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HvyMtlMdns · Feb 11, 2003, 07:46 AM

I remember reading an online article recently about someone who built a hybrid PC/Mac machine. Is there anyway to add a PC Hardware inside a G4 QuickSilver (Dual 800)? I have one PCI slot open. What kinds of heat issues would I be looking at if this is possible? If not possible within the current case, what are some possible ideas for hybrid boxes? I'm not real thrilled about the possibility of ripping up the insides of my machine

, especially when it runs so well.

The reasons that I want to look into this possibility is that I need access to a Windows machine for research and work purposes at my university. I currently use VPC 6 w/ WinXP. The performance is OK, but I'm going to be needed to use the Windows side more and more in the future. Don't worry, they will only take my Mac away by prying it from my cold dead hands

I don't want to buy a PC for space issues. I already have two machines in my office.

Any help with this issue would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Sarc · Feb 11, 2003, 07:52 AM

I saw it as well but it was actually getting and entire PC into the Mac and somehow make it run Picture in Picture on a Monitor.

galarneau · Feb 11, 2003, 08:27 AM

I can understand your concerns about office space. The main problem with your idea is how to share the monitor & keyboard. In the old days of the "PC's on a Card", there were passthrough cables and special software needed to get these things to work.

My recommendation would be to build a small mini-ITX motherboard system (see link for a review of one)

http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/viaepiam9000/

It would be tiny, and quiet. You can get the motherboard/processor for a little over $100. You can also get a tiny little case with an external fanless PSU (like a laptop has) for under $100.

You could either run that machine via Remote Desktop Connection or via a KVM switch.

Anyway, that's what I would do. It would fit in a shoebox, these things are so small.

galarneau · Feb 11, 2003, 08:56 AM

You might also check this out:

http://www.arbor.com.tw/half-size/emcore-v619.htm

Not sure how much it costs, but it would eliminate the need for a case. I think you still need a monitor/keyboard or a KVM for it (or just use VNC or Remote Desktop)

Cipher13 · Feb 11, 2003, 09:23 AM

What kind of performance will you need out of this thing? Is a PC laptop too costly?

HvyMtlMdns · Feb 11, 2003, 09:35 AM

Originally posted by Cipher13:
What kind of performance will you need out of this thing? Is a PC laptop too costly?

Performance wise - I'd like to be able to run WinXP and Office XP without a great deal of lag. P4 1.4GHz or equivalent would be great.

The cost is one issue. Space is the other. I have space for a small box, like that suggested in an earlier post, in the compartment where my G4 is.

Thanks

HvyMtlMdns · Feb 11, 2003, 09:39 AM

Originally posted by galarneau:
You might also check this out:

http://www.arbor.com.tw/half-size/emcore-v619.htm

Not sure how much it costs, but it would eliminate the need for a case. I think you still need a monitor/keyboard or a KVM for it (or just use VNC or Remote Desktop)

This and the board from your earlier post look like good options. Few questions about them. I didn't recognize the processor. What would be the Pentium or Athlon equivalent? Second, with the PCI card, what would I have to do to install it in a Mac? I concerned with oth technical skills required, compatibility, and hassle factor.

Thanks

galarneau · Feb 11, 2003, 10:15 AM

It's the VIA Eden or C3 processor. Pretty low power. I read a review that said an 800MHz VIA chip is like a 400MHz Celeron. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a 1.4GHz P4 to run WinXP and Office. I have a friend with a PII 333 laptop that runs WinXP just fine. Hell, I was running Win2K on a P166 with 64MB of RAM, with no problems. Nice and quick.

As for installing the PCI version into a Mac... I have no idea, and don't know anyone who has tried it. But, since all it is doing (I believe) is pulling power from the PCI bus to run the thing, it should work just fine with a Mac. I'd call or e-mail first to make sure, though.

Ken_F2 · Feb 11, 2003, 10:17 AM

Hvy,

Are you sure you don't have space for the Shuttle XPC SN41G2?

It's 7.25 inches high. It's a brushed aluminum chassis that features a Nforce2 motherboard with 333/400Mhz bus, dual channel PC2700 memory, and support for up to an Athlon 3200+. It also has six USB 2.0 slots (2 in front), two 400Mbps Firewire ports (1 in front), 10/100 ethernet, integrated Geforce4 Mx graphics, an AGP8X slot (to upgrade the video), accelerated 3D audio plus Dolby Digital 5.1, and a digital audio output. The motherboard and case together cost <=$350, while an AMD Athlon XP 2400+ cpu costs $150.

If your monitor has two inputs, you could connect both your Mac and the Shuttle XPC to your monitor correctly; alternatively, you could use one of the newer KVM devices to share a single keyboard, mouse, USB speakers, monitor, and USB printer with both systems.

slider · Feb 11, 2003, 10:31 AM

KVM switches can get up there too can't they. You can get a decent PC laptop for $850, and the standard confige is probably fine for what you're doing. I mean weigh in with the hassal factor, and well, that's yours to decide. I like all the small options everyone has suggested, but blow for blow and dollar for dollar, what are you getting?

kangolo · Feb 11, 2003, 11:59 AM

If you go the Mini ITX route, with a VIA processor and all that they're not the speediest of things, but plenty fast enough for pretty much anything but gaming.

RDP / Terminal Server client works a treat, and a single user server is built into XP Pro - which I use at home.

The advantage of this route is you can stash the box anywhere - it just needs to be on the network - and they're SMALL, real small. Depending on which one you get they can also run completely fanless, with a small 90watt walwart style power supply.