Used Mini. :: What do I NOT want to get?

I think the best model G4 mini was the last one -- the so-called stealth upgrade with 512 Meg RAM, 80 Gig HD, 1.5 GHz CPU, and 64Meg Video RAM in late 2005.

Other than that, I think the real issue is to find a Mini that is for sale because the owner doesn't need it anymore, rather than one that is being sold because it is buggy.

You can find good ones and buggy ones in all the models.

I really recommend any Core Duo Intel mini. A G4 mini is already outdated and the Intel can be upgraded to a Core 2 later on. Plus, dual core CPUs offer a significant speed advantage over single core CPUs.

I have one of the mini's Boece mentions - the 1.5 G4s and it has proven to be a tremendously good system. Like my older 1.25 unit, it's been running 24/7 since it was bought and never shown any signs of problems. The hard drive is the only thing I'd complain about, but none of the minis have fast drives.

I think the choice of system really needs to be based on what it is you want to use it for more than anything. The newer Intel models are more powerful and have more ports to plug in USB and FW devices, but they tend to be rather slow with older applications that have to run in emulation. Thus, if you were looking to run Photoshop or MS Office, a G4 mini would be better and cheaper. On the other hand, if you want it for video work, an Intel model would be better.

Once you have an idea of the purpose and thus which model would likely work best, look for one that the owner has not upgraded (because you may well not be able to tell if he/she did something damaging in the process until it later breaks down) and that you can either see for yourself to be in good physical and working condition or which the seller gives an assurance to be with money back if it proves otherwise. Don't expect to get one cheaply - a bargain Mac on the used market is often a damaged or faulty one that turns out to be anything but a good deal!

one thing to keep in mind is that bluetooth and airport cards were optional in the original minis, so if you want those, check to see if they are included.
And if you want a built-in modem for some reason (dial-up, faxing), the Intel minis don't have them, only the PPC ones do.

Another big difference is the PPC minis can only take 1GB of RAM, whereas the Intel minis can take 2GB. So if you envision needing a lot of memory, Intels might serve you better.

You should be aware that OS X has an extremely kean taste for RAM, so you coudn't really go wrong with anything just as long as it is equal to 512MB or more. You would definitely feel the bennefit of having 1GB or more, over 512MB, however, I use my mac mini with 512MB for tons of graphic and audio based apps without a hitch.

I would most probably reccomend a G4 over an Intel Mac Mini, purely because of the fact that the G4 systems have a 32MB ATI 9200 Graphics Chip, which works much better and far more effectively than the Intel GMA9200 64MB Shared Graphics Chip in the Intel models. It just lets them down.

Also consider that Leopard will run on either a G4 or an Intel when it comes out, so the G4 is just as much alive as the Intel core duo

-Pos

There has already been good comments on both sides. As a computer tech I always ask what the usage will be. If you'll be running mostly older software then the G4 would be better. If you in vision needing the hardware that was optional on the G4 but standard on the Intels, more then 2 USB's, multi-media center (i.e front row) etc then the Intel would be the better value long term. People have said that the G4 is a tad more quite. The G4 tends to have a low hum whereas the Intel has more of a low buzz when in use. RAM has already been mentioned the Intel maxes out at 2 GB which is good for photo and multi-media use. You can't ever have too much RAM in a system.

As for the graphics card, I know many say the PPC is better because it has a dedicated card over the Intel's integrated one. An Intel with 1 GB RAM, you really won't notice the difference. I wouldn't run OS X with anything less then 512 minimum 1 GB is better since OS X is RAM hungry. The integrated supports functions & features the ATI card lacks. When you compare them the difference isn't as bad as most people believe. 18 years in the PC world, laptops have had integrated graphics for years. Unless your a gamer, you'll be hard pressed to see a difference. Graphics really isn't a facter unless it's for games. In that case you'd want the iMac or a PC.

It's really a tough call, what I would do is make a list of all the software and things it'll be used for. Get the specs of both systems, then make up a small pros/cons list for both systems. You may see more pros for one system over the other. That may help you to decide, but either way I can't see losing out as both are good systems.

1.66GHz Intel Mini Duo, 1GB RAM, 100GB HD Mac OS X (10.4.8) A,Network Certified

The 1.5 seems like a reasonable choice at $425 (it was originally $599 when new) but the 1.4 model with screen etc seems a bit overpriced. The additional memory is a plus however, though how much of a benefit depends largely on the tasks you have in mind for it.

If you are going to be using the Adobe software and actually want that, then the 1.4 mini would be a pretty good choice, but otherwise if it were me I'd go for the 1.5 - knowing how well that model performs. $425 is a reasonably good price for one if in good condition.

Whichever you buy, make sure it comes with original install disks. It's not common to need them, but if you do need to do something like a reinstall, not having the original install disk is a real frustration!