Apple Mac mini with Mac OS X Server Desktop Computer
-
Discontinued
Rebates: [pdf]
- Free upgrade to OS X Lion software (where not included yet) offer ends DEC 31 '12
Due to Apple's OS upgrade, the preinstalled OS may be Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or OS X 10.7 Lion.
All Apple computers purchased on or after July 21, 2011 can be upgraded to Lion via free download from the Mac App Store within 30 days of purchase.
The Mac mini with Mac OS X Server Desktop Computer from Apple is a quiet and compact desktop server in a sleek aluminum unibody enclosure. The system, only 7.7" square and 1.4" high, is a great option for users who would like a compact, inexpensive system to use as a server. It ships sans optical drive, keyboard, mouse, and monitor, allowing you to add peripherals as needed.
The system is powered by 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and includes 4GB of RAM, two 500GB 7200rpm hard drives, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, dual-band 802.11n AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi, and integrated nVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics.
The 64-bit server operating system can serve data to an unlimited number of PC and Mac clients. It features an innovative Server Assistant application which makes it easy for practically anyone to configure. The versatile server can be used in home, IT, Enterprise, web hosting, and many other environments.
Note!
Due to Apple's OS upgrade, the preinstalled OS may be Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or OS X 10.7 Lion.
All Apple computers purchased on or after July 21, 2011 can be upgraded to Lion via free download from the Mac App Store within 30 days of purchase.
There's a Whole Server in There
- What is Mac mini with Mac OS X Server?
- Exactly what you'd expect -- a Mac mini specifically designed to be a server. Instead of a SuperDrive, there are two 500GB 7200rpm hard drives that give you all the storage you need to help your group work more efficiently than ever
- Mac mini Means Business: Small Business
- Mac mini with Mac OS X Server is designed to help you communicate, collaborate, and share information. It's perfect for any small business or group -- retail shops, medical and law offices, classrooms, design studios -- you name it. Now you can have your own server that supports e-mail on Mac computers, PCs, iPhone, and iPad. Sync and share calendars and contact information. Access and swap files securely -- and at lightning speed -- between Mac computers and PCs. Easily create full-featured wikis and high-quality podcasts. And automatically back up all your important data
- The More Users the Merrier
- Mac mini with Mac OS X Server lets you add an unlimited number of Mac and PC users without per-user licensing fees. So you can grow your business without growing your costs. And you get amazing hardware and software that are ready to go, right out of the box, for less than the cost of most server software alone
Ready, Set Up, Go
- Server Assistant: Your Own Mini IT Department
- The Mac is famously easy to use, and so is Mac mini with Mac OS X Server. That makes it perfect for people who've never run a server before or for overtaxed IT departments. Server Assistant will walk you through the setup process step by step. And if you want help at any stage, just click the "?" icon for more information
- Management Skills
- Tools like Server Preferences let you quickly set up all your key services and manage users and groups. A Server Status Dashboard widget makes it easy to keep an eye on the status of services such as e-mail, file sharing, web hosting, and more
- Open for Business: Integration and Compatibility
- Advanced network hardware and software make it incredibly simple to integrate Mac mini with Mac OS X Server into any Mac or PC environment. It is compatible with a wide range of displays, keyboards, mice, and other peripherals, so you can put it to work with the equipment you already have
Performance
- Small, But Powerful
- Mac mini with Mac OS X Server features a 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4GB of memory with support for up to 8GB. It also has two 500GB 7200rpm hard drives built in, so you can host wikis and websites, back up the data you need, and store just about anything
- SuperDrive
- If you ever want to burn discs or install additional software, consider the external USB-based MacBook Air SuperDrive. It takes up very little space and easily connects to Mac mini with a single USB cable -- there's no separate power adapter
- Space Saver, Energy Saver
- Mac mini with Mac OS X Server uses less than 11 watts of power when idle. That's a fraction of the power consumed by a similarly equipped tower server. It's also made from highly recyclable aluminum, so it has a big impact on the way your office works and a tiny impact on the planet
