Michael wrote to me:
Any idea how OSX runs on the 256 MB of ram model? I’ve heard arguments go both ways. What about Panther?
Michael is of course asking about the new Mac mini. He’s considering one as he describes in his blog entry:
I’m seriously considering purchasing the new Mac-Mini. Ultimately I am in Apple’s target demographic of devout PC users who are considering in dabbling in Macs but are standoffish about the price of Macs.
This is going to become a common series of questions, so I think answering them publicly could be helpful.
How much RAM is necessary for OS X to run well?
The short answer is 512 MB. You can get away with 256 MB for very light computing, but somewhat experienced computer users will quickly begin to feel some pain as it wouldn’t take too much to force the computer into using virtual memory. I personally have 1.25 GB of RAM in both my Powermac G4 and my Powerbook G4. However, given the apparent Apple authorized technician requirement for installation of RAM and the rather sizable cost for the 1 GB RAM stick from them, I’d recommend against anything more than 512 MB.
What about Panther?
I’m going to assume Michael meant Tiger (Mac OS X 10.4) here. Mac OS X 10.3 Panther is already the default, included OS on all Mac mini’s. History has set up a pattern of no upgrade-pricing, meaning full price for every upgrade. The full price of OS X thus far has been $129. This means that unless one were to wait until the day that Tiger was released, they’re likely to shell out that money to get the latest and greatest (and Tiger looks spectacular, making the decision harder). A formal release date still hasn’t been set. All that is known is “first half of 2005″ which could mean June, which is potentially a very long wait. If you’re willing to wait, you could save $129, but I wouldn’t blame you if you can’t (I know I couldn’t).
I’m going to review the new Apple product announcements inwhat I consider increasing importance.
iLife ‘05
To me, this is pretty incremental. I don’t use anything in iLife (sans the free iTunes and iPhoto). Garageband fans will be overjoyed with a full 8 tracks to manipulate. At $79, I’m not sure I’ll be getting it though. I don’t need the new version of iPhoto that badly.
iWork
Apple finally tried to update AppleWorks for the new millenium with iWork ($79). Apparently though, they only had two tickets for the trip, taking along a word processor (Pages) and a slideshow app (Keynote). Spreadsheets and database manipulation were sadly left at the station with their heads hanging dejectedly. Pages looks really cool, like a publishing application more than a wordprocessor. However, if I’m going to have an office suite, I want a speadsheet application. End of story.
iPod shuffle
At first, I really disliked the iPod shuffle. There’s no screen and very limited storage. However, at $99 (for 512 MB, 1GB for $149), it’s got that small price feel to it. It’s almost to the point of an impulse buy. It’s certainly ideal for running or working out because it can’t skip and one generally doesn’t stare at the screen during those activities. What began to sell it to me was that it was basically the size of a USB thumb drive. In fact, it can be used as one. Combine that with the fact that my 512 MB thumb drive cost a little less than $200 when I got it, these things are pretty useful and a value. Would I give up my iPod for one of these? Hell no. For some people though, it might be just the ticket. I’d seriously consider getting one if I needed a new thumb drive.
Mac mini
Oooooh. The first ever sub $500 Mac. Overall, I like it. The specs are:
- 1.25/1.42 GHz G4 processor
- 256 MB RAM
- Radeon 9200 with 32 MB VRAM
- 40/80 GB hard drive
- Firewire 400 port
- Two USB 2.0 ports
- DVI port (with VGA adapter)
- 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
- 56k modem
- Headphone port
- Optional Airport Extreme and Bluetooth
Those specs are a perfect fit for my father (who is still using a rapidly aging Powermac 7600 with an upgrade card). Well, the RAM I’d have to bump up to at least 512 MB. The problem is, the one slot it seems to have isn’t user accessible. The details on this aren’t clear yet, but I’m hoping that it won’t actually require an Apple tech installation. It’s a nice low cost machine for those that may still have a monitor, keyboard and mouse. The keyboard and mouse aren’t even included (which is fine by me as I’d rather use my iceKey and Intellimouse Explorer anyway). It seems like the perfect computer to draw in some more Windows users. We’ll just have to wait and see how it does.
