[KnowItAll]

I've got to replace a broken PC and figured a Mac Mini might be a good replacement, given that this is for someone who is still in school (where they're pretty mac centric).

I've seen discounted prices for $43xx for the entry level Mac in the Wanchai Comp center. Is it common for the MMinis to be discounted? (Had thought that Apple severely restricted the ability of its dealers to discount)

Anything I need to watch out for if this computer is to be used for basic internet / email / word processing?

[Lammarite]

I bought mine in 298 hennessey. There shouldn't be any discounting going on though my iBook was definitely cheaper in Wanchai Computer Centre than it was in Times square. Not so much discounting as just not charging so much in the first place!
I had to up the RAM on mine even though I bought the fastest and most specced one but if you're buying the Intel version I doubt that's necessary.

[KnowItAll]

So, this base config should be ok?

Base MacMini

I am pretty sure I saw it for $43xx which is about 8-10% off. Will take a look this evening ...

[KnowItAll]

One more dumb question .. what about basic word processing? Does the OS include a basic word processor like Wordpad in Windows?

[vmlinuz]

It includes an editor which is maybe halfway between notepad and wordpad. There is an OpenOffice.org port to MacOS, but it's a strange hybrid Java thing and I'm not sure it's suitable for a non-technical end-user. There's also Pages, part of Apples iWork 'office suite except it's for the home' package, which is not included with the miniMac. Frankly, most people seem to buy a copy of MS Office

[KnowItAll]

the Pages 2 thing which is included in iWorks looks perfect. Don't see any need to pay a MS tax if I'm switching this person to a Mac.

[vmlinuz]

I've never really used it, but what I've heard about Pages is that it's pretty good at what it does - but what it does isn't quite the same as Word-style word processing. It's apparently a more layout-oriented package, rather than text-oriented, a bit more like desktop publishing than word processing. It's still completely capable, but it might need a bit of a mental switch if the person in question is already a Word victim.

At least that's the impression I've got - I could be way out.

Incidentally, I've no idea how it might work here - or not - but in the UK and US, Apple tend to give decent discounts for education-connected customers (i.e. students and teachers). It might be worth checking that out...

[KnowItAll]

Had not thought of the educational discounts. This is for my niece who is in p2 or p3 in ESF.

[TaLL|dUdE]

yep pages is more like Adobe Illlustrator than MS Word. discounts for Apple products are possible for regular customers. otherwise expect SRP prices.

[vmlinuz]

And I've had a look...

The Apple Store HK website, when you tell it you're educational, gives prices of $4418 for the base mini, $5922 for the tricked-out one, and $450 for iWork, against $4700, $6300 and $590 in the 'regular' store.

The (possibly) appropriate entry in the T&C would be:

Students who attend an accredited public or private, tertiary education institutions, polytechnics and universities located in Hong Kong

Now, I'm not sure, but it sort of looks to me like that's only students in tertiary education... I thought it was also available to school-age students (well, their parents, obviously) but I could be wrong. I've never used it myself, since Sun has a deal with Apple, so I got special prices, similar to the educational discounts, through that scheme anyway...