- AirPort Extreme & Bluetooth
- The integrated AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi will let you get online without wires. You'll be able to connect to networks with ease, even those that operate on the less-common 5GHz radio band. The system also features a Bluetooth 2.1+EDR module, allowing it to communicate with compatible wireless peripherals such as keyboards, mice, cell phones, and headsets
The Mac Experience
- Environmentally Friendly Design
- Apple understands that the Earth is our most precious resource. They've worked to create a computer that is energy efficient, free of many toxins, and highly recyclable. Because Apple designs both hardware and software, the Mac mini is able to use a highly efficient power supply that reduces wasted power. The computer is free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs). When the computer reaches the end of its long life, you can rest assured that it can be recycled. It is constructed from materials, including aluminum and glass, that are highly desirable to recyclers. The Mac mini has been awarded EPEAT Gold status for responsible manufacture, energy efficiency, and recyclability
- Tech Support
- Have a problem with your Mac? Get support and advice at the Genius Bar, located at every Apple Retail Store. Apple also provides online tutorials, troubleshooting forums, and 90 days of phone support for users who aren't able to make it to an Apple store
- Optional AppleCare
- Apple provides 90 days of free phone support and a 1-year limited hardware warranty on the computer. You can opt to add an AppleCare Protection Plan, at additional cost, which covers support and repairs for 3 years from the date of purchase. AppleCare can be purchased at any time within the first year of ownership of the computer
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Cache | L2: 3MB |
| System Bus | 1066MHz |
| Memory |
Slots: 2x SO-DIMM Type: PC3-8500 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM SO-DIMM Installed: 4GB (2x2GB) Capacity: 8GB |
| Graphics Display |
nVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory Support for extended desktop and video mirroring across both ports. Mini DisplayPort supports up to 2560 x 1600 resolution; HDMI port supports up to 1920 x 1200 resolution |
| Storage and Expansion | |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive |
Bays: 2x Installed: 1TB (2x500GB) 7200rpm Type: SATA |
| Optical Drive | None |
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Ports |
1x 9-pin FireWire-800 4x USB 2.0 |
| Display |
1x Mini DisplayPort 1x HDMI DVI output using HDMI to DVI Adapter (included) VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately) |
| Audio |
1x Digital/Analog Line-in Minijack 1x Digital/Analog Line-out/Headphone Minijack HDMI port supports multichannel audio output Support for Apple iPhone headset with microphone |
| Communications | |
|---|---|
| Wired |
Network: 10/100/1000Mbps BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet with support for jumbo frames (RJ-45) Modem: None |
| Wireless |
Wi-Fi: AirPort Extreme 802.11a/b/g/n Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.1+EDR |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Operating System |
Due to Apple's OS upgrade, the preinstalled OS may be Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or OS X 10.7 Lion. All Apple computers purchased on or after July 21, 2011 can be upgraded to Lion via free download from the Mac App Store within 30 days of purchase. |
| Electrical Requirements |
Meets ENERGY STAR requirements AC: 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz Maximum Continuous Power: 85W |
| 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) Typical Acoustical Performance: 15dBa SPL (Idle) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 7.7 x 1.4 x 7.7" (19.7 x 3.6 x 19.7cm) |
| Weight | 2.8 lb (1.3kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 10 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Sleek design (9)
- Adequate storage (8)
- Easy to setup (8)
- Easy to use (8)
- Fast (8)
Cons
Best Uses
- Music (5)
- Video (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Tech savvy (6), Multimedia professional (5)
- Primary use:
- Personal (5), Business (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Mac Mini as Render and Media Server
Having used the Mac Mini Server for about a month I am extremely happy with the results. OS X server is fully featured and easy to use. The hardware is perfect for a living ...Read complete review
Having used the Mac Mini Server for about a month I am extremely happy with the results. OS X server is fully featured and easy to use. The hardware is perfect for a living room environment where it is barely noticed; quietly serving up a test web environment, managing a VPN of distributed render nodes and hosting media for seamless HDMI playback.
