new Mac mini features Core 2 Duo

[antony]

The most affordable way to Intel Core 2 Duo, iLife ’08, and Front Row starts at $599 (US).

Besides the release of new iMac, Apple also upgrades Mac mini with Intel Core 2 Duo processor.



Apple first released Mac mini in Jaunary 2005 with 1.25 GHz or 1.42 GHz G4 processor. The Mac mini was last updated in September 2006 which sped up to 1.66 GHz and 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor.

The new Mac mini features 1.83 GHz or 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2MB or 4MB on-chip L2 cache, 667 MHz frontside bus, and standard 1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) supports up to 2GB. Intel GMA 950 graphic (64MB shared with main RAM). 80GB or 120GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA (optional 160GB), Combo drive or SuperDrive with double-layer support. Built-in Gigabit ethernet, AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth 2.0. Mac mini comes with Mac OS X v10.4 "Tiger", iLife '08 and Front Row.



The order numbers are MB138LL/A for 1.83GHz Mac mini and MB139LL/A for 2.0GHz Mac mini.

The entire Apple's offerings are now 64-bit capable (Core 2 Duo or Xeon). For more detail, please visit Apple Mac mini.

[Mrious_be]

Hey, thanks for the short but complete overview on the Mini.

[sandbox]

What are the real downsides of the mini? The size and power usage is attractive as is the price, but there are probably thing about them one wouldn't know unless one used them, and that's what I'm interested in. i would like to be able to use these little guys for newcomers. Seniors mostly who just want to stay intouch with family and friends. They could also be used as monitoring devices if need be, so I would need to know their limits. Could one, for example plug-in a multiple Firewire junction box to have more Firewire ports without overloading the bus?

Thanks

[krissel]

I have a Firewire hub (brick powered) that I've run with both my 9600 and my DA without any problems. It has 4 ports and I've run at least 3 externals at a time from the hub. I should think the Mini would be able to handle that considering it is built for FW and my 9600 has just a PCI card added for that capability.

[sandbox]

Thanks Kris, it will take extra USB and/or FW ports to use monitor equipment. The small form factor overcomes the space objections, the low power usage, low noise, low cost and ease of use adds to the reasonability of buying an item like this.