Apple Mac Mini 1.83GHz desktop computer Review

I recently purchased a new Mac Mini, and I have to say that I love it. I was replacing an old Mac Mini, which had been a great computer also.  My new Mini came preloaded with a trial of  iWork, which replaced AppleWorks.  It also came with Safari, Garage Band, iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, iChat, iSync, Photo Booth, iDVD, Expose, iCal, Mail, Time Machine, Preview, QuickTime Player, a calculator, chess game, and a program to automatically check for software updates. It can play DVDs and it can write CDs.  It even came with a remote control!  The only drawback to a Mac Mini (if it even is one) is that the monitor, keyboard, and mouse must be purchased separately.  I don't view it as a drawback because I already had a monitor, keyboard, and mouse that I liked. By it not coming with those items, I didn't have to pay for things I didn't need.

The best thing about the Mac Mini is its size. It measures 6-1/2 inches wide by 6-1/2 inches deep by 2 inches tall.  It is a very sleek machine and packs a lot of power into a small size.  With most desktop computers, you have a big tower to deal with. There would not be room on my computer desk for a big tower, nor is there room underneath the desk for a tower.  My desk is only 42 inches wide, and I have room for my monitor, Mac Mini, and printer to all sit side by side with room to spare.  The sound on a Mac Mini is built in, but there is a jack if you wanted to use headphones (for privacy) or add speakers for better stereo sound- like if you are watching a movie or something on the computer.

When I got the Mini, it was very easy to get it connected to the internet.  It included an internet set up assistant.  I was online in Safari in a matter of minutes.  I was able to download anything else I needed from there.  I immediately ran a software update, to get the current versions of the preloaded applications.  It was effortless. The next thing I did was go to the Apple Store and download more Dashboard widgets.  It comes with the basics, but I like to be able to play games even if the internet is down for one reason or another.

My old Mac Mini had only had 2 USB ports, which meant we had to use a port expander (which was okay for a while, but some of the ports tended to short out rather quickly).  Imagine my joy at getting a new Mac Mini with 4 USB ports. That means I have a port for my printer, keyboard, mouse(if needed), and one extra device.  We no longer have to unplug the printer to charge the mp3 player or to hook up the digital camera.  It is terrific. I still have my 4-port port expander (with 2 working ports) and I do get it out occasionally if we want to charge up multiple mp3s at the same time.

My absolute favorite application on the Mac Mini is "Preview." This is the default program for viewing photos on the mac. I like the "snapshot" feature it has. I am a tutor and I keep track of the children's grades through their school's online grade site.  I can take a "snapshot" of the main page which lists all the grades so I can compare from time to time.  Also, my digital camera broke, so I am using a little flip video camera to record things. I am able to pause the videos and take still shots from them using the "snapshot" feature.  I have used these pictures to put items up on eBay or print out for a scrapbook.  It is very easy to do.  I can even rotate, crop, or adjust the images after I grab them.  The photo attached to this review was created using the "snapshot" feature.

My second favorite application that came preloaded is Safari.  I think Safari is the easiest, most user friendly internet browser available.  I have tried other browsers.  I have used Opera and Netscape and even Internet Explorer when they had a current Mac version.  I currently have Firefox available to me also.  I rarely use it though. My gaming friends have all kinds of problems with their browsers, but I rarely have any issues with mine.  When there is a problem and it unexpectedly quits (which is rare), it automatically prompts me to send a report to Apple so they can track problems and if it is a recurring problem, create a fix for it.  That is why they have the software updater available. Even if you forget to check for updates, it will check on a set schedule and let you know if there are any updates to your Apple software.  Then you can choose whether to update each item now, later, or never.  It even tells you if the update will require you to restart the computer or not. 

I think that the Mac Mini would be a good computer for someone looking to upgrade that already has the monitor and keyboard and mouse. It would also be good for someone who is new to computers.  I have always told my family that Macs are the way to go because they are idiot-proof... and it turns out that I was right.  My father and stepmother were new to the world of computers in 1993 when they purchased their first Mac.  They have upgraded a few times since then, but always to a newer mac. Their last upgrade was to a mac mini.  They love it too.