Mac Mini updated to Core 2 Duo CPUs

Thanks to an uncommon Q&A session after the iMac and iLife '08 announcements today, we also learned that the Mac Mini has received an update as well. The previous models came with Intel Core Duo chips. The new models get Core 2 Duos; a 1.83GHz Core 2 Duo T5600 chip in the $599 model and a 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo T7200 on the $799 unit.

The Mac Mini gets a minor update today, too.

(Credit: CNET)

In addition to the faster clock speeds, adding Core 2 Duo also means 4MB of L2 cache on the $799 Mac Mini, an upgrade over the 2MB on the new $599 system and both older Core Duo-based units. That extra cache should translate to better performance on the $799 model, beyond its faster CPU clock speed. Apple also added iLife '08 to both new Mac Minis, as well.

While both of today's Mac Mini updates are nice, our question from earlier remains: if you purchase a new Mac today, what happens when Apple's Leopard OS X update comes out in two months? Given that the Mac Mini is ostensibly Apple's budget system, potentially tacking on $129 or so for an upgrade down the road is an even bigger concern for potential purchasers of this system, who are likely more price conscious.