How can I use a microphone with the Mac mini G4?

As the Mac mini does not have an internal microphone or an audio in jack, you will have to use a USB microphone such as the Griffin iMic.

What ports are provided by the Mac mini G4?

The Mac mini G4 models each have two USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire "400" port, a 10/100Base-T Ethernet port, an RJ-11 modem port (if installed), a DVI-I port (compatible with VGA using the included DVI-to-VGA adapter), and an analog audio out jack for external speakers or headphones.

For more details regarding the Mac mini G4 ports, please refer to the ports page for the model of interest.

What type of keyboards and mice does the Mac mini G4 support?

The Mac mini G4 supports essentially all USB-based keyboards and mice (including those with two buttons), ADB-based or PS/2-based keyboards and mice with adapters, and Bluetooth wireless keyboards and mice (provided that Bluetooth is installed or a USB Bluetooth adapter is available). If you use a third-party keyboard designed for Windows, the Mac mini will treat the "Windows" key as a "Command" key and the "Alt" key as an "Option" key.

For additional information on keyboard compatibility, please refer to "Mac mini: What Keyboard and Mouse to Use" and for additional information on third-party keyboards, please refer to "Third Party Keyboards May Not Have Command, Option Keys" each from the Apple Support Site [no longer online].

What is AirPort? What is AirPort Extreme?

AirPort (802.11b) provides a maximum wireless data rate of 11 megabits per second, and AirPort Extreme (802.11g) provides a maximum wireless data rate of 54 megabits per second, which is five times faster. AirPort Extreme is backwards-compatible with AirPort, and works in much the same way. However, it is worth noting that at 54 megabits per second, the "Base Station range" is only 50 feet, whereas the range is 150 feet at 11 megabits per second.

What is Bluetooth? How much faster is Bluetooth 2.0+EDR?

Apple reports that Bluetooth is:

A cutting-edge open specification that enables short-range wireless connections between desktop and notebook computers, personal digital assistants, mobile phones, camera phones, printers, digital cameras, keyboards and even a computer mouse. Bluetooth wireless technology uses a globally available frequency band (2.4GHz) for worldwide compatibility.

In a nutshell, Bluetooth technology unplugs your digital peripherals and makes cable clutter a thing of the past. . . You can link your Palm OS-based handheld device, mobile phone and other peripherals with Bluetooth technology -- and do it wirelessly, within a 30-foot range.

Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), is three times faster than earlier versions.

What type of modem is standard with the Mac mini G4 models?

All Mac mini G4 models support an internal 56k v.92 modem. The original Mac mini G4/1.25 and Mac mini G4/1.42 introduced January 11, 2005 shipped with an internal modem standard. Mac mini G4/1.42 configurations shipped after July 26, 2005 and all Mac mini G4/1.5 configurations shipped by default without an internal modem, although one could be added at the time of purchase for US$29.