List Price: $599.00
Sale Price: $594.00
Today's Bonus: 1% Off
First off, I'm a high school student. I'm using this computer for word processing, web browsing, some gaming, and I'm learning programming.
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Design:
Pros:
-This computer looks excellent. The Mini's body hasn't changed since late 2010and for a good reason. The desktop is tiny, fitting right under my monitor with room to spare. It's sleek and looks good anywhere.
-It's very simple, it's just a box. The removable cover on the bottom is a soft rubber (the same as the panel with all the ports). Due to the removable cover's height and size, the computer appears to be floating about 1/3 an inch above the desk.
-Looks great anywhere and feels nice as well.
-Removable cover makes the RAM easy to upgrade and also gives you more access to the inside so you can clean it out.
Cons:
-The ports on the back (i.e. headphones) are a bit difficult to accessyou have to lean over to look behind the computer or move it.
-The monitor does occasionally flicker during active use (about once a day), but Apple and Intel are aware of the problem and are releasing a fix. It's not very bad.
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Performance:
Pros:
-The 2.5 GHz i5 is pretty speedy. I've had 15+ tabs running with music playing and a game running (Bastion) and it doesn't slow down.
-Write speed for the HDD is pretty good. 5400 RPM isn't ideal, but it works well for the price.
Cons:
-4 GB of RAM is a little lacking, but it is easily upgradable. For $85.00 you can get 16 GB of RAM and easily install it yourself: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory (CMSX16GX3M2A1600C10)
-Integrated graphics. 3D rendering slows it down considerably.
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Hardware:
Pros:
-Comes with a DVI to HDMI cable. Useful if you don't have an HDMI monitor available.
-The computer feels very sturdy.
-4 USB 3.0 ports and a SD card slot.
-Bluetooth compatible.
Cons:
-The power cable is a bit short.
-No Thunderbolt cable.
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Software:
Pros:
-Comes loaded with OS X 10.8.2 (Mountain Lion) which is a very sleek OS.
-No bloating with things like antivirus programs, etc.
-The software is all integrated with the company, so you're guaranteed support.
-Comes with Bootcamp, so you can put Windows 7 on the computer (either dual boot or full switch).
Cons:
-Gatekeeperyou actually need to go into System Preferences and allow 3rd party programs to open (not downloaded from the app store).
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Overall, the 2012 Mac Mini is a very good, reasonable priced (surprising from Apple) computer for any casual user. If you're looking for something a bit more powerful, consider the more expensive Mini or an iMac.
Source: I own this computer.
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