What Mac Mini 2018 do I need?

I'm currently running Indigo on a 2009 iMac, and I don't expect it to last much longer. My primary Mac is a MacBook now, so I'm leaning toward replacing the iMac with a Mini instead of another iMac. I only use it for Indigo and as a host for an external drive I use for Time Machine backups (local and network). I also have an Aeotec Z-Stick Gen 5 connected.

I'm thinking I can get away with the minimum CPU configuration, which I'm guessing might help with heat, but I'll probably upgrade RAM to 16GB.

This should be sufficient for my needs, right?

Also, I have my iMac configured so that it logs back in and starts Indigo automatically on reboot. Am I going to run into problems doing this with the Mini? I read somewhere about a new security chip preventing this kind of configuration.

Thanks in advance!

That should work fine. And I'm running Indigo on a similar model.

Thanks! Any tricks getting it to start Indigo on reboot?

Thanks! Any tricks getting it to start Indigo on reboot?

Just make sure it's set to auto-login the user. I don't remember that being particularly difficult.

Thanks! Any tricks getting it to start Indigo on reboot?

As Flyng Diver posted, just turn on auto log in. In addition, have Indigo set as one of the startup applications . You do that in the Mac's System Preferences app in the Users section.

In addition, have Indigo set as one of the startup applications . You do that in the Mac's System Preferences app in the Users section.

Actually, you do NOT want to do that. That starts the Indigo client. You only want to start the Indigo server on login, and you do that in the "Start Local Server" panel.

Thanks for the correction!

At the risk of introducing more confusion to your decision making process, I'll mention again the huge bargain that I found in a Late 2013 MacBook Pro with a cracked screen.

]Stupid cheap.

Built in UPS.

Plenty of horsepower for Indigo + iTunes server.

2.4 Ghz i5, 4 Gb RAM. iTunes library on an SD card in the built in slot.

The only compromise is on USB ports, but a quality hub fixed that and I haven't had any issues with both a Z stick and an Insteon interface connected.

I highly recommend checking Craigslist or similar sources for poorly treated orphan Mac laptops! You'll save big money.

Also remember that you can save money by upgrading the MacMini RAM yourself. There is an iFixit guide and plenty of YouTube videos showing how to do it.

[jay (support)]

Also remember that you can save money by upgrading the MacMini RAM yourself. There is an iFixit guide and plenty of YouTube videos showing how to do it.

Careful, if Apple detects that you've done it they will void your AppleCare. Also, all memory isn't created equal and the 2018 mini seems to be extra sensitive. If any of that concerns you, I'd recommend taking it to your locally-owned authorized Apple service center (not Apple itself) - they will use less expensive but compatible memory and it won't void your AppleCare. Finally, the procedure isn't necessarily for the faint of heart, though many of our users can probably pull it off with the right tools.

You will also feel good about supporting local businesses...