Mac Mini

The Mac Mini was originally designed by Apple, Inc as its entry level consumer desktop computer. It is also the smallest desktop computer made by this manufacturer with the computing power of a laptop. After several refreshes, the 2010 version takes on the role of a multi-media server with the inclusion of an HDMI port. This page keeps you current on the latest developments, refreshes, and trends of the Mac Mini.

The latest Mac Mini was quietly introduced June 14, 2010 after the conclusion of WWDC10 upon which the focus was on iPhone 4.

The major changes from the previous version are:http://www.apple.com/macmini/

• aluminum unibody enclosure with access to memory

• no external power supply

• HDMI and SD card slot

• Two times faster graphics with NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics

• Up to 500GB of hard disk space

• Starting price increases to US$699

The Mac Mini is no longer the entry level desktop that was first introduced in 2005.

The features listed for the Mac mini arehttp://www.apple.com/macmini/features.html

Graphics and video support

• NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory
• Mini DisplayPort with support for up to 2560-by-1600 resolution
• HDMI port with support for up to 1920-by-1200 resolution
• DVI output using HDMI to DVI Adapter (included)
• VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately)
• Support for extended desktop and video mirroring across both ports

Processor and memory

• 2.4GHz or 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• 3MB on-chip shared L2 cache
• 1066MHz frontside bus
• 2GB (two 1GB SO-DIMMs) of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM; two SO-DIMM slots support up to 8GB

Storage

• 320GB or 500GB Serial ATA hard disk drive6
• 8x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)

Peripheral connections

• One FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps)
• Four USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps)
• SD card slot

Communications

• AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking5; IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) wireless technology
• 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet (RJ-45) interface with support for jumbo frames

Hands on with the new Mac minihttp://www.macworld.com/article/152061/2010/06/macmini2010handson.html tears down the Mac mini so the new design features can be seen

10 Reason Why the Mac Mini Is a Worthy iPad Alternativehttp://www.eweek.com/c/a/IT-Infrastructure/10-Reason-Why-the-Mac-Mini-Is-a-Worthy-iPad-Alternative-347874/ takes the view that you don't need another portable device but a better desktop.

The first edition of the Mac mini was announced on January 11, 2005 at the MacWorld Conference & Expo. The object of the Mini was to target a wider audience by offering a scaled down, yet more affordable computer. The Mac Mini is packaged with Apple's Mac OS X Snow Leopard operating system and the Safari web browser. It also contains multiple Apple applications for making and managing photos, videos, and music. The computer also comes with the Apple remote.

The Mac Mini does not come with a mouse, the first Macintosh desktop since the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh to do so. The Mac Mini is the first Mac to not come with a keyboard. Both items are available separately. A monitor is also required.

The Mac Mini was first released in January 2005 and was followed by several updated versions. In October of 2008, major retailers in Europe were told to expect no more shipments of the Mac Mini, leading some to suggest that the computer was being phased out of Apple's lineup.Gizmodo: Apple Stops Mac Mini Shipments to Retailers...(October 21, 2008)

Three new versions of the Mac Mini were released on Oct 20, 2009. One of the new Mac Minis is a home server. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2354481,00.asp

"More memory. A faster processor. And still the world’s most energy-efficient desktop computer. Starting at $599." --- Apple http://www.apple.com/macmini/

• Nerd Vittles: "50 Great Summertime Projects for You & Your Mac Mini" (2007)

• Engadget: "Turn your Mac Mini into a media center" (2005)

• The Unofficial Apple Weblog: "Connect Your Mac Mini to a TV" (2007)

• Lifehacker: "Getting to Done: Pimp your Mac Mini" (2007)

• Applefritter: Intel Mac mini: Take Apart Guide (RAM & HD)

• AnandTech: The Mac mini as a Media Computer