Apple finally refreshes Mac Mini with updated specs
Looks like the rumors were true. This morning Apple updated both the iMac and the Mac Mini. The Mac Mini in particular was long overdue for a refresh, having relied on the same specs since August 2007.
The new Mac Mini has the same chassis design, despite rumors of an overhaul.
(Credit: Apple)The updated Mac Mini has new default configurations, although the prices remain the same, at $599 for the low-end model and $799 for the step-up version. The $599 system gets a new 2GHz Core 2 Duo processor, the same 1GB of RAM, and a larger 120GB hard drive. The $799 model also retains its 2GB of RAM and the same 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo chip, but with a larger 320GB hard drive.
An Nvidia MCP79 chipset drives both new Mac Minis, in line with the MacBook Pro which came out with Nvidia circuitry just a few weeks ago, but minus the second 9600M GPU. That means each Mac Mini has an Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics chip driving its display, which improves the Mac Mini's outlook for video and photo editing and to a certain extent gaming. We found the MacBook Pro with the 9400M chip was at capable of at least playable frame rates in Quake IV.
(Credit:
Apple)
With the specs also come new ports on the rear of the Mac Mini, and you get the same inputs and outputs at either price level. That means five USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and upgrades to FireWire 800 as well as Mini DVI and Mini DisplayPort for monitor connections. Mini DisplayPort is for now only a feature of Apple systems and monitors, but that could grow as Apple has also offered the spec to VESA for incorporation into its official DisplayPort standard.
We don't have a Mac Mini on hand to test (yet), but we have a few questions regarding its bang for the buck. Comparing raw hardware with the $480 Vista-based Acer Aspire X1700, the Mac comes up short on core processor clock speed (2.4GHz vs. 2.0GHz), RAM allotment (4GB vs. 1GB), and especially hard-drive size (640GB vs. 120GB). The Acer lacks the Mac Mini's wireless networking, and Bluetooth, but instead of DisplayPort and FireWire 800 it gets you HDMI and eSATA jacks--essentially a wash, if not an outright Acer win for eSATA's faster data throughput.
We'd agree that the Mac Mini has a more pleasing design than any of its Windows competitors, and you may prefer Apple's OS X to Vista, in which case your decision is already made. We're less sure about the new Mac Mini's value proposition, which was a challenge for earlier models. Hopefully we can run one through the lab soon.
Rich Brown reviews desktops and various other components and peripherals for CNET. E-mail Rich. 
I didn't raise the question of drive speed, Mr. Brown did.
Mac Minis are entry level machines. They were not developed to compete with any other computer in the Mac lineup. I repeat, if you need faster drive speed, more hard drive capacity or faster graphics then look at a Mac Pro. For general usage I think the Apple Mac Mini hits a sweet spot.
whoa 120gigabytes!?!
even dirt cheap netbooks have 160 gb hard drives
I have a music studio, I need firewire, games not an issue. HD space not really an issue.. just need a new version of OSX a good reliable computer faster than my last one.
What is a bit of a **** off, I don't mind buying the base model but make it easier to open to swap out the ram at a later date. I stopped by the apple store and they don't yet have them in stock, waiting...
this is not a bloated O.S remember
blame MS for their obsession of creating bloatware !
although I agree the hardrive could be a bit bigger
120 GB is yesterdays Hd size but with my Segate 1 TB drive
it should suffice !
and eSATA is overated ! who needs it ?
with wireless HDs like the Time capsule out on the market
usb and wi-fi r more than enough for me !
dual display was a pleasant surprise, perfect for my HTPC needs !
and 9400M is perfect for starcraft/starcraft 2 the only game I play !
looks all this waiting has finally paid off ! phew
but not bundling the remote is a new low by Apple !
this is more like a 2nd machine for media purposes !
and I GB should be fine for safari, itunes and vlc and of-course starcraft !
if you can find me a better machine with similar dimensions
I'll be more than glad to take a look !
yes nice machine but I'm not looking more ram and HD space
the mini's specs r more than enough for me
plus the mini has nvidia graphics
but wat I get with the mini is the ability to run OSX and Windows
iLife bundled and Apple build quality and reliability
and last but not least a Nice re-sale value too
I'm sorry but I'm not penny wise ,pound foolish
so I choose the Mac mini every time
do a google or youtube search for instructions
When the user's needs exceed the capabilities of a Mini, then there are other Macintoshes with more power.
