What type of video processor is provided by the Mac mini G4? Is it upgradable?

All Mac mini G4 models have an onboard 4X AGP ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor. The Mac mini G4/1.25 and Mac mini G4/1.42 have 32 MB of DDR SDRAM. Although the box continued to list the "official" specifications of the Mac mini G4/1.42, the "stealth update" Mac mini G4/1.5 has 64 MB of DDR SDRAM.

What is the largest display the Mac mini G4 will support? Does it support dual displays?

The Mac mini G4 supports a single display with digital resolution up to 1920x1200 using DVI out. This includes the the Apple 20" Cinema Display (2) and Apple 23" Cinema Display, as well as third-party displays of similar or smaller size. Apple notes that the system can support "coherent digital displays up to 154 MHz [and] noncoherent digital displays up to 135 MHz".

Using the included DVI-to-VGA adapter, the Mac mini G4 can support any VGA display at a resolution up to 1920x1080.

For a list of compatible Apple displays, please refer to "Mac mini: Compatible Apple Displays" from the Apple Support Site. If a VGA display is dim when connected, please refer to "Reduced Brightness with Some VGA Displays and Mac mini" from the same site to begin troubleshooting.

Also see: Are there any adapters or "hacks" that make it possible to use a second display on a Mac mini G4?

Can I place a monitor on top of the Mac mini G4?

No. Apple recommends against placing a monitor on top of the Mac mini because this can restrict airflow and reduce the signal strength of AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth (if installed). If the monitor is a heavy VGA display, it might also damage the case.

For more information on appropriate positioning of the Mac mini, please refer to "How to Position Your Mac mini" from the Apple Support Site.

How do I connect the Mac mini G4 to a television?

The answer to "How do I connect an Intel-based Mac mini "Core" to a television?" from the Intel Mac mini Q&A also applies to the PowerPC-based Mac mini G4 models with the notable exception of digital audio options. The Mac mini G4 has a DVI-I port and analog audio out, but it does not have digital audio out.

You also may be interested in reading Engadget's extensive "how to" article with various options for connecting a PowerPC-based Mac mini G4 to a television and home theater.