msbdms
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Q: Mac Mini Questions

We have 6 iMacs in an Ethernet network. We are thinking about replacing one with a MacMini. I have questions:

  1. Is there a new MacMini since late 2014 or is that the latest? Is Apple intending to continue to offer the MacMini?
  2. Can a MacMini be connected to an older iMac for it's display?  Or, would a display only option be required - a separate monitor?
  3. It doesn't look like the MacMini has an Ethernet port?  Is there a model that does?  If not, what is a solution for integrating a Mini into an Ethernet network?
  4. Is MacMini a good option to use as a server for business applications?  We would like to explore using it as a server for an accounting program, Office, and some Adobe products.

 

I think that is all ... Any suggestions, warnings, knowledge, experience in responses is welcomed. 

Thank you.

K

Posted on Mar 22, 2016 10:11 AM

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msbdms

Q: Mac Mini Questions

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  • by Phil0124,Helpful

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Mar 22, 2016 11:42 AM in response to msbdms
    Level 7 (27,397 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 22, 2016 11:42 AM in response to msbdms

    1. October 2014 is the current release. No reason to think they'll stop offering it.  But no way to know what Apple's plans would be for it in the future.

     

    2.  Depends on the iMac: Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode - Apple Support

     

    3. http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs/  Sure it does: 1 Gigabit Ethernet Port on the back

     

    4. I'll let someone else tackle that one.

  • by woodmeister50,Helpful

    woodmeister50 woodmeister50 Mar 22, 2016 11:42 AM in response to msbdms
    Level 5 (5,517 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 22, 2016 11:42 AM in response to msbdms

    msbdms wrote:

    .....

    1. Is there a new MacMini since late 2014 or is that the latest? Is Apple intending to continue to offer the MacMini?

    2014 is the latest. As to the second part of the question, only Apple knows the answer to that

    and we will never know until they say it is discontinued (unlikely at this point in my opinion).

     

    1. Can a MacMini be connected to an older iMac for it's display?  Or, would a display only option be required - a separate monitor?

    See here if your iMacs can: Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode - Apple Support

     

     

    1. It doesn't look like the MacMini has an Ethernet port?  Is there a model that does?  If not, what is a solution for integrating a Mini into an Ethernet network?

     

    Directly from the spec:

     

    Connections and Expansion

    • Two Thunderbolt 2 ports (up to 20 Gbps)
    • Four USB 3 ports (up to 5 Gbps)
    • HDMI port
    • SDXC card slot
    • Gigabit Ethernet port
    • Audio in port
    • 3.5 mm headphone jack
    • IR receiver

     

    As for using in business, it would be okay for a small office server.  Then again it would depend on

    how heavy the demand could be.  In some cases, the type of network and the type of traffic on it

    can often dictate a server performance more than the server.