Product ReviewsApple Mac Mini A1347 Desktop - MC270LL/A (June, 2010)

Worth the money!

I bought it and connected to the TV to play videos that Chromecast or Apple TV doesn't support very well. 2-core CPU, 8GB ram with 320GB disk are fairly enough. Although, it is not super fast especially with Sierra. I bought an SSD separately.

Some hints that may help you during the set-up:

1) the machine comes with a pre-installed OS X Mavericks. For those who want a purely clean system, it's a good idea to completely wipe out the disk and re-install a newer version of OS X with a USB drive or an SD card. Just search for "install sierra from usb".

2) if you notice unexpected machine rebooting or freezing like me, take a moment to run memory test. Mac Mini mid 2010 is not able to run Apple Hardware Test (AHT) directly from internet, but it's available on GitHub (search "github AppleHardwareTest"). An alternate memory test tool is "Rember". Both tests require a USB drive or an SD card. In my particular case, I took the two memory modules out and re-inserted them and problem solved. So don't panic.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: fcelect

Satisfactory product for a secondary, backup computer considering the price paid.

Refurbishing an older computer with a modern operating system (OS) creates a slow speed computer, otherwise I am completely satisfied.

The Mac Mini is a nice little workhorse.

This little Mac mini has proved to be a workhorse thus far. I am a graphic/web designer, and I have been using it for my freelance business. So far, it has been running Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection CS5 with no difficulties, including After Effects and Premiere. I upgraded the RAM to the max, 8GB, and as long as one has 4GB of RAM or more, there is no reason to spend premium dollars on a Mac Pro anymore.

I have read some reviews saying these are underpowered, but I think that would only apply to processor intensive gaming. I have the machine hooked up via HDMI to an Acer H233H 1080P monitor, and it looks fabulous with no redraw problems. Similarly, the quality of the sound coming out of an old (circa 1999) Altec Lansing speakers/subwoofer set is more than sufficient. Plenty of USB ports make the Mac mini very easy to expand upon.

I have the Apple Magic Mouse and Wireless Keyboard paired via Bluetooth, and so far the performance of both items has been great.

In short, this Mac mini has made for an uncluttered desktop, and my whole setup can be packed into a small tote when I move.Read full review...

Mini, but Tough

This 2.4gHz model of the Mac Mini is my second Mac Mini in the past 5 years. This model is much sleeker, faster, more powerful, and boasts much better graphics.

Pros: I like how compact this model is compared to the later. It is easily small enough to fit under my large monitor, which frees up space on the desk. The RAM support (up to 8GB) is an added bonus. I have 4GB installed, and I have not found any day-to-day applications that this machine has trouble loading or running. My favorite part of this model is the addition of the HDMI port, which enables me to use the Mini as my Apple TV as well.

Cons: The SD card slot is on the rear of the housing, making access difficult. It would also be nice to have all Minis with a solid state drive, or at least the 7200RPM HDD for faster load times and performance.

Overall, I would recommend the Mac Mini, and all Apple products for that matter, as a daily use computer. Of course some of the more intensive programs will run slow on this machine, but it is a very affordable option for media, data/ word processing, basic audio and video creation, and just a fun option.Read full review...

Mac Mini, a Thin amazement

I have always been intrigued about Apple designing a whole desktop in something no bigger than 7x7".

Pros: This thing is pretty fast during operation. The hard drive capacity is just enough for my usage being into music and art. The max for the RAM is at 8GB! The HDMI hook up is quite convenient to have as a large projection on a hi-def tv. (Although I havent used it yet)-The SD card slot is very convenient for when I much rather place my card in the slot from my camera, when the time comes for it. 4 USB plugs allow simultaneous hook ups with all of my gadgets. Plus this thing runs so quiet; even with excessive use and the fan cranking up to keep it cool, there is NO sound. This computer Really is capable of some work.

Cons: I wish it could come issued with more RAM. The 2 does fairly well with at Least 90% of what I do although it will lag bad on sum occasions. It would have been great to have it at least 4 GB if not Maxed out to 8 GB. If this would have came with a SSD then this would be a little monster. It takes about a 1 1/2 minute to start up, which isnt bad, but im impatient! (a little bit.)

Overall I like it and would recommend it.Read full review...

