Quote:
Originally Posted by chefklc /forum/post/14216150
yes, you won't notice any difference between the two core 2 duo mini models when it comes to 720p MKV torrents. A 1.83 CD can handle those no problem.
no, it's not. It almost never is, since the superdrive is a POS, and it has the same graphics and RAM limitations. Are you at all budget and value-conscious? If so, this happens to be one of those times when both current models are relatively poor values because they are sooo long in the tooth: still "g" wireless, still the GMA 950, still a 2GB RAM limit (for perspective, the Macbook stepped forward to the Santa Rosa way back in October 2007, which meant faster bus, 4GB RAM, the X3100, and "n" wireless of course, and has since been upgraded again to Penryn.)
If I were you, had to pick a mini up soon, and was at all budget/value conscious, I wouldn't give Apple a dollar more than the refurb 1.83 C2D for $499--then put in a 200GB 7200rpm drive and max out the RAM yourself, since prices on both have fallen dramatically. That should hold you over until you figure out exactly what kind of power you need or wait for a more interesting Mac mini to be released.
I've been very happily using an old Rev A Macbook, a 1.83 core duo, in my home theater for the past year and a half. Figured it was time to trade up to something better, so I sold it with 1.5 years of Applecare left, and just ordered a Santa Rosa 2.0 C2D Macbook, which Apple briefly had for $849 as a refurb last week. I'll swap drives first--my old 7200 Hitachi in, whatever it ships with out. I'm somewhat of an advocate of the Macbook over the Mini in the home theater--it's a better performer, better value proposition, better resale because Apple laptops are in much higher demand, just as quiet and it's significantly easier to swap drives and RAM.
