Mac Mini Compatibility

I am considering buying a used Mac Mini off of ebay because they are so reasonable. All I'm want it for is to run my home automation. I have 3 other Macs and don't want them to be tied up. I'm not familiar with the Mac Mini at all. Are there any issues with using it with today's monitors, wi-fi, software, etc? I know this question is pretty vague, but now I'm looking to try and understand better what I don't know to ask the right questions. Thanks in advance!!!
Greg

I'd avoid a PPC G4 Mini for several reasons:
1) They can't run the latest OSX
2) Likely will have lots of "miles" on the components
3) Limited RAM capacity
4) Only 2 USB ports
5) Some early models didn't have Wifi
Generally a Core2Duo Intel model will be a better choice than a CoreDuo or CoreSingle. RAM can be up'd to 3 or 4 Gig on the Core2Duos, vs only 2 Gig on the earlier Intel chips.
Mini's can be a chore to open and work on the components. But it is doable if you are patient and careful. I recommend the guides at www.ifixit.com since they are clear and provide necessary cautions at just the right places.
Personally, I wouldn't buy a *bay Mini. I've seen so many people come to this forum trying to fix mysterious problems of their second-hand Mini -- generally one that the previous owner couldn't fix either and had dumped on *bay.
Apple's official refurbs from the Apple online store have more value IMHO. They look brand new and have full warranties.
(BTW, if you are looking for a computer for home automation, I'd personally choose a MacBook with similar specs to an Intel Mini: the notebook computer's battery means that you will have power backup without having to use a UPS.)

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Mac mini compatibility with 1600x900 Samsung monitor?

I have just purchased a Mac mini Z0FW-2GB (2GHZ 2GB DDR3 RAM/120GB drive) and would like to pair it up with a Samsung 2033SW 20-inch with a resolution of 1600x900
Does anyone know if this monitor / resolution will work natively with Mac mini? Does the necessary connector ship with the Mac mini?
Thanks.

A Mac can automatically configure itself for any resolution on-the-fly based on whatever EDID (display driver data) it receives from the monitor it is connected to. That is, for example, why all Macs, even older ones, are successfully running monitors like the new 2048 x 1152 ones that have recently come into the market. Even though older Macs may pre-date the existence of that new and never previously existing format by several years, they are still able to read the EDID and self-configure their graphics output into any resolution. For this reason, I doubt you will have any trouble with a 1600 x 900 monitor.
And, yes, everything you will need comes with the Mac mini (Mini DVI to DVI Adapter) or the monitor (DVI cable), so you won't need to buy anything extra.

Cinema HD Display and Mac Mini compatibility?

I have an older 23" Cinema HD display and am trying to determine if it is compatible with a new Mac Mini. The only thing that looks like a Ser No is on the base: 2A6402H0G0. Is this the SN? And is it compatible? TIA

Is it this one? Then it has an ADC port and connector, and it's unlikely to work as several other threads here suggest.

Mac mini compatable Monitors

Hi
i would like to know the monitors best for Mac mini
Thanks

Which model do you have?
Intel HD Graphics 3000 with the 2.3 GHz processor or the
AMD Radeon HD 6630M and the 2.5GHz
The faster video processor will give better response but both will work with just about any HDTV out there.
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/mac_mini/select?mco=MjMzOT QxMTc

 ACD 20' model A1081 with new  mac mini compatibility

Hi,
1 year I'm waiting for an answer about this question ! :
I have two Apple cinéma displays 20' model No. A1081 and want buy a new Mac Mini to put it on
No answer from Applecare = No buy.
I've 9  devices to more or less yearly update...
Here is what google say: here and the picture of the display connector
How to connect this display ( which best resolution ) to a new Mac Mini.

Just other users here, no replies from Apple itself.
Besides the included adapter working, there's a MDP to DVI adapter you can buy...
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570Z/B/mini-displayport-to-dvi-adapter
http://km.support.apple.com/library/APPLE/APPLECARE_ALLGEOS/HT3382/HT3382_4-mdp_ dvi_adapter--001-mul.png
Video Card:
HD Graphics 4000
VRAM Type:
Integrated
Details:
This model has an Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system. Also see: What type of video system is provided by the Aluminum Mac mini models? Which are integrated and which are dedicated? Can the video be upgraded?
Standard VRAM:
512 MB*
Maximum VRAM:
512 MB*
Details:
*Apple quietly reports that with 4 GB of RAM installed, this model uses 512 MB of RAM for graphics. With additional RAM installed, more RAM may be reserved for graphics use.
Display Support:
Dual Displays
Resolution Support:
1920x1200*
Details:
*This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on an HDMI display or a DVI display using the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter and 2560x1600 on a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort display or even a VGA display (with an optional Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter, which is compatible with the Thunderbolt port).
2nd Display Support:
Dual/Mirroring*
2nd Max. Resolution:
2560x1600*
Details:
*This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on an HDMI or a DVI display (using the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter) and 2560x1600 on a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort display or even a VGA display (with an optional Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter, which is compatible with the Thunderbolt port).
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac-mini-core-i5-2.5-late-2 012-specs.html

