What can I use an old Mac Mini 1 for?

[Boss.Foxtrot]

I was cleaning out my office and I came across 2 old Mac Minis that I was give years ago. Does anyone have any idea what I could do with them? I thought about connecting 1 to my bedroom TV just in case my wife and I wanted to look something up on the web. Other then that...I have no idea. I think the OS is 10.5.8. I can boot one up if that is needed. Can I upgrade it enough to get a newer OS?
Please help me find a use for them before they go into storage like my first gen iPhone and iPod.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Assuming it's the Intel based Mac Mini, that machine can be likely upgraded up to El Cap or so. But that might push the machine to the edge of what it's capable of doing. If your use case is pretty low key (and you don't mind waiting), then it might be worth it.

These machines made pretty good home theater systems back in the day, but today you're better of going down the Apple TV route.

If you have no real use for it (and rather than making up one), you might want to see if your local school or places like Boy and Girls Club could use the machine for anything.

 

[ferrarr]

The original Mac mini was PPC G4 models. If so, then 10.5.8 is the newest Mac OS X version it can handle. They might handle a version of Ubuntu/Linux, but, not worth it in my opinion.

 

[XJ-linux]

If it's Intell-based you can run Mac OS, Linux or Windows on it. That opens up many options such as media server, closed circuit video/NVR system, home automation hub, FTP/photo host/file server out on the internet (with static IP address), etc...

 

[pm-r]

Please help me find a use for them …

Maybe have a look here among some of the various suggestions:
What can I use an old Mac for?
https://www.google.com/search?clien...t+can+I+use+an+old+Mac+for?&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8




- Patrick
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