Mac mini Server Costs: Who's Nuts?
From
Peter da Silva
[From Real Costs of a Mac mini
Server] "You know, I've been running the Mac Help Desk site for
nearly three years, and have never been asked 'Am I nuts?'"
Well, it sounded like a crazy combination of capabilities:
"colo space is generally sold in 1U chunks, and a Mini is taller
than that"
"Airport? $79.00"
That sure sounds like you're concerned about rack mounting, and
you must admit that rack-mounting and then using wireless
connectivity is at the least eccentric.
Okay, so let's consider this headless Mac as a Samba server
somewhere. I'll give you the AirPort, but I won't budge an inch on
the rest of my prices - well, maybe one inch on the monitor
if and only if there's no other computer you can get to anywhere
near the mini. If there's another computer nearby, any other
computer, you can use its monitor for setup and VNC in afterwards. If not, a
used 15" SVGA that's quite adequate for supporting any number of
minis (one at a time) will set you back maybe ten bucks - I just
bought a used 17" Trinitron for $40.
Here's some real prices from the net, today:
If you can't get a more than adequate monitor for your Mac mini
for under $100, you're just not trying. Maybe $10 is unreasonable,
but $50 is a generous allowance for a used monitor, and over $100
is just bidding up the price.
And you can get USB WiFi for a lot less than an AirPort. It
won't look as good, but it'll work fine, if you spend $33 on
http://xppassport.zoovy.com/product/DWL122.
So, here's my new price:
- Mac mini, 512M RAM, $574
- 2 Hr UPS, APC CS 150, $60
- Keyboard and mouse: $10
- Monitor: $50
- USB WiFi: $33
Total: $687
As for why I care - I just keep seeing these comparisons of the
Mac mini with this or that, and they always way over configure
either the Mac mini solution or the alternative to make it look
better or worse. This looks like more of the same; show me where
I'm wrong.
Re: "Real Costs of a Mac mini Server"
From Christopher Laspa
Hello Charles,
I read this piece with some
curiosity, as there seems to be quite an interest in SMB / SoHo
file server devices - and in the Mac community that emphasis seems
to be currently focusing on the Mac
mini. Actually, I too am looking around, but because of my
legacy hardware (3400c &
G3 WallStreet) and future
hardware possibilities, I was looking for a solution that was more
than just FireWire or USB. I need an ethernet connection, which
supports all my gear nicely.
In my travels I found the soon-to-be-released LaCie
Ethernet Disk mini, which initially will provide a 250 GB
disk for US$299. They are also (or will be) offering a 400 &
500 version according to their site. The other side is there is a
USB 'personal' connector and browser based set up and
administration. More info can be found at their site.
I also found another SoHo file server solution in Canada, but I
haven't been able to establish pricing yet. It has a 300 GB disk.
Info on it is here (see: NAS 110):
http://www.ameta.ca/index.php?cat=16
I don't know much about this firm, but I do remember visiting
their booth at Comdex (Toronto) a number of years ago. At that time
they were promoting some very flash LCD monitors.
Personally, I think these NAS solutions could be a much better
solution than a Mac mini, just by considering the hard drive size
alone. Drive speed is another factor. Anyhow, I hope this is useful
for the readers of Low End Mac.
Oh yes, one final note. Marc did not waste his money on a
PowerBook 3400c. Just looking at Scott's input above regarding
reliability should prove that. True, OS 8x/9x isn't for everyone,
but lots of us who are creators vs. collaborators can get along
just fine with this stuff. I still know of pro writers using
PowerBook 160s, 180s etc. And why not? Whatever works! I only wish
is my 3400c had 24-bit colour instead of 16. Material created in
Photoshop 4.0 and Illustrator 8.0 would look a bit better (and a
touch more accurate) on screen.
As always: Great column!
Regards,
Christopher M. Laspa
- Hi Christopher,
Thanks for the comments. I agree, if an old PowerBook or other Mac
is doing the job you require of it, then you're in great shape. I
still use my 233 MHz WallStreet every day.
Charles
UPS Canada Brokerage Fees
From Kevin Hayes
I came across your site when I was looking for an explanation of
the excessive brokerage fees I get
from UPS. Today was my last straw, as I received a shipment with a
$74 dollar Canadian value and was charged a total of $32 in
brokerage fees, etc. I too am taking a vow to never have UPS send
my packages ever again!
Kevin
- Hi Kevin,
Tell me about it!
Whenever possible I instruct shippers not to use UPS for anything
they're sending me from stateside, but I still occasionally get
burned by UPS' outrageous "brokerage fees."
The piece de resistance was last summer when a UPS driver
decided to save himself a 24 mile round trip to my house, found out
where my wife worked (a 19th century village restoration), got his
truck through the gate by implying that he had a shipment for that
operation, then demanded a $50 brokerage fee on the item (value
less than $100).
I complained to UPS Canada customer service, who said they would
follow it up, but I never heard back from them.
