PowerBook G4 to a modern Mac Mini to a PC?

Greetings.
I have searched a ton before posting this. I am a Mac & Unix/Linux user that has fallen behind. My pre-intel Powerbook G4 running OS X Tiger is on its last leg. My friend got me an All in One PC runing windows 7. It is iMac like.
I need to know if I can: Operate a Mac Mini connected to the PC to use them together or use the PC’s monitor, keyboard, and mouse as a stand-alone Mac and swap Mac/PC.
IF this is possible I want to know if I can move info from my PowerBook G4 to Mac Mini running OS X Mountain Lion? I want to know if I will be able to move Mac Mail and iCal from the G4 to the Mac Mini?
PC specs: HP Pavilion 23 PC All in One with Intel Core i3 64-bit OS Windows 7.
Please be kind. Thank you,
-Lisa

Hey Lisa,
As long as the PC is not a laptop you should be able to use the monitor with your mac mini.
Also, Yes you can transfer data from tiger to Mountain lion on the mac mini. You can only do this through firewire/thunderbolt here is an article on it:http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4889
Aleks

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Powerbook 15" 1.5MHz and Mac mini

I have a powerbook. I would like to know what limitations I might have adding a Mac mini to my Powerbook. I could go wireless, (preferred). Will I be able to use programs on the Mac mini from my Powerbook. Can it be used as a shared computer from my Powerbook? I would like to use the Mac as a second hard drive etc.
Looking for benefits and faults.
What ever help you can give me would appreciated.
Skeeter

Hi Virgil
When you network two Macs, you can set up Personal File Sharing between them, which will allow you to access files (documents, images, etc) on either machine. Each computer will appear in the other's Network area; or, you can connect through Finder's Go - Connect to Server menu using:
afp://other-machine's-IP (eg afp://10.0.1.3)
and then login using the user account you have on the computer you're connecting to.
You can have the other computer's hard drive mount to your desktop at startup by connecting to it and dragging the icon to your Login Items list in your Accounts preferences. That way, it's always available to you.
In that way, you can use the other computer as a networked hard drive. However, you can't run an application on the network computer as though it was local. What you can do is remotely login to the other computer through Terminal and start the application remotely, but I'm not sure that's what you want to do.
Hope that helps
Matt

Mac Mini to a PC?

Is it possible to use an All in One PC as the Monitor, keyboard & mouse for a Mac Mini?
I may get a Mini OS X Mt. Lion soon. I am currently on a PC: HP Pavilion 23 All in One OS Windows 7.
I am a Mac user. My PowerBook G4 Tiger is barely able to boot. I will transfer PB to Mini. The PC is handy but I can’t get to my Mail messages or iCal info.
I posted something similar in the PB section: “PowerBook G4 to a modern Mac Mini to a PC?”

Get an adapter dvi to analog.
Get an analog to analog 15 pin cable set and plug in to your VGA port on the monitor.
Based on what you said this should work. Perhaps there are other factors that have not been exposed.

Mac Mini s-video vs. PowerBook s-video quality

Is there notable difference between Mac Mini's s-video output (with the DVI to s-video adapter) and PowerBook G4 1.67 s-video output?
I'm asking this because I've found PowerBook s-video output to be quite good. I can easily use my Powerbook on a CRT 28" WS TV. If Mac Mini delivers same quality, I'm quite sure I will get one to replace DVD, CD and digi-tv on the living room.
This subject briefly surfaced on another thread, but I decided to ask it more visibly.

Yep,
I have the powerbook 1.67 and a mac mini core duo, the powerbook handles s-video really well in terms of resolutions however the mini fails, it cannot manage anamorphic displays which are rubbish if youve got a widescreen tv. However in terms of quality they are both great even though the powerbook has 128mb video card the mini easily matches.

Mac mini and lcd tv displays

I currently have a g3 ibook and a g4 imac. I've been debating on what i should buy as an upgrade. I've been torn between virtually all macs including the powerbook, ibooks, imac, and the mac mini. I'm moving in a couple of months to a temporary residence where space will be limited. I just purchased a very nice philips 37 inch lcd display with vga inputs and hdmi inputs. After much thought this is what i think i'm going to do.
Sell the G4 imac or give to my parents. Keep the G3 ibook but install the max ram for it (is 512mb the max for this old cpu) and replace the old airport card with a new airport extreme card. Buy an extreme base station. Get a mac mini w/ wireless mouse and keyboard and run it through the philips. Any thoughts?
If i go this route i keep the ibook for portability and the mac mini gives me a more powerful at home cpu. This would keep costs down and not take up as much space. Anyone have their mini hooked up to their lcd tv?

