So if I got myself a Mac mini as a home server (throwing out iTunes, handling network backup of the two iMacs, acting as network storage, etc etc), how would I sort out the monitor situation? I don't want a hulking great cheapo CRT, nor do I want to spend nearly as much as the Mac itself on an LCD.
I presume that - just for the install process and/or troubleshooting - I could hook up a TV [1] and then I could remotely control things like iTunes (either via an Airport Express remote control, bluetooth and Salling Clicker, or at the worst using VNC). Does this sound feasible?
And, I know this sounds like a silly question, but - apart from acting as a home radio station [2], doing backup, being part of a P2P network and acting as file storage - what use is a home server? I suspect that this is something I'll discover when [3] I actually set up the server and use it for a bit, but is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
Thanks,
-zoara-
[1] It has "S-video and composite video output to connect directly to a TV or projector (requires Apple DVI to Video Adaptor, sold separately)"
[2] The iBooks are on and off continuously so wouldn't be that good at piping iTunes to the home stereo.
[3] Read as "if" - this is very much a flight of fancy; I'm not (yet) considering it seriously.
[4] I know, I know. Buy a Linux box. No; I don't want to :)
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
So if I got myself a Mac mini as a home server (throwing out iTunes, handling network backup of the two iMacs, acting as network storage, etc etc), how would I sort out the monitor situation? I don't want a hulking great cheapo CRT, nor do I want to spend nearly as much as the Mac itself on an LCD.
I presume that - just for the install process and/or troubleshooting - I could hook up a TV [1] and then I could remotely control things like iTunes (either via an Airport Express remote control, bluetooth and Salling Clicker, or at the worst using VNC). Does this sound feasible?
If it is a server, what do you need a monitor for? Assuming it can work without one.
And, I know this sounds like a silly question, but - apart from acting as a home radio station [2], doing backup, being part of a P2P network and acting as file storage - what use is a home server?
Depends on your needs. My server does main (smtp delivery from my isp), news, runs internal and external webservers (non connected) and tomcat server, fileserver and central backup, holds all the music, subversion store, and anything else I want to centralise.
I suspect that this is something I'll discover when [3] I actually set up the server and use it for a bit, but is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
If you are using it as a server, you may want an external firewire disk.
[1] It has "S-video and composite video output to connect directly to a TV or projector (requires Apple DVI to Video Adaptor, sold separately)"
or an oscilloscope and some time.
[2] The iBooks are on and off continuously so wouldn't be that good at piping iTunes to the home stereo.
could be.
[3] Read as "if" - this is very much a flight of fancy; I'm not (yet) considering it seriously.
[4] I know, I know. Buy a Linux box. No; I don't want to :)
Actually, speaking as someone who has a linux server, I think they are more of a pain to set up. Not because linux is really hard to set up, just when you do a search on the net for assistance, you often find instructions to do what you want but for the wrong distro and you don't have the files. At least with OSX, there is just the one.
In article 1gq8qw0.2pgaa9iloc6lN%me3@redacted.invalid, zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
So if I got myself a Mac mini as a home server (throwing out iTunes, handling network backup of the two iMacs, acting as network storage, etc etc), how would I sort out the monitor situation? I don't want a hulking great cheapo CRT, nor do I want to spend nearly as much as the Mac itself on an LCD.
I presume that - just for the install process and/or troubleshooting - I could hook up a TV [1] and then I could remotely control things like iTunes (either via an Airport Express remote control, bluetooth and Salling Clicker, or at the worst using VNC). Does this sound feasible?
And, I know this sounds like a silly question, but - apart from acting as a home radio station [2], doing backup, being part of a P2P network and acting as file storage - what use is a home server? I suspect that this is something I'll discover when [3] I actually set up the server and use it for a bit, but is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
I am thinking on similar lines. But grander. A Mac Mini with Airport, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, a firewire hub, more disks, an EyeTV, a HDTV-ish DLP projector and a meaty audio amp and speakers gets you the ultimate home cinema and webby home 'entertainment' machine that doubles as your home file, video and music server.
