Mac mini refurb from Apple Store: $399 w/ free shipping

[CaptKevMan]

I saw this on DealMac, and didn't see it posted here, so I thought I'd share:

Mac mini from $399 shipped

(link is to DealMac blurb, since linking to the Apple Store directly is a pain)

Of course, the cheapest one is for the first rev. 1.25GHz with 256MB RAM and a combo drive, but still...not a bad deal! Upgrade to a better specs for a bit more ($429 and $449 for 1.25GHz/512MB RAM/40GB HD/Combo and 1.42GHz/256MBRAM/80GB HD/Combo, respectively). This is the least expensive way for someone interested to try the Mac without too steep of an investment; the mini is small enough to fit just about anywhere (like, maybe piggyback on top of an existing PC), and all that is really needed is a USB KVM switch, and you can use the monitor, USB mouse and USB keyboard you already have. Use the KVM to switch between the two.

And heck, if you decide you don't like it, you can always put it up for sale or trade in the AnandTech FS/FT forum

Apple's refurbs carry the same factory warranty coverage as their new machines, and you can still purchase the AppleCare extended warranty with refurbs, as well.

Shipping is free, but you'll probably have to pay sales tax, where appropriate.

Enjoy!

 

[ncage]

Eventhough im a PC guy ive always wanted to try a MAC.....must resist...must resist.

 

[1Lee]

Originally posted by: ncage
Eventhough im a PC guy ive always wanted to try a MAC.....must resist...must resist.

Go for it, go for it, you will only fall in love with it and you will realize how bad the dark PC side is.

 

[RossMAN]

Great deal especially with free shipping.

I'm waiting for a Mac Mini with Intel hardware, better video card and OS 10.5 then I'll definitely buy one.

 

[Sm0kes]

All I'm waiting for is optical output ...... or some form of built in 5.1 digital output.

Not a bad deal though ...

 

[jalaram]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Great deal especially with free shipping.

I'm waiting for a Mac Mini with Intel hardware, better video card and OS 10.5 then I'll definitely buy one.

Indeed, this is a great deal.

 

[timswim78]

rrrrrr, so tempted after reading the info. I wanted to make sure that it includes Ilife and Tiger, and it does.....


If there are any left after lunchtime, I'll pick one up.

 

[Chunkee]

i had that urge also, sold it after a week. The OS is great, but the hardware it is paired with is slow as dirt. It cannot do anything that your PC cannot do.

I will wait til it has some horsepower behind it. Save your money

 

[CaptKevMan]

Originally posted by: ChunkeeIt cannot do anything that your PC cannot do.

*ahem*
iPhoto
iMovie HD
iDVD
GarageBand

...that's at least four things right there. Oh, and if you install X11 (free on the system discs), you can run just about any Unix app available.

I'd say there's probably quite a few things the Mac mini can do that a PC can't; not the least of which is avoid malware.

The mini is positioned to be a starter, trial, or extra Mac...it's not intended to be a performance powerhouse. Its main function is to get people to try the Mac. Once someone decides they like Mac OS X based on the mini, then there are much more powerful machines available.

Thanks for the threadcrap, btw.

 

[rugby]

I'm holding out as long as possible before replacing my powerbook. I'm dying for a cross-platform laptop. This is a good deal for a Mac Mini, just google how to add more ram to it, ram makes a TON of difference in OS X.

 

[WooDaddy]

Originally posted by: rugby
I'm holding out as long as possible before replacing my powerbook. I'm dying for a cross-platform laptop. This is a good deal for a Mac Mini, just google how to add more ram to it, ram makes a TON of difference in OS X.

I second that emotion. I plopped in 1GB and now it yells... Not quite screams
I use my Mac Mini daily and my main computer, but I also don't play games anymore. The downside is that I'm also an embedded systems developer and Mac OS X doesn't quite have the tools I'd like to use. There are the GNU bintools, etc, but I like my codewarrior, code composer and AVR Studio for the PC.
I'll be making an Aopen box (the mini ripoff) soon...

 

[robertk2012]

Im waiting for it to cook my food, clean my dishes, and iron my clothes.

 

[timswim78]

Price reduction. It's now $379.00