Up close with the Mac media center

After devoting our last podcast episode to just about everything except the Macintosh, we make amends by discussing nothing but the Mac—specifically the Mac mini.

Macworld senior editor Dan Frakes is the guy we call on to crack open Apple’s most diminutive Macintosh. He’s just completed upgrading a new $599 mini with 4GB of RAM and a higher-capacity hard drive. I talk with him about his experience.

After a word from episode-sponsor Audible.com, I speak with an international panel of computers about my exploits turning a Mac mini into a media center.

Listen to episode 158

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Show notes

I open the show by discussing the end of support for Office 2004. For the newsy side of that story rather than what it means to me, read Jim Dalrymple’s article.

Dan’s documentation of the Mac mini upgrade will appear shortly. In the meantime, read his review.

Throughout this week I outline my adventures with a Mac mini as media center. Part 1 discusses upgrading the mini to make it a more capable entertainment device. Part 2 is about connecting the mini to your AV gear and configuring Front Row. Part 3 focuses on obtaining additional media content. Part 4 will address remotely controlling the mini. And Part 5 takes the long view—whether it’s worth the trouble and expense. You can find links to all the products and programs I mention within these stories.

Sponsor

This podcast is sponsored by Audible.com.