Overall the Server Mini is a great deal though I would caution that proper research is required to make sure this hardware is the solution you're looking for. Detractors of the device are often looking to use it outside or beyond it's capabilities.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Caveat Emptor
First, this is not a server computer.Second, it is not even a desktop computer.It is a laptop computer in a desktop form.If that's good enough for your application, great.But, if you require a ...Read complete review
First, this is not a server computer.Second, it is not even a desktop computer.It is a laptop computer in a desktop form.If that's good enough for your application, great.But, if you require a machine that can support 10 or more users and several multi-user programs without slowing down or overheating, look elsewhere. Oops - Apple stopped making a rack mount server back in 2010 - guess you are out of luck in the Apple world. And that's really, really too bad. The Mac Server OS is a great little system with a clean User Interface and some very nice, albeit limited, features.However, the Mac Mini platform does not do it justice - at least not in a production environment. The Mac Mini server uses laptop-grade hard drives (5400 RPM, 8 MB cache) and a slower processor (2.0 or 2.66 GHz) and does not have an option for error checking/correcting RAM.It also uses a laptop-style fan set to run at 'quiet' speed, which means the internals of the system can get VERY HOT.Yes, it's quiet, but, in a warm environment and with a heavy load (10-15 clients logged in) it can shut down on thermal overload. Even if it doesn't shut down on thermal overload, the high temperature will reduce the lifetime of the drive(s) and other components.There is an easy fix for this - get the free program 'Fan Control' and reset the fan's base speed from 1500 RPM to 2500 RPM. This will give you a MUCH cooler, but slightly louder, mac.The Mac OS has been equipped with a some server features, including Open Directory, AFP (Apple File Protocol) and SMB (Server Message Block) file sharing systems, DHCP and DNS servers and others. These can do the job in a limited environment, but, if you need to support many users in a high-reliability, production environment, look elsewhere - Linux, Unix or Windows servers will do the job much better and won't get you fired a year later when the nifty server you bought for [$] goes belly up.I use mac mini servers to support workgroups of 5-10 mac users sharing database software (File Maker and proprietary systems). I have found the units to work fine for this type of situation, but larger groups or higher workloads (i.e., real SQL) will bring it to its knees. Given the price, it makes sense to organize a multiple-server setup with replicated Open Directory servers and one spare for every two production machines.The security of a mac mini server is marginal - the GUI invites some sloppy habits (auto-login, default root user) and the firewall is not ready for prime time. These things are best installed behind a secure router and should not be exposed to the Internet without careful configuration.Bottom Line: nice unit for basic, low load server applications. Not ready for high-reliability, mission-critical situations without redundancy and professional configuration.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 10 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Easy To Setup
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Great Software Bundle
- Quality Accessories
- Reliable Performance
- Sleek Design
Cons
- Missing license number
Best Uses
Comments about Apple Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server Desktop Computer (Aluminum Unibody):
The only thing that I would suggest to Apple, is, make it easier to find the server software license number. The card it was printed on was stuck to another and I found it accidentally after looking EVERYWHERE. The product itself is just like what you expect from Apple, it is better than you could imagine. I had never installed a server before, and because of the intuitive style of Apples software and hardware, it was easy to set up. Amazing. I am a computer consultant, I work with both Windows and Mac everyday. I choose Mac for my home computing needs and recommend them to all of my clients.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Easy To Setup
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Reliable Performance
- Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
- Music
- Video
Comments about Apple Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server Desktop Computer (Aluminum Unibody):
SAVED ABOUT $100 AND RECEIVED MY ORDER FROM B&H IN JUST 2 DAYS.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Hard to repair
- Limited Storage
- Limited workgroup ~10
- Overheats with heavy load
Best Uses
- Limited server
- Not for large db apps
- Not for large workgroups
- Not high-reliability