Mac Mini - an OK option to get into an Apple

There are some good features to these machines, and some drawbacks. Basically, you look at the specs and then ask is the value there for me, and will it do what I need? As a tower owner, I bought one of these for my daughter. For her, great. But if it was mine, I'd have to get used to some things. For instance, the newest Mini gave up a USB port, which I consider more important than a card reader slot that Apple put in its place. Although some might find the slot handy to have, it is not handy to use, as it is in the back of the machine. If you pull the box toward you to help access or reach the rear, you will very likely pull out your video connector and off your monitor goes. I'd rather have that fifth USB port, and buy a small USB multi-card reader that not only reads SD, but several other types of flash cards as well. These can be had as cheaply as $5.00, and I have one and it works great. You can mount several cards in it at once, and they all show up on your desktop. The other thing that may be a bit better about the late 2009 model over the mid 2010 is the fact it had 4 GB of RAM. Remember that this design shares main memory with the video card. The mid-2010 newest rendition only comes with 2 GB of RAM. To upgrade, you must replace BOTH sticks of RAM, as there are only two slots available. New, this upgrade to 4 GB is running about $90 aftermarket. 8 GB is maximum for the Mini. The hard drive has a decent capacity for most folks, at 320 GB. You can upgrade to a 640. Performance is fair, because these are 5400 RPM drives, instead of the 7,200 RPM full size drives in the towers. Something better hard drive-wise is expensive. I'd have given these boxes a one notch better rating if Apple had shipped with 4 GB of RAM, because compared to a carefully shopped PC box with Windows 7 at the same price, it will be trounced. Sure, the PC box is going to be big and clunky, but I'm talking about performance. Once you buy the Mini, upgrading is very limited (no PCI slots, extra bays, etc.), and like I said, it depends on what you need to have to do with it. Consider all this before you buy. I've seen that at least these Minis have tended to be trustworthy and durable, and you will probably have it for a long time. However, I think Apple could do a bit better maybe putting that SD slot in front and returning that 5th USB port, or shipping with 4 GB of RAM that the previous model had. Some other positives: power stingy, especially when sleeping. Dead quiet when not using the optical drive. Easy to find a place to fit it, and easy to pack up and move. If the new internal power supply is reliable, then it's nice to see the older external power brick go.Read full review...

Geeze Apple, New software designers much?

As a mac fanboy for over 2 decades, I purchased this mini with the hope of expanding my mac arsenal with yet another quality machine.

From a performance standpoint, I can easily vouch for this mac. It's zippy intel core combined with the 8GB of ram (upgraded) is perfect for just about anything. When editing videos in HD, I find that the only real speed-block comes from the USB port read speed as opposed to the overheating CPU/maxed ram issues of previous models.

If I were to have a complaint against this mac, it would lie with the software design. It is my opinion that all releases of OS X to date after 10.4 are rubbish. Keeping this bias in mind, I find Mountain Lion (my installed OS on this mini) to be quick & effective, yet excruciatingly painful to use. The best example comparison I could give between pre 10.5 versions and this OS is to combine a new android-enabled smartphone to an elderly dementia patient's jitterbug. The core functionality is there, but throughout the mac's usage you have this constant feeling that you're in a pillow encased white cell. Thanks Apple, but no thanks.

Aside from that, this is a fine machine. Looks really pretty next to my nice & big apple display.Read full review...

Decent little machine to enjoy MacOs

Very pleased so far. I’ve upgraded the RAM and hard drive so it boots and runs quick.
Pros: It boots, It’s a Mac, I didn’t have to take a loan out to buy it, FireWire works, Case looks great, Clean inside case.
Cons: Not working SuperDrive (was disclosed so I knew that), Not working SD card reader.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: regadgetllc

Staying with what works

Have used mini's for a number of years, love them. Already have one 2010 mini and recently bought the newest version with Yosemite. Hated it, Apple reduced the options and fixed the memory in so it's not possible to upgrade in the future and no more quad core.

But the OS was the most annoying, demanding I use a password every time I start up, which I don't need. It even found a way to lock up the system when I left the password blank and when the tech got around that it had nothing but problems until we finally did a re-install. They also required I establish a icloud account even if I don't want one. Plus I found that my favorite, and popular, email program was about impossible to install. I dumped it and went back to a lightly used 2010 with 10.6.8, the OS x equivalent of Windows XP, a system that works and is reliable. It cost half the price plus for $45 I jumped the memory from 2 to 8 Gigs, way less than Apple wants to up charge for going from a 2 to 8 Gig new one.

I don't need all the latest wizzbang options and don't want all the complication. Remembering the ground breaking original Apple Super Bowl advertisement, the only difference is now it's Apple that is the Big Brother on the giant screen.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: halliebiz

Mac Mini (mid 2010 model)

Despite its age, this inexpensive little Mac is able to keep up with my current needs. It's fast, and quiet. I'd recommend getting one with the max 8 mb of RAM (or plan to install more RAM yourself). Also make sure that the OS is compatible with your important software and files. I needed an OS version that would work with my older Adobe Creative Suite; this Mac came with a fresh install of an OS that was perfect for my needs. It will also run on the newest OS versions. The HDMI port makes it easy to use new monitors from the major manufacturers (Acer, Asus, LG, etc). Set up was quick and easy. The OS imported all my files and settings from my Time Machine backup in about an hour. And i spent $1500 less than friends who recently had to replace their Mac. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: maliyasee-72

The best of the Mac Minis

The Mid 2010 Mac Mini was the zenith of the line for two big reasons. Easy expand-ability for memory (more difficult but not impossible to get at and replace the hard disk) and a built-in optical drive. It can form the core of a great media center with it's built-in DVD drive and can still run the most current version of OSX (High Sierra). Later versions have soldered in memory and you can't even remove the hatch at the bottom yourself to swap out a hard drive!Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: itsworthmore