The Mac Mini was last updated by Apple in 2007. That’s a long time since it was last updated, considering how fast computers are growing. And now, with the new updates, the Mac Mini is almost what it meant to be, but it’s still slightly off.
The new Mac Mini has a processor with the same clock speed, but it’s newer and it’s also a penryn model, with 3MB of L2 Cache. It’s been updated to a 1066MHz FSB, and it also uses 1066MHz RAM. The biggest update is the graphics card, and, like most of the Mac line, the Mac Mini now uses the Nvidia Geforce 9400M. And because of this, it can now handle full HD video and games much better than before. And it was also given a storage upgrade, as well as new ports on the back.
The Mac Mini now has 5 USB ports, A Mini DVI port, a Mini Display port, and a FireWire 800 instead of 400. Because of this, it can now drive Apple’s LED Cinema Display, as well as handling two monitors at the same time. This makes it much more appealing to switchers from Windows who would like to drive two displays. Also, the Mac Mini comes with a Mini DVI to DVI adaptor for free. It is one of the last macs that come with display adaptors.
The Mac Mini comes with a default 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, but you can bump that to a 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. The base model, 599, comes with 1GB of RAM, and the upper model, 799, comes with 2GB. Also, the base model comes with a 120GB HDD whilst the upper end model comes with a 320GB HDD.
The Mac Mini can now serve PC switchers better, because it’s cheap and it also packs the kind of performance you can find in an iMac. Also, people who want to connect it to their TV can now do so and play games and HD content on their HDTVs or whatever they have. And anyone waiting for the update, this is now your chance.
However, there are some things with the new Mac Mini that tarnish it’s image. The 799 model should come with the 2.26GHz processor by default, otherwise it’s just not worth the upgrade. Also, the Mac Mini should be bundled with a keyboard and mouse for no additional charge. This would make it much more appealing, because non Apple keyboards don’t really match, but you can find monitors that match with it. Also, PC switchers usually switch from old hardware using non USB connections. That type of customer would be forced to pay 100 dollars just for a keyboard and mouse. At least down the price to 50 dollars for the upgrade.
It also would be smart to make a cheap, 100 or 200 dollar monitor that could be sold with the Mini. There are consumers who don’t want the iMac, but also want an Apple display, and who are obviously not going to pay 900 dollars for it. To most consumers, it’s not the hardware that they really care about or know about, it’s what it looks like to them. And a big beautiful 20″ Apple display with the Mac Mini looks better than Apple telling them to use their 5 year old CRT monitor that’s 15 inches big. And your only other option is the 900 dollar Cinema Display or the iMac. To a consumer, it looks like they are being forced to buy something that’s more expensive. It wouldn’t cost Apple much to put a TN panel into a 20″ screen, and it would be popular amongst not only Mac Mini buyers, but other people who want the Apple brand. It would be a good decision considering the economy.
So in conclusion, the new Mac Mini is a very able Mac. Thanks to it’s new Nvidia Geofrce 9400M, it can now handle 3D games, graphics, and HD content. Finally, all Macs are up to date with graphics. The new 9400M lets Mac Mini users play games such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and yes, even Crysis, decently. Because of this and a low price, 599, the Mac Mini will appeal to those who want a Mac but can’t afford one. However, Apple could do better by including a keyboard and mouse for free, as well as offering a cheap or cheaper display. Also, the upper end model should include the 2.26GHz processor by default.
The Mac Mini still has a future to be updated. It still, unfortunately, does not fit the description of a Mac tower. In fact, some say that Apple purposely made the Mac Mini diffcult to upgrade. Because of this, your only Mac tower option is still the Mac Pro, which is just too expensive for some. The Mac Mini has a selling point better than the Mac Tower, in that it can be placed almost anywhere because it is small. However, the Mac Tower offers many PC users the ability to consider a Mac. Even Mac users would like to see a Mac tower as well. This is where the Mac Mini reminds us of the Mac Tower, and where we are all disappointed.
However, if you’re not really tech savvy or not interested in it at all, the Mac Mini is a good option of you. With the full power of Mac OS X Leopard behind it’s engine, you’ll have yourself an excellent computer to replace a PC, or to use as a media center.
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[...] ghosts are red, and you must defend against them. The graphics are quite good, and if you wear Apple’s new Mac Mini – akumeiji.wordpress.com 03/08/2009 The Mac Mini was last updated by Apple in 2007. That’s a long [...]
Also, PC switchers usually switch from old hardware using non USB connections. That type of customer would be forced to pay 100 dollars just for a keyboard and mouse. At least down the price to 50 dollars for the upgrade.
Just a quick pick about this issue – I think the lack of legacy connectors has been an increasingly limited issue in keyboards for a while now. Remember that the iMac came out with only USB keyboards and mice back in 1998 and manufacturers have got behind this move whole heartedly. It’s now a de facto standard on both platforms and it has been for a considerable length of time.
If people really need to replace 11 year old keyboards so they’ll be compatible with their new in 2009 computer that seems acceptable to me, especially because adapters exist. The price could certainly be lower but I’m not sure what dropping the price that much will do to the perceived worth of the products and that’s an important issue too.
After reading the article, I just feel that I really need more info. Can you share some more resources ?
You can always visit Apple’s website and find out some technical details of the mini, as well as see their pictures of it. Generally, you can think of the mini as a box that runs Mac OS X. And now it’s been upgraded so that it’s faster and can handle much higher level graphics.
what’s tight yo