Comments about Apple Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server Desktop Computer (Aluminum Unibody):
First, this is not a server computer.Second, it is not even a desktop computer.It is a laptop computer in a desktop form.If that's good enough for your application, great.But, if you require a machine that can support 10 or more users and several multi-user programs without slowing down or overheating, look elsewhere. Oops - Apple stopped making a rack mount server back in 2010 - guess you are out of luck in the Apple world. And that's really, really too bad. The Mac Server OS is a great little system with a clean User Interface and some very nice, albeit limited, features.However, the Mac Mini platform does not do it justice - at least not in a production environment. The Mac Mini server uses laptop-grade hard drives (5400 RPM, 8 MB cache) and a slower processor (2.0 or 2.66 GHz) and does not have an option for error checking/correcting RAM.It also uses a laptop-style fan set to run at 'quiet' speed, which means the internals of the system can get VERY HOT.Yes, it's quiet, but, in a warm environment and with a heavy load (10-15 clients logged in) it can shut down on thermal overload. Even if it doesn't shut down on thermal overload, the high temperature will reduce the lifetime of the drive(s) and other components.There is an easy fix for this - get the free program 'Fan Control' and reset the fan's base speed from 1500 RPM to 2500 RPM. This will give you a MUCH cooler, but slightly louder, mac.The Mac OS has been equipped with a some server features, including Open Directory, AFP (Apple File Protocol) and SMB (Server Message Block) file sharing systems, DHCP and DNS servers and others. These can do the job in a limited environment, but, if you need to support many users in a high-reliability, production environment, look elsewhere - Linux, Unix or Windows servers will do the job much better and won't get you fired a year later when the nifty server you bought for [$] goes belly up.I use mac mini servers to support workgroups of 5-10 mac users sharing database software (File Maker and proprietary systems). I have found the units to work fine for this type of situation, but larger groups or higher workloads (i.e., real SQL) will bring it to its knees. Given the price, it makes sense to organize a multiple-server setup with replicated Open Directory servers and one spare for every two production machines.The security of a mac mini server is marginal - the GUI invites some sloppy habits (auto-login, default root user) and the firewall is not ready for prime time. These things are best installed behind a secure router and should not be exposed to the Internet without careful configuration.Bottom Line: nice unit for basic, low load server applications. Not ready for high-reliability, mission-critical situations without redundancy and professional configuration.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Easy To Setup
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Great Software Bundle
- Reliable Performance
- Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
- Music
- Video
Comments about Apple Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server Desktop Computer (Aluminum Unibody):
10 easy steps installation
Runs 7/24 without any problems and is very quiet
Webserver is well integrated
Low power consumption
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Easy To Setup
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Great Software Bundle
- Quality Accessories
- Reliable Performance
- Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
- Graphics
- Music
- Video
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server Desktop Computer (Aluminum Unibody):
I'm finally switching to Mac! I'm loving my MacMini Server. I'm using Raid 0 with the 2x500gb hard drives, and with 4gb ram, this computer is quite fast.
I'm using this computer to process my videos using iMovie. Very easy. Renders take time, but processing a 1080p video is fast.
I'm also using this computer for my drum kit. I'm running BFD2, and no problems at all.
It is very quite, and very user friendly.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Fast
- Reliable Performance
- Sleek Design
Cons
- Limited Storage
Best Uses
Comments about Apple Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server Desktop Computer (Aluminum Unibody):
Its next to my tv.. really silent and good performance for video.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Easy To Setup
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Great Software Bundle
- Reliable Performance
- Sleek Design
Cons
- Cannot reconfigure
- Extremely close ports
- No audio on MDP
Best Uses
- Graphics
- Large Applications
- Video
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server Desktop Computer (Aluminum Unibody):
Installation was simple. I plugged all my 'stuff' in and turned them all on.