Hi Martin,
I appreciate your thoughts : I have a G3e key Lime Clamshell 466MHz iBook, I put a 256MB SIMM in to take the iBook up to 384mb and it's now OK for Tiger - I used the Apple Video Out cable to a sony CRT TV via SCART and was able to struggle thru Bridget Jones 2 on DVD , but got a headache! Wife was UNHAPPY. suggestion is avoid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(maybe sell your iBook at a premium on an online auction website?)
I'm pretty sure that Airport Extreme cards - being a different size and shape from the old ones won't allow you to upgrade that way. I did buy an Airport Extreme enabled Mac Mini 1.25GHz 40GB 1GB RAM for driving my Dell 26" LCD TV/Monitor. It is F A N T A S T I C ! The Dell W2600 came with DVI to DVI cable which plugged straight into the Mini's DVI with no adaptors. The Dell was recognised and a profile was loaded by 10.3
Most important point :-
I adjusted the Mac Mini screen output resolution to EXACTLY the Dell W2600 Native Resolution of 1280 x 768 (WXGA) (720p HDTV).
with a mismatched native resolution the modern TV's like your Philips 37" will start to resample and might make artefacts (mine did!)
The Mini's 32MB video RAM will not drive much higher screen resolutions than 720p anyway!
Well, after some playing , and loading of helper programs like VLC and MTR , then you'll find that Mac Mini to big LCD is the best ever quality that you've seen your DVD's played. When you download the Apple QT7 H.264 HDTV 720p trailers, you'll have seen the best ever TV quality imaginable!!!!
for extended use as a desktop PC, the Mac Mini would be better firing into a 17-19" LCD,
the 26-42" displays are so big that you have to stand 6+ feet away from them at least !!
I used a BT dongle (I had it lying around) and the Apple BT keybd and mouse work well, in fact, I can type from the other end of the garden - just I can't see what I'm typing!
I bought my 3rd & last Mac Mini tonight for Euro 399 (£264!!!) as the blowout of the Rev.A 1.25GHz 40GB 256RAM 32 VRAM models. My main Mini really uses its 1GB ramstick when encoding MPG4 via the EyeTV200, but the sub £300 price makes the Mini phenomenal, unbeatable and so versatile!
I'm sure you'd be happy with the Rev.B with the BTO options until Rev.C comes out!
what's the native resolution of your Philips LCD? is it video protected path?

Mac mini and lcd tv

I currently have a g3 ibook and a g4 imac. I've been debating on what i should buy as an upgrade. I've been torn between virtually all macs including the powerbook, ibooks, imac, and the mac mini. I'm moving in a couple of months to a temporary residence where space will be limited. I just purchased a very nice philips 37 inch lcd display with vga inputs and hdmi inputs. After much thought this is what i think i'm going to do.
Sell the G4 imac or give to my parents. Keep the G3 ibook but install the max ram for it (is 512mb the max for this old cpu) and replace the old airport card with a new airport extreme card. Buy an extreme base station. Get a mac mini w/ wireless mouse and keyboard and run it through the philips. Any thoughts?
If i go this route i keep the ibook for portability and the mac mini gives me a more powerful at home cpu. This would keep costs down and not take up as much space. Anyone have their mini hooked up to their lcd tv?

37PF7320A/37
http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/catalog/catalog.jsp?activeCategory=TVGR_US_CONSUMER&fhquery=fh_location%3D%2F%2Fconsumer%2Fen_US%2Fcategories%3Ccatal og_us_consumer%2Fcategories%3Ctv_gr_us_consumer%2Fcategories%3C%7Bflat_tv_ca_us_ consumer%7D&fhquery=fh_start_index%3D10&clickEventData=fh_location%3D%2F%2Fconsu mer%2Fen_US%2Fcategories%3Ccatalog_us_consumer%2Fcategories%3Ctv_gr_us_consumer% 2Fcategories%3C%7Bflat_tv_ca_usconsumer%7D&fredhopperpage=lister.jsp&language=en&country=US&catalogType=CONSUME R&proxybuster=E5JLWKPDGNS3BJ0RMRESHQFHKFSEKI5P

