Mac Computer Purchasing Guide for TouchBistro Multi

Chapter 1. Hardware Requirements

Mac Mini
Apple M1 Chip with 8-Core CPU & 8-Core GPU
256 GB Storage
Monitor (w/ HDMI compatibility)
Keyboard (USB)
Mouse (USB)

Your Mac computer MUST BE HARDWIRED through an Ethernet connection. An Ethernet cable must be run from the Mac to your router.

You will need to keep your monitor, keyboard, and mouse on-site at all times to update the software as well as aid TouchBistro support should they require you to access your Mac computer.

Note: If you do not have an HDMI capable monitor, it is unlikely an HDMI converter (e.g., VGA to HDMI) will work.

Section 1. Older Mac Mini

If you have an older Mac Mini we recommend this configuration

Mac Mini
3.0GHz 6-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor
8GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory
PCI-E-based SSD Storage (256GB Minimum)

Note: TouchBistro requires a Mac computer with a PCIe-based Flash Storage drive. It’s sometimes referred to as a Solid State Drive, a Flash Storage Drive, or an SSD. TouchBistro is not suitable for use on Mac computers with SATA drives or Fusion drives, regardless of storage capacity. TouchBistro Pro will not run adequately on the low-end 1.4GHz Mac Mini. If you have an older 2.5GHz i5 Mac Mini with 8 GB RAM and a 500GB drive, TouchBistro will work adequately on that machine for a 2 iPad solution.

Section 2. Using Other Mac Computers

Most multiple iPad TouchBistro solutions are built around the Mac Mini as it offers the smallest possible footprint and lowest possible price. However, you may run TouchBistro Pro on the iMac or Mac Pro as long as they have the same or better specs than the ones listed above (minimum 3.0GHz dual-core processor and able to support an SSD Flash Drive).

You should not run TouchBistro Pro on a MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air. The computer you run TouchBistro on must be hardwired to your router via a CAT5 Ethernet cable. These models do not come with built-in Ethernet ports.

Ensure your non-Mac Mini solution comes with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse (or other pointing device).

Chapter 2. Mac OS

TouchBistro requires your Mac computer to be running 10.12 (Sierra) or higher.

Chapter 3. Best Practices

It’s advisable that your iPads and Mac Mini must be shut down every night to ensure optimal functioning. You should not run other apps (for example, music streaming services) on your iPads or Mac computers during service hours to also ensure the best possible experience and speed. TouchBistro support may require you to uninstall or suspend certain third-party apps before being able to render support.

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