Mac mini Hacks & Mods For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)

by John Rizzo (Author) "The multipurpose mini is the most modifiable Mac on the market..." (more)
Key Phrases: mezzanine board, modding projects, jumper resistors, System Preferences, Migration Assistant, Application Support (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

• Starting at $499, the diminutive Mac mini-2.5 inches tall, 6.5 inches wide, and 2.9 pounds-is expected to become Apple's bestselling computer, with projected shipments of 100,000 units a month
• This book offers several projects-some easy, some more challenging-to help people tweak, modify, and transform a Mac mini
• Modest modifications include creating a Mac mini home theater, an appliance controller, and a travel kit; other more complex (but very cool!) mods require wielding a soldering iron
• Offers detailed, illustrated step-by-step instructions-including how to open the Mac mini, keep track of pieces, and avoid damage-that enable even novice tinkerers to complete the projects

From the Back Cover
Don't be shy — hack and mod your mini to discover its hidden talents

Thinking big — but still a bit hesitant to dissect your Mac mini? Well, pick up the screwdriver and keep this friendly guide within reach! These fun projects range from simple and risk-free to adventurous and cutting-edge. You'll quickly discover that there is nothing small about the exciting possibilities that lie within your Mac mini.

Discover how to

• Safely open your Mac mini
• Upgrade the hard drive and RAM
• Install your own SuperDrive
• Overclock your Mac mini for maximum speed
• Mod your car for the Mac mini

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; illustrated edition edition (January 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471749001
• ISBN-13: 978-0471749004
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #331,996 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Buy this book...Save money!, February 8, 2006

By	James Hatsis "AHR" (Greensboro, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is just the book you need if you want to do ANYTHING inside your mac mini.
This book eliminates any fear you may have about opening up your mac mini.
The mini is an incredible little computer with lots of potential and this book will help you make the most of it.
Many projects from simple to complex (Increasing CPU Speed)are laid out with easy to follow instructions.

The money you save by doing your own memory upgrade will more than pay for this book, in fact with the money you save you can upgrade the Hard drive or optical drive too!

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed Dummie, April 2, 2009

By	DallasClubGuy "DCG" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This book was very disappointing. I would guess it was written by a reporter with little or no actual knowledge of the inner workings of the Mac Mini. Following his instructions on adding an external 3.5" outboard hard drive to the interior ATA bus completely leaves out the fact that it is not possible to leave the optical drive connected to the same bus due to the terrific difference in speed. He seems to have interviewed someone who had done it or had known someone who had done it.
I expected more. I was very disappointed.