The Mac mini Desktop Computer from Apple is a quiet and compact desktop computer. The system, only 6.5" square and 2" high, is a great option for users who would like an inexpensive, yet fully-functional, desktop Mac. The computer ships sans keyboard, mouse, and monitor, allowing you to choose the accessories that best suit your needs for use with the system.
The computer ships with Apple's popular iLife '09 software suite which includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, iWeb, and GarageBand. Also included is Apple's innovative Front Row application, which allows you to connect your computer to a home entertainment center for use as a media player.
The system is powered by 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and includes 2GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, a slot-loading SuperDrive, Bluetooth, 802.11n AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi, and integrated nVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics.
All this hardware runs on Apple's Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system. The 64-bit OS features Time Machine backup, which automatically backs up system data to an external hard drive. It also features intuitive Cover Flow navigation, the powerful Spotlight search tool, and Quick Look document preview. You'll be able to use Boot Camp to run Windows on your Mac, or Front Row to turn your Mac into an impressive media player.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Cache | L2: 3MB |
| System Bus | 1066MHz |
| Memory |
Slots: 2x SO-DIMM Type: PC3-8500 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM SO-DIMM Installed: 2GB (2x1GB) Capacity: 4GB RAM is not user-upgradable; Opening the Mac mini voids the Apple warranty |
| Graphics Display |
nVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory Extended desktop and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1920 by 1200 pixels on a DVI or VGA display; up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on a dual-link DVI display using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (sold separately) |
| Storage and Expansion | |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive |
Bays: 1x Installed: 160GB 5400rpm hard disk drive Type: SATA |
| Optical Drive |
1x Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive Reads CD: 24x DVD: 8x Writes CD-R: 24x CD-RW: 16x DVD-R: 8x DVD-RW: 6x DVD-R DL: 4x DVD+R: 8x DVD+RW: 8x DVD+R DL: 4x |
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Ports |
1x 9-pin FireWire-800 5x USB 2.0 |
| Display |
1x Mini DisplayPort 1x Mini-DVI DVI output using Mini-DVI to DVI Adapter (included) VGA output using Mini-DVI to VGA Adapter (sold separately) |
| Audio |
1x Built-In Speaker 1x Combined Optical Digital Audio Input/Audio Line In (Minijack) 1x Combined Optical Digital Audio Input/Audio Line Out (Minijack) |
| Video | None |
| Communications | |
|---|---|
| Wired |
Network: 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit BASE-T Ethernet connector (RJ-45) Modem: None |
| Wireless |
Wi-Fi: AirPort Extreme 802.11a/b/g/n Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.1+EDR |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard |
| Electrical Requirements |
Meets ENERGY STAR requirements AC: 100-120VAC, 50-60Hz Maximum Continuous Power: 110W |
| Environmental Requirements |
Operating temperature: 50-95°F (10-35°C) Storage temperature: -40-116°F (-40-47°C) Relative humidity: 5-95%, non-condensing Maximum altitude: 10,000' (3048 m) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 6.5 x 2 x 6.5" (16.5 x 5.1 x 16.5cm) |
| Weight | 2.9 lb (1.3kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Best money ever spent on a desktop!!
In my 20 years of buying PC's for both personal and business use, this MAC Mini is by far the best money I have ever spent. My son was nearing his birthday and in ...Read complete review
In my 20 years of buying PC's for both personal and business use, this MAC Mini is by far the best money I have ever spent. My son was nearing his birthday and in the market for a new computer as his Dell Precision Workstation was getting old by today's standards (1GB RAM, 2.4GHz CPU, running XP-SP3). He uses Mac's in school and wanted one but was concerned about compatibility or if he would miss Windows. I did some research on Macs and decided to buy the Mac Mini (call me cheap). Never having used a Mac before I immediately felt at home. I ran Boot Camp, partitioned the HDD, and loaded Windows XP on half the drive (72GB after format) to alleviate his concerns. After updating to SP3 and loading all the Microsoft updates, Windows XP is lightning fast. I run a technology company and buy new PCs for my staff all the time and have not seen a single machine run windows better than this Mac does.
Anyways, I helped my son transfer all his files, music, etc. over to the XP side of things. Then we booted into the Mac OS, open iTunes/iLife and imported all his music, photos, etc. After a week using the Mac OS he has no desire or need to boot back to Windows. He had recently got a 23" Samsung DVI display and we were able to re-use it with the adapter that Apple includes in the box at no extra charge. Rounding out his system is a Dell AY410 2.1 surround system that makes this thing rock.
The system automatically recognized his 640GB USB HDD and setup Time Machine backup. I purchased him the Apple Remote for use with Front Row and iTunes, all I can say is what awesome quality and what a deal for the price. I also bought the full size wired keyboard and the three year Apple Care since I don't know enough about Mac to feel comfortable without it.
