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Jeloda1011

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 8, 2013
2
0
I'm thinking about buying a used Mac Mini G4 1.5ghz, with 80 gb hard drive for what seems like an incredible deal. I have an old MacBook already but am wanting a second Mac machine solely for Garageband and Itunes. Will this used Mac Mini G4 1.5ghz, 80gb hard drive do the trick? Thanks!!
 
I'm thinking about buying a used Mac Mini G4 1.5ghz, with 80 gb hard drive for what seems like an incredible deal. I have an old MacBook already but am wanting a second Mac machine solely for Garageband and Itunes. Will this used Mac Mini G4 1.5ghz, 80gb hard drive do the trick? Thanks!!
this is best asked in the power pc forum. They'll probably know more.
What I can say is that if a g4 mini is going for more than 35 dollars, it's expensive. You can buy g4 towers for about 30-40 dollars.
 
With a G4 you'll be stuck with a very old OS and GarageBand. If you're on an extreme budget or enjoy the 'retro' PPC experience it could be okay, but you'd probably get more life out of a newer mini. You could pick up a 2009 core 2 duo model from eBay.
 
Thanks guys! I have decided against buying the G4 - I think I will hold out for a new model - after more research I believe this to be the best option. Now, if only I can get my MacBook to keep Airport on, I will continue be a happy Mac User....... (yes, I know, discussion for another thread ;) )
 
Just to hammer the point home, that MacMini is seven years old. It can't run an OS later than Leopard 10.5.
80Gb is very small, particularly if you want it for iTunes and Garageband, though it is easy enough to add an external large drive.

I would go for a 2009 model at the earliest. It will have the capacity, capability and compatibility that you need, as well as a reasonable amount of life left in it.
 
Isn't that beaten by a Raspberry Pi? Really wonder how the 2 would compare. The Pi runs on 2.5 watt, no way the G4 matches that spec.

I have no experience with that platform, but I do with Macs and Ubuntu. For such a cheap aquisition, I'd enjoy setting up a server with an old G4. As for specs and power efficiency, really not a concern for a such a hobby project.
 
this is best asked in the power pc forum. They'll probably know more.
What I can say is that if a g4 mini is going for more than 35 dollars, it's expensive. You can buy g4 towers for about 30-40 dollars.


It belongs in a museum!
 
Not iconic enough, yet...

Why not, the Mini is the best industrial design produced by Apple EVER, the current is the BEST COMPUTER EVER, and so, the first is a LEGEND! Does not sell for as much as a Nikon F though..... :mad:
 
It belongs in a museum!

Does a working Mac belong to a museum?

Jeloda1011, it's very sad that you decided against the G4. Not that the hardware is pretty affordable nowadays, you can also get the music software just for a few bucks! I'm still using a Powerbook G4 1,5 GHz for producing music and live music with Soundtrack Pro, Ableton Live, Traktor and Logic Pro. You don't always need the newest software, when the old software still does work perfectly for your needs. Both the Mac mini G4 and the Powerbook G4 (at least the two last generations) are incredible reliable hardware, which work for me since they were introduced.

A computer which you can put to good use does not belong to a museum. Just my 2 cents.
 
I am still doing my spreadsheets etc. on that mini model.:)
 
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