Oldest Mac Mini that can be used as a media server

[TheDrift-]

I Would like to pick up a cheap Mac Mini to act as a media server, It would need to be able to pick up my Nas drive...and I would really really like it to be able to play ripit files in format .dvdmedia.

It wouldn't need to do anything much other than that....would one of the older G4 mac minis do?

Any help appreciated..thanks

 

[Hellhammer]

If you don't plan on playing anything heavier than DVDs/SD videos, then a G4 Mini should be sufficient.

 

[TheDrift-]

If you don't plan on playing anything heavier than DVDs/SD videos, then a G4 Mini should be sufficient.

Thanks, I assume you can get a dvi to hdmi lead too?

 

[OllyW]

Thanks, I assume you can get a dvi to hdmi lead too?

Yes. You'll also need an audio cable as dvi is video only.

 

[mdgm]

Even if a PowerPC Mac Mini may be sufficient I would suggest getting an Intel Mac Mini if possible. With PowerPC you are limited to 10.5. Once Lion comes out later this year the trend to drop PowerPC support will accelerate as Lion does not have Rosetta.

Core Duo Minis would be limited to 10.6, but would be supported with security updates for longer than Macs running 10.5. It should also continue to work with new versions of software for longer than a PowerPC Mini.

 

[TheDrift-]

Even if a PowerPC Mac Mini may be sufficient I would suggest getting an Intel Mac Mini if possible. With PowerPC you are limited to 10.5. Once Lion comes out later this year the trend to drop PowerPC support will accelerate as Lion does not have Rosetta.

Core Duo Minis would be limited to 10.6, but would be supported with security updates for longer than Macs running 10.5. It should also continue to work with new versions of software for longer than a PowerPC Mini.

Thanks

I am less concerned about security as it wont be connected to the internet, and wont hold any sensitive data.....it will be a one trick pony to play my media and thats pretty much it.

The idea being a cheap mac mini will sit under the TV nicely and is probably comparable in cost to decent-ish media player.

 

[grawk]

You'll want at least a core 2 duo if you're using wifi, as the core duo is 802.11g. I use a core duo as my media server, but it's plugged into the router.

 

[philipma1957]

I would say get a 2009 2.0ghz they can be had for 499 as a refurb with a 1 yr warranty from apple online.

 

[TheDrift-]

I would say get a 2009 2.0ghz they can be had for 499 as a refurb with a 1 yr warranty from apple online.

Thanks Just picked up a used one of these, any idea what leads I need to output the sound??

 

[OllyW]

Thanks Just picked up a used one of these, any idea what leads I need to output the sound??

It's got a 3.5mm analogue/optical output.