Started MM up. Third question "Input Serial Number" I only have a wireless Magic keyboard. Fortunately I do use a wireless Logitech trackball, so I do have one USB input device. Using my PB G4 I searched internet and eventually discovered the undocumented secret as to how to invoke the System preferences using only a mouse and a right click. Paired the keyboard to the MMS and continued. It found my network connection and configured everything with minimal input from me (a later fresh installation from the recovery DVD did not configure the machine as well, so Apple must add something when they pre-install)
My silly intention was to erase SLS, partition drives as a RAID 0 install SL, install Parallels 6 (thank you B & H) install SLS as a virtual machine and later, when the price plummets install Windows 7. All in the name of fun!
Have learned many a lesson in the past so I 'Carbon Copy' cloned the SLS to an external FW drive before doing anything. After partitioning the MM HDs I attempted to load SL to them. Apple stop sign! tried many different ways all resulted in stop sign.
I finally asked directions; Apple Enterprise Group guru told me SL CANNOT be installed on a MMS. Subsequently found out it can but one has to jump through hoops or 'obtain' a DVD with the MM plain recovery system on it.
Tried installing Parallels to SLS, it installs, and install SL as a virtual machine. It cannot be done, licensing and all that!
With the purchase of the MMS I also purchased the Apple SL box set. iLife and iWork install and work fine with the server.
Just found out the mini display port to HDMI does not support audio, I have a Monoprice cord. I planned on connecting the HDMI out to a 22" Vizio TV/Monitor and the MDP to an HDMI input on my 52" Sony. Sound preferences gives no choices when this port is connected, internal speaker only. It really doesn't matter because the port spacing is so close one cannot insert both standard plugs anyway, plastic pruning require on the plugs.
I am now thinking of of powered HDMI splitter with HDMI outs going to both TVs.
Also purchased a stand alone DVD player, works fine on the MMS and of course on an Airbook, if you have one. Does not work on my PB G4 and I understand not on any other machines.
Performance is very snappy, I also installed 8 Gb ram, installation was so simple.
Apple's standards of construction and design, I think, are the best around but then I am biased (I spent money on this stuff)
I can work around the problems I have but do wish Apple had been a little more forthcoming in the limitations of their machines.
Along with a slew of lawyers I guess they now use Temple Grandin as a consultant, any deviation to the Apple norm is verboten.
On the whole a satisfactory upgrade/companion to my good old PB.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Reliable Performance
- Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Apple Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server Desktop Computer (Aluminum Unibody):
Better specs than a regular mini. Couldn't resist the buy.
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Easy To Setup
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Great Software Bundle
- Reliable Performance
- Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
- Music
Comments about Apple Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server Desktop Computer (Aluminum Unibody):
Took the step into MAC ownership and love it. Super fast and easy to use. Things just work, and that's new to a longtime Windows owner! Everything is intuitive and the things that aren't are easily figured out with the help funtion. Loving my new MAC!
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Easy To Setup
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Great Software Bundle
- Sleek Design
Cons
Best Uses
- Large Applications
- Music
- Rendering
- Small Business Server
- Video
Comments about Apple Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server Desktop Computer (Aluminum Unibody):
Having used the Mac Mini Server for about a month I am extremely happy with the results. OS X server is fully featured and easy to use. The hardware is perfect for a living room environment where it is barely noticed; quietly serving up a test web environment, managing a VPN of distributed render nodes and hosting media for seamless HDMI playback.
Overall the Server Mini is a great deal though I would caution that proper research is required to make sure this hardware is the solution you're looking for. Detractors of the device are often looking to use it outside or beyond it's capabilities.
- Primary use:
- Business
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What's in the Box
- HDMI to DVI Adapter
- Power Cord
- Mac OS X Server
- Printed and Electronic Documentation
- 1-Year Limited Warranty with 90-Days Phone Support
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