MAC Mini

Apple just released a cute new $500 version of the MAC -- the Mini. This is a minimal configuration small box that will be perfect as an office system, for someone wanting to surf and check email or do minimal work with media (a slow processor, limited hard drive space preclude high-end use). The box uses standard USB keyboards and mice and you can use your existing PC setup, add a $40 KVM switch and use both from the same workspace. The issue here is that many people are still unfamiliar with OS X (Operating System Ten) and do not know how to maneuver around and run applications. Fortunately, the people at Ars Technica have a nice meet-and greet article on their website: bq. A mini-guide to Mac OS X for new Mini owners A couple of weeks after its unveiling, the budget-priced Mac mini has begun shipping. Targeted at would-be switchers and �adders,� the mini is easily the lowest-priced Mac desktop ever. There are always Mac owners who are looking to upgrade older equipment or looking to own a small form factor Mac. Many of those have snapped up Mac minis. bq. However, some of the new Mac mini owners are Windows or Linux users who have always wanted to fool around with Mac OS X, but have been turned off by the Apple�s price structure. A dual-CPU G5 tower will set you back at least two grand, while the least expensive iMac runs US$1,299. Even a good, gently-used Mac costs far more than comparable x86 gear. Now that Apple has a stripped-down Mac desktop available, the curious have finally begun taking the plunge. bq. As anyone who has ever switched platforms will attest, there is always a bit of a learning curve involved. Differences in how applications and the user interface behave can be great, and even when there is similarity across platforms, the small differences can be just as maddening. bq. One thing the Mac mini does not have is a comprehensive �welcome to OS X� guide. Printed documentation included with the mini is scanty � primarily EULA and warranty information, and Apple has never been one for flashy tutorials. That�s why we at Ars have pulled together a short list of things every newcomer to Mac OS X needs to know. There are some people who swear by their MAC -- the physical design and advertising and PR for MAC has always been top notch. They do claim to be "first" on a lot of things that just are not true and the company only has about 5% of the overall computer market so one's options are not as great as with a PC. Still, this 'lil box will find a home in many offices and households -- good basic design, nice price-point and good compliment of software. Sheesh -- I might get one in a year or so just to dink around with OS X, used it at my last job and I like that it is a GUI on top of Unix. Unix I like a lot! But then, I'm a command-line kind of guy...