How compatible are IBM clone monitors, keyboards, etc. with MiniMacs?

On a tight budget, but my desktop computer is dying. It's an IBM clone, and although they are somewhat cheaper (untill you factor in virus protection, etc.) I am thinking of getting a Mac.

The Imacs start at about $1100, but I can get a Mac mini for $700 and save 400 by using my own monitor, keyboard, mouse, right?

So that's my question: How do I know if my current peripherals will work with a Mini-Mac?

Thanks

They should work as long as they're USB and not some dinosaur standard like PS2.

There are some slightly different keys on a Mac keyboard which you'll need to learn what the substitutes are on yours.

But...I wouldn't say you're saving 400 by using your own peripherals. You're saving 400 by buying a lightweight computer as well...and the mac screens are gorgeous, the $150 24" monitor you can buy on Newegg is NOT going to look like a 24" imac screen.

Are they USB? The answer is yes, though there may be some slight confusion with your keyboard.

if your keyboard and mouse runs on USB they should work. and i'm pretty sure they will be adapter available to connect your monitor :O)

I guess a complete system is a better idea.

To echo above, they work, if they are USB. The Mac will identify the keyboard layout by asking you to press certain keys.

I don't know which Mac Mini you're looking at but the one around $700 is underpowered if you ask me. AFAIK, the mac minis have a display port and come with a Display Port -> DVI adapter included. If you need to connect to a VGA monitor you have to buy the adapter.

FWIW, there are lots of free virus protection options for windows (though I haven't seen a "virus" since XP, personally).

http://www.microsoft.c​om/security_essentials​/
http://www.malwarebyte​s.org/

I think you ought to build yourself a hackintosh:

http://tonymacx86.blog​spot.com …stomac-customac-mini.html

I'd buy a bigger (and less expensive) case and a better processor (i5 quad), but that should be doable with your $700 budget.