[Info-vax] Windows alternatives - Was: Re: HP SAN switch question

[Steven Schweda]

> [...] look at the Mac Mini; with those you can use an
> existing monitor, mouse and keyboard.

   And with which other (reasonably modern) models can you
not use existing peripherals?  (An iMac has a built-in
display, of course.)  A (wide) Apple keyboard at least has
the right number of keypad keys.

> [...] User-upgradeable RAM isn't an option on various Apple
> models, but with the Mac Mini it still is (you don't buy
> official Apple memory unless you really have to, as it *is*
> expensive).

      https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205041

      [...]
          o Mac mini (Late 2014)

      Mac mini (Late 2014) does not have user-installable RAM. You
      can configure the memory in your Mac mini (Late 2014) when
      you purchase it.
      [...]

   Older Mac mini nodels use SODIMMs.  Personally, for
general use, I prefer a Mac Pro (2008 or later, but the 2008
model wants memory with odd-ball heat-spreaders). 
Upgradable?  The Pro holds more disks, allows 3.5-inch hard
disks and big optical drives instead of laptop parts, allows
ECC memory, and has PCI bus slots (including the graphics
card).

   For a good time, find the service docs for a mini, and
read up on how to do anything beyond a memory upgrade (which
is very easy).  It's a laptop without KVM: Tiny cables (tiny
everything, really), taped-on temp sensors, and so on -- It
can make brain surgery look trivial.  Cute, though, and the
HDMI graphics port is handy for connection to a modern TV.