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Mike Cutler
09-19-2009, 9:20 AM
I had to buy a new computer this past weekend. My 2003, G5 Mac started going terminal on me.:( So it was replaced with a 2009 Mac Mini.

The Mac Mini is nice little package. It came with Leopard, and with the purchase of a Mini DVI to Dual Link DVI adapter it can easily run my 30" display. It's by no means a gaming, or video editing platform, but for the basic use it gets from me it will be fine.
At 6 1/2" square and 2"+ thick, it really doesn't take up much space. Power consumption is 10% of what my G5 was.:eek:

I'll work on the G5 some more. I either have a power supply problem or a RAM controller issue. My G5 was one of the units used in the Virginia Tech Super Computer project a few years back, so I'd like to get it running again just for nostalgia. It was a great machine, and this was the first problem I'd had with it.

Well I thought I'd share this for anyone looking at a new "desktop".

Tim Morton
09-19-2009, 2:21 PM
I also have the 2009 mini....( both the car and the computer):D

great choice....and if you want to crack it open to upgrade the ram there are great videos to help out..i maxed out the ram and also upgraded to a 7200rpm HD in mine.

Eric Franklin
09-19-2009, 3:05 PM
What are the exact problems you are seeing with your G5? What generation is it? I work for an Apple Specialist and have seen my share of dead G5's. Many have been processor and logic.

Larry Frank
09-19-2009, 8:19 PM
I can not help myself as I am a PC. I did not think that there was ever anything wrong with a Mac or they ever died. My PC is running along fine with no problems after 5 years.

Mike Cutler
09-19-2009, 10:27 PM
Tim

I have a 2007 Mini Cooper. I'll hold off on opening the case. As it came it will suit my needs.

Eric

I have a 2003 G5, Dual 2.0 gHz processor Power Mac.When Virginia tech ended their super computer project these machines were refurbished by Apple and resold. At the time they were about $500.00 less than a new one with the same warranty.
I got indications of a Ram Error on startup (The 3 blinks of the power on indicator) It never made it through the boot sequence and would go into the sleep mode. This was a problem on some Macs of this model.
I disassembled the tower and removed the Processors/ Ram and power supplies, and cleaned the dust out of the power supply. Re-installed the G5 processors and reseated the Ram chip.
I got the ram error again and removed the Crucible ram in the second slots,and the machine started right up and ran all nite. Next morning I restarted it and it it gave me the ram error blinking pattern.
I'm going to remove the Ram chips out of the first slots and install them in the second slots, then re-install the Crucible chips. I think I either have a power supply issue, low volts, or noise on one of the supplies, or logic board issue with the ram. controller.

Larry

PC or Mac, you just trade one set of problems for a different set.;) I got tired of constantly reformatting drives every 6-8 months.
PC's have gotten really stable in the last few years, which wasn't always the case with them. They're a much better product today than they were even 5 years ago.

Greg Peterson
09-19-2009, 11:17 PM
PC or Mac, you just trade one set of problems for a different set.;)

Finally, a realistic Mac enthusiast.

Recently upgraded the one IMac we have at work to the Snow Leopard OS. The upgrade went fairly smooth. Pages and Numbers didn't work correctly but deleting the cache files for those apps got them on track.

The distinction between the two platforms is narrowing, at least from a hardware standpoint. Some days it's just a matter of picking your poison.:D

John Shuk
09-20-2009, 9:49 AM
My kids use an older Mac mini and it is a fabulous machine. I recently got a brand new Dell inspiron something or other from work and it bolsters my position.
I will not be spending MY hard earned money on a windows based product any time soon.

Tim Morton
09-20-2009, 10:40 AM
Tim

I have a 2007 Mini Cooper. I'll hold off on opening the case. As it came it will suit my needs.




but do you have an iPod mini???:D

Greg Peterson
09-20-2009, 11:03 AM
My kids use an older Mac mini and it is a fabulous machine. I recently got a brand new Dell inspiron something or other from work and it bolsters my position.
I will not be spending MY hard earned money on a windows based product any time soon.

The Dell laptops leave a lot to be desired. I would have the same opinion had I made that mistake too.

I use a landscape software program for designing borders in my yard. It cost me $50. The Mac version is $149. At least in this instance there is a Mac version available.

I like my Ipod Nano 3rd generation. But it isn't without it's problems from time to time. I don't understand being limited to using Itunes to manage the device . Is this an intentional, artificial limitation?

Mike Cutler
09-20-2009, 11:15 AM
but do you have an iPod mini???:D

:(:( No.. I have a 3rd gen. iPod.;)

Darius Ferlas
09-20-2009, 11:16 AM
I don't see any problems with Dell machines, but I guess it is fashionable to complain about Dell.

In my experience, their server line is great, their workstations are among the best and their laptops are rock solid and durable. Not the shiny screen Inspirons though. If I need a mirror I buy a mirror. When I need a laptop I buy a Latitude or Precision with a non-glare screen.