Reply to: Where to buy a cheap Intel Mac Mini for iPhone dev?

[Churchill]

Aye.

Get a PC.

Install FreeBSD with fancy GUI.

Call it Apple!

Who'd drop an apple after first bite? Someone who finds half a worm inside!

Alan Turing.

[AtW]

Amazing I know, I'll need a new slogan if more of these PC types convert...


Get a PC.

Aye.

Get a PC.

Install FreeBSD with fancy GUI.

Call it Apple!

Who'd drop an apple after first bite? Someone who finds half a worm inside!

[d000hg]

Where can I get a new (or refurbished with warranty) Mac Mini for least wonga, say £400 ish?

Have you heard of eBay?

Personally I'd suggest a Macbook for about double that, and have something useful that doesn't take up deskspace.

Actually, a 2nd hand Intel-based Macbook probably wouldn't be much over £400 anyway.

[Cliphead]

Get a PC.

And Linux

[scooterscot]

Of the hype and marketing

Amazing I know, I'll need a new slogan if more of these PC types convert...


Get a PC.

[Cliphead]

Welcome - soon you'll become a true believer...

Of the hype and marketing

[AtW]

Yes, I've bought an iPhone (and will buy an iPad too) and now need a Mac to create some iPhone apps.

Where will it end?



Anywhere got a deal on a cheap Mac Mini that'll run the latest SDK?

Did you buy it long time ago or were you well smug even before getting iPhone?

[lightng]

But the art of accumulating large amounts of wonga doesn't involve splashing out when it's not necessary.

Very true.

[scooterscot]

Yes, I've bought an iPhone (and will buy an iPad too) and now need a Mac to create some iPhone apps.

Where will it end?



Anywhere got a deal on a cheap Mac Mini that'll run the latest SDK?

Welcome - soon you'll become a true believer...

[vandiss]

Here's a tip. If you get a Time Capsule it's covered by Apple Care as long as at least one of the computers using it for backups is covered by Apple Care. This means that even aging Time Capsules can be covered (and yes, there are reports of them failing).

WHS.

Refurb is the way to go, in the UK you don't find third-party retailers offering much better deals than Apple for new hardware.

The only problem is you have to keep an eye on the refurb site a few times daily as stuff like Minis disappear fast!

[Sysman]

You're tuliping us right? A man of your means would be buying an 8 core mac pro surely.

But the art of accumulating large amounts of wonga doesn't involve splashing out when it's not necessary.

I'd recommend having a look at refurbished kit that is eligible for Apple Care.

Here's a tip. If you get a Time Capsule it's covered by Apple Care as long as at least one of the computers using it for backups is covered by Apple Care. This means that even aging Time Capsules can be covered (and yes, there are reports of them failing).

Dying Apple Time Capsules spark complaints

Apple's warranty for the Time Capsule is 12 months, but devices used by customers who purchased an add-on AppleCare warranty plan for a new Mac are also covered by the three-year deal.

The Time Capsule is touted as a wireless backup device, but it actually has:

• One Gigabit Ethernet WAN port for connecting a DSL or cable modem
• Three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for connecting computers or network devices
• USB port for connecting a USB printer or USB external hard drive
• 802.11n wireless

Because I don't have Gigabit Ethernet my choice would be a Firewire drive at less than half the price (at my usual discount shop).

[lightng]

Where can I get a new (or refurbished with warranty) Mac Mini for least wonga, say £400 ish?

You're tuliping us right? A man of your means would be buying an 8 core mac pro surely.

[NickFitz]

If you sign up to the Apple Developer Connection, you can get some discounts on hardware.

Although it doesn't really seem worthwhile paying $500 for a Select Membership to get a discount on a £510 computer.

@DP: Google around for independent Apple dealers, as they often come out a bit cheaper than buying direct, although probably only around £30 cheaper. However sometimes they'll have end-of-line stock of previous models with a decent discount.

[Durbs]

Could keep an eye on their refurbished section:

http://store.apple.com/uk/product/FB138B/A

But the new £510 entry level ones look a good spec so i'd just stump up. I bought mine for iPhone development but its now my main email/web/docs computer in the lounge as its so teeny and doesn't make any noise.

[OrangeHopper]

Inclusive of VAT, you are not going to get a new one for less than £500. Apple are selling the lowest level mini for £510. There is virtually no competition on price in the mac world.

If it were me, I would simply go down the local reseller with the company credit card tomorrow.