Powerbook and new Mac Mini compatibility

I'm considering purchasing a new intel-powered mac mini with airport express to use as a house server.
In addition, as I can't afford to replace my G4 powerbook just yet, I was hoping that I might be able to use the Macmini as an short-term alternative for intel-enabled software.
So, my question. Could I network my G4 powerbook and new macmini in such a way that I could run intel-enabled software on the mini, via my powerbook screen and keyboard. Effectively using my powerbook as a dumb terminal for the macmini.
Is that possible given the chipsets?

MacEnstein. Welcome to discussions!
Best to start a new question - many people will stop looking here since it is marked answered. This lets you get the attention you deserve and keeps one problem per thread.
But - we are here - so let's see what happend.
Bonjour will find computers on the same network. That means unless you have gone to pains to set up two DHCP servers and change things substantially - things will work on most home networks.
Open the terminal application on both computers and do a netstat -nr - each should have the same gatway for the default destination and same network destination (look for 192.168.1/24 or similar) under the Gateway column where it says link#4
Most likely you will have IP addresses like 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1/24 - feel free to start a new thread or post your netstat -nr results of it's not clear what I'm doing.
Also - you can simply test this out from the command prompt. Each machine is known by a host name - type hostname -s on each. If Bonjour is going to work - machine "a" should be able to ping machine "b" as follows:
ping b.local
the .local says use Bonjour to find the machine named b and ping it.

I want to install Snow Leopard Server on our MacPro (2.66) using Mac Mini Snow Leopard Server disks? I kept getting an error for backwards compatibility. Is this possible or do I need to purchase another copy of Snow Leopard Server?

I want to install Snow Leopard Server on our MacPro(2.66) using Mac Mini Snow Leopard Server disks? I kept getting an error for backwards compatibility. Is this possible or do I need topurchase another copy of Snow Leopard Server?

The OS disks that are shipped with a particular product
are set up so that tey will only install on that product.
It will install on any Mini of that exact vintage, but that
is all.
This is to prevent people from doing exactly what you
are trying to do. The license for OSX shipped with any
is only valid for that product. Also, Snow Leopard,
including Server, is only permitted to be run on one
computer at a time. Bottom line, unlike Lion, legally
you cannot install the same copy on multiple
computers unless some "family pack" or site license
is purchased.
Yes, you need to purchase another copy.
The copy of Snow Leopard license is here:
http://images.apple.com/legal/sla/docs/macosx_snowleopard.pdf

I've attached a Gigaware microphone to my Mac Mini, it doesn't seen to recognize the microphone, is this a compatibility issue ?

I've attached a Gigaware microphone to my Mac Mini, it doesn't seen to recognize the microphone, is this a compatibility issue ?

Hello Anne,
Sounds like a PC only Mic...
http://www.justanswer.com/mac-computers/30cbm-just-bought-gigaware-3-0-megapixel -hd-webcam-mic.html
http://www.biloca.com/blog/?p=25
http://eshop.macsales.com/search/web+cam

I have an older apple keyboard, either a M2452 or a M7803. Do these have compatibility issues with 2012 Mac Minis?

I have an older apple keyboard, either a M2452 or a M7803. Do these have compatibility issues with 2012 Mac Minis?

I understand that you can connect any keyboard to a Mac Mini, my concern is that the modern Apple keyboards I have seen seem to have a layout much more similar to their PC counterparts. ie, they no longer have the "apple" key, etc.
Will I be missing functionality (using this older Apple keyboard)?

How do I find out the year of my mac mini and whether it is compatable with ipad or iphone

I have a mac mini ser#YM5521HBTAA and want to know if it will work with ipad or iphone. I'm not sure of the year purchased. I'm no longer using it and would like to give it to my daughter to use with her Ipad and/or iphone

If it's an Intel model with 10.5.8 or later installed it will work. You can decode the full information at the following site:
Decode Mac Serial Number

Mac mini and compatibility of peripherals

Hi,
a friend of mine is giving me his old Mac mini. I'll need to get a keyboard, mouse and monitor. I'm looking at non-apple products. He says that any mouse, keyboard and monitor would be compatible with the mini, but I thought that only some peripherals were Mac compatible. I think that he go this mini new in 2006
Do I need to check each component to make sure that it is compatible with the mini?
Thanks.

