About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

Apple’s Mac mini underwent the usual fall speed bump, with faster processor speeds, double the base level of RAM, and a few additional configuration options.

The Mac mini is still Apple’s entry-level Mac, but even though it’s the least expensive Mac, it’s still a Macintosh through and through. It’s a good choice as a first Mac or for a special use role, such as a home or small office server or the center of an entertainment system.



Pros

• 2.26 GHz, 2.53 GHz, or 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor.
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor.
• FireWire 800 port.
• 5 USB ports.
• 2 GB base memory, twice as much as earlier models.

Cons

• Difficult to upgrade.
• 5400 RPM drive is slower than other standard drives.
• Limited hard drive options (160, 320, and 500 GB).

Description

• 2.26 GHz, 2.53 GHz, or 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• 1066 front side bus
• Two SO-DIMM memory slots support up to 4 GB RAM
• 160, 320, or 500 GB hard drive
• Slot-loading SuperDrive
• FireWire 800 ports
• 5 USB 2.0 ports
• Built-in gigabit Ethernet
• Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11n) + Bluetooth 2.1

Guide Review - Preview of the Fall 2009 Mac mini

The fall 2009 edition of Apple’s Mac mini splits the product line into two distinct versions. The standard edition comes in two models that sport slightly different processor, memory, and hard drive configurations. The other edition of the Mac mini is a special server version. We will review the server version separately; here we’ll concentrate on the two models of the standard version.

The new Mac mini contains mostly upgraded components, making this version essentially a speed bump over the early 2009 model. Offering three processor choices (2.26 GHz, 2.53 GHz, and a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor), the Mac mini follows Apple’s standard formula of demoting last year’s high-end model to the low end, and introducing faster high-end models as replacements. In doing so, Apple continues to improve value in its product lines, but doesn’t necessarily create a less expensive product.

That’s the case with the new Mac minis, which at $599 and $799 retain the same pricing as earlier models. Apple has upped the base memory configuration to 2 GB, and says that 4 GB is the maximum Apple-supported RAM size. This last tidbit is important, as it seems from testing by macminicolo.net (a hosting service that specializes in using Mac minis), that the fall 2009 versions of the Mac mini are able to use 4 GB RAM modules, bringing the total possible RAM to 8 GB.

The new fall 2009 Mac mini retains the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor and the Mini DisplayPort video connection of the previous generation. The Mac mini can still drive DVI-based monitors (adapter included) as well as VGA (adapter sold separately).

The Mac mini remains Apple’s least expensive Mac, and is targeted at new Mac users making the switch from other computing platforms. As such, the mini doesn’t include a keyboard, mouse, or monitor, on the assumption that individuals moving to the Mac mini already have these items. Of course, if you need a keyboard or mouse, Apple will be happy to sell you a Magic Mouse or an Apple keyboard, but any USB-based mouse or keyboard should work fine with any Mac system. Many third-party wireless keyboards and mice will work as well.

The latest version of the Mac mini retains its appeal as an entry-level Mac and as a second Mac, which many individuals use as part of a home entertainment center or a small server for a home or small office. In those roles, the Mac mini performs very well. However, if you need to purchase a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, the overall cost becomes high enough that it’s worth at least considering an iMac or MacBook instead.