If only those 1024*720 DLP projector things were cheaper than £2500...
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
I haven't seen anything yet about how noisy this thing is - are we talking laptop levels? That alone would be a pretty good argument for home server use.
thnews@redacted.invalid (Tim Hodgson) wrote:
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
I haven't seen anything yet about how noisy this thing is - are we talking laptop levels?
Well, it has near identical specs to a G4 iBook so I don't see why it should produce more heat. I only see the cooling vent at the back though, which isn't so good. Hopefully it has feet and vents beneath to allow convection to do some of the work.
Tim
Woody usenet@redacted.invalid wrote:
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
So if I got myself a Mac mini as a home server (throwing out iTunes, handling network backup of the two iMacs, acting as network storage, etc etc), how would I sort out the monitor situation? I don't want a hulking great cheapo CRT, nor do I want to spend nearly as much as the Mac itself on an LCD.
I presume that - just for the install process and/or troubleshooting - I could hook up a TV [1] and then I could remotely control things like iTunes (either via an Airport Express remote control, bluetooth and Salling Clicker, or at the worst using VNC). Does this sound feasible?
If it is a server, what do you need a monitor for?
Er... for the install process and/or troubleshooting. No other reason.
Though having said that, I bet that the damn thing won't output to TV until it's up and running properly.
I think I might end up finding out which of my non-geek friends have a monitor. With it being so small, if I have issues then mohammed can come to the mountain.
Assuming it can work without one.
I bet you a pair of nearly-new underpants it can.
And, I know this sounds like a silly question, but - apart from acting as a home radio station [2], doing backup, being part of a P2P network and acting as file storage - what use is a home server?
Depends on your needs. My server does main (smtp delivery from my isp), news, runs internal and external webservers (non connected) and tomcat server, fileserver and central backup, holds all the music, subversion store, and anything else I want to centralise.
OK. What's subversion?
I suspect that this is something I'll discover when [3] I actually set up the server and use it for a bit, but is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
If you are using it as a server, you may want an external firewire disk.
Yep. I'm thinking system on the internal, then two data disks; one holding centralised data and backups, the other a clone of the first. But I haven't yet thought it through properly.
[1] It has "S-video and composite video output to connect directly to a TV or projector (requires Apple DVI to Video Adaptor, sold separately)"
or an oscilloscope and some time.
laugh
[2] The iBooks are on and off continuously so wouldn't be that good at piping iTunes to the home stereo.
could be.
Definitely. I tried using my iBook for music. No way.
[3] Read as "if" - this is very much a flight of fancy; I'm not (yet) considering it seriously.
[4] I know, I know. Buy a Linux box. No; I don't want to :)
Actually, speaking as someone who has a linux server, I think they are more of a pain to set up. Not because linux is really hard to set up, just when you do a search on the net for assistance, you often find instructions to do what you want but for the wrong distro and you don't have the files. At least with OSX, there is just the one.
That's my thinking. More expensive, but getting a server to stream music over APX is easier if it just runs iTunes. And so on.
-zoara-
Tim Hodgson thnews@redacted.invalid wrote:
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
I haven't seen anything yet about how noisy this thing is - are we talking laptop levels? That alone would be a pretty good argument for home server use.
That's my thinking. All other solutions I've considered have had noise-level issues. If something is going to be on 24/7, it's gonna have to be damned quiet.
-zoara-
On 12/1/05 2:43 am, in article 1gq94iv.126qn6gb6iocN%me3@redacted.invalid, "zoara" me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
Tim Hodgson thnews@redacted.invalid wrote:
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
I haven't seen anything yet about how noisy this thing is - are we talking laptop levels? That alone would be a pretty good argument for home server use.
That's my thinking. All other solutions I've considered have had noise-level issues. If something is going to be on 24/7, it's gonna have to be damned quiet.