How do I point iTunes on a New Mac Mini to an External iTunes Library

I have a 90 Gb (7000 tracks) iTunes Library sitting on a network drive that I want to "relocate" from my Powerbook to my new Intel Mac Mini. Or rather I want to point iTunes on the new Mac Mini to the existing Library.
How can I achive this and still retain all my ratings and other track info (ie count)?
Graham J
Melbourne, Australia

To move your songs from the network drive to the Mac Mini, add them to the iTunes on the Mac Mini, make sure that in Edit > Preferences > Advanced the default location is on the Mac Mini. Finally click Advanced > Consolidate Library. This will move the files to your Mac Mini.
On the other hand, if you want to point iTunes on the Mac Mini to the network drive, change the setting in the above preference location.

Question about Mac mini

I have a powerbook, but I want to get a Mac Mini for the windows use instead of upgrading and buying a new desktop (by Windows ie Dell). The question is can I have a mac mini and use my powerbook screen for the monitor?
Thanks.

Hello,
Not directly. The PowerBook cannot act as a monitor for the other computer.
And, the devices to connect the other computer to the PowerBook's USB or FireWire port (to pipe video in that way) would introduce such a lag that you would find games unplayable (and even controlling your mouse would be very difficult).
You could try a remote control program such as:
http://www.netopia.com/software/products/tb2/mac/index.html
You would then sit at the PowerBook, and remotely control the Mac Mini through a home network. Everything would appear on your screen as if you were sitting in-front of the Mac Mini.
Now, the program mentioned would only work for Mac OS to Mac OS remote control. But, there are Mac to Windows remote control options out there as well. But, they are a little trickier to set-up. But, one solution uses VNC networking and programs (of which there is a version for just about every platform / operating system).
But, the trick there is that you need to be able to see what you're doing on the Mac Mini computer long enough to setup the remote control program.
I'd suggest just finding another monitor for the other computer. They can be had for free and often only $5 if you buy them used. But, check around.
I hope this helps.
Let us know if you have other questions.

How to transfer Apps from PB G4 OS 10.4.11 to New Mac mini 1.83 Ghz Leopard

Hi all,
I'm sorry if this question has previously been posted. I tried searching the forums but was unsuccessful. I just purchased a new Mac mini 1.83 Ghz with Leopard.
*How can I transfer my files and applications from my powerbook G4 to the new mac mini.*
I'd like to transfer all my files and folders except for Tiger OS, and then reformat my PB G4 and sell it.
In the past I used CCC Carbon Copy Cloner, however I'm assuming that won't work in this situation.
Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you.

If your new mini is an Intel based system, then for the most part you really don't want to transfer your applications from the G4 PB to it, because at least some of your applications are going to be PPC software which is not native on the Intel system and therefore will run very slowly. Ideally, you would reinstall your software from disk or download, ensuring that were possible you replace non-native versions with fully Intel native (often described as 'Universal').
However, to answer your question, put the G4 PB into firewire target disk mode if it is capable of it (hold the T key down while booting it - a firewire symbol will appear on-screen if it can do this). Then connect it to the mini with a standard 6-pin to 6-pin firewire cable. Then on the mini, run the Migration Assistant (in Applications>Utilities) and follow the prompts. The system will then be able to see the PB as an external drive and allow you to migrate files, applications and settings.
Beware though that there can be issues because not only are you migrating from a G4 system to an Intel one, but also from Tiger to Leopard, meaning that you might find some software doesn't run correctly, or settings may cause instabilities.
Typically the best bet is to migrate your files using the migration assistant, but manually install software and set all the various configurations.
You're certainly right that you can't use CCC in this situation!!

