Mac Mini OS X 10.4 upgrade query

[AndyGTC]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and new to the world of Apple computers (except for my iPod). Had a good hunt around for answers to my problem but with no luck.

I've just purchased a used Mac Mini to test the waters, as it were, with Apple computing. I picked it up dirt cheap and it seemed like a worthwhile exercise as I'm considering developing an app based around a book I have written.

This Mini has the following specs:-

1GB DDR RAM, 1.5Ghz PowerPC G4 processor, 80GB HDD, wireless, bluetooth etc, etc. I believe it's running OS X 10.4.11

I'm told, in order to develop apps I need to be running OS X 10.5 or later?

Is this correct? If so, is my Mini easily upgradeable?

If anyone could advise or point me to a thread that answers my question I'd be very grateful.

Thanks very much!

Andy

 

[simsaladimbamba]

You need an Intel Mac with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard on to develop iOS apps: https://developer.apple.com/support/ios/ios-dev-center.html

Your Mac mini will not run Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, as it is NOT an Intel Mac, but a PPC Mac (different architecture).
You can install Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard on it and probably can upgrade the RAM a bit further.
Look on iFixIt for guides (it is a bit hard to do so) and on EveryMac for specifics on how much RAM your Mac mini can use.

To learn more about Mac OS X: Helpful Information for Any Mac User by GGJstudios​

PS: That Mac mini was still running 10.4.11 due to that Mac mini probably coming with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard runs a bit slower on G4 equipped Macs.
I upgraded my G4 iBook (1 GHz, 1.25 GB RAM) to Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard once, but decided to downgrade due to it being slower than with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger.


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[AndyGTC]

You need an Intel Mac with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard on to develop iOS apps: https://developer.apple.com/support/ios/ios-dev-center.html

Your Mac mini will not run Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, as it is NOT an Intel Mac, but a PPC Mac.

Ah, so my 'bargain' wasn't quite the bargain I'd hoped for.....back to the drawing board (literally)....ho hum........