All the web site says is that it is "whisper-quiet".
Cheers,
Chris
zoara wrote:
...is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
A UPS might be useful. We get lots of power cuts so I've got a £35 unit from Staples on my Linux server. I'm thinking of replacing the pair of them with an old iBook though because it should shut down gracefully when the battery runs out. I've got a 10" CRT monitor on the server but it hasn't been needed for over a year. VNC has been enough.
The power consumption of the mini (or iBook) should be lower than a X86 linux box which will save a little bit in electricity.
Arthur
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
Woody usenet@redacted.invalid wrote:
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
So if I got myself a Mac mini as a home server (throwing out iTunes, handling network backup of the two iMacs, acting as network storage, etc etc), how would I sort out the monitor situation? I don't want a hulking great cheapo CRT, nor do I want to spend nearly as much as the Mac itself on an LCD.
I presume that - just for the install process and/or troubleshooting - I could hook up a TV [1] and then I could remotely control things like iTunes (either via an Airport Express remote control, bluetooth and Salling Clicker, or at the worst using VNC). Does this sound feasible?
If it is a server, what do you need a monitor for?
Er... for the install process and/or troubleshooting. No other reason.
Though having said that, I bet that the damn thing won't output to TV until it's up and running properly.
I think I might end up finding out which of my non-geek friends have a monitor. With it being so small, if I have issues then mohammed can come to the mountain.
True. I was thinking it was a good portable work machine.
And, I know this sounds like a silly question, but - apart from acting as a home radio station [2], doing backup, being part of a P2P network and acting as file storage - what use is a home server?
Depends on your needs. My server does main (smtp delivery from my isp), news, runs internal and external webservers (non connected) and tomcat server, fileserver and central backup, holds all the music, subversion store, and anything else I want to centralise.
OK. What's subversion?
a source control system
In article BE0A86A2.7F13F%chrisridd@redacted.invalid, Chris Ridd chrisridd@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 12/1/05 2:43 am, in article 1gq94iv.126qn6gb6iocN%me3@redacted.invalid, "zoara" me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
That's my thinking. All other solutions I've considered have had noise-level issues. If something is going to be on 24/7, it's gonna have to be damned quiet.
All the web site says is that it is "whisper-quiet".
It says that about darn near the whole current range.
Andrew
Elliott Roper nospam@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 1gq8qw0.2pgaa9iloc6lN%me3@redacted.invalid, zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
So if I got myself a Mac mini as a home server (throwing out iTunes, handling network backup of the two iMacs, acting as network storage, etc etc), how would I sort out the monitor situation? I don't want a hulking great cheapo CRT, nor do I want to spend nearly as much as the Mac itself on an LCD.
I presume that - just for the install process and/or troubleshooting - I could hook up a TV [1] and then I could remotely control things like iTunes (either via an Airport Express remote control, bluetooth and Salling Clicker, or at the worst using VNC). Does this sound feasible?
And, I know this sounds like a silly question, but - apart from acting as a home radio station [2], doing backup, being part of a P2P network and acting as file storage - what use is a home server? I suspect that this is something I'll discover when [3] I actually set up the server and use it for a bit, but is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
I am thinking on similar lines. But grander. A Mac Mini with Airport, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, a firewire hub, more disks, an EyeTV, a HDTV-ish DLP projector and a meaty audio amp and speakers gets you the ultimate home cinema and webby home 'entertainment' machine that doubles as your home file, video and music server.
If only those 1024*720 DLP projector things were cheaper than £2500...
They are we paid around £1500 over 12months ago for one....
<http://uk.insight.com/apps/productpresentation/index.php?product_id=BNQ MA03WFO> just over £900 [1]
plenty others in the 1200-£1500 range.
[1] Isn't the one we bought but was the cheapest I found.
