Mac Mini G4
Processors
The Mac Mini G4 uses single-core 32-bit PowerPC processors that have 512 KiB of on-chip L2 cache. The processor accesses memory through the front side bus, which is clocked at 167 MHz. The chips in these Mac Minis run at 1.25, 1.33, 1.42, or 1.5 GHz. The computer sports an ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32 MiB of DDR SDRAM standard. The high-end model of the last revision comes with 64 MiB of video memory instead.
[edit]Memory
The Mac Mini G4 uses 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, allows a maximum of 1 GiB of memory, and has only one slot for random access memory. This restricts both the maximum amount of available memory, which can greatly reduce performance by forcing the system to run in virtual memory, and, since the system is unable to take advantage of dual channels, maximum bandwidth. This issue was addressed in the Intel Mac Minis.
[edit]Storage
The Mac Mini G4 uses a single 2.5-inch Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, which offers a maximum transfer rate of 100 MB/s. Because of the Mac Mini's sealed enclosure, it is not possible to upgrade the hard drive without voiding the warranty of the system. The Mac Mini G4 also contains a second ATA cable that connects to the optical drive. A Combo drive was included as standard, while a SuperDrive capable of writing to DVDswas also an option.
[edit]External connectivity
The original Mac Mini includes two USB 2.0 and one FireWire 400 port. Networking is supported with 10/100 Ethernet and V.92 modem ports, while 802.11b/g and Bluetooth were additional build-to-order options. The modem was later omitted from the Mac Mini, but an external modem remained an option. External displays are supported via a DVI port. Adaptors are also available for VGA, S-Video, and composite video. The system contains a built-in speaker and an analog 1/8-inch stereo mini jack for sound out at the back of the case.
In the last revision of the Mac Mini G4, the internal mezzanine board was upgraded to accommodate the AirPort Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology onto one chip. In previous models, the Mac mini included an AirPort Extreme card taped to the mezzanine board and a separate Bluetooth module.[19] This new Wi-Fi card also no longer uses an MCX-Female connector for the antenna (as the previous models did) but rather a proprietary Apple one.
[edit]Specifications
| Component | PowerPC G4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Early 2005 | Mid 2005[20] | Late 2005[21] |
| Release date | January 11, 2005 | July 26, 2005 | September 27, 2005 |
| Model Numbers | M9686*/A M9687*/A | M9686*/B M9687*/B M9971*/B | M9687*/B M9971*/B |
| Machine Model | PowerMac10,1 | PowerMac10,2 | |
| Graphics | ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32 MiB of DDR SDRAM. | ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32 MiB or 64 MiB of DDR SDRAM. | |
| Hard drive | 40 GB or 80 GB Ultra ATA/100 at 4200-rpm | 40 GB or 80 GB Ultra ATA/100 at 5400-rpm | |
| Processor | 1.25 GHz or 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 (7447A) | 1.33 GHz or 1.5 GHz PowerPC G4 (7447A) | |
| Cache | 64 KB L1, 512 KB L2 (1:1) | ||
| Front Side Bus | 167 MHz | ||
| Memory One RAM slot | 256 MiB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM Expandable to 1 GiB | 512 MiB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM Expandable to 1 GiB | |
| AirPort Extreme | Optional or Integrated 802.11b/g | ||
| Ethernet | 10/100 Base-T | ||
| Optical drive | 8× DVD read, 24× CD-R and 16× CD-RW recording, 8× DVD±R read Combo drive or 8× DVD±R read, 8× DVD±R writes, 4× DVD±RW writes or 2.4× DVD±R writes, 24× CD read, 24× CD-R, and 16× CD-RW recording SuperDrive | 8× DVD read, 24× CD-R and 16× CD-RW recording Combo drive or 8× DVD±R read, 4× DVD±R writes or 2× DVD±RW writes, 24× CD read, 16× CD-R, and 8× CD-RW recording SuperDrive | |
| Minimumoperating systemrequired | Mac OS X v10.3.7 Panther | Mac OS X v10.4.2 Tiger | |
| Maximum operating system supported | Mac OS X v10.5.8 Leopard | ||
| Model ID | A1103 | ||
| Weight | 2.9 pounds / 1.32 kg | ||
| Dimensions | 2 × 6.5 × 6.5 inches / 50.8 × 165.1 × 165.1 mm | ||
Notes:
1 The serial number and specifications sticker on the underside of the latest revision do not carry the actual specs of the upgrade. For example, on a 1.5 GHz model, 1.42 GHz is listed. The product packaging also did not reflect the upgrade. Apple did not revise the official specifications on their web site.[22]
[edit]Alternative operating systems
The Mac Mini G4 can run different operating systems designed for the PowerPC architecture. For example, a user can easily install the AmigaOS-compatible MorphOS. Debian or Ubuntu Linux can also be installed.[23][24][25][26] Unlike the Intel Mac Minis, the G4 versions are still capable of running Classic emulation, thus they are compatible with older Mac OS applications.