Help finding Mac for Father? Speed?

[CubeHacker]

Flash video's don't use the video card at all, its 100% CPU dependent, so the intel graphics won't matter one bit. Yes, it'll run flash just fine.

That mini should be upgradeable to at least 2gb of RAM, not sure about 4gb though. But if all your father does is browse the web and watch online video's, then the 1gb should be sufficient.

 

[velocityg4]

Hey guys

So I may have found a suitable mini for a very reasonable price.

It's the 1.83ghz Core2Duo system, I just had a couple more questions.

It only has 1Gb of Ram installed, is it upgradable in this model?

Same question for the hard drive. It's got 80gb installed, how easy is it to replace and make bigger.

This model also has the intel gma 950 for graphics. Is this going to have any problems with streaming video? What about Divx content on the hard drive? Is HD out of the question?

Thanks for all your help guys. Much appreciated.

Given your fathers uses I do not see a need to upgrade the hard drive. Most of my customers with basic uses like you described use about 5GB to 10GB storage. So you should verify how much is being used for actual data. I'll say most of the space is likely used by temporary file directories that ran wild, restore points, virtual memory, and backup copies of every single Microsoft update.

Hard Drive replacement guide (Also lists tools needed)

Anyways the Mac Mini you mentioned supports 3GB DDR2 200pin memory (2GB + 1GB). I would upgrade it to at least 2GB that is the minimum for a current computer that you want to last a few years. But increasing to 3GB is such a negligible cost increase you should do that to save the hassle in the future and maximize the lifespan.

Detailed Specifications for that Mini
3GB Memory Kit $70 (only $25 more)
2GB Memory Kit $45

 

[Hrududu]

Hey, he probably won't want to spend any more than between 300-400, as that is what it would cost to fix his current computer.

I'll take a look at the Mini's though. Didn't the older one's only have the intel GMA's? Would that handle youtube better than the G4's?

And so by the sound of it, any G4 is basically going to fail at youtube?

My 1.5GHz Powerbook handles YouTube just fine. If you found a cheap 1.5GHz Mini for sale, then go ahead and give it a shot. Honestly, any computer sold today is far more powerful then he needs (and most everyone honestly), so buy whatever you can afford.

 

[ChrisA]

Hey, he probably won't want to spend any more than between 300-400, as that is what it would cost to fix his current computer.

I'll take a look at the Mini's though. Didn't the older one's only have the intel GMA's? Would that handle youtube better than the G4's?

And so by the sound of it, any G4 is basically going to fail at youtube?

I haver a 1.25Ghz G4 Mini. It can handle u-tube just fine. It's a noticeably slow compared to my newer 24" iMac. The G4 will work but I'd recommend a dual core Intel Mini.

 

[dKran]

Hey Guys. Thanks for all your help. I think we're going to try and go for this one, just waiting on a message back now lol.

And the reason I was asking about the drive is that he has an external HD with his entire CD collection on it, and it would be preferable to just be able to have it on his main HD.

Anyone have any word on HD or divx videos?

Thanks again!