G4 or Intel Mac Mini for new install?

guitartech · 02-03-2007, 09:35 AM

Is the flickering screen on the Intel's a deal breaker? Should I get a G4 instead?

Any help from those with current or past installs is appreciated.

Thanks.

Jirka Jirout · 02-03-2007, 09:46 AM

The flickering screen sucks, but I would not say it is a deal breaker. It can be partially improved by using the DVI-VGA adapter with the cable (supplied with PowerBooks and Mac Book Pros) instead of the standard one that comes with the Mini. Some extra work on cabling might help even more.

I have recently used a G4 Mini in my new V480 installation. But the Range Rover and Saab will both get Intel version.

GoHybrid · 02-03-2007, 09:53 AM

i've actually never seen my screen flicker with my intel mini. either on NTSC or VGA output... what's that all about?

Jirka Jirout · 02-03-2007, 10:30 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by GoHybrid

i've actually never seen my screen flicker with my intel mini. either on NTSC or VGA output... what's that all about?

Quite a few people are experiencing the problem. Strange thing is that it only seems to occur with small LCDs for in-car use, not regular desktop monitors. Some people thought that this was a problem with P1900 power supply, but I hae experienced it when running on the original power brick as well (and screen running off another 230->12V power adapter).

Bugbyte · 02-03-2007, 01:02 PM

Use of a high quality VGA cable that is well shielded has also helped with the flickering.

GoHybrid · 02-03-2007, 03:28 PM

that's interesting. it's got a DVI output... i wonder why we don't see more digital flat panel displays. Seems to me that would eliminate a good number of those problems.

Jirka Jirout · 02-03-2007, 04:19 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by GoHybrid

that's interesting. it's got a DVI output... i wonder why we don't see more digital flat panel displays. Seems to me that would eliminate a good number of those problems.

It would, but it would also require the manufacturing plant changes, which can be pretty expensive. Also the cables and connectors are more expensive for DVI (by few cents, but try to multiply that by number of units produced...) And as long as people keep buying VGA displays, the manufacturers have no big reason to invest into the product changes.

Jirka Jirout · 02-03-2007, 04:23 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Bugbyte

Use of a high quality VGA cable that is well shielded has also helped with the flickering.

Any practical experience? Have you replaced the cable completely (i.e. from the VGA connector to the PCB inside the LCD case) or just the part between VGA connector and the small mini-DIN on the cable close to the case?

Bugbyte · 02-05-2007, 07:29 PM

Sorry, nope. I still have the PPC Mini. I was passing on info from another thread I had read.