Mac Mini Intel Wireless Problem

I just bought an Intel Mac Mini and experienced extremely poor wireless connection to my home network. The signal would start out strong and then fluctuate and become so weak as to not support a connection at all.
I, of course, consulted the vast world of info (www) and found this is a common problem (particularly with this model). I tried some of the suggested fixes (reorientation, antenna disconnected, etc.), but no dice.
However, while the case was open I powered-up the Mini and discovered that I had a much more stable connection. Seems maybe the case shielding (even though cutout for the antennai) might be blocking reception.
Has anyone tried an external antenna (whip) with one of these things? If so, which one(s)?
I also have a 12" Powerbook (1.33), iMac G5, Mac Mini G4 and various PeeCee laptops that connect to my wireless network anywhere in the house with a good consistent signal.
Thanks
12in iMacG5 Mini Mac OS X (10.4.7)
12in iMacG5 Mini Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Thanks for the suggestions DP.
The settings are the same as for the dozens of other computers that have connected to our wireless, and the mini has been connected with no other computers on the wireless which made no difference (and rightfully shouldn't).
I've actually solved that issue by removing the case - what I'm really asking about is external anntenas. Or case mods.
Thanks
12in iMacG5 Mini Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Logitech headset Skype and Mac Mini Intel

Hi,
I own a Powerbook G4 and a new Mac Mini Intel Duo Core.
Both machines run the same latest OSX version 10.4.6.
On the Mac Mini I have a problem using Skype with my Logitech Headset 350 (usb). The system does recognize the headset, but for some reason the microphone of the headset is not working. The speakers work fine. I did set the prefrences right in the Skype menu.
But on my Powerbook G4 the headset works perfectly fine.
Could this be an Intel issue? Maybe I a driver (can't find one on the Logitech site)? Anyone any clue?
Thanks, Fred
Mac Mini Intel Core Duo 1.66 Mac OS X (10.4.6) 1280 MB ram

On the Mac Mini I have a problem using Skype with my
Logitech Headset 350 (usb). The system does recognize
the headset, but for some reason the microphone of
the headset is not working. The speakers work fine. I
did set the prefrences right in the Skype menu.
I have the same headset and it works fine. First, directly connect it to your mini, don't use the keyboard's USB hub since it can only drive 100mA devices. Second, check that the mic is actually on (the blue LED is constantly on, not flashing).
If it still doesn't work go to System Preferences->Sound->Input then select the "USB Headset" and speak into the mic and watch the input level meter. If necessary adjust the "Input Volume".
Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.4.6) Core Duo / 2GB

Using a Mac mini as a target disk for a G4 Powerbook

Hello,
I saw a post that dealt with the above issue but i would like to get a bit more specific. I bought my Powerbook in 2005 and by now it's a bit dated. I use it to run Logic Pro, but also love games... So would it be possible to get a Mac mini Intel Duo 2Ghz, connect it to my Powerbook G4 and run games or other applications on the Mac mini but using the display and controls of my Powerbook? So in a few words, play on the Powerbook but run the game from the Mac mini. It sounds possible, but i am no computer genie! What do you think?
Or should i just spend an extra £200 and a get a Macbook...?
Thanks for your time,
Dimitris
Message was edited by: dimis
Message was edited by: dimis

When you run a computer in Target Disk Mode, the primary unit is what utilizes the processor, and the secondary unit in Target Disk Mode is only serving as the boot volume.
What does this mean?
Let's use two "equal" machines. At least, ones I've worked with. An iMac G3 400MHz and a 12-inch PowerBook G4 1.5GHz.
If you connect your PowerBook in Target Disk Mode to the iMac G3, your iMac will not run faster and things that work with your PowerBook, say, Pages or iWork '05, won't run on your iMac. The primary unit is the iMac and all it is doing is accessing the PowerBook for the startup volume and any files. But it still runs at G3 speed and won't take advantage of the G4 speed since it is not the machine being used. All the iMac is doing is accessing the PowerBook as if it were a bare external drive. (Well, not bare in that sense).
Vice versa, if you were to connect your iMac G3 in Target Disk Mode to your 12-inch PowerBook, things you saw that were slow at 400MHz, will fly at 1.5GHz and in G4 speeds, since the PowerBook is now your primary unit.
To put it in your terms, what you want to do is really use an Intel Mac mini as your primary unit and connect your PowerBook to it in Target Disk Mode so that you will see speed increases there. What you outlined in your post will not be possible.
If you connect an Intel Mac mini in Target Disk Mode to your PowerBook, the G4 processor will be the one being utilized, and in that case, you won't be able to run things like, say, Tiger Woods PGA Tour from EA (Electronic Arts) because while that runs and only runs on Intel-based Macs, with the Mac mini in Target Disk Mode, it will not use the Intel processor.
Vice versa, if you were to connect your PowerBook in Target Disk Mode to your Intel Mac mini, things like OS9 apps in Classic mode wouldn't run on the Mac mini since it's accessing the files on the PowerBook, but the processor being utilized is the Intel one, and Classic is not compatible with Intel-based Macs.
However, Logic Pro, as long as it was the Universal version, would fly on the Mac mini if using your PowerBook in Target Disk Mode.
So, after all that, the best thing to do would be to buy a MacBook, or in an "apples to apples" comparison, the professional equivalent in the MacBook Pro.

