Mac mini

Mac mini Index

The Mac mini was both the smallest Mac ever sold and the least expensive. Introduced in January 2005, the Mac mini is now on its third revision:

1. Mac mini G4 (Jan. 2005): 1.25 GHz and 1.42 GHz, 256 MB RAM, Combo drive standard, 32 MB video RAM.
2. Revision B: same speeds, 512 MB RAM standard, Bluetooth 2.0 and AirPort Extreme standard on 1.42 GHz models, 4x SuperDrive configuration added.
3. Mac mini, Late 2005: 1.33 GHz and 1.5 GHz, 512 MB RAM, 64 MB video RAM. Top-end model now includes 8x SuperDrive. 5400 rpm drives now standard.
4. Intel Core: 1.5 GHz Core Solo and 1.67 GHz Core Duo, 512 MB RAM, 64 MB video RAM (shared with system RAM). 4 USB 2.0 ports. Top-end model includes dual-layer SuperDrive. 5400 rpm drives standard.
5. Core Duo, 1.66 and 1.83 GHz, 512 MB RAM, 64 MB video RAM (shared with system RAM). 4 USB 2.0 ports. Top-end model includes dual-layer SuperDrive. 5400 rpm drives standard.
6. August 2007, 1.83 and 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 64 MB video RAM (shared with system RAM). 4 USB 2.0 ports. Top-end model includes dual-layer SuperDrive. 5400 rpm drives standard.
7. Mac mini (nVidia). 2.0 GHz, 1 GB/2 GB RAM (4 GB max), nVidia GeForce 9400M graphics, 5 USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800 (but not 400), SuperDrive standard, Mini-DVI and Mini DisplayPort, dual display support.

The Mac mini doesn't include a keyboard or mouse. Instead, you can plug in your favorite USB keyboard and mouse - or buy one from Apple or any computer retailer. Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) even includes support for remapping the Windows alt and option keys to option and cmd.

Memory on the G4 mini can be expanded to 1 GB (there's only one memory slot, so if you upgrade, you have to remove what's installed), and Apple doesn't recommend that users upgrade RAM (although it won't void your warranty). The Intel-based mini supports 2 GB of RAM.

Any laptop drive should work inside the Mac mini, and capacities have reached the 160 GB level. Higher speed 7200 rpm drives can make the mini an even perkier machine.

With USB 2.0 and FireWire, it's easy to add all sorts of peripherals.

• The Mac mini is dead: Why it missed the target, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.07.26. The Mac mini is compact, elegant, and affordable (for a Mac). What the market wanted was expandable and affordable compared with a Windows PC.
• Yes, you can get a 'free' Mac mini - but is it worth the hassles?, Hardy Menagh, Empowered, 2005.12.15. You've seen the offers for free iPods, Palms, gift cards, and Mac minis. What's the catch?

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