On 12/1/05 9:54 am, in article spambucket-CF004D.09543712012005@redacted.invalid, "Andrew Collier" spambucket@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article BE0A86A2.7F13F%chrisridd@redacted.invalid, Chris Ridd chrisridd@redacted.invalid wrote:
On 12/1/05 2:43 am, in article 1gq94iv.126qn6gb6iocN%me3@redacted.invalid, "zoara" me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
That's my thinking. All other solutions I've considered have had noise-level issues. If something is going to be on 24/7, it's gonna have to be damned quiet.
All the web site says is that it is "whisper-quiet".
It says that about darn near the whole current range.
I'm sure it advertised the old G4s as wind tunnels ;-)
Cheers,
Chris
In article 1gq9srd.1wykux11cxzb6pN%sniffthat@redacted.invalid, Jon B sniffthat@redacted.invalid wrote:
Elliott Roper nospam@redacted.invalid wrote:
If only those 1024*720 DLP projector things were cheaper than £2500...
They are we paid around £1500 over 12months ago for one....
<http://uk.insight.com/apps/productpresentation/index.php?product_id=BNQ MA03WFO> just over £900 [1]
plenty others in the 1200-£1500 range.
Thanks. I got two numbers jumbled. I meant to say 1280*720 for native 720p. Benq make one of those for about £2500.
Did you note iSteve and 'the year of HD' and him getting Mr Sony onstage and playing with his HD camcorder?
I think I won't have too long to wait for my wonder projector. I saw a complete Sagem rear-projection 1280*720 in Curry's for just over £2000 the other day.
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
Tim Hodgson thnews@redacted.invalid wrote:
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
I haven't seen anything yet about how noisy this thing is - are we talking laptop levels? That alone would be a pretty good argument for home server use.
That's my thinking. All other solutions I've considered have had noise-level issues. If something is going to be on 24/7, it's gonna have to be damned quiet.
I'd suspect going on the size it has got one or two of the iBook fans inside which in all but a few are whisper quiet, however will wait till they are on the desk before make any final comments. I suspect we will have one or two through the doors of our place, £380 for machine and keyboard n mouse, slap a 15" TFT on it and for £530 we've got a nice system that is plenty good enough for most of the staff.
Elliott Roper nospam@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 1gq9srd.1wykux11cxzb6pN%sniffthat@redacted.invalid, Jon B sniffthat@redacted.invalid wrote:
Elliott Roper nospam@redacted.invalid wrote:
If only those 1024*720 DLP projector things were cheaper than £2500...
They are we paid around £1500 over 12months ago for one....
<http://uk.insight.com/apps/productpresentation/index.php?product_id=BNQ MA03WFO> just over £900 [1]
plenty others in the 1200-£1500 range.
Thanks. I got two numbers jumbled. I meant to say 1280*720 for native 720p. Benq make one of those for about £2500.
Did you note iSteve and 'the year of HD' and him getting Mr Sony onstage and playing with his HD camcorder?
I think I won't have too long to wait for my wonder projector. I saw a complete Sagem rear-projection 1280*720 in Curry's for just over £2000 the other day.
Ah, can do you LCD projector at that res for £1200, but what about a 1280x768 DLP projector for £1250 ?
zoara wrote:
So if I got myself a Mac mini as a home server (throwing out iTunes, handling network backup of the two iMacs, acting as network storage, etc etc), how would I sort out the monitor situation? I don't want a hulking great cheapo CRT, nor do I want to spend nearly as much as the Mac itself on an LCD.
I know there are lots of monitors available but there does seem to be a large space in the Apple range labeled "low cost monitor" or even "good value monitor"
600 quid for a 20" isn't exactly entry level.
In article 1gq9vhj.1kp9eez7yebz0N%sniffthat@redacted.invalid, Jon B sniffthat@redacted.invalid wrote:
Elliott Roper nospam@redacted.invalid wrote:
Thanks. I got two numbers jumbled. I meant to say 1280*720 for native 720p. Benq make one of those for about £2500.
