Question on Power supply on mac mini

[mekon]

Question, I've been looking at a mac mini for use as a media machine, primarily using the audio optic out via a dac to an amp. I have found that priceusa and similar sites I can get the base mini plus 8 gig of RAM for less than $600 AUS delivered. This is well under the $700 for just the basic mac here with no extra RAM. My question is around the power supplies. I've toiled through mac forums and asked the mac staff and had various answers. I understand the current mini (and has for a while) had a automatic regulating power supply internally for 110 V to 250V and 50/60 Hz etc. The plug that terminates on the back of the mini is one of those little figure 8 jobs you find on lots of household appliances. The standard power cord which would have a US plug is one of the white power box looking cords. Can I just do away with this and stick a normal cord (with Aus plug) in the back or is the standard cord and white box some sort of regulator of the supply?

Curious as I don't want to have to spend on an Aust mini mac power supply as I imagine knowing the mac pricing it would negate the saving made by getting the US unit.

Anyone done this or know the definitive answer? Or alternatively where and how much an Australian Mac mini power supply cord is and from where I can get one? Mac store doesn't list them under accessories.

[Nath]

The power supply states: "Line voltage: 100-240V AC" so you will be fine.

Consider that the 8GB of ram will only cost you ~$50 from OWC, grab an SSD and the dual drive kit at the same time.

Once you pay for shipping and a new cord I don't think you will find the savings are worth not physically grabbing one in AU.

[mekon]

That's why I was wondering if a straight forward plug off a dvd player for example can just be bunged in the back of it? I'm still unsure what the mac power pack has in the big white box bit between the wall plug and the plug for the back of the mac's power supply? Is it some sort of line regulator or rectifier or just a useless white box?

I figure the mac and RAM from USA would be $568 AUS delivered as opposed to $700 AUS here then say the $50 for RAM. I know it's only a $100 to $150 difference, and warranty is world wide.

[Nath]

The big white box thing (power supply) was only on the previous generation of Mini's, the new ones have an inbuilt power supply that is 110-250v, like you are presuming, you can just grab a power cord that fits (standard figure 8) with an Aus plug and use that.

[Falcore]

That's handy to know as I'm considering the same thing

[Phildo]

Why bother buying something like that from the US?

Just get one via Apple Australia. Get a refurbished one.

Twitter is good for checking previous pricing if the model you want isn't available right now.
Refurbished Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 // $598.00 -

Refurbished Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 - Apple Store (Australia) - is that the one that you want?

Apple don't have any refurbs listed right now, but they will appear here when they do (so check it at least daily): Refurbished Mac mini - Apple Store (Australia)

There are regularly Mac Minis for sale on Overclockers and MacTalk, plus the usual Gumtree and eBay.

[mekon]

Excellent, thanks Nath.

Phildo, I've been periodically checking the refurbs. Still even using a student discount it's cheaper new from usa with the extra RAM. I've not found anything on ebay as a new unit same specs that isn't identical to mac store pricing unfortunately.

[mekon]

A macmini i5 2.3 gHz with extra 8Gig of RAM from states for $660 Aus delivered and insured. Here it costs $1058.99 from the mac store in that configuration.Have ordered it, just need a spare magic mouse, already have a spare wireless keyboard. Still cheaper than refurbished. I even found a spare Aus figure 8 powercord.

[mcmurray]

If you do import, let us know who you get it from.

I might do the same, that's a lot of computer for $660.