MacBook Pro 2.8 GHz i7 vs. Quad Core Mac Mini?

Bungler · 10th February 2012

I'm thinking about selling my MacBook Pro for a Mac Mini. I currently run Pro Tools 9 on the Pro and would do the same on the Mini. My interface is a 002. Here's my logic:

My MacBook Pro just sits on my desk 24/7 plugged into a Cinema Display. I record with it and that's about all. My job was kind enough to provide me with a MacBook Air (which I love!) and I use that for my day to day stuff. So my MacBook Pro has turned into a 100% recording machine.

With that being said, I would love to go back to being able to use both of my Cinema Displays and also not have my computer right in front of my face. The fans in the Pro get spinning loud when I'm working with a fair amount of plug-ins or tracks.

My question is, does anyone see any cons with moving to the Mac Mini? I don't see why not. It seems like it should be faster than my current machine and I'll be able to put the computer farther away from me. Using my two Cinema Displays is also a plus.

Current MacBook Pro Specs:

2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 (mid 2010 model)
8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 RAM

Would be Mac Mini:

2.0 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7
8 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 RAM

Bungler · 11th February 2012

Bump!

a.e.neumann · 11th February 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bungler

any cons with moving to the Mac Mini?
Would be Mac Mini:
2.0 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7
8 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 RAM

No cons whatsoever, aside from the disproportional financial loss on MBP sale.
There are two major performance boosts for Mini worth considering:
1. Max out RAM to 16 GB (if you go with minimal basic RAM and buy 2x8 GB upgrade from OWC).
2. SSD instead of conventional HD. Huge boost for system.
Exchanging HD for SSD is a little more delicate than swapping RAM. If you have any qualms about it, you can always opt for the more expensive Apple BTO version. Swapping RAM is so easy with the new Minis, there is absolutely no need to pay Apple's premium for it.

Bungler · 12th February 2012

One of the perks of being a former Apple employee means friends and family discounts so I got a nice price on my MBP and will get a Mini for just under a grand with one SSD drive and one HDD.

Thanks for the tips! I will def go with a SSD for my boot drive. Just out of curiosity, is recording to a SSD still frowned upon? I thought I remember hearing Pro Tools doesn't work too well with SSD drives, or maybe that was just with the Hybrid drives... can't remember.

That 16GB kit for the Mini is $250! That seems high. I can go 8GB from Crucial for $45. I just cant justify the price right now, I'm only recording one to two tracks at a time. Even with Superior Drummer running I still have room to breathe.

10th February 2012	#1
Bungler Gear interested Joined: Jan 2012 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 10 Thread Starter	MacBook Pro 2.8 GHz i7 vs. Quad Core Mac Mini? I'm thinking about selling my MacBook Pro for a Mac Mini. I currently run Pro Tools 9 on the Pro and would do the same on the Mini. My interface is a 002. Here's my logic: My MacBook Pro just sits on my desk 24/7 plugged into a Cinema Display. I record with it and that's about all. My job was kind enough to provide me with a MacBook Air (which I love!) and I use that for my day to day stuff. So my MacBook Pro has turned into a 100% recording machine. With that being said, I would love to go back to being able to use both of my Cinema Displays and also not have my computer right in front of my face. The fans in the Pro get spinning loud when I'm working with a fair amount of plug-ins or tracks. My question is, does anyone see any cons with moving to the Mac Mini? I don't see why not. It seems like it should be faster than my current machine and I'll be able to put the computer farther away from me. Using my two Cinema Displays is also a plus. Current MacBook Pro Specs: 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 (mid 2010 model) 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3 RAM Would be Mac Mini: 2.0 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 8 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 RAM

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11th February 2012	#2
Bungler Gear interested Joined: Jan 2012 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 10 Thread Starter	Bump!

12th February 2012	#4
Bungler Gear interested Joined: Jan 2012 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 10 Thread Starter	One of the perks of being a former Apple employee means friends and family discounts so I got a nice price on my MBP and will get a Mini for just under a grand with one SSD drive and one HDD. Thanks for the tips! I will def go with a SSD for my boot drive. Just out of curiosity, is recording to a SSD still frowned upon? I thought I remember hearing Pro Tools doesn't work too well with SSD drives, or maybe that was just with the Hybrid drives... can't remember. That 16GB kit for the Mini is $250! That seems high. I can go 8GB from Crucial for $45. I just cant justify the price right now, I'm only recording one to two tracks at a time. Even with Superior Drummer running I still have room to breathe.