(vanity) FR Mac users: Which Mac do you recommend based on these specs?

5/26/08 | marty_f

[Swordmaker]

Re: maxxed out RAM

Your best bet is to buy your additional RAM from some other source than Apple.

[FourtySeven]

I guess I might as well ask this question here (and as for your question, I’d recommend any of the new macs; mine works great with 230 GB/2GB RAM 256 MB video card, OSX 5.2).

I’ve recently noticed (and I don’t know if this has always been the case, or if it’s something new) that the left side (as I face the front) of my iMac is quite warm to the touch. Does anyone know if this is normal? Is it ok to leave it on at night?

[Golden Eagle]

an application called Front Row provides some similar functionality to Apple TV.

Thanks for the exact name, couldn't remember it. I watch more live TV than recorded TV, and therefore get most of my input from cable TV signals. Is there an input option for this on iMac or Mac Mini, other than a WinTV type external device? Does Apple TV support it at all? Thanks, this along with the external display issues are exactly what have stalled any transition I might have otherwise had to Apple the last few years. I've also been somewhat disapointed in my iPhone's ability to stream live signals of any kind as well, if you have any advice for that.

[Swordmaker]

Re: VGA and iMac’s

That information you linked to does not refer to modern iMacs. It was last updated in June 2004 and refers to models last manufactured in 2000 and 2001 and apply to pre-OSX Macs. The current iMacs and most of the flat panel iMacs can both mirror and extend the desktop with additional monitors.

[Golden Eagle]

The current iMacs and most of the flat panel iMacs can both mirror and extend the desktop with additional monitors.

Thanks for the correction, glad they got that fixed. Any ideas on cable TV inputs?

[Swordmaker]

Re: questions about heat and leaving it on.

The heat is coming from the power supply and is normal so long as it is not too hot to touch. It is also safe to leave it on. OSX automatically takes care of house cleaning and runs utilities over night to optimize the files.

[HAL9000]

So far, Macs require an external device like the El Gato products, which can be connected to an OTA antenna, or component inputs, or S-Video input, depending on the model. They should be able to record signals from cable and satellite TV.

Some cable TV settop boxes now have IEEE 1394 Firewire connections that can send a signal to Macs for recording and playback.

Robert X. Cringely has been peddling a rumor that future Macs will include an H.264 hardware encoder. His rumors haven't been so accurate lately, but it's a good idea.

The exclusion of direct video input on Macs may be a concession by Apple to the Hollywood studios. But Apple is conspicuious in not offering Blu-Ray drives too, apparently in order to promote iTunes movie sales over physical media.

[Golden Eagle]

Excellent response, thank you very much, and very similar to my understanding. My only add is the consideration of the “Slingbox” external device, which is Apple compatabile and uses wireless connections to display TV signals.

[Golden Eagle]

I'm starting to lean toward the iMac with maxxed-out RAM.

Good choice, just remember the only thing you can ever display on that screen is the Mac, there are no "external in" options for the monitor unfortunately, for HDMI etc. Even to display a cable TV signal on the screen you're going to need an external box of some sort. Might not matter for you, but you did mention TV signal capability in your original post, hope this helps break that function down some more for you. Good luck.

[ReignOfError]

Will the iMac accept either digital or VGA monitor cords to plug into the Viewsonic?

The iMac has a mini-DVI output, so you'll probably need an adapter for either input on the monitor. Apple offers a mini-DVI to DVI adapter and a mini-DVI to VGA adapter for $19.99 each, and there are probably cheaper options out there. If your monitor has a DVI input, that's the way I'd go.

[ReignOfError]

Will the iMac accept either digital or VGA monitor cords to plug into the Viewsonic?

The iMac has a mini-DVI output, so you'll probably need an adapter for either input on the monitor. Apple offers a mini-DVI to DVI adapter and a mini-DVI to VGA adapter for $19.99 each, and there are probably cheaper options out there. If your monitor has a DVI input, that's the way I'd go.

[Swordmaker]

Re: the way you’d go

You can say that again!

[Swordmaker]

Re: saying that again...

Oh! You did...

[Hoplite]

For you, Martin, I recommend the following:

1. Buy this.
2. Install this. (Instructions.)

A system thus equipped can defeat the most common password protection protocol in use today, thus allowing you to pwn the web, and enhance your browsing experience.

[martin_fierro]

thus allowing you to pwn the web,

Get the hell off my Intarweb.

[Hoplite]

Who died and made you Admin Mustelidor?

[Liberty Valance]

International Space Station Special ... $55.2 Million.