Welcome to the Apple discussions.
Mouse, I prefer a wired mouse so not to worry about, or use, batteries. I wouldn't bother with the older style mouse that uses a rubber ball to know where it's located. A number of manufacturers have an optical mouse which uses light to determine location. Mouse USB cable plugs into the back of the Apple keyboard.
Monitor, although most any will do, if you're buying new, get an LCD widescreen with DVI input. That way you can use the digital signal output from the mini direct to the monitor, without converting to an analog signal. The Samsung 940BW we have came with the DVI cable.
Keyboard, again most any will do, however, we have a wired Apple keyboard. For those times when you need to use alt/option or control, it's right there on they keyboard. Haven't tried the newly redesigned Apple keyboard.

BT Broadband compatibility with Mac Mini

Sorry if this question has been asked before but I am hoping to convert from Win XP to a Mac Mini soon and currently use BT as my broadband supplier. Iuse a Voyager 105 ADSL modem (wired) but the driver CD that came with the modem is not mac compatible.
Is it possible to set up an internet connection using the mac mini alone or do BT do a driver disc specifically for the mac OS?
Forgive my ignorance on such matters but I am mac virgin and want to know what will and wont work before I commit to the mini. Any help is appreciated.
Sub Sea Sniper

The BT Voyager 105 is a USB-based ADSL modem and from what I read on various sites, the Mac drivers, although available) are pretty shoddy.
Most UK IPSs supply USB ADSL modems because they are cheap and 99.9% of Windows PCs have USB, whereas not all have an Ethernet network connection.
USB ADSL Modems are generally inferior to Ethernet ADSL Routers so I would 110% recommend investing in one (such as the Netgear DG834).
Ethernet ADSL Routers require no drivers whatsoever, work faster and more reliably than USB modems, and they don't take up a USB port (usually requiring you to buy a USB hub).
Also, many Ethernet ADSL Routers have pretty decent hardware firewalls and VPN capability built-in (the Netgear DG834 has).
So, I would forget about your Voyager and get an Ethernet ADSL Router.
Also look at the D-Link DSL-300T 1-port ADSL Ethernet Modem or the 4-port D-Link DSL-504T ADSL ADSL Modem Router.

RAM Compatibility with the Late 2012 Mac Mini Core i7 Model (MD388LL/A)

Hi,
I ordered a Mac Mini for academic use and so far I have used this thing for 2 days but the problem is I usually have a lot of programs like SPSS, Excel, and Safari open at once to multitask and the 4 GB RAM isn't cutting it. I've had one instance where 3.9 GB of my RAM was put into use and I think a major culprit of the problem is that it runs on integrated graphics which takes RAM away.
So I ordered myself some G.Skill SO-dimm RAM from newegg (thinking it would be compatible with the Mac Mini since it was 204-pin, 1600 Mhz, non-buffered or ECC memory):
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231580
Upon reading the reviews, I found that 2-3 people had issues with their Mac Minis freezing up with the RAM stick (g.skill claims to have no tested this RAM for Mac, but the one specifically for RAM was $20 more expensive), while others say it runs fine on their Macs.
Should this work? My hope is the people who froze up got bad sticks.

Maximum Memory
16 GB
Memory Slots
2 - 204-pin PC3-12800 (1600 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM
Only use RAM meeting the above specs. Stay away from memory commonly used in PCs like GSkill. Buy your memory from OWC or DataMem, although many here also recommend using Crucial. I would not buy memory from NewEgg because almost all of their products are geared to the non-Mac market and tend to be troublesome in Macs.

Backward Compatibility of New Intel Processor Mac Mini

Will the data files and applications like Quicken 2006 on my old Power Processor Mac Mini transfer to the new Intel Processor Mac Mini?
Mac mini Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Data files will certainly transfer, though applications are not always a matter of such certainty. Most will, but a few non-Intel native ones may not - or may run but not run perfectly if they were not written to conform to the programming guidelines and thus not be fully compatible with Rosetta.
It would do no hard to try, though if you plan to be reliant on PPC applications from your G4 system, be aware that running under Rosetta, they are not likely to give you notable performance gains, even if you max out the RAM in the Intel model. If you plan to update software to Intel-native versions or have those already, a move to the Intel platform will give you significant performance advantages.

Mac mini 2.16 and Dell SX2210 webcam compatibility?

My dell SX2210 displays well with mac mini 2.16 gig , but won't recognize the SX2210 built-in webcam or microphones. Does anyone know of a driver or method that would remedy this?

I have a Dell SP2208WPF monitor and a Mac Mini (vintage April 2009). The Dell owners manual tells me that when I install the disc "Webcam Resourcee CD" something called Install Shield Wizard should appear on my screen and the rest is easy/automatic. I get three icons: AUTORUN.INF, DISK.ID and a folder called Webcam, none of which seems to contain the Install Shield Wizard. I have USB A to B cable installed (though it is a very thin retractable one). Any idea how get the installer to appear? Any other ideas what I am doing wrong?

Mac Mini Compatibility

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