Mac Mini desktop computers

sluissa · 08-08-2006, 08:40

I just wanted to see if anyone had any opinion on the Mac Mini computers from apple. They're just so tiny they seem like they'd be right at home on a boat. From the look of it, they look to be a bit smaller than a largeish book, like a dictionary.

Mac Mini

I just dunno if they'd hold up well to a damp environment or the constant movement, and I dunno if apple's warranty would cover things like that.

Doghouse · 08-08-2006, 11:30

They are small, very small. We have some here at work, and although, you have to learn a different paradigm to use them they are well built.

I am currently researching a concept computer that would be designed for boats. I will post a new thread on the subject so I don't hijack this one.

Golden Isles · 08-08-2006, 16:27

I have a Mac mini at home. It works great. I use an iBook G4 loaded with GPS NAVX and take the iBook sailing almost all the time. The charts work good, all the goodies work just fine on the iBook. At the marina I can access wifi easy. If I can ever make it full time cruising, the mini will go on the boat. I recommend it.

cjenkins · 08-08-2006, 16:35

I have been considering a Mac Mini for the boat that we will be commissioning next year. We have a PC at home and a Windows-based notebook, but the Mini seems perfect for boat. We want to maintain a website during a yearlong voyage and I've been told by people who do that sort of thing that a Mac will be easier for us to use.

Does anyone have any experience with running a Mini off the house bank? Does it draw any more/less power than a full sized desktop? I assume the superdrive could be used for music and DVD playing.

Any thoughts on the best screen to go with the Mini? I would like to have a flat screen mounted above the nav station so that it can be used for watching movies (we will have two teenagers onboard for the voyage). Are there types of screens that run better off a 12 volt system than others?

Any info you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Charlie

Hunter34 · 08-08-2006, 17:17

Keep in mind that the new Mac Mini will run Windows XP. There is a a regulated 12 volt power supply available from carnetix.com. Haven't found the perfect screen yet. Plan on installing it on our boat when finished.
Dan

sluissa · 08-08-2006, 18:55

yes, with the bootcamp software, you can run windows xp on any intel processor based Mac Mini, that's basically what pushed me over the edge to actually consider an Apple product.

Mack · 08-08-2006, 18:55

WYour mac mini will do a good job on the boat, but honestly, you ought to consider getting an ibook instead. Several reasons....one, power drain will be a lot less than running the mac mini with a monitor. the monitor can suck some juice. Plus, you are already DC with the ibook...just plug it into a cigarette lighter; no inverter needed.

Two, it would be more compact than the mini/monitor combo. the mini itself is nice, but don't forget there is the monitor and you would have to worry about where to stash it and protect it.

Three, if you need to go to an internet cafe somewhere and access the internet, its easy to tote.

Four. If you wanted to protect it in a case (like pelican), it would be easy to do.

Five, if you want to watch a movie, you can take it anywhere.

I have used both windows and mac systems for years and have not been a part of the ford vs chevy debate. But, for most regular computer users, I would have to say that the apple is a much better way to go. My personal computer is a powerbook, but that is only because I am a recording engineer and need the power. I would have an ibook otherwise.

I would look at an ibook.

Mack

PS>...no, I don't own any stock in Apple. <G>

Mack · 08-08-2006, 18:58

Wanted to add that I have done a fair amount of web work on a mac, and it is just as easy to use as any windows machine. I use dreamweaver, which I find easier than MS frontpage.

Hope all this helps.

Golden Isles · 08-08-2006, 20:38

Mack: That is good advice. I too use an iBook G4 on the boat. I loved watching a movie at night in the cockpit with the earbuds on. A cool breeze blowing, a cold beer. That's life at its best.

08-08-2006, 08:40	#1
sluissa Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pensacola, FL, US Boat: Westfield UK Kingfisher 20+ - Rabbit Posts: 402 Images: 4	Mac Mini desktop computers I just wanted to see if anyone had any opinion on the Mac Mini computers from apple. They're just so tiny they seem like they'd be right at home on a boat. From the look of it, they look to be a bit smaller than a largeish book, like a dictionary. Mac Mini I just dunno if they'd hold up well to a damp environment or the constant movement, and I dunno if apple's warranty would cover things like that.

