History
This page refers to the PowerPC G4 based Mac mini computers. It does not cover the newer Intel based models, which are dealt with here.
Announced in January 2005. the Mac mini was Apple's attempt to build on the popularity of the iPod by releasing a lower end consumer machine. Internally the Mac mini is essentially an iBook without an LCD, presented in a fantastically small white perspex case.
The machines were targeted at Windows PC users in an attempt to tempt them to try the Mac platform.
The Mac mini was introduced as a 1.25 and 1.42 GHz configuration. They had USB, FireWire, Ethernet and DVI - they did not ship with Gigabit ethernet or FireWire 800.
Apple's specifications for the Mac mini G4 can be found here.
|
|
How to Identify these Machines
The Mac mini form factor is instantly recognisable due to its small size (about the size of two CD jewel cases stacked on top of each other).
This PowerPC Mac mini does look similar to the subsequent Intel based Mac mini, and the easiest way to tell them apart is to use Apple System Profiler and check the CPU type. Also the PowerPC Mac mini has two USB 2.0 ports, whereas the Intel version has four.
Memory Upgrades
The Mac mini can accept up to 1GB of memory. There is only one slot available, so remember when upgrading that you are going to lose your existing chip.
| 1 | Professional installation recommended. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 4 /5 - Difficult
Apple recommends professional installation for the RAM - to protect you and your investment. Improperly fitting the RAM or damaging the insides by doing this yourself MAY invalidate your Apple warranty.
We can sell you the RAM but cannot support you through the installation.
CD & DVD Drive Upgrades
The Mac mini came with either a slot loading Combo or Superdrive optical mechanism. We offer internal upgrades, and we also sell a range of external optical drives for use with the Mac mini.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 5/5 - Very Hard (internal)
The optical drive on the Mac mini is not classified by Apple as a user installed part. Mac Upgrades can install drives for you, please contact us for details.
You can purchase the drive for installation yourself, but Mac Upgrades cannot provide instructions or support for the install process.
Internal Hard Drive Upgrades
The Mac mini uses a laptop 2.5" hard drive for its internal storage. This means that they have a much lower capacity, and higher cost, than those for a normal desktop computer.
Professional installation is highly recommended as your warranty may be voided by an incorrect installation.
If you don't want to fit a new hard drive yourself, you can take advantage of the MacUpgrades Installation Service. Add the installation service from the list below to your cart along with your chosen hard drive. We can also clone your existing hard drive onto the new one, simply add the Clone Original Hard Drive service below to your cart.
Once you have booked the service, send your machine to us, we will carry out the work and return it to you. Alternatively, we do offer a Collection Service with our courier, please see here for details.
| 1 | Professional installation recommended. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 4 / 5 - Difficult
Apple recommends professional installation for the hard drive - to protect you and your investment. Improperly fitting the HDD, or damaging the insides, by doing this yourself MAY invalidate your Apple warranty.
We can sell you the HDD but cannot support you through the installation. If you like we can install the drive for you.
Graphics Card Upgrades
The Mac mini has all of its components on one logic board. Consequently it is not possible to upgrade the graphics cards on these machines.
There are no graphics card upgrades available for these Macs
Expansion Card Upgrades
The Mac mini has all of its components on one logic board and has no PCI or PCMCIA sockets. Consequently it is not possible to upgrade the connectivity on these machines.
| 1 | Requires Mac OS 10.4 or later. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Keyboards & Mice
The following keyboards and mice are compatible with this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Keyboards plug into the relevant port on your Mac. Mice can either be plugged into your keyboard, or they can be plugged directly into your Mac.
Power Supplies & Batteries
Listed below are power supplies, batteries and related products
we supply for this Mac.
Cables & Tools
Listed below are power cables, tools and related products
we supply for this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
External Hard Drive Upgrades
This Mac can use any of the following external hard drives.
| 1 | Requires Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or later. |
| 2 | Cannot be used to boot this Mac. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Install any supplied software and connect the new device.
You will need to format the drive before use. This is done with the "Drive Setup" utility, which can be found in Applications > Utilities.
