2 reviews

Apple Mac Mini

$599.00 Released July, 2011

The Pros:Looks minimalist and sleek, very modern design. Can't generally hear any noise from it. Can run multiple applications, browser windows, and media all at once with no lag or lockup.

The Cons:Can't upgrade it much past the original specifications. Takes a long time to render more complex HD video editing. Lacks an optical drive - abandoned since the last generation model.

The Apple Mac Mini is a high-end nettop computer that is designed to work in tandem with the Apple Thunderbolt display, but it can also be used on any HDTV. The Mac Mini features integrated WiFi (802.11) and Bluetooth support combined with more advanced hardware features to provide a completely portable desktop computer.

Where to Buy

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Apple Mac mini MC816LL/A Desktop Computer - Intel Core i5 2.50 GHz by PriceGrabber.com

The Apple Mac Mini is powered by a 2.3-2.7 Intel Core i5 or i7 processor (depending on model purchased and upgrades selected), combined with 2-4GB of 1333MHz DDR3 installed memory. The more expensive Mac Mini model also includes an ATI Radeon HD 6630M graphics adapter (GPU) with 256MB of GDDR5 memory. All Mini models include a 500GB hard drive, integrated Thunderbolt and HDMI ports, an SDXC card slot, integrated WiFi and Bluetooth support (Ethernet LAN also included), and is pre-installed with Mac OS X Lion.

Features

Intel Core i5 or i7 Dual Core Processor
1333MHz DDR3 Memory
Integrated WiFi and Bluetooth Support
Intel Graphics with Shared Memory or ATI Radeon HD 6630M
500GB Hard Drive
High Speed Thunderbolt Connection Technology
- Allows up to 5 simultaneous connections with peripherals
Integrated HDMI Port for use with HDTVs
Pre-Installed Mac OS X Lion
Fully Customizable Upgrades (Price will also vary)
DVD and CD Sharing Support with other Mac OS X Devices

Apple Mac Mini Technical Specifications

The following tech specs are from the lowest model of the Mac Mini ($599), for additional models and individual hardware upgrades see the "models" section below.

Processor: 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 Dual-Core (Shared L3 Cache)
Memory: 2GB 1333MHz DDR3 RAM
Storage: 500GB Hard Drive
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 GPU with 288MB DDR3 Shared SDRAM
Communications:
- Wi-Fi: 802.11n (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g)
- Bluetooth: 4.0
- Ethernet: 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet
External Video Support:
- Thunderbolt Port for up to 2560 x 1600 Resolution
- HDMI Port for up to 1920 x 1200 Resolution
- DVI Output (HDMI to DVI)
External Audio Support:
- Audio Line-In
- Audio Line-out/ Headphone Jack
- Apple iPhone Headset with Microphone
- Integrated Speaker
External Peripheral Ports:
- Thunderbolt Port (up to 10Gbps)
- FireWire 800 Port (up to 800Mbps)
- Four USB 2.0 Ports (up to 480Mbps)
- HDMI Port
- SDXC Card Slot
- Gigabit Ethernet Port
- Audio In/Out
Mac OS X Lion Pre-Installed
- iLife Software (iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand)
Dimensions:
- Height: 1.4" (3.6cm)
- Width: 7.7" (19.7cm)
- Depth: 7.7" (19.7cm)
- Weight: 2.7pds (1.22kg)

Apple Mac Mini Models

2.3 GHz Mac Mini ($599)
- Processor: 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 Dual-Core (3MB shared L3 Cache)
- Memory: 2GB 1333MHz DDR3 Installed RAM
- Storage: 500GB Hard Drive
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 (288MB DDR3 Shared RAM)
2.5GHz Mac Mini ($799)
- Processor: 2.5GHz Intel Core i5 Dual-Core (3MB shared L3 Cache)
- Memory: 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 Installed RAM
- Storage: 500GB Hard Drive
- Graphics: AMD (ATI) Radeon HD 6630M (256MB Dedicated GDDR5 RAM)

There are additional configurable options for both models which can be selected while purchasing the Apple Mac Mini through the Apple store. The additional options that can be selected include:

4 or 8GB DDR3 Memory Upgrade
2.7GHz Intel Core i7 Dual-Core Processor Upgrade
750GB Hard Drive Upgrade
256GB Solid State Drive Upgrade
750GB HDD and 256SSD Storage Combo (both)
Apple Remote Control Upgrade

User Reviews (2)

Add Pros & Cons

ProScore

Pros

2

looks minimalist and sleek, very modern design
2

can't generally hear any noise from it
2

can run multiple applications, browser windows, and media all at once with no lag or lockup
1

enough video processing power to edit HD video footage
1

compact design has a very small footprint, good for crowded work areas
1

consistent operation day to day, no lockups or odd errors
1

setup is a simple process, ideal for users that aren't computer savvy
1

runs the latest version of Mac OSX - Lion
1

Thunderbolt port
1

very tiny and attractive design - fits just about anywhere
1

affordable next to the only other Apple desktop
1

HDMI output port for use as a capable HTPC
1

features the latest second generation Core i5 CPUs
1

good hardware for its form factor - powerful Intel processors, ample amount of DDR3 memory, mobile graphics from AMD