08-08-2006, 17:17	#5
Hunter34 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2	Mac Mini Keep in mind that the new Mac Mini will run Windows XP. There is a a regulated 12 volt power supply available from carnetix.com. Haven't found the perfect screen yet. Plan on installing it on our boat when finished. Dan

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08-08-2006, 11:30	#2
Doghouse Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Hampton Roads, va Boat: Catalina 387 - Magical Dreamer Posts: 145 Images: 1	They are small, very small. We have some here at work, and although, you have to learn a different paradigm to use them they are well built. I am currently researching a concept computer that would be designed for boats. I will post a new thread on the subject so I don't hijack this one.

08-08-2006, 16:27	#3
Golden Isles Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: South Georgia, USA Posts: 26	I have a Mac mini at home. It works great. I use an iBook G4 loaded with GPS NAVX and take the iBook sailing almost all the time. The charts work good, all the goodies work just fine on the iBook. At the marina I can access wifi easy. If I can ever make it full time cruising, the mini will go on the boat. I recommend it.

08-08-2006, 16:35	#4
cjenkins Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 22	I have been considering a Mac Mini for the boat that we will be commissioning next year. We have a PC at home and a Windows-based notebook, but the Mini seems perfect for boat. We want to maintain a website during a yearlong voyage and I've been told by people who do that sort of thing that a Mac will be easier for us to use. Does anyone have any experience with running a Mini off the house bank? Does it draw any more/less power than a full sized desktop? I assume the superdrive could be used for music and DVD playing. Any thoughts on the best screen to go with the Mini? I would like to have a flat screen mounted above the nav station so that it can be used for watching movies (we will have two teenagers onboard for the voyage). Are there types of screens that run better off a 12 volt system than others? Any info you can share would be greatly appreciated. Charlie

08-08-2006, 18:55	#6
sluissa Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pensacola, FL, US Boat: Westfield UK Kingfisher 20+ - Rabbit Posts: 402 Images: 4	yes, with the bootcamp software, you can run windows xp on any intel processor based Mac Mini, that's basically what pushed me over the edge to actually consider an Apple product.

08-08-2006, 18:55	#7
Mack Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Fort Meade, MD Posts: 31	WYour mac mini will do a good job on the boat, but honestly, you ought to consider getting an ibook instead. Several reasons....one, power drain will be a lot less than running the mac mini with a monitor. the monitor can suck some juice. Plus, you are already DC with the ibook...just plug it into a cigarette lighter; no inverter needed. Two, it would be more compact than the mini/monitor combo. the mini itself is nice, but don't forget there is the monitor and you would have to worry about where to stash it and protect it. Three, if you need to go to an internet cafe somewhere and access the internet, its easy to tote. Four. If you wanted to protect it in a case (like pelican), it would be easy to do. Five, if you want to watch a movie, you can take it anywhere. I have used both windows and mac systems for years and have not been a part of the ford vs chevy debate. But, for most regular computer users, I would have to say that the apple is a much better way to go. My personal computer is a powerbook, but that is only because I am a recording engineer and need the power. I would have an ibook otherwise. I would look at an ibook. Mack PS>...no, I don't own any stock in Apple. <G>

08-08-2006, 18:58	#8
Mack Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Fort Meade, MD Posts: 31	Wanted to add that I have done a fair amount of web work on a mac, and it is just as easy to use as any windows machine. I use dreamweaver, which I find easier than MS frontpage. Hope all this helps.

08-08-2006, 20:38	#9
Golden Isles Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: South Georgia, USA Posts: 26	Mack: That is good advice. I too use an iBook G4 on the boat. I loved watching a movie at night in the cockpit with the earbuds on. A cool breeze blowing, a cold beer. That's life at its best.