Charles
Regarding iDVD for Mac OS 9
From: Michael Samarin
Hello Charles,
Regarding iDVD for Mac OS 9
and External DVD burner for Mac OS
9 topics in Miscellaneous Ramblings. I had also Quicksilver 867 with SuperDrive
(manufactured in Nov 2001), and it came with iDVD for OS 9. In
fact, I burned my very first DVD on this particular setup with iDVD
and Mac OS 9.
Christopher Beaver should make full software restore from
original 4 CDs. He will get iDVD installed only if his
Quicksilver model originally came with SuperDrive. However, he
should be aware that it will clear his hard drive completely. It
was one of the first dual boot software restores CDs with Mac
OS X as an option.
Best regards
Friendly, Michael
http://www.keywebx.com
- Hi Michael,
Thanks for the helpful info.
Charles
iMac Install Disc Trick
From Finegans
Here's a great trick you can do with the iMac Restore disks.
I've done this with iMac Restore disks for OS 8.6, 9.0, 9.04. Try
it - it works!
Put the iMac Restore disk in your CD drive. Open the
"Configurations" folder. Drag the "iMac.HD./2012/charles-moore-picks-up-a-new-low-end-truck/" file onto your copy
of Stuffit Expander. KAZAAM! After a few moments, you'll have a
copy of the iMac HD on your desktop. Open it up - find the System
folder - copy it to your hard-drive (you may have to rename a few
things!!!). KAZAAM PART 2!!! You have a spankin' new version of the
OS on your hard drive.
Cheaper than buying the OS install disks from Apple, the iMac
Restore disks are all over eBay.
Let me know how it works, and I'll be glad to field
questions.
Regards!
Dan
- Hi Dan,
Thanks for the interesting and useful information.
Charles
Installing OS 9 on a
Performa 6360
From Nick
Dear Charles,
I am hoping you can direct me to information for my Performa 6360. I am trying to upgrade it
to run OS 9. I found out it will not run 9.2, but will run 9.0
or maybe 9.1?
I bought a 9.04 installer disc, and it still won't install - it
will boot up in OS 9 on this CD, but the error message is that
this computer won't run the software.
There is a Sonnet G3 L2 card installed, but I have tried it
turned off to no avail. I have read plenty of posts that this
machine should run this software, even with the G3 card. Any
directions would be most appreciated. Thanks!
Nick
- Hi Nick,
OS 9.0.4 or 9.1 should work.
Your 6360 doesn't support OS 9.2, but there is an installer patch
hack that allows you to install 9.2.1 or 9.2.2 on certain "Old
World" Macs that Apple has decided to drop support for. OS 9.1 is
the final version that Apple allows you to install on anything
previous to the Beige G3.
The hack works with all of the "PowerSurge" models, including the
7300, 7500, 8500, 8600, 9500, and 9600. The 6500 seems to work as
well. They also work on the PowerBook 2400/3400/3500(Kanga). The
NuBus PowerMacs (6100, 7100, 8100 series, and the Duo 2300) have
only been a limited success.
For more information, visit <http://www.os9forever.com/os92x.html>
Your OS 9.0.4 disk may be a restore disk for a specific model Mac.
See Finegan's workaround in the letter
above.
Charles
OS 9.0.4 from iMac DV Installs on G4
Sawtooth
Ted Bragg
Charles,
Thought I'd toss my two cents in on the OS 9 install
problem. I put my iMac DV's OS 9.0.4 disc on a G4/450 Sawtooth with no problem. It
installed just fine.
I think the problem lies in the iMac DV install disc's reliance
on the ATI video system and onboard USB, specs both my iMac DV and
G4 tower share, but the 7200 series doesn't.
Generic OS 9 discs should work just find for his machine.
OWC
has them for $37.
-Ted Bragg
- Hi Ted,
Sometimes it will work; sometimes not.
For example, the OS X 10.2.3 Restore disk that came with my iBook
won't boot my Pismo PowerBook,
and the OS 8.1 CD that came with my WallStreet won't install a
system on my Umax SuperMac
S900.
Thanks for the OWC link. Best price I've seen for OS 9.
Charles
PowerBook 3400c
From Heather Anne Hurd
Charles,
Really enjoyed the articles regarding the 3400c. I, too, have a mint circa '97 PB
3400c/180. It's simply my favorite PowerBook. I have a dozen
PowerBooks, ranging from a 1991 PowerBook 100 (still works great!) to a
PowerBook G3/233
WallStreet.
I love them all, especially the PB G3 and my PowerBook 1400c/333, but my 3400c is my
fave. It's like the 747-400 of late '90's PowerBooks. Huge, heavy,
solid, reliable, reasonably fast (still) - and the active matrix
screen is one of the best I have ever seen on any laptop.
It does WiFi and most everything else under OS 9 (9.1 on
mine). I am planning on maxing out the RAM soon and getting a new
battery. Simply put, it's a great PowerBook that I plan to use for
years to come. I especially liked the "downgrade" story - going
from a 2002 iBook to a 1997 PB 3400c, cool!!! Anyway, the PB 3400c
is a great older PowerBook and very affordable!
