Apple Mac mini MC408LL/A Snow Leopard Server Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The new Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server has just been wonderful. We already have about 100 of them running here at Macminicolo as production servers and they've performed great.
A few comments on hardware:
- In this machine you have two 500GB drives. By default, they are two separate drives. When you configure on startup, the default prompt is to have your services running on the drive called "Server HD" and the backups go to the drive "Macintosh HD2." Of course you can change this to however you want, but that is the default.
- You can also put the two drives in RAID 1 or RAID 0. To do this, you'll need to boot from the restore disc that comes with the machine. Since there is no optical drive on the Macmini, you'll either need to use the Remote Disk feature and take advantage of a Mac or PC drive on the network. (This works wonderful) Or you can purchase the SuperDrive for MacBook Air which plugs into the USB drive of the Mac mini and works fine. Personally, I'm not a fan of RAID, but I know others are.
- This machine comes with 4GB of RAM, which is more than enough for most things. You can also upgrade to 8GB of RAM if you'd like to crack it open. This isn't "officially" supported by Apple, but works well.
- Like all other Mac minis before it, this machine is nearly silent. It's wonderful in that sense. It also runs cooler since the optical drive is what produced most of the heat in the last ones.
- For connectivity, you have a FW800 and 5 USB. For a display, you can use mini DisplayPort or mini DVI. (There is a mini-DVI to DVI converter that comes in the box.) And of course, the machine will also run headless without any problem at all.
And now a couple mentions of software info:
- This machine comes with a license of Unlimited Client Snow Leopard Server. That's a wonderful deal since it's $499 if purchased on it's own. This is a full copy with no limitation. You'll have the blue card with the serial in your packet.
-The machine will also run Snow Leopard just fine if you'd rather install it on this machine and use your Snow Leopard Server license somewhere else.
- For the first time on these Mac minis, Applecare also covers basic setup of Snow Leopard Server. (This is a separate, expensive option when buying an Xserve.) You can call AppleCare and they'll help you configure your server. Very useful.
Overall, these new machines are just fantastic. Our customers love them.

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What is Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server? Exactly what you'd expect - a Mac mini specifically designed to be a server with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server preinstalled. Instead of a SuperDrive, there are two 500GB hard drives that give you all the power and storage you need to help your group work more efficiently than ever. Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server is designed to help you communicate, collaborate, and share information. It's perfect for any small business or group - retail shops, doctor and law offices, classrooms, design studios - you name it. Now you can have your own server that supports email on Mac computers, PCs, and iPhone. Sync and share calendars and contact information. Access and swap files securely, and at lightning speed, between Mac computers and PCs. Easily create full-featured wikis and high-quality podcasts. And automatically back up all your important data.NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB DDR3 Shared Video Memory Built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) Ethernet Audio - Built-in speaker, combined Optical Digital audio input/audio line in, combined optical digital audio output/headphone out Ports -5 x USB 2.0, FireWire 800, mini-DVI output; VGA output (using Optional adapter); Mini DisplayPort Approximate Unit Dimensions -2 (H) x 6.5 (W) x 6.5 (D) Approximate Unit Weight -2.9 Pounds

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Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Pro 500 GB USB 2.0 Ultra-Portable External Hard Drive STAD500100 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was not going to write a review for this product initially. However, I received an email from Amazon advertising this product, along with the other GoFlex drives from Seagate and I saw that this component received a one star rating. After reading the one-star rating, I can tell you all emphatically that the rating is NOT deserved.
First off, the initial customer review information about the dock station is inaccurate, way inaccurate. The HD comes with a dock station (with its own wiring) AND a separate portable connection cable, which truly makes it portable since you can have it set to connect to multiple pcs without breaking down a dockstation connection.
Second the USB 2.0 connection is false since both the dock station and connection cable attach to a pc via USB. Now, neither of the connection cables connect to the HD itself via USB, but thats becuz its connects using SATA type connections you would see on the back of an internal hard drive.
The installation software is built into the HD, so when you connect for the first time to a pc, it prompts you to install the drivers. The software is very easy to manage and pretty much begs you back up your files, although escaping that prompt is so easy, its almost amusing.
The best part of the HD is that its not bulky in the least. I am a lifetime Seagate supporter due to my undying love for Maxtor and the fact that Seagate bought them and for a long while, I have been shopping for portable external drives to use with my hp netbook. This HD is the smallest (although in fairness, its not ipod small) I've seen and fits comfortably in my carrying case.
I cant say that this protable HD is the end-all device becuz honestly, I wont ever compare it to anything else other than what eventually becomes its successor in my household. But, I can say that I am uber happy with this purchase and unless youre an eternal hater of the brand or youre looking for something with the device that you already know it doesnt have when you buy it, you will be happy with your purchase as well.

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The GoFlex Pro ultra-portable delivers a premium level of backup, encrypts your data, and has easy plug-and-play USB 2.0 connectivity through a convenient desktop dock with capacity gauge, but this is no ordinary external drive. As the core of the GoFlex Storage System, the GoFlex Pro ultra-portable drive is the world's most upgradable external drive allowing it to deliver a truly customizable experience.Upgrade to USB 3.0, FireWire 800 or eSATA by pairing the drive with the appropriate GoFlex upgrade cable. Extend your content beyond your PC and enjoy it on your TV, over your network or remotely by using it in combination with other GoFlex products.

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Cisco-Linksys WRT160N Wireless-N Broadband Router Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I noticed a lot of so so reviews and was wary until I read a professional review praising it's easy set up. I decided to go for it and boy am I glad I did. I happen to be a novice setting up PC related stuff but this router was cake to set up. Be forwarned; however, my intention was to simply set up wireless with encryption and nothing else. I had no desire to set up a full blown network with file and printer sharing. I simply wanted encrypted wireless for my xp windows pc and vista windows laptop in the house. I figure I can print stuff by using the pc with the printer or using a flash drive so I had no desire in oversteaping my technical boundries.
That being said... it was as simple as putting the disk in, following directions printing the encryption code and connecting the router. Easy as cake! I had more trouble configuring the recieving vista windows laptop and xp windows pc! Which wasn't that hard either. The router is connected to my windows vista desktop and my windows vista laptop and seperate xp windows desktop are recieving the signal. It was as easy as plugging in the code to the recieving laptop and pc.
The signal is always strong and no breaks in three weeks of constant use. Despite other comments, the signal strength is awesome even with the unit under a shelf. Unless you live in a 25 room mansion or set up the network wrong... you should have no problems. I have absolutely no complaints. The cherry on top is how awesome this router looks and with no antenna! You could easly hide this under a shelf but why would you want to! It's beautiful and you could use it as decoration! I admit, it is pricey but well worth the money in the headaches you will save setting it up and the aesthetic factor. Highly recommended especially for novices who simply want wireless in their house.

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The Ultra RangePlus Wireless-N Broadband Router is really three devices in one box. First, there s the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect to the network without wires. There s also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.

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