Ah, can do you LCD projector at that res for £1200, but what about a 1280x768 DLP projector for £1250 ? Yes please. Where? gimme gimme!
Elliott Roper nospam@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 1gq9vhj.1kp9eez7yebz0N%sniffthat@redacted.invalid, Jon B sniffthat@redacted.invalid wrote:
Elliott Roper nospam@redacted.invalid wrote:
Thanks. I got two numbers jumbled. I meant to say 1280*720 for native 720p. Benq make one of those for about £2500.
Ah, can do you LCD projector at that res for £1200, but what about a 1280x768 DLP projector for £1250 ? Yes please. Where? gimme gimme!
I think I may have been misinformed.
<http://uk.insight.com/apps/nbs/index.php?C=1022&4423v=DLP+Projector%3At ext&SB=plh&P=&search_type=&K=&M=&4417v=1280+x+768%3Atext&AM=>
says it is 1280x768, however other sources suggest only 1024x768
<http://uk.insight.com/apps/nbs/index.php?C=1022&P=&search_type=&K=&M=&4 417v=1280+x+720%3Atext&AM=>
heres the list of 1280x720's that include a mixture of LCD and DLP tech.
In article 1gq9ywz.yr6h0lom27vzN%sniffthat@redacted.invalid, Jon B sniffthat@redacted.invalid wrote:
Elliott Roper nospam@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 1gq9vhj.1kp9eez7yebz0N%sniffthat@redacted.invalid, Jon B sniffthat@redacted.invalid wrote:
Ah, can do you LCD projector at that res for £1200, but what about a 1280x768 DLP projector for £1250 ? Yes please. Where? gimme gimme!
I think I may have been misinformed.
<http://uk.insight.com/apps/nbs/index.php?C=1022&4423v=DLP+Projector%3At ext&SB=plh&P=&search_type=&K=&M=&4417v=1280+x+768%3Atext&AM=>
says it is 1280x768, however other sources suggest only 1024x768
<http://uk.insight.com/apps/nbs/index.php?C=1022&P=&search_type=&K=&M=&4 417v=1280+x+720%3Atext&AM=>
heres the list of 1280x720's that include a mixture of LCD and DLP tech.
Heh. You and I are now hitting the same places. Are you looking for a similar thing? If so, I'll let you know what I end up with.
Elliott Roper nospam@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 1gq9ywz.yr6h0lom27vzN%sniffthat@redacted.invalid, Jon B sniffthat@redacted.invalid wrote:
Elliott Roper nospam@redacted.invalid wrote:
In article 1gq9vhj.1kp9eez7yebz0N%sniffthat@redacted.invalid, Jon B sniffthat@redacted.invalid wrote:
Ah, can do you LCD projector at that res for £1200, but what about a 1280x768 DLP projector for £1250 ? Yes please. Where? gimme gimme!
I think I may have been misinformed.
<http://uk.insight.com/apps/nbs/index.php?C=1022&4423v=DLP+Projector%3At ext&SB=plh&P=&search_type=&K=&M=&4417v=1280+x+768%3Atext&AM=>
says it is 1280x768, however other sources suggest only 1024x768
<http://uk.insight.com/apps/nbs/index.php?C=1022&P=&search_type=&K=&M=&4 417v=1280+x+720%3Atext&AM=>
heres the list of 1280x720's that include a mixture of LCD and DLP tech.
Heh. You and I are now hitting the same places. Are you looking for a similar thing? If so, I'll let you know what I end up with.
No I just knew about certain prices as I have a nice Infocus DLP projector on the floor behind me ;) I am however keeping my eyes on a lightweight of some description as our slightly older InFocus projector keeps playing up, works fine for hours in the office, even works fine at a conference, until it is actually needed, then it breaks [1].
[1] It does this from cold too
Woody usenet@redacted.invalid wrote:
OK. What's subversion?
a source control system
Oh yeah, I remember you discussing it a while back.