Heather Anne Hurd
- Hi Heather Anne,
Wow, you really are a classic PowerBook fan. Love your 3400 as
747-400 metaphor. Thanks for the testimonial and rock on!
Charles
PowerBook 3400c and the Grey OEM Mac OS
9 CD
From Stéphane Gervais
Hello,
I too have a PowerBook 3400c,
given to me by my father after he upgraded to an eMac, that is
currently running with Mac OS 8.1. I figured it's time to upgrade
the poor thing. It runs perfectly still. I've changed the hard
drive myself to a 20 gig and added the maximum memory allowed.
Internet connection through a wireless Oricono PC Card without a
single hitch. And now I want to upgrade the OS to 9 so that I can
enjoy some of the new features on the Internet.
So, my question is, what is the deal with the grey OEM CD's? If
it is marked 'iMac' on the CD, does it mean that only iMacs can use
it? I have found sites that sell these CD as being able to perform
full install on close to any Mac computer. Is that true? Or will I
have to purchase a real retail version of Mac OS 9 to be able
to upgrade my PowerBook? The white CD with the orange 9 on it.
Thank you in advance.
Stéphane E. Gervais
- Hi Stéphane,
OEM Restore CDs that ship with new Apple computers will sometimes
work with other models, but often not. I can't predict which will
be the case with what model.
One trick with the Classic Mac OS is that you can usually just drag
a copy of an installed System Folder from one Mac to another so
long as the destination machine is supported by that system
version.
You could also try the workaround Dan described
above.
Doing this of course falls outside Apple's licensing
parameters.
Charles
Booting Clamshell iBook from FireWire
Drives
From Angela Brett
Hi Charles,
I have a FireWire drive with Tiger installed which I often boot
my clamshell iBook SE 466
MHz from. The other day I tried booting a PowerBook G4
1 GHz from it so I could see some of the fancier eye-candy,
but it wouldn't boot from the FireWire drive. I was a bit concerned
as I'm getting a new PowerBook G4 very soon and want to be sure
that it will be able to boot from the drive. While researching
this, I found an intriguing comment on the page /1996/umax-supermac-j700//misc/05/0203.html:
- "Editor's note: Two FireWire-equipped Macs that cannot boot
from FireWire drives are the clamshell iBook (366 & 466 MHz)
and blue & white Power Mac G3"
I'm most surprised to read this, since my clamshell iBook has no
problem booting off the FireWire drive, while the PB G4 was not
even powering up the drive early enough to boot from it. It's a
SmartDisk FireLite drive, and before I got that disk I booted the
iBook from my iPod.
Angela Brett
The Dead
Power Mac 9500
From Dominic Canterucci
Charles,
I was re reading the specs of the 9500, and came across the saga of yer dead 9500. How did it ever
play out? 'Tis a shame I didn't hear about it earlier, as I have a
spare 9500 motherboard, in my closet. I've used the 9500 since I
got it in early 1996. At the moment, it's got almost a gig of RAM,
two hard drives (one running 8.6, the other 9.1), a Radius Thunder
Card, and a Newer Tech G3 card running at almost 500 MHz, and a USB
card. All in all, a pretty sweet machine quietly heading into it's
10th year of steady service, with over 43,000 hours on it. I dig
the 9500, almost as much as my Lisa. Of course, the coolest Mac of
the era, which was a clone, was the Umax Super Mac S900, which one day
I'll track one down and add it to my Mac collection ranging from a
Lisa, 128k, and so on.
Thanks
Nick
- Hi Nick,
We never did get the old 9500 going again after it got fried. I
think the carcass may still be around somewhere - long since
stripped for parts.
Both my son and I got Umax SuperMac S900s. Both have been upgraded
with FireWire and USB cards, and his with a 500 MHz Sonnet G3. It
runs Panther happily. I don't use mine much anymore, but it's still
a cool machine.
Charles
Editor's note: We still have a couple S900s in use at home. Two
of my sons are happily using them with OS 8.x or 9.x. They are real
workhorses. dk
PowerBook Tech
From Martin Rocek
I am sorry to bother you, but some time ago, you wrote about PowerBook Tech. I
went to their website and bought a TiBook 400 logic board. The site accepted
my credit card (which has been charged), but I have received no
communication of any kind from them, despite repeated email
messages to them. Their phone number is disconnected. Am I being
scammed? Should I stop payment on my Visa card?
Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Martin Rocek
- Hi Martin,
This is troubling news.
I don't know what might be going on, and it would be inappropriate
for me to advise you as to whether you should stop payment (is that
possible with a credit card?).
I guess you have probably tried directory assistance for a possible
new phone number.
They're in Berkeley CA. I ran a Better Business Bureau search, and
the following was what came up:
The Bureau has processed one customer complaint on this company
since the Bureau file opened in February 2003. The company
addressed the disputed issues of the complaint and the customer
verified that the complaint has been resolved satisfactorily.
The Bureau processed a total of 1 complaint about this company in
the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of
1 complaint closed in 36 months, 0 was closed in the last
year.
This complaint concerned:
1 Delivery
It was closed as:
1 Assumed Resolved
Good luck!
Charles
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