Our household has one Mac Mini running OS 10.5 and one G5 running 10.4. So we won't need to upgrade for another couple years. There are no PCs running Windows Vista and we have no plans to acquire any Windows machines.
cause HDMI audio in Pcs doesn't seem to work half the time
atleast from wat I've seen !
the reason they use mini-dvi is because it was developed by Apple themselves
and it's also being licensed free to others !
I guess I heard wrong
either way mini-display or hdmi both r practiacally the same with adaptors
HDMI audio in Pcs doesn't work all that well n e way
infact with mini-display you can drive higher resolutions
also the dual display option is a nice addition !
the Pentium DC's are budget core 2 Duos
I like Apple's style and minmalism. In my retirement I want (some background music) to fool around with photos, videos and photoshop. Would the macmini plus one of their 30" displays be the toy I'm looking for?
so the mini graphics r plenty powerful IMO
as far as displays go thats another story
I haven't had much experience with Apple displays ,they r a bit pricier too !
but your old display will work just fine and n e other third party display too !
Here's the math:
Mac Mini maxed out (4 gigs ram, 2.26 processor, 320 gig HD at 5400 rpms, no keyboard, no mouse) is $800.00.
24" iMac entry level (4 gigs ram, 2.66 processor, 640 gig HD at 7200 rpms, a 24" display, keyboard and mouse included) is $1500.00. (Subtract $125.00 if you go with a similarly configured 20" iMac. This choice doesn't make sense to me because the extra 4" is a 30% increase in monitor size. That extra size is totally worth $125.00!)
In your case, since you already have a 24" monitor, the Mac Mini should be a serious consideration.
But, you get a lot more bang for your buck with a 24" iMac. You could still use your current 24" display with it and have a HUGE amount of monitor real estate (Two 24" monitors??? NICE!).
Also, I like the faster hard drive on the iMacs. The Mini's HD rpms are 5400. The iMac is 7200. This means that the Mini will feel more like a traditional (not top of the line) laptop.
You also mention Photoshop. Photoshop will probably run significantly better on an iMac. Especially if you DON'T max out the Mac Mini.
I have some advice for you about what to consider when picking your Mac, if you intend to use it as long as I've used this one. Get the one you enjoy using, and it will become almost like a friend over the years. Whichever one that is, get the best one they offer. You will appreciate having the features and better specs, as today's fast machine will be considered slow in the future. (I say considered, because I don't notice that much of a difference most of the time, in fact my G3 iMac boots Tiger faster than the G4 with the dust cover.) If you don't plan on buying a new version of Photoshop regularly, be cautious about upgrading the OS. I have Photoshop for OS 9, and can't use it since I upgraded to OS X. It is an expensive program, and make sure you want to buy a new copy before you upgrade the system. You can always buy a new cheapie computer to go online if your OS is old- cheaper than upgrading Photoshop. When I upgraded my firmware to have the ability to use OS X, my graphics were affected. Colors don't look nearly as clear as they used to, that will matter for Photoshop. Finally, whatever Mac you go with, keep it in a cool place. Get a stand to allow airflow or keep a little fan handy and aim it on the case when it gets hot. The all in one design of the iMacs and the compact body of the Mini means that it's tight in there. My computer has no fan whatsoever, so it's is pleasantly quiet. Heat shortens the life span of Macs, I've seen it myself. (I've never owned a Windows machine, but I would imagine that the tornado sound of the fans means they keep themselves cooler than my iMac.) The Mini is small, but the iMac's all in one design means it takes up less space. Hope you find the Mac of your dreams; they are worth every penny.
http://www.wealthalchemist.com/Blog/2009/03/dow-drops-7000-depression/
It looks to me like Apple has bet its future on content and a market strategy that looks for the up scale buyer and that makes sense. Competing on the basis of price is a tough way to do business. The only complaint I have is that for a premium price the warranty and support should also be premium.
- by opbear March 4, 2009 10:01 AM PST
- Any large 22" recommendations for the new mac mini and suggested type of connection? Thanks
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
-
- by seven7dust March 5, 2009 7:47 AM PST
- Definitely Viewsonic, most of their LCDs r good enough
- Like this
-
(41 Comments)but if you need the absolute best then Look into the 24" Apple Display