[mythtv-users] Re: New Mac Mini

[John Thomas]

On Fri, 21 Jan 2005 14:08:46 -0500, David Levine
<curiouskangaroo at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Fri, 21 Jan 2005 12:16:14 -0600, John Thomas <jwt9478 at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > When I first read about the Mac mini, I was not convinced that it was
> > something that I could use to benefit my MythTV system at home.  I've
> > read the thread and it has been discussed that the Mini is not the
> > most powerful system out there.  True, it is a sexy looking device,
> > but I can't find the justification for paying that much money for
> > something that looks cool and will have limited functionality for my
> > purposes.
> >
> > I can see where a Mini-ITX Shuttle 64-bit system can blow this this
> > thing out of the water when it comes to purely hardware specs.  Plus
> > it's less than half the price.  Here's an example:
> > http://techbargains.pricegrabber.com/search_techspecs_full.php/masterid=3758934#description
> >
> > So if we are stricly talking about MythTV frontends, then maybe the
> > Mac Mini is not the way to go.  Maybe people are justifying the +$500
> > pricetag purely for the ability to have a system that integrates
> > MythTV and the MacOS (including the cool software).  Is that the
> > consensus here?
> >
> > I need some convincing. :-)
> 
> Well, I can't speak for the Mac Mini's suitability as a Myth frontend,
> but I do want to ask if the comparison with the Shuttle you pointed
> out is completely fair?  If I'm correct, that system doesn't come with
> a CPU, memory, harddrive, or DVI connector.  Also, I don't know enough
> to compare the video chipset with the Mac's ATI Radeon 9200.  Now, you
> might be able to add these features for less than $300, but I suspect
> not.  Of course, the Shuttle DOES have more exansion/upgrade options
> than the Mini.
> 
> And if I misread that page and the Shuttle DOES come with all of that
> for the $199 pricetag, I'd buy several tomorrow, so let me know! :)
> 
> 
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> 
> 

No, you are correct.  The Shuttle system is barebone.  But the CPU, 40
GB drive and memory would be pretty comparable to the Mac Mini in
price.  Plus you would also have to add a DVI compatible video card in
the one PCI slot available.  So maybe the two systems are more
comparable in price.