quote:

Originally posted by sigcrazy7:
You should be able to migrate everything from a Time Machine backup, or directly from old computer to new computer.

That only works if you're running the latest, or close to up to date OS. I never am. The last no go was my iphone. Couldn't migrate with the OS I had. Bricked it trying to update to a newer one so I could.

Time machine backup raises a good point. That's great if you're external drives are ready to plug and play. Other than one monitor, it looks like I have nothing I can just plug into the new unit.

(I have a KVM switch mixed in the mess so I can still access and use program on my 2003 G4! )

^I was able to easily transfer my 2011 iMac (same year as OP's) to the new Mini using Migration Assistant. (Other than the multiple drive issue already mentioned, a special situation.)

Surfing this from my MBP M1 Pro right now. This is by far the best laptop i've had.

I liked it so much, I got one for my work computer.

quote:

Is 8gb memory enough with todays computers?

Probably with this processor. In fact Apple first introduced the M1 with only 8GB RAM as they didn't think any more was needed for the M1 chipset with its more efficient Unified Memory. That's basically still true for most users. (I nonetheless opted for 16GB as there is no way to upgrade to more RAM later, and it was only $200 extra.)

On a slightly different note, my MacBook Pro was making noises and I chose to replace it before it went belly up. I do photo processing and chose to get the new M2 processor and went to 32 G Ram. This thing is a beast. It almost has the function done seemingly before you push the "GO" button. In a year my grandson will enter college on a music scholarship and the suites for composing are memory hogs so I chose to go that route also to see how it worked. The new M series processors with integrated memory are amazing.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:

quote:

Do the ne M1 minis still only support one monitor? If so, it would make sense to get the largest monitor that it supports.

A new M1 Mini will support up to 2 monitors, one on USB-C and the other on HDMI. I could easily hook up a second monitor, and in fact wonder whether I should do so.

My 2018 Mini (Intel) supports up to 3 monitors, depending on resolution. With a good dock (I use the CalDigit TS3+), there are more monitor options. I only use one monitor, though. Since 2015, it has been an Eizo 32" 4K, running at 4K resolution. I expect to keep this monitor until it dies. I will pass on the current silicon minis, and am waiting for a look at new M2 mini coming soon. If it is too expensive, I believe I have a lot more life yet in my current mini. I will soon be upgrading it from Mojave to Monterey, once it is finalized.
 
I recently exchanged my early 2015 13" MBP for the newer 2021 14.2" M1 Pro MBP, base model on sale at Amazon, with 500GB storage and 16GB RAM. I really like this laptop, and it is my first foray into Monterey. The 2015 MBP just got placed on Apple's obsolete list.

I use to love Apple computers...USED to! I converted from PC's back in 2010 and am actually typing this on my original 2010 13" MacBook Pro now and the only thing I have upgraded has been the HD to a 1TB SSD. Nothing else and it outperforms my 3yr old HP Elitebook with Windows 10 that my employer gave me to use. I recently purchased a new 2022 14" MacBook Pro for my daughter for college. Prices are stupid expensive and to upgrade simple components are hundreds of dollars where you can buy the components and do it yourself for a fraction of the price.

I would seriously checkout System 76, a fully Open Source build running Linux OS. Linux has come a very long way and there are a lot of extremely mature applications out there including Libre Office, a Microsoft Office replacement where it's very hard to tell the difference between the two. There systems are not cheap, but they are not as expensive as Apples and they do encourage you to upgrade them yourself and they come with FREE lifetime support and are built in Denver, CO.

Ordered the Mac Mini with 512 storage and 16 gig memory. Figure I can add external storage if needed but can't upgrade memory if needed.

Also got a Dell Monitor. I was overspending on the mac and figured I'd save a bit on the monitor. It was under $400. It should suit my needs for a while. Interestingly the monitor is now listed for $70 more than I paid.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

512GB of storage will leave maybe 200-250GB of actual storage as the OS is pretty big.
I have a MBP with 512GB, and do a lot of video editing.
A 2TB SSD stays plugged in to it. It’s my ‘working’ hard drive.
Once you get comfortable with this … the newer Macs are just wonderful to work on.
Enjoy.

