. The ability to put as modern an AGP card as you can find in a PowerMac and up it to 4gb of Ram (the mini is limited to 3, as is my Dell E510 sadly) is very nice if you plan on gaming or using 3d. Also, the higher fsb speeds on the PowerMacs makes them interact with ram better. it seems they're much faster at coping large files, but not as good at copying small files.
If you use Universal programs, and you want to use things that are cpu and memory intensive but not 3d-heavy, the Mini's the way to go.
But I'm still holding off for that penryn spec bump.