More Problems with my new MacMini

[Mandy]

I wont say I bot a lemon demo the from Best Buy, but having to buy so many peripherals in order to use it I may as well bot a desktop or laptop Mac, but then where would I put it? (Still have my old iMac).

- got a Belkin KVM 2 port switch which wont switch, but am using it anyways to plug my PC monitor in so I wont have to keep disconnecting it from the back of the computer.

- got an external DVD burner since the MacMini only has a CD burner. Havent connected it yet.

- got the iLife 6 upgrade which I cant install as the OS is l0.4.2 and wont take it

- most important for now, got the Apple external modem since the MacMini doesnt have an internal modem, but cant get on the internet even tho I spent all day yesterday trying, even my Service Provider couldnt help. On checking the packaging in very small print it calls for a G4 AND 10.4.3 or higher.

So, even tho Ive only had this MacMini for about 3 months, it seems I already have to upgrade to the 10.4.3 at least.

I almost downloaded the upgrade on my iMac but that would have taken about 12 hours, so sometime this week will check out buying the upgrade. Have been googling different websites on solving this problem, but none actually gave me the exact key I needed.

The help I have already received in this thread has been invaluable, so would appreciate any further comments and advice on what is turning out to be an ongoing project.

(ps. have been using the MacMini for video editing OK just using the iMovie, altho I was able to install Final Cut but havent tried it yet.)

[Mviper]

If you use the Belkin KVM 2 port switch, you are going to have to log completely off the Mac Mini even shut it down before logging & turning on the PC. Meaning you can not leave both running at the same time.

I would also upgrade to the latest edtion of Mac OS 10 which is 10.4.6.

[FBI]

Not to offend Mac systems or yourself. But I need to know. What attracted you to buy that system? I personally have been looking on and off at purchasing a Mac system, but after realizing all the accessories, and software I would need to buy, or re buy, there is no way I would waste my time entering such a venture.

I hope it was not the size; they do make mini pc’s that look almost exactly the same.

[Mouse]

It is cute, but as a novice I have observed that a full system might be the best choice.

[Mandy]

What attracted you to buy that system? ...I hope it was not the size; they do make mini pc’s that look almost exactly the same.

Yes, it was the size, plus it was on sale at Best Buy. I already had a 5 yr old iMac which gave excellent, no problem service.

But I needed to upgrade the OS 9.2 to Tiger in order to use Final Cut Pro editing system, and it wouldnt take it. So this seemed the best bet, just didnt realize in order to make the most of the MacMini you needed all these other peripherals. Actually, strictly speaking, you could do without them, so if you already have a monitor and keyboard/mouse to share (which I have from my PC)it's just an option.

The size is really a big plus as it fits anywhere on the computer desk.

Many thanks for the input, and the tips. Will try the Belkin KVM swith as Viper suggested, and yes, might as well go for broke with the upgrade to 10.4.6.

[k100]

I didn't realize that you can use Final Cut Pro on a mini. Just wondering what kind the performance you can get. :)

[Ottawaman]

My mac mini has been great.
It worked perfectly with my pc through my kvm.
My mini came with a DVD burner- so that was good.
My mini came with a built in phone modem, although I have never used it as I am on high speed internet.
Ilife requires the proper os version to support it. This would happen on a pc if you purchased software that required a minimum os or hardware configuration.
I already owned a keyboard and mouse, so there was no extra expense there.

I use Final Cut pro 5 on my mini, it works fine. The renders take a little longer, but nothing unreasonable compared to the G 5 s I use at work.

The mini runs great if you max out the ram.
The current version of OS X has been great and may fix some of your issues. OS X 10.4.7 is expected any day now.

[Tim]

perhaps Mandy I could download it and burn it to cd and give to you if you're in Toronto. That might solve some problems.

[Tim]

Not to offend Mac systems or yourself. But I need to know. What attracted you to buy that system? I personally have been looking on and off at purchasing a Mac system, but after realizing all the accessories, and software I would need to buy, or re buy, there is no way I would waste my time entering such a venture.

I hope it was not the size; they do make mini pc’s that look almost exactly the same.
depends on your situation. The software Mandy wants to run simply isn't available on PC.
If you're already running macs, it actually in many cases ends up costing you more to go PC than the other way since PCs aren't loaded with as much good software in general.

[Child of Cupertino]

Mandy, we had suggested to you to go for a more robust Mini (one that included a DVDRW), or even better, an Intel-powered Mini, which would have allowed you to do all of your computing -- both Mac OS and Windows (even if you still need Windows) -- on one machine. We also suggested that you forego Final Cut Express, regardless of it being for free (you could have sold it). The inter-functionality of all of the iLife applications is too sweet to resist, and Final Cut Express pulls you out of that "ecosystem".

And -- forgive me -- but why do you still have that iMac?? For the life of me, I can't understand why you'd still need it -- and you could get at least some money for it if you sold it (at least $100.00).

And ditto with dialup. Rogers Hi-Speed Internet Ultra-Light is $25.00/month (http://www.shoprogers.com/Store/Cable/InternetContent/ultralite.asp?shopperID=DB4LB01883Q99NGRR3CBT8HD45 TXE23D) and you could just use the Mini's Ethernet port and never had concerned yourself with the extra modem.

As your Mini is the last version that used a G4, do you not have Mac OS X "Tiger" version 10.4 already? If you see the little blue and white magnifying glass in the top-right of your monitor (on the menubar), then that is 10.4 Tiger. ALL sub-releases after 10.4 are free (currently at 10.4.6).

As for the KVM switch, it SHOULD work fine. Ottawaman says his does. Of course, that doesn't mean that it's imposible to have problems with a KVM a switch.

