Curious about Running a business on Mac Mini

Question

Curious about Running a business on Mac Mini

Hello,

I would like to start a debate (hopefully a good one).

I'm a serial entrepreneur but have my focus set on IT Support for the past two years. I have used a combination of devices over this time, but most recently, an Early 2011 MacBook Pro 15" (upgraded from 4GB RAM/500GB HD to 16GB RAM/1TB Solid State Hybrid). That computer went down on me a couple of months ago, so I am resorting (until I can afford to replace it) using my iPhone 6 Plus (64GB) and my iPad 3 (32GB) to run my business.

My question and what I want to see personal experience from you guys is what it would look like to continue using my iPhone/iPad for the mobile aspect of my business (traveling to clients), and use a Mac Mini for all research, diagnostic, marketing/design, etc, purposes? I was told (and have asked this in another post) that I could swap my MacBook Pro HD/RAM out and put it in the Mini. I was corrected later regarding the RAM, which is fine to buy more RAM.

What do you all think?

Thanks,

Michael

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5)

Posted on Aug 17, 2016 5:00 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Rudegar

Level 10

181,038 points

Aug 17, 2016 9:22 AM in response to mgwilliams410

don't see running your business as a very resource requiring task for a computer really

editing 4k video and editing very very very high resolution images or 3d modeling are hardware demanding tasks

and again yeah 4gb is sluggish for newer versions of osx

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Answer 2

Aug 17, 2016 9:26 AM in response to Rudegar

I agree.

I don't, however, do significant graphic-heavy work, but a high volume of basic editing, etc. It's been my experience that even with 8GB RAM, I need to be very intentional about how I allocate storage and manage other settings that would typically eat up processing speed in the background.

My ultimate goal is to set up a new Mac Mini in a way that I run into as few performance hangups as possible (which is everyone's goal), but just wanted to hash this out with people like yourself on this platform to just talk through my specific needs (and wants).

Thanks for your response. Would love to continue this conversation!

Michael

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Answer 3

Lanny

Level 6

13,225 points

Aug 17, 2016 11:43 AM in response to mgwilliams410

Do you have a monitor, spare keyboard and mouse?

Why wouldn't you consider an iMac instead of Apple's least powerful desktop computer?

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Answer 4

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Aug 17, 2016 11:54 AM in response to mgwilliams410

I think Apple Computers can be utilized for this but its not as cost effective nor does it have nearly the number of solutions offered by another platform. If there is a benefit to using mac for your particular needs then by all means use mac. As for a debate; make a note how many businesses around you use (or don't use) Apple computer solutions and how many use a competitive platform and the answer should be apparent.

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Answer 5

Aug 17, 2016 12:01 PM in response to Lanny

Hey Lanny,

THanks for your response. I would LOVE an iMac. I have a brand new 27" monitor and Magic Mouse 2/magic keyboard and trackpad. There is a shop that I've purchased from quite a few times that is a regional reseller of corporate off-lease refurbs and they have had a lot of 2012 Mac Minis for $299.

MY wife and I both got laid off two months ago. Her mother passed suddenly in Feb, closed on our first house two weeks after and had our first baby a month after that. It's been a really difficult year and we barely have enough to keep up with bills but I'm trying to get my business going and can't keep waiting until she finishes work (from home) to keep using her laptop in the Evenings. Sorry for the rant. Not trying to make excuses. Just stressed and frustrated.

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Answer 6

K Shaffer

Level 8

36,058 points

Aug 17, 2016 12:18 PM in response to mgwilliams410

Was the failure determined, to see what a cost to repair the Early 2011 MacBook Pro 15" you

noted earlier may be? Some aspects of the MacBook Pro are worth repairing, if not too costly.

Certain items may be possible DIY, if only component failures; such as part replacements allow.

The iFixit repair guides for Mac models give a fair account for various levels of difficulty.

Those 'refurbished' Mac Mini (2012) models may be of interest, depending on which processor

series; what was repaired or replaced (if anything) & who did that, when or if refurbished.

Upgrade or replacement components for these are available; some parts from owc online.

The MacBook Pro, because you have it and software already, is something to consider repair.

Or to locate another in working order, if some expensive part has failed. Certain models had

those 'dual graphic' capabilities and sometimes that is what went wrong.

{Some repairs require expert service, such as repairing the original logic board or graphics

which may be less costly to fix correctly, than replace with a repaired part from elsewhere...

an example of a service company with good reputation: http://www.wegenermedia.com/}

In any event...

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

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