Mac Mini on eBay: Computing Power Inexpensively

Those who are unfamiliar with Mac Minis are likely confused on what they are as opposed to regular Macs.  For one thing, a Mac Mini does not look like any conventional Mac or computer desktop you've seen before.  The main differences between a Mac Mini and a regular Mac are:

• Smaller in size.
  
• No keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
• Harder to upgrade for more memory or bigger hard drive.
• Much cheaper in price.

Designed for basic online use and multi-media in mind, the Mac Mini comes with Firewire connection (faster than USB), mini-DVI, mini-display port, and USB ports.  It's a good plug-n-play console.  It readily supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connection.

The Mac Mini does not come with its own monitor.  But it readily supports HD monitors and HDTV.  Right out of the box, the Mac Mini will work with any monitor that has a DVI port.  If you want to use the Mac Mini with an HDTV that has an HDMI port, you'll have to buy a DVI-to-HDMI cable.  Many Mac Mini users also recommends brands other than Apple when it comes to monitor.  Apple HD monitors tend to be expensive, while other brands are much cheaper with the same capability.

With a retail price of under $150, the HP 2009M 20 HD Widescreen Monitor is a steal.  It works very well with Macs including Mac Minis.  Crisp and clear images are displayed at a maximum 1600 x 900 screen resolution.  HP has a Brightview technology that reduces glare.  The HP 2009M 20 HD Widescreen Monitor comes with  built-in speakers to complete your multi-media experience.

This is a great sub-$300 24 inch monitor.  It gives a full HD display at 1080p with 1920 x 1080 resolution.  If you want a true 1920 x 1200 resolution, you'll have to spend more.  But for the price, you should be able to deal with the Viewsonic VX2433WM 24 Widescreen LCD Monitor @ 1920 x 1080 resolution.