In order to get a Mac mini G4 (or other Mac G4) up and running, for iTunes, there are going to be a few things that we need to do. Mac mini G4 (or other Mac G4) Retail copy of OS X 10.5 Leopard DVD; iTunes 10.6.3 (free download) QuickTime 7.7 (free download) Apple ID; An external hard drive (suggest one powered by USB bus). I'm having problems with getting 5.1 Surround Sound out of my Mac Mini with iTunes. Here is my hardware setup: Mac Mini (Mid 2010 model, has built in HDMI output, running OS X Lion 10.7.1 and latest iTunes version) Pioneer VSX-1121-K Amplifier. I've got the Mac Mini connected to the Amp with HDMI, and I've also tried a digital. Download iTunes 12.8.2 for Mac This update resolves an issue that may prevent iTunes from playing media to third-party AirPlay speakers. It also includes minor app and performance improvements. Download macOS Catalina for an all‑new entertainment experience. Your music, TV shows, movies, podcasts, and audiobooks will transfer automatically to the Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Podcasts, and Apple Books apps where you’ll still have access to your favorite iTunes features, including purchases, rentals, and imports.

Are you wondering what goes on inside Apple’s Mac mini? Perhaps you’ve bought one and want to see what you can do with it?

The iTunes app for Mac was officially killed with the release of macOS Catalina.Since it’s hidden by default, follow along for how to show the iTunes Store in the Music app on Mac.

If so, read on to discover everything you need to know about the Mac mini, from what it is, to how to set it up and tons of different things you can use it for, outside of a regular PC.

What is a Mac mini and what does it do?

The Mac mini is a small desktop computer made by Apple. What makes the Mac mini different from a regular computer is that it’s shipped without an accompanying screen, keyboard or mouse. As Apple likes to say, it’s “BYODKM” (Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, and Mouse).

The reason behind the Mac mini being shipped solo, is because most of its use cases feature around using it to power up another device, as we’ll discuss in more detail below.

It also makes for more of a flexible purchase. For example, if you already have a screen, or a keyboard and mouse, you can pair these with the Mac mini rather than forking out for new ones. And if you don’t, you can easily purchase them alongside the Mac mini anyway.

The Mac mini has been around since 2005 (launched at the same time as the iPod shuffle) but its design and functionality have changed since then.

The latest 3.6 GHz Mac mini released in 2018 comes in two types of processing speed, the 3.6 GHz Mac mini Core i3 costing about $799 and the 3.0 GHz Mac mini Core i5 costing about $1099.

Specification of the Mac mini

Uses for the Mac mini

• Share presentations to screen
• Listen to music through an app like Spotify
• Share photos to a TV screen
• Access emails
• Play games

Benefits of the Mac mini

Some of the key benefits of the Mac mini include:

• The cheapest Mac Apple sells
• Built in apps such as FaceTime, iBooks, Maps, iTunes and Mail
• Multiple ports, making it more akin to a PC than a media device
• Apple quotes that with fourth-generation Intel Core processors, the device is able to “keep up with computers twice its size”
• Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth
• Easy setup for a keyboard, mouse or screen
• The perfect size to use as the centre of a “digital home”

How to set up a Mac mini

Here’s how to get your Mac mini running, from getting it out of the box to using it for a purchase such as connecting to your home TV.

Before you begin setup some of the questions you may want to consider include:

• What screen will you be connecting to? You’ll need a desktop or a TV screen to get your Mac mini up and running
• How will you connect to the screen? Depending on what screen you’re connecting to you may need a converter lead
• Do you have a Wi-Fi connection? You’ll need this to set up some of the Mac mini features
• How will you control the Mac mini? You’ll likely need either a keyboard and mouse combo or an Apple remote

Once you’ve made your decision and purchased any additional items you need, here’s how to get set up.

1. Add power

Plug the power adaptor into your Mac mini and plug the other end into your power outlet. Press the power button on the back of the Mac mini.

2. Attach to your TV or monitor

Connect your Mac mini to your TV or desktop. The Mac mini comes with a HDMI-to-DVI adapter for connecting to a monitor's DVI port, which will allow you to connect to an Apple monitor.

If you want to connect to a TV screen you may need to purchase a mini-displayport-to-VGA adapter which will allow you to connect your Mac mini to a standard analog monitor, projector, or LCD that uses a VGA connector or cable.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi

Once turned on, the setup guide should take you through a few simple steps, including setting up a Wi-Fi connection.

4. Sign in with your Apple id

This will give you access to the App Store and and will link your iCloud account if you wish to connect to your Mail, Photos, Calendar and so on.

5. Begin using your Mac mini

From here, you can begin using your PC or TV screen as a computer, using the desktop to search for apps, open web pages and more.

What can you do with your Mac mini?

Want to ensure you’re getting the most from your Mac mini device? Here are some ideas on how you can use it:

1. Access apps on a TV screen

The Mac mini is a great way to take everything you’d usually do on your phone or laptop and access it on your TV screen. This could be sharing photos with a room, opening mail or accessing your documents.

1. Use any screen as your computer

The Mac mini is super light, which means you can take it anywhere, plug it into a desktop and you’ll have a powerful computer. This allows you to work from anywhere, or set up shop in any location where there’s a monitor and Wi-Fi available.

