Pro:
- Compact and silent.
- Quality finish, stylish design with practical details (eg RAM upgrade is possible without tools).
- Start-up is simple - plug in, answer a few questions at the start, and off you go.
- The drive is not with any waste ("trial version of XYZ", "Internet Security Suite 30-day license" and so on) crammed.
- Upgrading to current OS X Mavericks is free (download - Attention, about 5 GB)
- Sufficient for domestic use "Office" applications from Apple are free here (from the App Store downloading)
- OS X offers not only chic surface, but if desired a powerful BSD userland. This is probably only of interest to some, but for me an important factor - you have grossly simplified terms "Windows and Linux in a".
- The integration of scanners (Canon) and printer (Brother) was done in seconds, without a separate search for drivers. Cam also no problem.
Neutral:
- The operating system is getting used to for Windows users who are changing. Not worse, just different. Only because of details like the keyboard layout. (However: Windows 8 is at least as great transition when you are used to the previous.)
- Hardware performance is perfectly fine. But that no SSD potters there is sometimes noticeable. The 4GB of RAM is sufficient for many purposes, but not quite up to date for new equipment. An upgrade to 8 or equal to 16 GB is highly recommended.
Contraindications:
- No CD / DVD drive
- More specific applications often there's only for Windows.
- No "Gamer" device
- Retrofitting of extensions as the video card, etc. is not possible. The Mac Mini is as it were a laptop with no screen and keyboard, all extensions are only possible external (USB, Thunderbolt). Exception: there are SSD + HDD kits that fit into the Mini.
- The signature appearance seems to be optimized for Retina displays, on my monitor it looks a bit frayed (possible that can be changed, I'm just not as draufgekommen)
Conclusion: be pushed back into a time when the personal computer through mobile devices more and more, and operating systems are no longer so important (the Browser is the universal tool) is the Mac mini is an attractive alternative to the traditional Windows PC. He is also one of the few Apple devices with an attractive price.
