Apple Mac Mini Desktop PC
Low price and small size characterises Mac mini. Apart from being economical and versatile Mac mini is all-inclusive. It is a pleasant surprise when Mac announced that it has updated Apple Mac mini to include Intel Core 2 Duo processors, the exact same processor unit that the iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro have been using since the end of 2006.
It is also good news for those who are looking for inexpensive version of Mac PC. But that does not mean it is compromised on the performance. Several upgrades have given this Apple Mac Mini Desktop PC impressive performance boost in several applications.
In terms of design, there is not much to talk about. It is cased into an aluminium-and-white, 6.5-x-6.5-x-2-inch enclosure with white plastic top. The white finish of Mac mini matches with Apples’ iPod definitely attracts your attention. Clean line and simple finish makes up Mac mini.
Closer look at the system reveals that the main cosmetic changes to the mini have been made on the rear end. The updated Mac houses two video ports: a mini-DVI port that uses a pre-packaged adapter to connect to standard DVI displays, and a Mini DisplayPort connector similar to those found on the current MacBooks. Both video outputs include High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), allowing you to output HDCP-protected content to other HDCP-enabled devices.
This feature enables you to hook up non-Apple monitor using Mini-DVI and single-link DVI adaptors. At the moment, the only monitor that connects to a Mini DisplayPort input without an adaptor is Apple’s 24-inch LED Cinema Display.
At the rear end you also see USB ports (totalling up to five), a single FireWire 800 port. Apple has set a standard in terms of its graphics output and it is commendable. This led to the inclusion of support for two displays.
The breadth taking feature of this mini device is not the price but its size. Hold it in your hand since it weighs only 1.4Kg similar to an internal DVD-ROM drive of a desktop computer. One thing you need to be careful of is its abrasive factor. But as ever with Apple products, there are plenty of accessories available including protective case that enables you to mount the tiny gizmos sideways to protect it from any scratches.
Quick-Spec
- 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P7350
- Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.6
- 120GB 5400rpm 2.5in HDD
- 1GB (1×1GB) DDR3-1066 RAM
- nVidia GeForec 9400M graphics with 128MB shared system RAM
- 1 x mini DVI, 1 x mini DisplayPort
- slot-load 8x DVD±RW DL drive; Gogibit Ethernet
- 5 x USB 2.0
- FireWire 800
- line in/line out audio with Toslink S/PDIF
- mono speaker
- 802.11b/g/draft-n
- Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Inside the Box
Unwrapping any Apple Mac Mini Desktop Computer Package is always enjoyable considering its neat and tidy packaging. The first thing you will notice when opening up the box is its external power supply, with the size of the block being about one third the size of the system itself. But Apple has added a touch of class to all its cabling that includes the connectors at each end; fitted closely into their slots.
Configuration wise Mac Mini owes a lot to Apple’s current iBook. The system is loaded with Intel Core 2 Duo processor which works at the speed of 2.0 GHz supporting large L2 cache and RAM, enabling faster bus speed required to run DDR3 RAM. The Core 2 Duo is the best addition to Mac mini. Its chipset contains 128-bit SSE3 vector engine; capable of processing twice the amount of data per cycle than the Core Duo version of Intel processor, which can only manage 64 bits at a time. The best part is its 5,400rpm hard drives with a higher capacity enough for performing day-to-day computing requirements.
The 2.0GHz Mac mini desktop computer ships with 2MB of L2 cache, the same feature found in the last generation of Mac mini. This is supported by 1GB of RAM, upgradeable up to 4GB. In terms of the available memory slots, 1GB (1×1GB) DDR3-1066 RAM takes up the one portion leaving rest for expansion. Adding up another 4GB definitely eases up real time access power of this device. This is back up by 120GB hard drive running at 5,400rpm, and a dual-layer DVD burner, slot-load and 8x DVD±RW DL drive near the exhaust vent from the near-silent cooling fan.
