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Archive for the ‘Mac mini’ Category
Display Compatibility with New Mac Mini
Compatibility, Displays, Mac mini / 0 Comments
Will my 30″ Apple cinema display work at full resolution on the newest Apple Mac mini? 
The 30″ Apple cinema display uses a version of DVI called “Dual Link” that provides the bandwidth needed to support such large resolution. To connect the current model Mac mini with your current display, all you need is a Mini Displayport to Dual link DVI adapter.
The display settings should auto-configure as the adapter and display are discovered by the Mac mini.
Dennis Beaman
Ask Jacob Team
How do I connect my iPod to my Mac mini?
iPod / iTunes, Mac mini / 0 Comments
I have a 3rd generation 32GB iPod Touch and a Mac Mini G4 1.5 GHz, the last G4 model produced. It’s currently running the latest version of Leopard, and I’ve been using it with a USB hub. I also have a “3rd generation” iPod Touch 8GB, but I am aware that it’s actually got the same hardware as a 2nd gen model.
The 8GB unit works perfectly with my G4 Mini. But iTunes refuses to recognize my 32GB Touch. If I look in System Profiler, it sees that there’s an iPod connected to the USB port, but nothing else happens.
I don’t get any error messages, either.
I tried bypassing the USB hub and connecting the 32GB unit directly to one of the Mini’s two USB ports, but the exact same thing happened. I was able to successfully sync the 32GB model with a Windows machine, so I don’t believe that the iPod is defective.
Is the 32GB unit simply incompatible with the G4 Mini, or do you have any advice for me?
- Aaron
I can only assume that your system has iTunes 9 installed on it and meets the system requirements:
• iTunes 9 or later
• Mac OS X version 10.4.11 or later; Mac OS X version 10.5 or later is required to play an iTunes LP or iTunes Extras
• QuickTime 7.6 or later
• Support for HE-AAC requires QuickTime 7.6.4 and Mac OS X version 10.5 or later
• Safari 4.0.3 or later
• 200MB of available disk space
Perhaps you can find a local Apple reseller, and see if their version of iTunes on a demo Mac will see the iPod. That will tell you that you if it is an iPod or Mac Mini issue. Let me know what you find out.
- Jacob
Can a Mac mini server also have a user account?
Hey Jacob,
What a great service to answer Mac questions, thanks!
I’m the defacto IT guy at our small private school and we’re thinking about getting a Mac mini server with Snow Leopard to act as our new server and also our school secretary’s main computer.
Would it be able to act as both? Would that be wise?
We don’t have a lot of money to work with, so we thought it’d be nice to kill two birds with one stone. Her Mac is 7 years old and our server is really old. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Seth
It is possible to have a user account on the same Mac mini server system that is acting as a server.
This is not a recommended for heavy used servers or when the user is a novice. If the user decides to turn off the computer for the weekend or change network connections, your server will be offline. However, if you do want to dual purpose the system, just make sure that you create a standard user account and not an Administrator account on that system, this will prevent important settings from being changed.
Jacob
I can’t get my Mac mini set up correctly …
Displays, Mac mini, Troubleshooting / 0 Comments
Jacob,
I ordered a Mac Mini and am trying to set it up to no avail. I do not have the Apple monitor.
I did go to the Apple store to purchase a VGA adapter. However I get nothing. I made sure it is plugged into the back of the Mini correctly. I am also having a problem getting the disc out. I can feel it spinning but it won’t eject it.
- Dan
You can force the disc out of the drive by holding down the main button of a USB mouse when the Mac mini is starting up. That should force out the disc. Most VGA displays should work on the Mac Mini.
What model display are you using that will not work? It is OK to use a PC display on a Mac, almost all of the modern PC displays will have no problem working with any Mac, even refurbished Mac minis.
Jacob
How can I use an Apple Cinema Display with a new Mac mini?
Accessories, Displays, Mac mini / 0 Comments
Hello Jacob,
I was looking the other day at the latest Mac mini on your site and have some questions. I am retiring a mirror door G4 soon and think the mini 239LL might tide me over for a while.
Can I use my existing Apple Cinema Display 20″ 1680×1050?
I have written 3 books using Adobe CS2. Will I have to upgrade the software to use on the Intel chip set? Other known software issues?
Are there any other surprises?
Thanks,
- Bill
The DVI Apple Displays work nicely with the Mac Minis. If you have a Clear plastic ADC display you will need a DVI To ADC Display Adapter.
I think other than that you should be set to make the switch and use the new Adobe CS Software but you should check the graphics card requirements for the applications you are planing on using. Some features may not work perfectly on the Integrated Graphics cards used in the Mac Mini.
Jacob
Would a Mac mini be a decent replacement for a G4?
G4, Mac mini / 0 Comments
Hello Jacob,
I am currently using a beefed up G4 at home and at work. When I got it it was the previous years top of the line. I’ve since upgraded the processor and added RAM, new HD’s and Optical drives on both my home machine and work. I use Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash for work, I use Bryce, Lightwave, Garageband and all of the work applications at home.
Would a Mac mini be enough muscle to replace the G4? Also could I run the Star Trek online game in boot camp or one of the other emulators?
Thanks,
- Chris
In general a new Intel Mac mini or refurbished Mac mini is a great replacement for most PowerPC systems. I use one as my primary home computer and can say that I have yet to find its limit.
The only drawback for you will be working with software that was designed to run on a PowerPC processor, it will have to be run in a special environment on your computer called Rossetta. Everything should work, but just may not be running at its full potential speed.
- Jacob
