Product Description
The Mac Mini features the powerful 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
processor. It has two cores, so it's like having two 2.0GHz processors
in one! Another great feature is the suite of applications in iLife
'09. Full-featured collections of programs that are designed to let you
easily take control of your creative projects. iPhoto organizes your
Digital pics, and has a cool feature that groups them by event. iWeb
makes it easy to create your own website. iMovie & iDVD lets you
Edit your videos and make your own DVD movies. GarageBand gives you the
tools to make your own music, and even start your own virtual band! All
of this and more are made from sleek, anodized aluminum with refined,
rounded corners and a pearly white cover that can fit anywhere! NVIDIA
GeForce 9400M with 128MB DDR3 Shared Video Memory Slot-loading 8x
SuperDrive (DVD+-RW DL/CD-RW) AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) Bluetooth
2.1 + EDR 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) Ports - 5 x USB 2.0, FireWire
800, Optical Digital Audio Output/Headphone out, Optical Digital Audio
input/audio line in, Mini DisplayPort with support for DVI, and VGA,
connections via Optional Adapter, RJ-45 (LAN) Approximate Unit
Dimensions - 2 (H) x 6.5 (W) x 6.5 (D) Approximate Unit Weight - 2.9
Pounds
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #40 in Personal Computers
- Brand: Apple
- Model: MB463LL/A
- Dimensions: .0 pounds
Features
- Elegant, energy-efficient, compact desktop Mac measures 6.5 inches square, 2 inches tall--just add keyboard, mouse, and monitor
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 120 GB hard drive, 1 GB RAM (4 GB max), 8x SuperDrive with dual-layer support
- Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n); Gigabit Ethernet; Bluetooth 2.1;
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics with 128 MB of shared memory (256 MB
recognized if 2GB+ of RAM is installed)
- Five USB 2.0 ports; one FireWire 800 port; Mini-DVI and Mini DisplayPort video output (included Mini-DVI to DVI adapter)
- Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard, iLife '09, and Front Row software included
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
An innovative, tiny desktop that's a great choice for home computing
tasks and creating a digital media hub, Apple's Mac mini fits
everything that makes a Mac a Mac inside an elegant 2-inch-tall,
6.5-inch square. Just add your own keyboard, mouse, and display. It's
been upgraded with a faster 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor as well
as a boost in video processing power from the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
integrated graphics chip. The Mac mini also now includes a FireWire 800
port as well as dual video outputs--a Mini DisplayPort and a Mini-DVI
port.
With a more powerful system architecture, Mac mini is faster than ever. | |
Continuing Apple's commitment to the environment, the Mac mini exceeds
current Energy Star 4.0 requirements by consuming less than 13 watts
when idle 45 percent less power than the previous generation. It's also
made from highly recyclable aluminum, uses PVC-free internal components
and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants, and even features
smaller packaging.
Inside its 2-inch-tall, 6.5-inch-square anodized aluminum enclosure, the Mac mini houses the fast Intel Core 2 Duo processor. |
This model of the Mac mini also includes a 120 GB hard drive, 1 GB of
RAM (4 GB max), a slot-loading 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support,
Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n), Gigabit wired networking,
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR connectivity, and optical digital audio
input/outputs. It's pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
operating system, which enables easy backup of your most important data
via Time Machine, a redesigned desktop that helps eliminate clutter. It
also comes with the iLife '09 suite of applications--including iPhoto,
iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes--and the newest version of the
fast-loading Safari web browser.
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Experience improved energy efficiency and improved multitasking with
the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which also offers an ultra-fast
1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and a large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or
secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can
help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between
the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better
overall performance.)
The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which
reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more
energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. With a
substantial 3 MB of shared L2 cache, data and instructions can be kept
close to the two processor cores, greatly increasing performance and
allowing the entire system to work more efficiently. And, because the
processor cores share the L2 cache, either can use the entire amount if
the other happens to be idle.
Hard Drive and Memory
The 120 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) quickens the pace
with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The
1 GB of DDR3 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 512 MB) have an industry leading 1066
MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to 4 GB.
