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Socalfem · Socalfem #1 (**permalink**)

01-13-2012, 11:02 PM

I would like someone to explain the mac mini to me and how it works....I have right now a G5 with 10.4.11 and don't know if I can use that computer with the mini ?
I'm having issues with the G5 (won't let me in and goes to Darwin), so not sure if I can get it going even

Thanks

Dysfunction · Dysfunction #2 (**permalink**)

01-13-2012, 11:33 PM

what do you mean by 'use that computer with the mini'? The mini is just that, it's a Mac that does not have a monitor (or dvd drive anymore) built in.

pigoo3 · pigoo3 #3 (**permalink**)

01-13-2012, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socalfem

I would like someone to explain the mac mini to me and how it works....

What exactly do you mean or want to know? A Mac-mini works just like any other computer.

You also need to specify what model Mac-mini you are referring to. Mac-mini's have been around since 2005...and since then there have been 22 different Mac-mini models.

- Nick

Socalfem · Socalfem #4 (**permalink**)

01-14-2012, 01:51 AM

Well what would I do hook up the mini to my G5 ? Is it compatible ? And use the G5 monitor ?

Socalfem · Socalfem #5 (**permalink**)

01-14-2012, 01:55 AM

And are there any Mac minis that have the DVD drive ?
What is the best model ? I really wantnthe latest version..I think ?

MacDude121 · MacDude121 #6 (**permalink**)

01-14-2012, 02:21 AM

First off, you do not hook up the Mini to your G5. It is a stand-alone computer. Once you buy a Mac Mini, it would REPLACE your G5.

Every Mac Mini except the special "server edition" has a DVD drive.

You would also most likely be able to use your current Monitor with your new Mac Mini, depending on the connector type.

For more information, you can refer to: Apple - Mac mini - Even more powerful. Even more affordable.

Dysfunction · Dysfunction #7 (**permalink**)

01-14-2012, 02:35 AM

Ain't no DVD drive on the new mini.. you know, the one you linked to.

MacDude121 · MacDude121 #8 (**permalink**)

01-14-2012, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dysfunction

Ain't no DVD drive on the new mini.. you know, the one you linked to.

Really?

I had no idea...

Nice job Apple... why does it seem they're so against optical drives nowadays.

Dysfunction · Dysfunction #9 (**permalink**)

01-14-2012, 02:42 AM

We're not gonna need em anymore.. everything will be Internet delivered.. you know.. on the (i)Cloud!

On the plus side, OWC's got a nice drive that also has USB ports.. and is the identical footprint (also same silver)

MacDude121 · MacDude121 #10 (**permalink**)

01-14-2012, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dysfunction

We're not gonna need em anymore.. everything will be Internet delivered.. you know.. on the (i)Cloud!

On the plus side, OWC's got a nice drive that also has USB ports.. and is the identical footprint (also same silver)

If I want to watch DVD's on my Mac dangit, that should be my right!

Good thing about the OWC drive though, that would solve the OP's need for an optical drive issue.

toMACsh · toMACsh #11 (**permalink**)

01-14-2012, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacDude121

F
You would also most likely be able to use your current Monitor with your new Mac Mini, depending on the connector type.[/url]

Same goes for your keyboard and mouse.

Dysfunction · Dysfunction #12 (**permalink**)

01-14-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacDude121

If I want to watch DVD's on my Mac dangit, that should be my right!

Good thing about the OWC drive though, that would solve the OP's need for an optical drive issue.

I take that back, it's Newer Technology's device. I was reading about it on OWC's blog

anyway, for everyone's future reference.

NewerTech® ministackmax™ AC/USB Wall Outlet yea, the page header says wall outlet... it's not that.. although I have one of those, very nice.

Socalfem · Socalfem #13 (**permalink**)

01-14-2012, 02:21 PM

Thanks !!!
Ok I have a better idea now, how do i transfer some stuff from G5 to mini ? Like photos etc. .
And what would I need to use the G5 monitor ?
I can't afford a new iMac so maybe this is the way to go,plus I don't do a lot of stuff but Internet and upload pictures mostly.
Can the mini do anything with iPad (ipad1)
Also if I can't get my G5 to let me get in it am I screwed as far as transferring stuff ?

toMACsh · toMACsh #14 (**permalink**)

01-14-2012, 07:06 PM

Do you have an Apple Store nearby? They used to transfer files for free, but now I think there is a nominal fee. However, if you're saying that you cannot boot the G5, that's a problem. You really should have a backup of your files you know.

The Mini will have USB ports. It should interface with the iPad just fine, although, not being an iPad owner, I don't know what you'd want to do with them connected.

chas_m · chas_m #15 (**permalink**)

01-15-2012, 06:52 AM

If the computer you keep referring to as a "G5" is in fact a G5 iMac, then NO, you cannot use the "monitor" with the Mac mini. It requires a separate monitor.

If your "G5" uses a SEPARATE monitor (ie it's not an iMac), then you can continue to use the monitor with your forthcoming Mac mini.