-z-
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
So if I got myself a Mac mini as a home server (throwing out iTunes, handling network backup of the two iMacs, acting as network storage, etc etc), how would I sort out the monitor situation? I don't want a hulking great cheapo CRT, nor do I want to spend nearly as much as the Mac itself on an LCD.
I presume that - just for the install process and/or troubleshooting - I could hook up a TV [1] and then I could remotely control things like iTunes (either via an Airport Express remote control, bluetooth and Salling Clicker, or at the worst using VNC). Does this sound feasible?
for me i'd prob go for a cheap crt + vnc i use vnc now for the imac which the mac mini would replace, it works fine okay a bit stuttery on times but all and all as free solotion its great.
my idea would probably to set up the mini then take the crt etc away and just have it stored away some ware or as space is issue get a cheap lcd as i might find importing cd's to itunes a pain via vnc though attually itunes can be set up to do that automaticly...mmmm i'm very temped by this mac, i don't need/want it yet but i may well in the not so distance future.
And, I know this sounds like a silly question, but - apart from acting as a home radio station [2], doing backup, being part of a P2P network and acting as file storage - what use is a home server? I suspect that this is something I'll discover when [3] I actually set up the server and use it for a bit, but is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
i think you find work for it as you where my imac i use a print, file server ie i shove importnat files etc on to it well okay the firewire drive connected and it serves music out to computers around the house and is connected to the sterro all and all useful old mac.
Thanks,
-zoara-[1] It has "S-video and composite video output to connect directly to a TV or projector (requires Apple DVI to Video Adaptor, sold separately)"
[2] The iBooks are on and off continuously so wouldn't be that good at piping iTunes to the home stereo.
[3] Read as "if" - this is very much a flight of fancy; I'm not (yet) considering it seriously.
[4] I know, I know. Buy a Linux box. No; I don't want to :)
Roger
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
Woody usenet@redacted.invalid wrote:
zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
If you are using it as a server, you may want an external firewire disk.
Yep. I'm thinking system on the internal, then two data disks; one holding centralised data and backups, the other a clone of the first. But I haven't yet thought it through properly.
Bet it won't be too long before these arrive in matching stackable boxes!
CHeers, Francis K.
"Elliott Roper" nospam@redacted.invalid wrote in message news:110120052156150400%nospam@redacted.invalid
In article 1gq8qw0.2pgaa9iloc6lN%me3@redacted.invalid, zoara me3@redacted.invalid wrote:
So if I got myself a Mac mini as a home server (throwing out iTunes, handling network backup of the two iMacs, acting as network storage, etc etc), how would I sort out the monitor situation? I don't want a hulking great cheapo CRT, nor do I want to spend nearly as much as the Mac itself on an LCD.
I presume that - just for the install process and/or troubleshooting - I could hook up a TV [1] and then I could remotely control things like iTunes (either via an Airport Express remote control, bluetooth and Salling Clicker, or at the worst using VNC). Does this sound feasible?
And, I know this sounds like a silly question, but - apart from acting as a home radio station [2], doing backup, being part of a P2P network and acting as file storage - what use is a home server? I suspect that this is something I'll discover when [3] I actually set up the server and use it for a bit, but is there anything I should consider now, while it's all theoretical? Anything that might make me think that another machine might be more suitable [4]?
I am thinking on similar lines. But grander. A Mac Mini with Airport, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, a firewire hub, more disks, an EyeTV, a HDTV-ish DLP projector and a meaty audio amp and speakers gets you the ultimate home cinema and webby home 'entertainment' machine that doubles as your home file, video and music server.
If only those 1024*720 DLP projector things were cheaper than £2500...
And if you're going down that route, you might as well just ditch the mini and go for the Dual G5 Xserve and a couple of the Terabyte RAID disk systems......
You know you want to.
I certainly do.
And a 30" cinema display in each room.
-- I thought I would be the last on earth to mung my e-mail address. fsnospam$elliott$$