Reddit reviews Apple Mac Mini Desktop Intel Core i5 2.6GHz (MGEN2LL/A ) 8GB Memory, 1TB Hard Drive, ThunderBolt (Renewed)
We found 2 Reddit comments about Apple Mac Mini Desktop Intel Core i5 2.6GHz (MGEN2LL/A ) 8GB Memory, 1TB Hard Drive, ThunderBolt (Renewed). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
2.6GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 processor8GB DDR3 memory / 1TB Hard DriveUp to 2560x1600 ThunderBolt resolution , one FireWire in800in port , one Gigabit Ethernet portAirport Wifi , Bluetooth , One ThunderBolt port , One HDMI port , Four USB ports , One SDXC Card slot
You may want something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Mini-MGEN2LL-Desktop-Refurbished/dp/B017A74RW2/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=Mac+mini&qid=1562178286&refinements=p_n_feature_five_browse-bin%3A7817224011&rnid=2257851011&s=electronics&sr=1-6
It’s an Amazon-refurbished Mini from late 2014 *with 8 GB RAM* for $559. Don’t get one with only 4 GB because it isn’t enough and you can’t add more later. 90 day warranty from Amazon.
Minis are good general-purpose computers, but they’re not great for gaming because they have anemic Intel integrated graphics. I recommend getting an external USB 3 SSD down the road to expand your storage.
Here are the specs:
https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/?search_keywords=MGEN2LL%2FA
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Its going to be difficult to get a decent Mac laptop for only $500. A MacBook Air would be your best bet.
I would go for minimum 500gb storage, 8gb ram, i5 or better processor. Unless you want to move into more professional recording dont listen to the garage band naysayers. If you are just jamming with mics hooked up and having fun, garage band is fine. I did some brief sleuthing and i found probably the mac mini i would get in your shoes, but obviously i dont know your budget.
https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Mini-MGEN2LL-Desktop-Refurbished/dp/B017A74RW2/
(Not affiliated with seller or anything promise, but i think i would go for the 2014 model since it will be supported at least two more years and will be the lowest price for something that will work its ass off for you)