I have been working off a MacBook Pro and now new MacBook Air (1TB SSD) with a widescreen LG monitor that runs screen splitting software along with BT keyboard and mouse giving perfect results.

This give me every bit of power, memory and storage as a stationary setup, can plug in one cable and have all peripherals working (monitor, Time Machine, Ethernet, power) and also unplug and take with me anywhere I want. In the house or across the country.

For anyone not needing specs specific to the Mini or iMac not sure why this isn't the default. Not that much more cost.

If you do a lot of video editting, of course you'll need a lot of storage. I do only a modicum of editing. My new Mac Mini also has 512GB storage. The drive is less than half full. I doubt it I'll ever use much of the rest of it, in fact I'd be surprised if I even make it to 3/4 capacity. By then I would probably be in the market for a whole new computer anyway.

On mine, the MacOS + System Data only eat up 72GB.

I plan on starting to learn video editing and messing around with a YouTube channel on cocktails and maybe BBQ.

So if I do eventually need a separate drive I'll do that. But my current iMac is 11 years old and I'm using 195GB of the 512 total. That's with 11 years of garbage, videos, pics etc. So I think I'll be okay for a bit.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
If you are current or former military, be sure to check https://www.apple.com/shop/bro...me/veterans_military. That address will divert you to ID.me to verify your eligibility, then it will bounce you back to an Apple website which looks identical to the non-military Apple site except for pricing.

Military / veteran discounted price, instead of the regular retail price, will be shown for all eligible items, including Apple re-furbished stuff.

I got my M1 MacBook Air via this site, using both the veteran and re-furb discounts.

I've done that and purchased it in Delaware. (No Sales tax)

quote:

Originally posted by downtownv:

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
If you are current or former military, be sure to check https://www.apple.com/shop/bro...me/veterans_military. That address will divert you to ID.me to verify your eligibility, then it will bounce you back to an Apple website which looks identical to the non-military Apple site except for pricing.

Military / veteran discounted price, instead of the regular retail price, will be shown for all eligible items, including Apple re-furbished stuff.

I got my M1 MacBook Air via this site, using both the veteran and re-furb discounts.

I've done that and purchased it in Delaware. (No Sales tax)

My son is in college so I used the education discount Apple store site. FWIW nothing ever asked for verification of eligibility for the discount. It totaled about a hundred off I think by the time I was done. $50 off mini. $20 off each $200 updgrade

I ordered the same spec mini late last week with the veteran discount. Mine's due in the end of the month. My 2011 Mini has been good but is a bit long in the tooth.

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
I plan on starting to learn video editing and messing around with a YouTube channel on cocktails and maybe BBQ.

So if I do eventually need a separate drive I'll do that. But my current iMac is 11 years old and I'm using 195GB of the 512 total. That's with 11 years of garbage, videos, pics etc. So I think I'll be okay for a bit.

I understand. I do video work for a living, so my storage needs are somewhat skewed, hence my previous reply. A typical video shoot (raw footage) consumes 25-70GB in my world. I’ve had 200GB days.

Just know that once you get going, it will amaze you how fast a 1TB hard drive can get filled up. The good news is that SSDs are pretty affordable.

Enjoy your new machine!

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
Okay so set on Mac mini and monitor.

That has been my choice for a long time. My first desktop was a 2011 27" iMac, and I said never again for any "all in one" computer. I went to a mini that same year. I love the flexibility of the mini and being able to choose, and upgrade, the monitor(s) separately.
 
I have always gone with a minimum 16GB RAM (even with my M1 MBP, but my 2018 mini has 32GB). I prefer the 500GB internal drive. I offload most of my data/backups to external SSDs, and my boot drive typically uses <100GB of storage space. SSDs love extra free space and are extra speedy when they have it. Also, having a minimal boot drive makes for easier installs/upgrades.
 
