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Mac mini

Mac mini (Late 2005)

A Limited Mac

Overview

The original Mac mini was introduced in January 2005 at 1.25 GHz and 1.42 GHz. In July, Apple bumped base RAM from 256 MB to 512 MB. The "late 2005" model boosts CPU speed to 1.33 GHz and 1.5 GHz. The SuperDrive is bumped from 4x to 8x, can burn dual-layer discs, and also works with DVD-RAM.

Mac mini

The Late 2005 Mac mini has 64 MB of VRAM in the 1.5 GHz model, twice as much as other minis. It uses the same Radeon 9200 graphics processor. 5400 rpm hard drives are now standard, replacing 4400 rpm drives found in earlier minis.

Apple doesn't acknowledge the existence fo these faster models, although many people have received them. When you buy a Mac mini, they only promise you'll get "at least" 1.25 GHz or 1.42 GHz. There is no difference in packageing, so the only way to know which version you have is to plug it in and turn it on.

The tiny Mac mini (6.5" square, 2" high, 2.9 lb.) has a minimalist design. On the front, there's just a slot-loading optical drive and a power light. On the rear, just enough ports to do everything important.

back of Mac mini

The Mac mini is Apple's only model that doesn't include a keyboard or mouse. Apple says buyers can plug in their favorite USB keyboard and mouse - or buy Apple's offerings. Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) includes support for remapping the Windows alt and option keys to option and cmd.

The Mac mini is expandable. Memory 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 this will not void your warranty). There's room inside for Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme (to be installed by Apple or an authorized dealer, not by the user).

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

Apple cut costs by including just one memory slot and by leaving out the keyboard and mouse, but some choices actually raise the cost of the Mac mini, particularly the slot-loading optical drive and the use of 2.5" laptop hard drives that are smaller, more energy efficient, and more expensive than the 3.5" drives found in most desktop computers.

Due to poor cooling, the ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor can overheat during intensive gaming, producing what one reader calls "swirling flying triangles". Letting the mini cool solves the problem. To minimize overheating, be sure to allow plenty of air flow around the Mac mini, don't stack it with a hot hard drive, and consider running it vertically or with a set of feet to raise it above your work surface, which allows air to reach the bottom, the mini's primary heat radiating surface.

Apple offered several Build To Order options, such as an 80 GB hard drive (add $50), a 4x SuperDrive ($100), Bluetooth ($50), AirPort Extreme ($79) - or both Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme for $99 - Mighty Mouse and a keyboard ($78), or a wireless mouse and keyboard ($99, requires Bluetooth). And with a $19 DVI to Video Adapter, you can connect the Mac mini to most modern TVs using S-video or composite video.

If you have a lot of peripherals, you might want to look into a FireWire/USB 2.0 hub. Prices range from $29-49.

At the time, Apple's least costly display was the 20" Cinema Display ($799), although the Apple Store also offers flat screen CRT monitor for a lot less. The big question is which flat-panel monitors look and work best with the Mac mini. For best results, look for one with digital DVI input instead of or in addition to analog VGA.

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