Introduction
Apple recently released what some have called long overdue updates to its lineup of desktop computers: the Mac Mini, iMac and Mac Pro. This update marks the third version of desktop Macs to use Intel's multi-core processors, and the third version to be able to run both Apple's Mac OS X, and Microsoft's Windows operating systems.
Counter Clockwise from Top Left: the Mac Mini, iMac and Mac Pro.
Apple has certainly never been more distracted than it is today from its core business of making an operating system and computers to run it. With hardware like iPods, iPhones and AppleTV; the iTunes music downloading service; and advanced software titles such as iLife, Aperture, Final Cut Studio and Logic Pro; Apple may have to prove to its often-loyal personal computer customer base that it has not lost site of its flagship product, the Macintosh computer.
Personally, I use both Windows and Macintosh computers. I'm ready to make an investment in a high-end computer this year, and what I see in the new Macs will be the single most important factor in deciding whether that new computer will be a PC or a Mac.
Mac Mini Default Configurations
| Hardware |
| Model |
1.83 GHz (MB138LL/A) |
2.0 GHz (MB139LL/A) |
| Processor |
1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| L2 Cache |
2 MB Shared |
4 MB Shared |
| System Bus |
667 MHz |
667 MHz |
| Memory |
1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2 x 512 MB)
Upgradeable to 2 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2 x 1 GB) |
| Hard Drive |
80 GB 5400 RPM SATA
Upgradeable to 120 GB or 160 GB |
120 GB 5400 RPM SATA
Upgradeable to 160 GB |
| Optical Drive |
CD-RW / DVD-ROM |
CD-RW DVD±R DL DVD±RW |
| Graphics |
Intel GMA 950 motherboard GPU requiring minimum of 80 MB of main memory and up to additional 64 MB main memory |
| Ports |
One FireWire 400, Four USB 2, One DVI, One VGA (using included adapter), S-video and composite video output (using Apple adapter sold separately) |
| Network |
Wired: 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet
Wireless: AirPort Extreme (802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR |
| Audio |
Built-in speakers, digital audio input/audio line in, digital audio output/headphone out |
| Warrantee |
90 days free phone support, one year limited warrantee |
| Base Model Price |
$599.00 |
$799.00 |
Optional Hardware
All Mac Mini Models |
| Keyboard |
USB Keyboard with Two USB 2 Ports |
| Mouse |
USB Mouse
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse also available |
| Displays |
All Apple displays are flat panel, starting at 20", $599
(Apple computers also work with many non Apple displays) |
Software
All Mac Mini Models |
| Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger Operating System, iLife '08 (including Microsoft Office Demo), and Apple Front Row are included with all 2007 Mac Mini models |
Note that internal upgrades for Apple computers are priced as pre-purchase upgrades, while some upgrades may become prohibitively expensively once the unit is completely built.
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