For example, I could have gotten the mid-level Mac Mini for $579, but I don't need the extra storage, RAM, processor speed, nor better graphics. Future-proofing is nice, but once you start spending so much money on one machine to future-proof it if you don't really need it today, you might wish you would have saved that money and spent it on a newer model. I don't mind the lack of expandability, as I don't need an SSD nor 8GB of RAM. It's not slow at opening programs at all and definitely more than suits my needs. I don't have any problems with it and am very satisfied with the speed. I was able to get mine at $349 when Best Buy had a student discount sale, and I use it only for web browsing. Otherwise Apple's included applications and the software provided by camera manufacturers should be adequate.Ĭlick to expand.This is just a suggestion, but what I would buy is an entry-level Mac Mini at a sale price (either refurbished from Apple or online for around $400 if you can find it) and a cheaper mouse and keyboard than Apple's. If you really need Photoshop and Lightroom you can purchase them. Depending on the OS X version, Macs come with features like the iLife software suite and Photos. For $549 you could have a system with the power that you need today and the flexibility (with an SSD upgrade) to perform at a high level if you choose. Although the less expensive model would fit your needs, I would choose the more expensive version because of the 'future proofing' offered by the 8Gb of RAM. With either deal you get a refurbished 2014 mini and a warranty.

The 4Gb RAM/500Gb storage base-model is $399 and the 8Gb RAM/1Tb mid-model is only $549. $500 - $749.99^currentoffers_facet=Current Offers~Outlet Items^category_facet=Desktop & All-in-One Computers~abcat0501000^soldby_facet=Sold By~Best Buy^currentprice_facet=Price~$250 - $499.99&list=y&nrp=15&sc=Global&sp=&st=pcmcat142300050026_categoryid$abcat0500000&gf=y&sName=Best Buy Outlet - Computers and Laptops&cp=1&seeAll= Look at these two Best Buy deals I just found:

Click to expand.Your friend has a nice computer but you should not buy that 5-year-old mini! I think that you are right to be skeptical of the age for that price.

Mac mini mid 2010 factory reset