Reconditioned Mac

[cooper]

Hi

 

I am looking at purchasing a reconditioned mac just to run Apple Configurator 2 for all the ipads we have.

 

What would you recommend that I look at getting so it will keep the OS and software upto date for the next 4 years.

 

If it too slow I will change the hard drive to a SSD

 

Thanks Cooper

[Joanne]

I've got a macbook air 2014 for my configurator needs. Or you could get a mac mini - just make sure it is the older ones that can be upgraded!

[3s-gtech]

We have a Mac Mini from ICT Direct for this job. Maxed out RAM and an SSD, only an old Core 2 Duo but works fine (currently on Yosemite). Newer would be better of course. Shouldn't need anything fancier than a Mini and you can tuck it away on your desk without it getting in the way.

[cooper]

Found a Aluminium iMac 21.5" 3.06Ghz i3 8GB/1TB/SuperDrive (Mid '10) for £425

[3s-gtech]

If you have the space and the money, go for it. Nice machines, upgrading the HDD is a pain as you have to take the screen off (needs sucker cups and a steady hand, plus there are many screws holding it together!) That is pretty big money for a Nehalem powered, 5 1/2 year old machine though (the CPU has just hit 6).

[cooper]

Mmmm changing that HDD looks a right pain but cant find any better at the moment.

Looking aroud the £400 mark.

ICT Direct dont have any in stock at the moment.

 

Found this at Laptops direct.

 

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/apple_macmini_1.4ghz_intel_dual-core_i5_4gb_500gb_serial_ata_drive_mgem2b-a/version.asp?refsource=LDadwords&crtag=LD&gclid=COKB8O_G2coCFRITGwodrWUN8Q

Edited February 2, 2016 by cooper
added link

[pete]

^ It's worth poking Dave directly - what's on the web shop is usually a subset of actual gear they've got kicking around/can get hold of.

[cooper]

Cheers Pete, I have called direct.

[3s-gtech]

Replacing the HDD in a 2014 Mac Mini is possibly worse than doing an iMac RAM can't be upgraded too. They're okay though, and decent value IMO.

[NB9457]

You know Mac Minis are only about £360 brand new with EDU discount. It'd make sense to buy that as you know it will get the minimum 4 years of updates you require!

 

They only come with 4GB RAM and 500GB HDD, but to be honest I've found it is more than enough for managing a bulk lot of iPads.

 

I think it's only around an extra £20 to turn it into a server too, should you want profile manager.

[cooper]

Cheers for the help guys

Will get a Mac mini quote.