[chenyichung]

hey guys,

got a coupla questions.

first question is about removing the 256mb stick of RAM that comes with the mac mini and installing a 1GB stick of RAM purchased on newegg. There's only one slot for memory in the mac mini correct? So it can only max out at 1GB? Also, is it hard to remove the 256MB and install a 1GB stick? Anywhere i can find instructions?
Also, i was told that if you change the amount of memory your mac has, it's a good idea to format your mac. This way after you're finished formatting and the OS is setting up, it notices that your mac has a different amount of memory, and will adjust certain settings accordingly. Is this true at all? or can i just add the memory and not worry about formatting?

second question is about installing an airport extreme card in my mac mini. I called the apple store earlier today to ask them what i would need to do to get wireless in my mac mini thinking they would just say that i needed to purchase an airport extreme card, but i was informed that i needed to purchase a bluetooth/airport extreme combo which is $90. I thought all wireless airport cards were the same. Like i could take the airport extreme out of an iBook and install it in my mac mini. Who's right?

if anyone could answer my questions that would be great, thanks!

-Yi Chen

[GSixZero]

Question 1: Don't worry about reformatting your Mac to install more memory, there is no effect of reinstalling. Adding memory to a mac mini is a little more involved than most macs. You could buy Apple ram and have it installed at the same time as the airport/BT module (see below). Apple ram is a little more expensive, but if you don't want to do the work, Apple can do it for you.

Question 2: The mini uses a different combo Airport/BT module than the other macs, so the airport card out of the iBook won't work. You'll need to buy and have this part installed by Apple.

[chenyichung]

hey, thanks for the quick responce. So if i want my mac mini to have wireless, i have to buy the "bluetooth/airport exteme" combo card? I also need to have the apple store install this? Is there no way i can install this combo card on my own? Is it because it's too complicated? do you know where i can find instructions on how to install RAM?

[GSixZero]

Type "install ram mac mini" (no quotes) into Google and press "I'm Feeling Lucky"

I suppose you could find some USB wifi adaptor if you desire and get wifi that way. As far as I know Apple (and apple resellers) are the only people who sell this part, and since the mini is not technically user open-able, they'll have to install it for you.

[baw]

Google

I've been told installing the Airport/BT is a bit complicated. Though I have never done it.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by baw

Google

I've been told installing the Airport/BT is a bit complicated. Though I have never done it.

Yi Chen,

Don't even think about doing the BT/Airport yourself.
Let an Apple dealer do it for you.

-t

[iHatePC]

I have my Mac Mini half taken apart but I can not figure out how to remove the drive so that I can install the airport card. Can someone please point me to some directions on how to do this?

[iHatePC]

...

[AC Rempt]

Head to www.macsales.com and find their Mac Mini section. They have some how-to vids for taking apart the Mini.