What are the "pros and cons" of the Mac mini G4? Is it right for my needs?

Please note that the Mac mini G4 was discontinued on February 28, 2006.

Like any other purchase, only you can make the decision whether or not the Mac mini G4 is the right Mac for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons of the model to see if your needs are met. This summary may be helpful in making a decision:

Pros:

• Attractive, compact, and elegant case design.
• Lack of integrated display allows one to use a variety of third-party options, some of which cost less than Apple's and can be reused with a new system later at no additional cost.
• Support for MacOS 9/Classic applications.
• Least expensive Apple computer when it was released.

Cons:

• Requires one to have, or to purchase, a display, keyboard, and mouse. Depending on the desired configuration, it may be more cost effective to purchase an all-in-one iMac.
• Internal expansion requires prying open the case and is extremely limited. Maximum memory is 1.0 GB, the processor cannot be upgraded, there are no extra hard drive bays, and no PCI slots. Apple does not support individuals upgrading their own system.
• Limited to a single display.
• No internal modem standard in later models.

If you are looking for an inexpensive Mac, MacOS 9/"Classic" support is important, and expansion is not, then the Mac mini G4 would be a good choice.

If performance, expansion, and MacOS 9/"Classic" support is important, then a Power Macintosh G4 or Power Macintosh G5 would be ideal. If MacOS 9/"Classic" support is not relevant, but the Mac mini G4 otherwise meets your needs, you might also consider an Intel-based Mac mini.

Who designed the Mac mini G4?

Apple's industrial design for the last several years has been performed entirely in-house by Apple's Industrial Design Group, led by Jonathan Ive.

Where can I buy a Mac mini G4?

There are any number of places to purchase a used Mac, but these days the Mac mini G4 generally is of interest only to vintage enthusiasts and sold on auction sites.

To purchase upgrades, please visit site sponsor Other World Computing, which sells RAM, hard drives, optical drives, and more for the Mac mini G4 and every other Mac.

What are the default configurations of the Mac mini G4?

For the default configurations of every Mac mini, as well as details on a variety of upgrade options available at the time of purchase, please refer to the specs page for the model of interest.