Sorry to sound like a jerk, but it seems to me that you could have chosen a different path that would have led to a MUCH smoother, less complicated working environment. It would have demanded some radical thinking from what you're probably used to (like ditching your PC for an Intel Mini), but sometimes the best solutions come out of such a thought process. An Intel-powered Mini along with Hi-Speed Ultra Light would have done the job, perfectly... and it would have rendered your workspace minimal and clean... yet given you all the functionality you need. With the sale of your PC, the iMac and that Final Cut Pro, you probably would have broken even when all is said and done ($1,035.00 for the better Mini, taxes included).

Is it too late to consider this approach??

[Mandy]

And -- forgive me -- but why do you still have that iMac?? "

Child of C., for now just using it as a spare internet as I did manage to get my dial up info on it some years ago. Eventually will donate it to an inner city school when I get on the internet with my MacMini.

(QUOTE =And ditto with dialup. you could just use the Mini's Ethernet port and never had concerned yourself with the extra modem."

Child of C, one of these days, yes

(QUOTE= do you not have Mac OS X "Tiger" version 10.4 already? ALL sub-releases after 10.4 are free (currently at 10.4.6)."

Child of C, Yes, but it's a 10.4.2, and both the modem and iLife 6 call for a 10.4.3, can not believe it needs such a fine tune, but guess there must be significant differences.

QUOTE= As for the KVM switch, it SHOULD work fine. Ottawaman says his does."

Child of C., yes, I took Viper's advice and shut down the one computer and was able to switch to the PC OK. Mistake was leaving both computers on while trying to switch. Always seems to be some little adjustment needed when trying to solve a computer related problem.

QUOTE=Sorry to sound like a jerk, but it seems to me that you could have chosen a different path that would have led to a MUCH smoother, less complicated working environment.
Is it too late to consider this approach??

Child of C., No, you dont sound like a jerk at all. You sound like what Im sure you are, a very knowledgable, logical person, and I really appreciate your input.

And yes, with hindsight I would have chosen a different path, but one step led to another and at this stage (just one upgrade now short of success), will stay the course. And on the whole, am satisfied with the setup once I get the MacMin on the internet as I will have iLife 6 and didnt lose any space (the iMac sits on another desk out of the way).

The Final Cut Express Xmas gift was really the least of my needs, as I was quite satisfied with iMovie. But I did need to upgrade the OS anyway and the only way was to get the MacMini (just not that one tho as it turned out).

Tim, many thanks for your kind offer to download the upgrade for me. Before I take you up on that I will try to do that on my PC, put on a CD then transfer to the MacMini.

Can I do it that way?

Again, thanks to all for the great input. As always, a valuable learning experience.

[Child of Cupertino]

Thank you, Mandy. :)

[Lesley]

Regarding the download, why don't you start it up when you go to bed and let it run overnight? It should be almost done by morning. I used to do that when I was on dialup and had big downloads. Leave your email program open and set to check messages every 10 minutes so you don't get disconnected for inactivity.

Good luck getting things working smoothly, I've looked at the mini-mac a few times, it's something I might buy myself one of these days for the same reason you did, it's small and in my case it'll allow me to have it and my PC on the same desk without loosing space.

[Tim]

keep in mind, for anyone considering this, the new macs have the same processors pc manufacturers use, and you can run both os x and windows on the same box, eliminating the need for 2 boxes. (unless you want a home built to 'tinker' with). Parallels has just released the final to allow running both os x AND windows on the same machine without rebooting, at the *same* time with much of a performace hit at all. (good to have a nice bit of ram to run it though)

That's my plan, moving to an intel machine, and losing the pc boxes altogether and cleaning up my desk. :)

[Child of Cupertino]

Yes. The simplicity of one box that does it all is awesome. I can't understand either the desire to have the clutter of a Mac and a PC on the desk, let alone simply looking to both platforms to serve your needs.

[Mandy]

[QUOTE=Lesley]Regarding the download, why don't you start it up when you go to bed and let it run overnight? It should be almost done by morning. I used to do that when I was on dialup and had big downloads. Leave your email program open and set to check messages every 10 minutes so you don't get disconnected for inactivity......QUOTE]

Yes Lesley, that's actually what I did last week. First I downloaded the next upgrade on the PC, transferred it to the Macmini and got on the internet OK. But then I went ahead and downloaded all the upgrades up to and incl 10.4.6, and when I transferred those to the Mac, couldnt get back on the internet, kept getting the message about the Carrier not being detected. My settings are correct so called Apple for advice.

Found out that you have to pay Apple $59 per phone call for advice, altho the lady was most helpful and in the end advised me to go check with Apple store. Did that Sat., and they said to bring in the modem to check it out. Will do that next Sat.

Then, discovered that I had downloaded the wrong 10.4.6, so got the Combo 10.4.6 instead, but when I went to uninstall the wrong one there doesnt seem to be any "uninstall" procedure. Just dragging it to trash doesnt seem to do it, so I downloaded the Combo over it anyway and will see what difference that makes.

As always, learning more and more by poking around.

Many thanks for the above input. Really appreciate it and is a big help.

Yes, I know, I know, can just use the Mac for both Windows and X and get rid of the PC. and Macs are very safe even without an AV. However, I had such a bad experience 5 years ago with that virus and losing days of work on a movie that I wanted to get the iMac, keep it off the internet and just use it for video editing.

[Tim]

keep in mind there are currently thousands of users who have there macs on the internet, with no AV. All 3 of my mac production machines, are all on the internet daily with no AV. You're fine...
;)

[Ottawaman]

Also keep in mind that if you run windows on your mac you must protect it from windows viri and trojans or you will be fubar.
Your hardware doesn't get attacked, your OS does.