1. Set up digital signage with the Mac mini

The Mac mini is a great way to turn any screen into a digital sign. This allows you to pre-schedule and setup content to show on your digital screen such as social media feeds, presentations, travel updates, news feeds and more. Read the full guide on setting up digital signage with the Mac mini here.

4. Create a home viewing centre

With the Mac mini and a screen, or desktop, you can create a home viewing centre that allows you to watch movies, surf the internet and listen to music. Via streaming apps such as Netflix, or even through movies you’ve bought on iTunes, you can easily set up movies to play on any screen. You can also use music apps available in the Apple App Store or use Safari to get online.

5. View and share photos

The Mac Mini includes a SDXC card slot so you can simply remove the memory card from your camera and insert it. This allows you to view photos on a monitor, or share them with the room from your TV screen.

Mac mini question buster

Can you use any monitor with a Mac mini?

The Mac mini doesn’t come with a monitor, but you can connect it to one using one of the ports on the back of the device. Using the right adapter, you can connect the Mac Mini to any computer screen with a VGA port. The Mac Mini ships with a HDMI-to-DVI adapter but it’s only really Apple monitors which use DVI, so for a regular monitor you may need a HDMI-to-VGA or mini displayport-to-VGA connector instead.

How do you turn on a Mac mini?

Simply press the power button on the Mac mini box.

Can you use any keyboard with a Mac mini?

Most keyboards and mouses can be used with the Mac mini by connecting them using the USB port. For Bluetooth devices, connect the USB dongle to the Mac mini using the USB port.

Got a question to add? Email us: hello@screencloud.com

If your computer doesn't recognize your connected device, you might see an unknown error or a '0xE' error. If you do, follow these steps and try to connect your device again after each step:

1. Make sure that your iOS or iPadOS device is unlocked and on the Home screen.
2. Check that you have the latest software on your Mac or Windows PC. If you're using iTunes, make sure you have the latest version.
3. Make sure that your device is turned on.
4. If you see a Trust this Computer alert, unlock your device and tap Trust.
5. Unplug all USB accessories from your computer except for your device. Try each USB port to see if one works. Then try a different Apple USB cable.*
6. Restart your computer.
7. Restart your device:
8. Try connecting your device to another computer. If you have the same issue on another computer, contact Apple Support.
   

For more help, follow the steps below for your Mac or Windows PC.

* Learn how to connect iPad Pro (11-inch) or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) to your computer.

If you use a Mac

Mac Mini Itunes Downloads

1. Connect your iOS or iPadOS device and make sure that it's unlocked and on the Home screen.
2. On your Mac, hold down the Option key, click the Apple menu, and choose System Information or System Report.
3. From the list on the left, select USB.
4. If you see your iPhone, iPad, or iPod under USB Device Tree, get the latest macOS or install the latest updates. If you don't see your device or still need help, contact Apple Support.
   

If you use a Windows PC

The steps differ depending on if you downloaded iTunes from the Microsoft Store or from Apple.

Mac Mini Itunes App

If you downloaded iTunes from the Microsoft Store

Follow these steps to reinstall the Apple Mobile Device USB driver:

1. Disconnect your device from your computer.
2. Unlock your iOS or iPadOS device and go to the Home screen. Then reconnect your device. If iTunes opens, close it.
3. Click and hold (or right-click) the Start button, then choose Device Manager.
4. Locate and expand the Portable Devices section.
   
5. Look for your connected device (such as Apple iPhone), then right-click on the device name and choose Update driver.
   
6. Select 'Search automatically for updated driver software.'
7. After the software installs, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and verify that no other updates are available.
8. Open iTunes.

If you downloaded iTunes from Apple

Follow these steps to reinstall the Apple Mobile Device USB driver:

1. Disconnect your device from your computer.
2. Unlock your iOS or iPadOS device and go to the Home screen. Then reconnect your device. If iTunes opens, close it.
3. Press the Windows and R key on your keyboard to open the Run command.
4. In the Run window, enter:
   %ProgramFiles%Common FilesAppleMobile Device SupportDrivers
5. Click OK.
6. Right-click on the usbaapl64.inf or usbaapl.inf file and choose Install.
   You might see other files that start with usbaapl64 or usbaapl. Make sure to install the file that ends in .inf. If you’re not sure which file to install, right-click a blank area in the File Explorer Window, click View, then click Details to find the correct file type. You want to install the Setup Information file.
7. Disconnect your device from your computer, then restart your computer.
8. Reconnect your device and open iTunes.

If your device still isn't recognized

Check Device Manager to see if the Apple Mobile Device USB driver is installed. Follow these steps to open Device Manager:

1. Press the Windows and R key on your keyboard to open the Run command.
2. In the Run window, enter devmgmt.msc, then click OK. Device Manager should open.
3. Locate and expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
4. Look for the Apple Mobile Device USB driver.
   

If you don't see the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver or you see Unknown Device:

• Connect your device to your computer with a different USB cable.
• Connect your device to a different computer. If you have the same issue on another computer, contact Apple Support.

If you see the Apple Mobile Device USB driver with an error symbol:

If you see , , or next to the Apple Mobile Device USB driver, follow these steps:

1. Restart the Apple Mobile Device Service.
2. Check for and resolve issues with third-party security software, then restart your computer.
3. Try to install the usbaapl64.inf or usbaapl.inf file again.