Just dug up my old Mac mini from the closet

[applelisa]

Hi: I just retrieved my old Mac Mini from the closet. Started to do some work after I applied all the back updates.

This Mac is running Mac OS 10 10.6.8. It is a 2 GHz Core 2 Duo with 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM. I think it is called a Mac Mini 2.1.

I tried to update the OS via the App store and they said no update available. I also need a photo editing software app and tried to download the iphoto app - also a no!

Am I at a dead-end with this Mini? Any photo editing software you could recommend for this Mini. Thanks, Bill

 

[simsaladimbamba]

If you haven't done a clean install of that Mac mini, there should still be an older iPhoto version on it, if not, you could look for the second grey Restore DVD that came with that Mac or look for iLife' DVDs on eBay.

Or you could give Gimp a try. Or Pixelmator.

 

[famous600]

It can likely update to mavericks. Open the App Store, search for Mavericks. Download and install!

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5842

 

[simsaladimbamba]

It can likely update to mavericks. Open the App Store, search for Mavericks. Download and install!

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5842

Not officially, as that Mac mini is not supported.

Mac mini (Early 2009 or later)

The 2009 Mac mini had at least DDR3 RAM, the Mac mini of the OP has DDR2 RAM.

 

[applelisa]

Yes, there is a basic editing program on the dock that came with the system - Called Preview. Very basic, not as good as the current version.

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Found the Maverick OS and it would not install either... Thanks anyway...

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Pixelmator will not install either...

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Any more suggestions? Thanks for the help...

 

[brand]

It can likely update to mavericks. Open the App Store, search for Mavericks. Download and install!

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5842

Did you even read the page that you linked to? The Mac Mini 2,1 is not even listed as a supported model on that page.

 

[famous600]

Did you even read the page that you linked to? The Mac Mini 2,1 is not even listed as a supported model on that page.

I didn't bother to look up what model the 2,1 Mac mini was

 

[Fishrrman]

There's nothing wrong with 10.6.8 -- it's a very stable version of the OS, even if it's "dated" and even though updates are no longer being provided.

Having said that, you might consider an upgrade to 10.8 "Mountain Lion", if the Mini you have will run it.

My guess is that it will be a "good enough" update for the Mini.

If you look in the right places, you can find the software you need -- even if Apple won't let you download it...

 

[jbarley]

Am I at a dead-end with this Mini? Any photo editing software you could recommend for this Mini. Thanks, Bill

ImageWell works very good on my laptop running OS X 10.6.8.

 

[pdafan]

I would suggest you stay with Snow Leopard. It is the best and fastest version to run with just 2GB of RAM.
As some pointed out, there is nothing seriously bad about SL.

 

[seinman]

I also use a 2,1 Mac mini, and can report that the highest supported OS is Lion (10.7.5 I believe).

 

[applelisa]

Thanks or all the help. I found I had an old copy of ilife 08 and I installed the photo editing software from that release and it works fine. I'll leave the OS alone.