In summary; I dare you to find a better deal for a similarly configured PC system from Dell, HP, or Lenovo (real brands I trust). When you add a decent dual core processor ( with 3MB cache), N-WiFi, Bluetooth, FireWire, DVD-RW, Infrared, and a 64Bit OS that actually works, there is nothing that can touch the Mini. Mac includes its excellent iLife software in the bundle as well, it's to good to be true.
I have been a PC fan for many years because I was scared off by Mac's being too expensive and too proprietary. Well after spending years dealing with Windows updates, and worthless bundled software, I have officially converted to the "other side".
My only dilemma left is whether to buy iWork software or Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac. iWork has great reviews and costs much less but I know that MS is the document standard.
Paul B Watertown CT
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Windows PC User Trying Out MAC
I made the leap due to my coworkers talking up the Mac. Verdict is still out on whether I'll like it better than a Windows PC. I'm finding it difficult to learn a new ...Read complete review
I made the leap due to my coworkers talking up the Mac. Verdict is still out on whether I'll like it better than a Windows PC. I'm finding it difficult to learn a new operating system.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
New mac mini's came out at $100 more. Got this one while B&H still had some in stock. [...]cheaper than they had been straight from Apple. Was a great upgrade from our old powermac G4.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
All right, the user on this mac mini won't be doing anything critical, but setup was a breeze. 25 minutes to connect to the WiFi, 2 WiFi printers and the internet. I don't need hassle and the mini was pretty much hassle free. Put open office on it was good to go.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
Works great. [...] Easy setup.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
Cheapest way to get a mac to develop iphone app!
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
I went from a G4 to a mini mac. It is so quiet and tiny. So easy to use!!!!
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
As an owner of an iMac I knew I'd eventually be getting my daughter a Mac as well. This is the perfect choice for her since she has a great interest in graphics and animation and all of her current peripherals integrated seamlessly with the exception of the keyboard which we purchased from Apple.
She had no issues switching from Microsoft OS to Mac OS after having used PC based machines for nearly eight years.
Dollar for dollar this little machine is packed with speed and features that you can't find from any other manufacturer.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a serious computer for graphics and animations.
In short we are very happy with the Mini!
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
Bought Mac Mini for iPhone and iPad development, and it works great. Weakest point is the cheap transformer connection to the wall from the brick sized transformer, which can be easily jiggled loose.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
This is the Best computer in the world
its so fast easy to use and very small makes no noise
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
Every good thing said about the Mac Mini is true. It's a great 'little' computer. Upgrading the RAM is not for beginners though. Have it done when you buy it.
I only have two small issues... the monitor connection in the back should be redesigned. The needed monitor adapter is too heavy for the connector and need to be supported. If it hangs off the back of your desk or table, it'll fall off the mini.
Also, the documentation for setup was not accurate and kept referencing external CD/DVD drives, assuming I did not have an internal drive.
Once I got past that however, porting all software and data from my MacBook was an absolute breeze.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
I am a novice to Apple products. The MAC Mini arrived on time, set up was simple and straight forward and I really like the ease of use, even for a rookie like myself.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
I am a 75 year old woman w/o the best memory in the world--have been a Mac user for 8 yrs. and was planning to update--a friend suggested the mac mini to me--I am sooo happy with it---does just everything ( and more ) that I need. Because he is very patient w/ me I have found that there are a number of things that I can do with it that I did not know how to do w/ my former iMac.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
In my 20 years of buying PC's for both personal and business use, this MAC Mini is by far the best money I have ever spent. My son was nearing his birthday and in the market for a new computer as his Dell Precision Workstation was getting old by today's standards (1GB RAM, 2.4GHz CPU, running XP-SP3). He uses Mac's in school and wanted one but was concerned about compatibility or if he would miss Windows. I did some research on Macs and decided to buy the Mac Mini (call me cheap). Never having used a Mac before I immediately felt at home. I ran Boot Camp, partitioned the HDD, and loaded Windows XP on half the drive (72GB after format) to alleviate his concerns. After updating to SP3 and loading all the Microsoft updates, Windows XP is lightning fast. I run a technology company and buy new PCs for my staff all the time and have not seen a single machine run windows better than this Mac does.
Anyways, I helped my son transfer all his files, music, etc. over to the XP side of things. Then we booted into the Mac OS, open iTunes/iLife and imported all his music, photos, etc. After a week using the Mac OS he has no desire or need to boot back to Windows. He had recently got a 23" Samsung DVI display and we were able to re-use it with the adapter that Apple includes in the box at no extra charge. Rounding out his system is a Dell AY410 2.1 surround system that makes this thing rock.
The system automatically recognized his 640GB USB HDD and setup Time Machine backup. I purchased him the Apple Remote for use with Front Row and iTunes, all I can say is what awesome quality and what a deal for the price. I also bought the full size wired keyboard and the three year Apple Care since I don't know enough about Mac to feel comfortable without it.