Decided to upgrade from an old PowerBook G4, mostly for eyesight issues. Bought a new Mac Mini and hooked it up to an Apple A1267 Cinema Monitor. I cannot even figure out how to turn them on. Help please.

I am exhausted just getting to the point of being allowed to ask my question. I recently decided to upgrade from an old PowerBook G4 that we have used for years, and am using now. I bought a new Mac Mini and a reconditioned Apple A1267 Monitor that was working beautifully when hooked to a slightly newer PowerBook in the store. Both the Mini and the monitor are plugged in, and attached to each other but I feel light a dolt. I cannot even figure out how to turn them on or even get a power light to come on. Can someone help me?

How is the Mini coonected to the momitor?
Does the power button n the mini not work?

Mac mini and the powerbook, connecting the two

Hi Everyone,
I'm currently on the move, so the convenience of portability is extremely important.
I'm a PowerBook user, with only little remaining hard drive space to spare. But, I also have an external hard drive to ease the matter. Now much of the space on my PB has been taken up by applications, but a large sum has also been used up by music. And by way of preference, I would rather not have to turn on my external in the event that I want to listen to music, which, really, is everytime I'm on my computer. So I'm looking to free up some space on my PB, which has lead me to consider a Mac mini. Whereas the PB would serve to house all my work applications and the external for all my work files, I anticipate that the mac mini would house all my music and other non-work related files.
But going back to the issue of portability and convenience, I wouldn't want to have to lug around a keyboard and monitor with the mini, and which that in mind, I was wonder if it's decently possible to connect the mini to my PB, and effectively running the mini and all its applications from my PB.
Thank you all.
Regards,
Jeremy

Thank you for the facts and suggestions everyone. With all the information gathered, I've arrived at the following.
So, I do have an external, as mentioned, but with all the sensitive data on its drives, I'd rather not have to turn it on whenever I feel like listening to music. I normally power it on three-four times a week to work on my projects, and after each respective session, I turn it off, concerned that it may possibly overheat.. or break down, as it's happened to me before with another external, a few years back.
And I've come to agreement with you all, in that the mini with its current specs, isn't the most cost-effective and portable path I could take, with particular regards to my on-the-go lifestyle.
And I would rather not have my PB opened up at this point... then it occurred to me... my iPod. I'm currently at the office at the moment, so I'm unable to test this out, but is it possible to run music off the ipod through the PB's speakers, while it's (obviously) connected to the PB? Or I suppose I could wait for Apple's iPod Hi-Fi.

Importing photos from my Powerbook to my Mac Mini

Hi there,
I am running iPhoto '06 v. 6.0.6 on my Powerbook. I am also running iPhoto '08 v. 7.1.5 on my Mini (don't know how I ended up with different versions) and want to import my photos from my Powerbook to my Mac Mini. When I tried, it didn't work- the thumb nails were all there but when I clicked on the individual photo a big black 'image' came up with a big white exclamation mark on it.
I presume I need the same versions to be able to do this? How can I get the new version, I didn't buy iPhoto 08 so I don't know how it got on my laptop!
Many thanks, Rose

Great! Have done that, and all seems well. Thankyou.
I wonder if you can answer a question I have about the lay-out of iPhoto 08, and if it can be changed. When I click on a thumbnail, the picture comes up full-size but without the line of thumbnails along the top (as it does in '06). The handy arrow and 'done' button are also missing along the bottom. If I press the 'return' button, these things then appear but it doesn't stay like that, it just comes up again without the scroll bar etc when I click on another thumbnail and I must press return again.
Is it just a setting that can be changed somehow?
Many thanks, Rose

PowerBook G4 to a modern Mac Mini to a PC?

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