Wireless Connectivity
The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the
performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also
backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to
communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works
seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in
Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone,
synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You
can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as
well as quickly share files with a colleague.
Graphics Processor
The Mac mini now features the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics
processor for up to five times better graphics performance than its
predecessor, and its dual display support can drive two Apple or
third-party displays with Mini DisplayPort or DVI connections. The
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M shares 128 MB of DDR3 SDRAM with main memory.
You'll notice the difference when you work with high-resolution photos
and high-definition video, where graphics-intensive features in iPhoto
and iMovie are smoother. And 3D game play--from Spore to Call of
Duty--is faster and more responsive.
Other Features
- Five USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps)
- One FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps)
- 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
- Video output: Mini DisplayPort and Mini-DVI (adapters for DVI and VGA output included)
- 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)
- AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking (based on 802.11n draft specification); IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible
- Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
- Combined optical digital audio input/audio line in (minijack)
- Combined optical digital audio output/headphone out (minijack)
- Built-in speaker
- Slot-loading
SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW): Writes
DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL discs at up to 6x speed, writes DVD-R and DVD+R
discs at up to 8x speed, writes DVD-RW discs at up to 6x speed, writes
DVD+RW discs at up to 8x speed, Slot-load optical drive reads DVDs at
up to 8x speed, writes CD-R and CD-RW discs at up to 24x speed, reads
CDs at up to 24x speed
- Kensington cable lock slot
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches (WxDxH)
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
 |
 |
 |
The Greenest Mac mini Yet
The energy-efficient hardware components in the new Mac mini work hand
in hand with Mac OS X to create a system that can dynamically adjust
power consumption to reduce the energy used overall. The new Mac mini
uses an advanced power management system leveraged from technology that
makes the most of battery life in Apple's MacBook family. This allows
Mac mini to use dramatically less electricity--up to 45 percent less
power at idle than its predecessor. And it makes Mac mini the most
energy-efficient desktop computer (based on energy efficiency
categories and products listed within the EPA ENERGY STAR 4.0 database
as of February 2009). Apple has worked hard to eliminate many
of the toxins that are a common part of computer manufacturing. Apple
engineers removed brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) from circuit boards, internal cables, connectors,
insulators, adhesives, and more in Mac mini. And the Mac mini uses a
combination of highly recyclable aluminum and polycarbonate to create
its incredibly compact enclosure--making it one of the most
material-efficient desktop computers available.
The Mac mini
meets the stringent low power requirements set by the EPA, giving it
ENERGY STAR certification. In addition, Mac mini meets the latest
efficiency requirements of ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 Specification for
Computers before its July 2009 effective date. It has also earned the
highest rating of EPEAT Gold. The Electronic Product Environmental
Assessment Tool, or EPEAT, evaluates the environmental impact of a
product based on how recyclable it is, how much energy it uses, and how
it's designed and manufactured.
Preloaded
with Leopard, you'll enjoy enhanced productivity and a clutter-free
desktop (thanks to the the redesigned 3D Dock with Stacks). |
Preloaded with Leopard and iLife '09
The biggest Mac OS X upgrade ever, the Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system features over 300 new features, including:
- Time Machine, an effortless way to automatically back up everything on a Mac
- A redesigned Finder that lets users quickly browse and share files between multiple Macs
- Quick Look, a new way to instantly see files without opening an application
- Spaces, an intuitive new feature used to create groups of applications and instantly switch between them
- A brand new desktop with Stacks, a new way to easily access files from the Dock
- Major enhancements to Mail and iChat
Leopard's new desktop includes the redesigned 3D Dock with Stacks, a
new way to organize files for quick and easy access with just one
click. Leopard automatically places web, email and other downloads in a
Downloads stack to maintain a clutter-free desktop, and you can
instantly fan the contents of this and other Stacks into an elegant arc
right from the Dock. The updated Finder includes Cover Flow and a new
sidebar with a dramatically simplified way to search for, browse and
copy content from any PC or Mac on a local network. Time Machine
lets you easily back up all of the data on your Mac, find lost files
and even restore all of the software on their Mac. With just a
one-click setup, Time Machine automatically keeps an up-to-date copy of
everything on the Mac. In the event a file is lost, you can search back
through time to find deleted files, applications, photos and other
digital media and then instantly restore the file.