In summary; I dare you to find a better deal for a similarly configured PC system from Dell, HP, or Lenovo (real brands I trust). When you add a decent dual core processor ( with 3MB cache), N-WiFi, Bluetooth, FireWire, DVD-RW, Infrared, and a 64Bit OS that actually works, there is nothing that can touch the Mini. Mac includes its excellent iLife software in the bundle as well, it's to good to be true.
I have been a PC fan for many years because I was scared off by Mac's being too expensive and too proprietary. Well after spending years dealing with Windows updates, and worthless bundled software, I have officially converted to the "other side".
My only dilemma left is whether to buy iWork software or Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac. iWork has great reviews and costs much less but I know that MS is the document standard.
Paul B Watertown CT
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
i use it in my buisiness very quick and easy to use.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
You cannot fully appreciate this little gem until you see it in person. It is small and it lends new meaning to the term "desk top computer". Not only is it tiny but, like most Apple hardware, it is very stylish in appearance. So here is a desk top computer that takes up 6 1/2 square *inches* of your desk top and actually looks good doing it. And it is dead quiet ...no noisy fan running in the background.I found the Mini a great way to make the switch from PC to Mac. I saw no disadvantage in the lack of keyboard, monitor and mouse; I have a great monitor already and I prefer track balls. The keyboard ... well I succumbed to the sleek style and feel of the Apple alpha-numeric USB keyboard and spent the [$] to get it (it is worth the money IMHO). So far I've been happy with the Mini. You will need to assess your computing needs before buying. Is this the fastest thing around? Can you play the latest super high end games? Is this the cornerstone to a digital media network? No, no and no. But, if you're an average user not requiring herculean capabilities from your computer then the Mini should work just fine. I'm not a "gamer" and the most sophisticated programs I plan to run on it are Photoshop Elements, some audio restoration software and personal financial software. I have no need for spreadsheets or big time word processing.The only downsides I've found are a lack of any frontside USB ports (all the ports are crowded together on the back side) and the "mini" DVI connection seems a little weak. Given the elegance of design I don't know why Apple cheaped out and could not have included a full legnth monitor cable instead of relying on a short flimsy adapter that must connect to fairly robust DVI or VGA monitor cables (that you have to supply). I knocked a star off for those because they affect the functionality of the machine and seem to be penny-pinching in nature. Overall it's a nice machine and a perfect way to make the switch to Mac.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
New to Mac, I was very nervous about switching operating systems. While the Mac does have a learning curve, I have found most steps to get to the finish line of any given project seem to be pretty easy. I am enjoying my new purchase a lot.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
The Mac mini does everything I hoped it would. One reason i went with the mini was that I frequently like to connect a computer to the TV to view downloaded movies. The mini is a natural for this application. Only 2 or 3 minutes are required to move the mini to the entertainment center and start a movie. And the mini is so quiet it is not noticed.
I also do a lot of video editing and find the mini provides more than enough power to handle all editing needs using the outstanding iMovie software supplied with OSX. The fact that it supports firewire is, of course, a required feature.
I have used Macs for many years (starting with a G3) and I find that the Mini continues the outstanding performance that I have come to expect from Macintosh and OSX.
I am unable to come up with any negatives at this time.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
We purchased the Mac mini for software development. We purchased a wired Apple keyboard and use a wireless Logitech mouse. A DVI to HDMI adapter allows us to use it with existing 1200x1600 monitors in the office. The mini performs very well and fits our needs perfectly.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
Requires little space and is reliable. The only reason I don't give this 5 stars is because more powerful Mac mini desktop computers are available. Unpack this unit; make the power, keyboard, mouse and screen connections (lots of choices are compatible); then designate user log-in and preferences and you're good to go. It's small enough to unplug and take with you, but don't turn it upside-down because of the internal optical drive.
Plays online videos quite satisfactorily via DSL connection.
This meets our need for a short-term replacement for an aging iMac before we purchase a more powerful desktop Mac.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
This is a replacement computer for my wife's 9 year old G4 tower, which died (i.e., wouldn't start after a power outage) and was going to cost at least $400 to fix. Even though this computer is relatively low end for Mac Minis, it is a lot more computer than her G4. The other good news is that this will force my wife to move up from OSX 10.3 to OSX 10.6, to Apple Mail, etc. The bad news is that this will force my wife to move up from OSX 10.3 to Apple Mail, etc., which is no small trick with trying to migrate her old Entourage mail files and other stuff from external copies of her old computer's disk drives. I also had to buy an adapter cable for hooking up her existing VGA LCD monitor to the Mac Mini's Mini-DVI port. It will also take some extraordinary effort to get all of her mail boxes and other files onto her new Mac since the Migration Manager doesn't recognize her old files as being in bootable back up format.
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Comments about Apple Mac mini Desktop Computer:
Bought these for our trainers to use with Keynote. Easy to explain. Videos run smooth. Couldn't be happpier.
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