FXB
New Member
I'm just experimenting with this idea so far. I want to sell my windows PC and either buy a mac mini or an iMac. What I would do is get an enclosure for my HDD and connect via USB or firewire or Thunderbolt
. I don't necessarily need a fancy setup I just need to be able to watch HD content and stream it to other computers and my TV.
Right now I stream to my tv using my xbox and media center.
My concerns are which is a better bang for the buck? I also want to be able to connect my surround sound speakers to the computer. I would also be using the computer as a main rig so it should be able to run Windows occasionally as well.
This rig will be on 24/7 or almost is there any danger to having HDD connected via usb running 24/7?
with that purchase I would also be buying the apple wireless keyboard and trackpad. I would also get a display, preferably 27".
As time goes by I'm getting more and more serious about this please provide your input.
Why I like Mac OS
lightweight
great integration with hardware
spotlight works wonders
apple remote is nifty
awesome display
integration of email on your desktop
variety of software that comes bundled (no demos)
no viruses
more effective file management
time machine
no driver issues
What I don't like about Mac OS
iTunes
the spinning wheel
somewhat harder to find support online
Option 1:Mac Mini setup
cpu: intel core 2 duo 2.4GHz
RAM: 2gb which i could upgrade later for cheaper then whatever apple charges.
HDD: 320gb 5400rpm as I already have two 2tb HDD that will be in enclosures.
apple wireless keyboard
apple trackpad
iwork
apple care
total 977$
I will wait for the next update before I set this up if I ever decide to.
I would also need to get a webcam and a display in this setup
could I backup an external drive to another external drive with time machine? as I have more then 500 gb of media.
Option 2:iMac setup
CPU core i5 2.7 GHz
RAM 4gb
HDD: 1 tb 7200rpm (I already have two 2tb HDD that will be in enclosures.)
apple wireless keyboard
apple trackpad
iwork
apple care
total 1809$
This option would be a full setup
price include education discount
What do you think?
. I don't necessarily need a fancy setup I just need to be able to watch HD content and stream it to other computers and my TV.Right now I stream to my tv using my xbox and media center.
My concerns are which is a better bang for the buck? I also want to be able to connect my surround sound speakers to the computer. I would also be using the computer as a main rig so it should be able to run Windows occasionally as well.
This rig will be on 24/7 or almost is there any danger to having HDD connected via usb running 24/7?
with that purchase I would also be buying the apple wireless keyboard and trackpad. I would also get a display, preferably 27".
As time goes by I'm getting more and more serious about this please provide your input.
Why I like Mac OS
lightweight
great integration with hardware
spotlight works wonders
apple remote is nifty
awesome display
integration of email on your desktop
variety of software that comes bundled (no demos)
no viruses
more effective file management
time machine
no driver issues
What I don't like about Mac OS
iTunes
the spinning wheel
somewhat harder to find support online
Option 1:Mac Mini setup
cpu: intel core 2 duo 2.4GHz
RAM: 2gb which i could upgrade later for cheaper then whatever apple charges.
HDD: 320gb 5400rpm as I already have two 2tb HDD that will be in enclosures.
apple wireless keyboard
apple trackpad
iwork
apple care
total 977$
I will wait for the next update before I set this up if I ever decide to.
I would also need to get a webcam and a display in this setup
could I backup an external drive to another external drive with time machine? as I have more then 500 gb of media.
Option 2:iMac setup
CPU core i5 2.7 GHz
RAM 4gb
HDD: 1 tb 7200rpm (I already have two 2tb HDD that will be in enclosures.)
apple wireless keyboard
apple trackpad
iwork
apple care
total 1809$
This option would be a full setup
price include education discount
What do you think?
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