Apple.ca: Refurbished Mac Mini - $499 & $549

[napoleon1769]

Isn't that a bit expensive for the specs?

[hdom]

Just got the 2GB, 320GB 2009 models for $799. The US site sells for $$699US, so it is not bad with the current exchange rate. Also took advanage of the printer rebate deal, so printer and mini for <$1K.

[jnut]

I kind of wish I'd got a newer one with the dual display capabilities though so I can have one screen for Xcode and one for Interface Builder.

I have a single display mac mini as well and wished I could use dual screens with it like I currently do with my PC.

The cheapest solution for me was to get a USB external display device like http://www.evga.com/uvplus/ which can be had for $40-$80 depending on what external resolution you want. I then installed the DisplayLink Mac beta drivers http://www.displaylink.com/support/mac_downloads.html to get it running under leopard. And now I'm back to dual screen bliss.

[BlueMax]

Isn't that a bit expensive for the specs?

Let's see you build an entire PC the size of 5 stacked CD cases.

[Vidkid72]

I have a single display mac mini as well and wished I could use dual screens with it like I currently do with my PC.

The cheapest solution for me was to get a USB external display device like http://www.evga.com/uvplus/ which can be had for $40-$80 depending on what external resolution you want. I then installed the DisplayLink Mac beta drivers http://www.displaylink.com/support/mac_downloads.html to get it running under leopard. And now I'm back to dual screen bliss.

You rock, thank you for this!

[Neil]

The new model with 2 gb RAM and 320 GB drive is currently in stock ($799)

[goob3r]

Both the 120gig and 320gig mini in stock right now at $619 and $799 respectively. I just picked up the 120gig one. Will upgrade all the RAM and HDD myself to save money.

1GB memory
120GB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 128MB memory
$619.00

2GB memory
320GB hard drive
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256MB memory
$799.00

The refurb cannot be combined with the back to school iPod promotion, but it can be with the printer promotion! http://www.apple.com/ca/promo/

Free: Canon PIXMA MX320 Office All-In-One Printer: http://store.apple.com/ca/product/TV...M3NA&s=priceLH

[milhaus]

Both the 120gig and 320gig mini in stock right now at $619 and $799 respectively. I just picked up the 120gig one. Will upgrade all the RAM and HDD myself to save money.

Warning. Voids warranty. I'm not kidding you.

[goob3r]

Warning. Voids warranty. I'm not kidding you.

From many sources, including Apple themself it won't.

http://discussions.apple.com/thread....433&tstart=135

[milhaus]

From many sources, including Apple themself it won't.

http://discussions.apple.com/thread....433&tstart=135

Well, I'll go with what I heard from Apple techs; officially, it will. There are no user serviceable parts in the new Intel minis. I was able to talk my way into them covering the damage I found, but it's a risk, and I was told they were making an exception. From the manual:

"Your Mac mini doesn’t have any user-serviceable parts. Do not attempt to open your Mac mini. If your Mac mini needs service, consult the service and support information that came with your computer for instructions about how to contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple for service.

If you open your Mac mini or install items, you risk damaging your equipment, and such damage isn’t covered by the limited warranty on your Mac mini. "

Up to you if you want to risk it. As with my MBP, I'd pay $40 for someone (Apple Cert.) to upgrade the RAM and HD, rather than risk warranty issues. BTW, the ideal tool is a metal cheese slicer ...

[BlueMax]

Both the 120gig and 320gig mini in stock right now at $619 and $799 respectively. I just picked up the 120gig one. Will upgrade all the RAM and HDD myself to save money.

I just wish it used cheap DDR2 instead of pricey DDR3. They should have modded it just a little to take 3 sticks of it at least.

[monkey_bongo]

Well, I'll go with what I heard from Apple techs; officially, it will. There are no user serviceable parts in the new Intel minis. I was able to talk my way into them covering the damage I found, but it's a risk, and I was told they were making an exception. From the manual:

"Your Mac mini doesn’t have any user-serviceable parts. Do not attempt to open your Mac mini. If your Mac mini needs service, consult the service and support information that came with your computer for instructions about how to contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple for service.

If you open your Mac mini or install items, you risk damaging your equipment, and such damage isn’t covered by the limited warranty on your Mac mini. "

Up to you if you want to risk it. As with my MBP, I'd pay $40 for someone (Apple Cert.) to upgrade the RAM and HD, rather than risk warranty issues. BTW, the ideal tool is a metal cheese slicer ...

Your quote from the manual doesn't say that opening the mac mini voids your warranty. It says there is a risk that you may cause damage in the process and then it won't be covered.

I've upgraded with no problems. It's not a difficult process but requires a bit of bravery the first time because it feels like you're breaking the top case but it's solid aluminum so no worries. I suppose you can use a metal cheese slicer but I think most instructions use a $3 flexible drywall spudger.

To be honest, if you're using it as a HTPC, you may not even need to open it up. Just add a huge FW400/800 or USB2.0 external drive and it plays everything fine. You don't even need to upgrade the RAM yet either. I'm using Plex or Hulu Desktop app with SABNZBD+ and VNC server running in the background with no problems on 1GB. I've played HD 1080P MKV fine at the moment I'm going to save the cash until SSDs and RAM are dirt cheap.

[Mr Al]

I installed 4GB and a 500GB 7200 Seagate in my 2009 model, and it's quite a bit quicker.

I do have a little buyers remorse though. Even after the upgrades, it's still noticeably slower than my iMac 2.8Ghz 24". (The 2.8Ghz 24" is available for $1399 refurb. on the Apple store). It is more flexible though, as it can be used as a HTPC or regular Mac / PC.

I have opened mine up several times (one of my ram sticks I bought was defective), and you have to careful as many of the parts are fragile, but as long as you take your time and don't force anything, it's not that difficult.

Mr Al

[Mr FAT Head]

If you want to get a cheaper HTPC it might be worthwhile waiting for the dual core Ion.

Or you could get something like this: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16813500022

+ $30 2gb RAM
+ $70 HDD (320gb~)
+ $50 Case and PSU
+ $25 DVD

$335~ + Processor

It's a mini-ITX form so it should be just a bit larger than the Mac Mini, and it has wireless as well.

Not bashing the Mac Mini - you can't get a computer 5 CDs thick at that price, but you can get one 10 thick for a bit less. Anyways the refurbs are gone now.