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In Reply to: RE: Mac Mini/iTunes--Please help me AbeCollins! posted by Bob S on February 17, 2017 at 14:00:13
For me the main advantage of the internal SSD is very fast bootup times and very fast software updates, etc. The Mac operating system is on the SSD and some claim that separating the boot SSD from the disk where your music is stored can benefit the sonics. I'm not 100% convinced of that but it is something you can experiment with on your own if you wish. To get started, there's no harm in using a less expensive HDD or the Fusion Drive. With the Fusion Drive setup the Mini will still bootup very fast as the OS is kept on flash memory (like an SSD) while less used files will stay on the HDD.
The only thing I'm not sure of with Roon is whether it's database will use the flash portion of the Fusion Drive as it appears as one large volume. You don't "see" the flash memory and the HDD as separate entities and I'm not sure if Roon will either. But, I suspect that unless your music library is huge, Roon will still function and be responsive w/o it accessing the flash memory. My setup is 100% SSD and it was a bit pricey. I have not played around with a Fusion Drive. Your call on the Fusion Drive.
Your choice of the 2011 Mac Mini probably makes the most sense in weighing the cost + options vs the cost of a brand new Mini. At least you get the Intel i5 processor which is much better than the previous gen Core 2 duo. And loaded with 16GB RAM and SSD would make for a pretty sweet setup.
Follow Ups:
I just assumed the Roon database would use the flash portion of the Fusion Drive--but maybe not...
At any rate, I am getting ahead of myself if I want to keep it simple to start out--I just wanted to have an general idea of what I want to accomplish, and at least I have my options narrowed down. Now to take your advice and just get started!
I could forego the Fusion Drive, and order a base model Mini with 8GB memory (I don't know if I can bring myself to pay $300 for 16GB), and rip my CDs to the standard hard drive. At the end of the warranty period, purchase a small SSD, and use it for the Mac operating system, accessing the music library from the original disc installed in a separate enclosure--as you described above?
The benefits would be having the latest model and warranty, but the downsides would be a slower processor and expensive memory...
The current base model with i5 processor will be just fine. That entry level processor is much better than any of the older Core 2 Duo CPU's in the older Minis. And 8GB will be the sweet spot for memory. You can rip your CDs to the internal 500GB disk and keep it simple, or you can even attach an external USB drive and rip your CDs to it. You just tell iTunes where to place your rips. How many CDs will you rip?The base Mac Mini as it is with one HDD can later be upgraded to one SSD. Or, with a special kit from OWC MacSales, you can install two disks in the Mini. I did that with my 2012 Mini. They provided a flex cable and mounting bracket so it will accommodate two disks.
Note that you can often find the Mac Mini for less than LIST price through some retailers like BestBuy, Amazon, or PC stores like Micro Center. The only issue might be finding one outfitted with exactly the options you want. It seems that most retailers carry the basic "off the shelf" models. A quick search on Amazon for "Mac Mini 8GB" turned up the 2.6GHz i5 with 8GB and 1TB Fusion Drive for $679. The entry 1.4GHz i5 with 4GB and 500GB drive is $449. If you can 'stretch' the budget the $679 unit would be really sweet.
Also, some large companies have employee discount agreements worked out with Apple. Students, teachers, and employees of some school districts can also get discounts. Have any kids in school? Neighbor kid? ;-)
Looks like MacSales is working on a 2-disk kit for the current Mac Mini. You may want to contact them and ask for status.
Edits: 02/18/17
I already had checked Best Buy, because it just so happens that I have a unused gift card. However, there are no memory upgrade options, and the hard drive upgrade just bumps you up to the next model. I have also been monitoring the Apple refurbished site for a couple of weeks, and absolutely no Minis. (Which seems rather odd.) I have had good luck in the past in finding my 2011 iMac and an iPad Air--no more than a couple of days before something showed up that I was looking for...
In the meantime, I stopped by a nearby store that sells exclusively used Apple products. They have limited stock, so I would need to wait for something come in. Or, for an extra charge, they could source whatever I want. They offer a 6 month warranty as opposed to the 90 day OWC.
I've seen some decent deals on Craigs List but if you go that route, I would make sure the seller posts or emails you a couple screen shot images from "About this Mac" and "System Report" so you know exactly what you're getting. I would then have him boot it up in front of you and check out bluetooth keyboard/mouse, wifi, etc. Good luck!
P.S. The current line of Mac Mini hasn't been updated in a while.
https://macmini.macrumors.com/
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