| Author | Message | ||
     dOd Citizen Username: Dod Post Number: 117 Registered: 5-2004 |
Hi, after seeing what an analog cable signal looks like through an LCD, I'm rethinking my approach to my office. As I also need a new computer, can I combine the two? Can the Mac Mini be outfitted with a TV card that allows me to view basic cable on the monitor while working on the computer? If so, how do I connect the cable to the computer? Life was easier when we just had to choose between abacus colours. Thanks, dOd | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave  Post Number: 10674 Registered: 4-1997  |
I think only RAM can be added to a Mini. PowerMac, no problem. Go for it. Tax deduction! :-) | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 4733 Registered: 7-2002  |
You don't need a tv card, an eyetv from Elgato will plug right into the USB 2 port on the Mini. | ||
| JMF Citizen Username: Jmf Post Number: 286 Registered: 9-2004 |
That is undoubtedly about to happen from Apple... With the online movie downloads only weeks away (sept 12th possibly) you have to figure that Apple is looking to push the mini as a home entertainment hub. | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 4740 Registered: 7-2002 |
I've been thinking that they would announce a new product, a DVR/digital hub/home entertainment unit/,,,, a stand alone unit for your media center, of course it has to make big use of Front Row, and it needs a small display on the front so that you can see what you are doing in iTunes for instance, without having to have the tv turned on, or being at the computer, and it should be visible from across the room. it also should have built in wireless capabilities so that it can network with other units in the house without running wires. it should have all the different A/V ports on the back. It may not use Front Row at all of course, it could have something new. blah-blah-blah...I've been waiting a couple of years for one to come out, every time a product announcement comes up I cross my ethernet cables in anticipation. | ||
| JMF Citizen Username: Jmf Post Number: 287 Registered: 9-2004 |
lol... I agree Monster. I have throught about the possibilities more times than I like to admit, and I imagine exactly what you describe. My only question is will the iHome (someone make up a mock on the web a few years ago and called it that. I liked it) Will the iHome be able to replace my receiver and DVD player? I will be very happy and impressed if it does. Hopefully with the same price points as well. Maybe they are waiting for 802.11n to be ready? I agree that wireless networking will be an important part of the unit. In any case... I am very excited about what Apple will do for online movie downloads. I hoped for a rental model, but it doesn't sound like they want to go that route. I don't really like to own movies, but I guess I will have to wait and see what happens. | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 4745 Registered: 7-2002 |
Since the Mini has DVD capabilities I don't see why a media unit wouldn't, and it would be so easy to include a tv card, but this is Apple... how about an iBox, a couple of guys on a Mac forum I belong to designed this, even made a mockup and had been shopping around to try to get it manufactured. The one who came up with it was actually making making Macs out of new parts and modded cases built to order, then Apple put the screws to the parts guys making it nearly impossible to get parts, if I remember his web site I'll post a link if it's still up. It's a similar shape to the iHome, http://dms.tecknohost.com/macrumors/i/ihome/   | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 4746 Registered: 7-2002 |
oh yeah, Wired did an article on Fraser and the iBox, http://www.wired.com/news/mac/0,2125,58310,00.html | ||
| dOd Citizen Username: Dod Post Number: 119 Registered: 5-2004 |
Monster, have you tried the Elgato? How easy is it to upgrade the ram on the mini? Looks a little tight in there. Thanks, dOd | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 10690 Registered: 4-1997 |
not easy http://www.methodshop.com/tech/articles/macmini-ram/index.shtml | ||
| dOd Citizen Username: Dod Post Number: 120 Registered: 5-2004 |
Thanks, Dave. So you need the skills of a brain surgeon? It's interesting that the upgraded Mini doesn't offer 1 g of ram. dOd | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 4755 Registered: 7-2002 |
It's not really that hard to do, Mac Mini G4: http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/index.cfm?page=Video/mini/med.html Mac Mini Intel: http://media.macsales.com/videos/mini/intel/medres.html | ||
| dOd Citizen Username: Dod Post Number: 121 Registered: 5-2004 |
Thanks, Monster. Can I practice on yours? dOd | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 4757 Registered: 7-2002 |
no, but I'll do yours | ||
| dOd Citizen Username: Dod Post Number: 122 Registered: 5-2004 |
Thanks, Monster. I'd take you up on that, but have decided to get the new imac instead. dOd |