 

quote:

So folks, recommend a monitor with links to Amazon if possible. I don't need top of the line, but big and bright clear picture would be great. I'm seeing them from $350 to $650 but don't really know what to look for.

Whatever brand you choose, you definitely want an IPS panel. A 32" 4K, running at 4K, is what I have used since 2015. There is no need for multiple monitors with it. Screen elements tend to be small at that size and resolution, but almost all can be adjusted larger, and the extra screen real estate is a big plus. For example, you can increase the text size in most apps, and you can set your browser to run at more than 100%. I use 130% on my 14" MBP, and 160% on my 32" desktop screen. 
 
Whatever size monitor you get, you can make use of multiple "spaces", using Mission Control. I use 5 desktop spaces, so, for example, I can run my calendar in one space at maximum size. To see the calendar, the keyboard shortcut Control-5 switches to desktop #5.

quote:

Originally posted by VictimNoMore:

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
I plan on starting to learn video editing and messing around with a YouTube channel on cocktails and maybe BBQ.

So if I do eventually need a separate drive I'll do that. But my current iMac is 11 years old and I'm using 195GB of the 512 total. That's with 11 years of garbage, videos, pics etc. So I think I'll be okay for a bit.

I understand. I do video work for a living, so my storage needs are somewhat skewed, hence my previous reply. A typical video shoot (raw footage) consumes 25-70GB in my world. I’ve had 200GB days.

Just know that once you get going, it will amaze you how fast a 1TB hard drive can get filled up. The good news is that SSDs are pretty affordable.

Enjoy your new machine!

I can see that. From most advice videos I’ve watched people seem to think it’s better to keep content on external drive and use the internal for mostly OS and system files. The rationale seems to be less wear on the internal drive. Based on my budget I decided the ram was more important since it can’t be upgraded but I can always add external storage.

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
I can see that. From most advice videos I’ve watched people seem to think it’s better to keep content on external drive and use the internal for mostly OS and system files. The rationale seems to be less wear on the internal drive. Based on my budget I decided the ram was more important since it can’t be upgraded but I can always add external storage.

macOS, since about Tiger (10.4), has used the FreeBSD-originated unified RAM+swap+pager metaphor so that, if your mass storage is not significantly slower than RAM (e.g. an SSD), it matters little WRT to speed of operation if you add RAM or just configure a bigger swap. In other words, practically speaking, your usable RAM is about as big as (physical RAM + a fraction of your "system drive"). On macOS, the swap area is actually a file that is scaled to a percentage of the size of the boot volume, and which can grow as needed under memory pressure (but not shrink until a reboot).

As far as keeping content on an external drive goes, this is not for performance as much as easing transition to a successor system. Much more convenient to simply move the drive to the new system than go through a backup/restore or migration exercise. Disk access to content files is rarely more performance-sensitive than accesses to code and temporary data. Another potential advantage of using external storage are the options of making it a RAID connected with a high-speed interface reducing the risk of data loss and adding the ability to employ appropriately-scaled read and write cache volumes integral to the RAID itself.

Please understand that this is an over-simplification of the actual reality which is far more complex. For the overwhelming majority of users, the compromises in system design and implementation chosen by designers is much better than good enough.

quote:

Please understand that this is an over-simplification

Laughing my ass off. Not to poke fun but if that's the simplified version I have no interest in the complex version. I'm just not tech savvy and most of what you wrote is jibberish to me. But I think if anything, you are saying an external storage device is a good idea.

Anyhow, got the new computer. I chose not to transfer my old computer to this one. There were a few funky issues on my old computer. One was not being able to update some apps that came with it since the computer originally had my ex-wife's Apple ID as owner. Even though I was an admin, I couldn't update iMovie, Pages, Number, etc.

Anyhow I think I will just copy my files onto a thumb drive and transfer only what I need. Only things I don't know is if Apps can be transferred this way. I only have one I can't download anymore and I want on my computer. It's AC/DC Pinball Rocks. It's awesome. I'll give it a shot.

By the way, this thing flies. Opens apps super fast and the resolution is awesome.