The Mac mini, being your new computer, can be used to sync your iPad. Just as your old one (presumably) was.

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Socalfem #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 23, 2011 Posts: 59 Mac Specs: iMac 3.06 GHZ intel core 2 duo OSx 10.7.2iMac G5 10.4.11 , ipad	Mac mini help 01-13-2012, 11:02 PM I would like someone to explain the mac mini to me and how it works....I have right now a G5 with 10.4.11 and don't know if I can use that computer with the mini ? I'm having issues with the G5 (won't let me in and goes to Darwin), so not sure if I can get it going even Thanks

Dysfunction #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 17, 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 6,016 Mac Specs: 2008 and 2011 15" mbps, late 11 iMac, iPhone 4s, and too many ipods and other stuff	01-13-2012, 11:33 PM what do you mean by 'use that computer with the mini'? The mini is just that, it's a Mac that does not have a monitor (or dvd drive anymore) built in. mike This machine kills fascists Got # ? phear the command line!

Socalfem #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 23, 2011 Posts: 59 Mac Specs: iMac 3.06 GHZ intel core 2 duo OSx 10.7.2iMac G5 10.4.11 , ipad	01-14-2012, 01:51 AM Well what would I do hook up the mini to my G5 ? Is it compatible ? And use the G5 monitor ?

Socalfem #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 23, 2011 Posts: 59 Mac Specs: iMac 3.06 GHZ intel core 2 duo OSx 10.7.2iMac G5 10.4.11 , ipad	01-14-2012, 01:55 AM And are there any Mac minis that have the DVD drive ? What is the best model ? I really wantnthe latest version..I think ?

MacDude121 #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Sep 22, 2010 Posts: 1,298 Mac Specs: Black MacBook 2.2GHz C2D, 4GB Ram - iMac G4 700MHz, 512MB Ram	01-14-2012, 02:21 AM First off, you do not hook up the Mini to your G5. It is a stand-alone computer. Once you buy a Mac Mini, it would REPLACE your G5. Every Mac Mini except the special "server edition" has a DVD drive. You would also most likely be able to use your current Monitor with your new Mac Mini, depending on the connector type. For more information, you can refer to: Apple - Mac mini - Even more powerful. Even more affordable. -Evan

Dysfunction #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 17, 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 6,016 Mac Specs: 2008 and 2011 15" mbps, late 11 iMac, iPhone 4s, and too many ipods and other stuff	01-14-2012, 02:35 AM Ain't no DVD drive on the new mini.. you know, the one you linked to. mike This machine kills fascists Got # ? phear the command line!

Dysfunction #9 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 17, 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 6,016 Mac Specs: 2008 and 2011 15" mbps, late 11 iMac, iPhone 4s, and too many ipods and other stuff	01-14-2012, 02:42 AM We're not gonna need em anymore.. everything will be Internet delivered.. you know.. on the (i)Cloud! On the plus side, OWC's got a nice drive that also has USB ports.. and is the identical footprint (also same silver) mike This machine kills fascists Got # ? phear the command line!

Socalfem #13 (permalink)
Member Since: Dec 23, 2011 Posts: 59 Mac Specs: iMac 3.06 GHZ intel core 2 duo OSx 10.7.2iMac G5 10.4.11 , ipad	01-14-2012, 02:21 PM Thanks !!! Ok I have a better idea now, how do i transfer some stuff from G5 to mini ? Like photos etc. . And what would I need to use the G5 monitor ? I can't afford a new iMac so maybe this is the way to go,plus I don't do a lot of stuff but Internet and upload pictures mostly. Can the mini do anything with iPad (ipad1) Also if I can't get my G5 to let me get in it am I screwed as far as transferring stuff ? Last edited by Socalfem; 01-14-2012 at 02:32 PM. Reason: Adding another question

toMACsh #14 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 30, 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 4,009 Mac Specs: Mac Mini Core 2 Duo	01-14-2012, 07:06 PM Do you have an Apple Store nearby? They used to transfer files for free, but now I think there is a nominal fee. However, if you're saying that you cannot boot the G5, that's a problem. You really should have a backup of your files you know. The Mini will have USB ports. It should interface with the iPad just fine, although, not being an iPad owner, I don't know what you'd want to do with them connected.

chas_m #15 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 22, 2010 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 10,161 Mac Specs: 2009 MacBook Pro, Black speakers, Black Benq second monitor, black iPhone 4, Black 2012 iPad, etc.	01-15-2012, 06:52 AM If the computer you keep referring to as a "G5" is in fact a G5 iMac, then NO, you cannot use the "monitor" with the Mac mini. It requires a separate monitor. If your "G5" uses a SEPARATE monitor (ie it's not an iMac), then you can continue to use the monitor with your forthcoming Mac mini. The Mac mini, being your new computer, can be used to sync your iPad. Just as your old one (presumably) was. Cheers, chas_m -- My essay for switchers and newbies

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