Graphic output is taken care by new graphics chipset Intel’s integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics chip, which takes up 64MB of the system’s main memory, instead of the dedicated RAM for video usage common in most Macs. With this graphics adaptor, you have the option of playing 3D games. This is definitely a reduction to CPU load, by offloading the processing of high-definition video within QuickTime.
Added bonus to the above features in Mac Mini Desktop PC from Apple is the option that allows you to attach two displays to the mini and use them in either mirrored or extended-desktop mode. Alternatively, with the help of the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter, you can now hook up Mac mini with Apple’s 30-inch Cinema Display, making the mini the first desktop consumer Mac with such a great capability.
Remaining features include digital/analogue audio input and output jacks, mini’s gigabit Ethernet port, and the security lock slot.
Spec wise, the Mini contains most of the technical requirements of desktop users. Its iLife ‘09 application suite includes iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, and iWeb, GarageBand allowing you to have real world movie, photo, and web experience all in a single click.
New mini also comprises of an immobile 8x dual-layer SuperDrive, and wireless capability: 802.11g has finally been replaced by built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking based on 802.11n draft specification and IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible.
Considering all the above requirements it is worth-mentioning that Mac mini Desktop Computer PC does retains its classifiable appearance, jam packing plenty of features into its space-saving build.
In addition, the entire packaging is now made up of recycled paper, which makes it 31 percent smaller than before. Also, if you’re a lover of green computing, Mac Mini got a lot going for it.
If you are hunting through the box to find out the peripherals then you will be disappointed. The only items in the box other than the Mac mini itself are the power adaptor and cable, a mini-DVI-to-DVI video adaptor, software DVDs (for Mac OS X and iLife ‘09), and documentation.
Verdict
Mac mini is more of a display than it is about a performance. Rather, it is an affordable computer from Apple with a good array of features in a tiny package. Small size is not the excuse and Apple has understood that so it has incorporated some of the basic requirements expected by the desktop user. To start with the most important feature is its multitasking capability. The miniature size of Mac mini does not affect its multitasking ability. Rather it requires less system resources than Windows. Word processing, Web surfing and emailing, all can work together perfectly.
Gaming performance is also worth mentioning. Considering its past history of inability of rendering 3D image this device is able to showcase quite a performance. Thanks to Nvidia graphics chip that successfully displays decent resolution. But newer games might throw some challenges but otherwise budget gaming system works fine.
Apple mini has impressive power efficiency. When the system is idle, it uses only 15.4W. That means you have the option of saving more power even when you leave it on for longer time. While Mac Mini’s multitasking performance is impressively energy-efficient but if your Apple is not your only choice for desktop PC you should check out other brands that offer better overall performance and greater flexibility in the same price.
While the Mac mini’s tiny chassis is the greatest advantage and attraction over larger desktop computers, but this design is actually its prime concern. Apart from being difficult to upgrade it is not a good idea to force the little plastic and metal pieces of this beautiful desktop PC to fit in additional components. Also, devoid of any peripherals such as mouse, keyboard is not something everyone wants. But in case you want a new PC for your home office or just want to add Apple to your living room décor this is something meant for you.
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Apple Mac Mini Desktop PC - Technical Specification Table
| Manufacturer | Apple |
| Model Name | Mac Mini |
| Dimensions ( H x W x D) | 50 x 165 x 165mm |
| Colour/Finish | Silver |
| Hard drive Capacity | 120GB SATA Hard Drive |
| Optical drive | DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW (Slot-loading SuperDrive with double-layer support) |
| Graphics hardware | NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 128MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory |
| Memory | Installed RAM: 1GB DDR3 SDRAM expandable up to 4GB |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo Processor |
| Processor speed | 2.0GHz |
| Audio | 5.1 Channel High Definition Audio |
| Operating system | Mac OS X |
| I/O ports | 1 x FireWire 800 port (8 watts) 5 x USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps) Mini-DVI output VGA output (using optional adapter) Mini DisplayPort |
| Software | Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes iTunes, Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools) iLife ’09 (includes iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand) |
| Warranty | 12 Months |
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