Mac Mini

[ywouldi]

So now apple have released the Intel Mini Mac, the Power PC one is down to £280 in thier refurb store. Sounds like a good deal but will need a ram upgrade as its only at 256Meg. Does the old Mini have optical out? I really fancy one as all I ever use my laptop for is music and internet browsing, stuff that the mini will easily handle.

Also is there an alternative to iTunes? I dont like the windows one too much and prefer Winamp.

Ben

[robbieduncan]

No the PPC Minis don't have optical out (or in for that matter). They also have a single RAM slot (the new ones have 2) and only 2 USB ports (the new ones have 4).

There are alternatives to iTunes, do a search on Version Tracker.

[detchibe]

If you prefer Winamp, get MacAmpLiteX from www.macamplite.com/

[beanbag]

Does anyone know if Apple's media centre type program will work on a PPC Mini? It would be an excellent media centre PC!

[detchibe]

I have the app, FrontRow, running on my G4 iBook. However, there's no remote control! I've heard of people using their bluetooth mobiles to control it through Salling Clicker, though.

[ywouldi]

I think I'm going to leave it for a while and buy a Intel based one when I have the cash. Thinking about it there is no point buying what is (don't shoot me) effectively out of date technology if I want it to last a while.

Ben

[robbieduncan]

ywouldi said:

I think I'm going to leave it for a while and buy a Intel based one when I have the cash. Thinking about it there is no point buying what is (don't shoot me) effectively out of date technology if I want it to last a while. Ben

That's probably a sensible decision. The old ones are fine for what they are (I've got 2), but the new ones should cope with HD video content so much better!

[detchibe]

Are you going for the Core Solo or Core Duo model? I quite fancy a Duo one myself. Something I've noticed between the old/new models: the G4 mini's had a seperate graphics solution with its own dedicated memory (ATi) whereas the new ones have onboard Intel with shared memory

[The Dude]

I've got a new one on order. My plan was to use my old one as a "media centre" too, DVI->HDMI cable into my amp and you can get compact USB/Firewire audio interface (such as this www.coolmacintosh.com/maudiosonicareview.html ) if you want digital audio output (5.1)

Got a bluetooth keyboard and mouse so even if its not powerful enough for HD movies, I get a 42" plasma web browser and iPhoto