Mac Mini Memory Gap? [UPDATED]

I really want to like this thing, so tell me: does it only take one memory module?

There really isn’t a clue that I could find. “Expandable up to 1GB,” it says at the Apple Store, an option that costs $425. The 512MB option is only $75, but is that in addition to the original 256MB or not?

I was about to buy a processor upgrade much slower than the Mac mini and an external hard drive to keep my ancient Mac in the game a little longer, and the Mac mini is only a little bit more, amazingly. With a mini, I could just dump the venerable B&W G3, though it runs with divine grace and constancy. However, the B&W has 3/4 of a gig of RAM, and I could max it out to a full gig for only another $50. Right there my old system still looks pretty darned good. Besides, I bought a nice USB-Firewire CD burner not too long ago, and it’s hardly been used.

So tell me, somebody, whether the extra $75 for a Mac mini gets me 512MB or 512 + 256MB. I just went back to the Apple Store, and I don’t think so. Hmm. I may stick with Ole Blue, a full gig o’ RAM, and a G4 upgrade. Interesting.

I still think the mini is a fabulous product. It’s just looking more to me like something more suited for dedicated use than a replacement machine. Even then, it all depends on what you’ve got lying around to put with it. I’m glad it’s in the product line, though. I think it’s going to stimulate a lot of experimentation, and that can only be good.

UPDATED: 1-15-05, 12:39 p.m. MST — I’m updating rather than add to the comments below, all of which are very much appreciated. The first thing I want to say is that once again I’ve proven my old axiom: if you really want to learn something on the Mac Web, just ask a silly question, then stand back. THANK YOU for all the pointers.

Roger’s urging to just say “yes” and buy one probably makes the most sense, as I am very prone to Upgrade Lunacy when it comes to old gear. It’s the customizing instinct. You know: “Why overhaul? Let’s add a new glasspack to this thing and listen to it rumble until we throw a rod!” Only with Macs, you never break an engine. The damn things just keep going, and there you are with a pile of old stuff you can’t bear to throw away. Aww, man.

I think the memory issue is serious, though. Mac people are used to installing their own and they’ll figure out a way. PC people, especially the ones who build their own, will surely want to try. Someone will sell that “special tool.” $425 for a full gig of memory is just silly.

For now the question comes down to what the heck can I use this thing for with 512MB of RAM? See, that’s what I meant by “dedicated use.” If I weren’t Dreamweaving and Photoshopping all over creation at the same time, aarghh.

What I really need is a G5 and a big flat screen display. But the flames on my B&W G3 look so cool …