It also
comes with the iLife '09 suite of applications that make it easy to
live the digital life. Use iPhoto to share entire high-res photo albums
with anyone who's got an email address. Record your own songs and
podcasts with GarageBand. Break into indie filmmaking with iMovie and
iDVD. Then take all the stuff you made on your MacBook and share it on
the web in one click with iWeb.
Included Software
Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces,
Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime,
iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools); iLife
'09 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand)
What's in the Box
Mac mini, Mini-DVI to DVI adapter, power adapter and cord, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation
Customer Reviews
Mac Mini low end model. A much better buy!
So I got one of these little bad boys (the cheaper model) from the
apple store the day after they came out. With a student discount it
came out to be just under $600 after tax, so I figured why wait for it
to be available on amazon for the same price.
I just ordered 4GB of ram for around $65 after tax and shipping.
Just read on a few forums that once you put another gig of ram into the
new lower end mac mini, the NVIDIA 9400M graphics card automatically
allocates another 128MB of VRAM, making it have a total of 256MB VRAM
(instead of 128MB in which it is originally configured with)!
For another $90 or so you can plop a 320GB 7200RPM hard drive into it. A faster drive then the higher end model comes with.
This makes it virtually pointless to pay another $200 for the $800
model, when you can pay a total of $760 for a model that is better:
- 4GBs of ram vs 2GB
- 320GB 7200RPM hard drive vs 320GB 5400RPM hard drive
- with the same NVIDIA 9400M 256VRAM
So whats the only draw back? You have to pop the baby open and install the ram and hard drive yourself.
Is that so bad? Not at all for me, but it may be for some. However
there are already forums that contain detailed instructions with
pictures and videos for doing so, and as long as you can follow
instructions it should not be too difficult at all. It is also somewhat
less difficult to deal with than previous models, in terms of
installing ram and hard drive.
Oh, I forgot to mention that you can (at the moment, 3/9/09) also
get a $6 rebate for sending the 1GB ram chip from your stock mac mini
to OWC if you are planning to buy the 2x2GB modular set from them.
Another good buy is a $30 USB2 sata enclosure to plop that extra 120GB
hard drive into for a little extra storage.
Hope this helps in you purchasing decision.
Oh forgot to mention the computer itself. I upgraded from a 1.42 DP
Powermac G4 (FW800) to give you a perspective. First off it is much,
much quieter and runs very cool. I have now left it on for 3 days
straight and it is still cool. Leaving it on all night while processing
video and other processes no longer keeps me up due to the absence of
loud oscillating fans. I also like the idea that it uses very low power
for a desktop, since I'll keep it on most of the time.
The main reasons for jumping to the mac mini bandwagon for me was
because of its FW800 and better video card (two things you will never
be able to upgrade on a mac mini without swapping out the entire logic
board, which is basically a new computer anyway).
Although it has FW800, I was a little leery to make the upgrade
from my Powermac G4 because I have an external 16x DVD burner that uses
FW400, an external hard drive with FW400, and a RAID drive with FW800.
All of which I wanted to use with my mac mini.
Due to its only 1 FW800 port, I was left to speculate whether daisy
chaining all of my external drives together via one FW800 port would
actually work properly and efficiently. (FW400 HD to FW400 DVD-R to
FW800 RAID HD to one Mac mini FW800 port?).
Seems like a stretch, but all the drives have their own power
source, and I am not going to use the FW400 HD much, so I figured what
the heck, if it didn't work, I'd have to shell out the extra cash to
update my external drives to USB 2 if I wanted to keep the same
configuration I'd been using for years.
Anyway to get to the point... It works! I can burn a DVD at 16x
from the external burner with media from the RAID drive while watching
video, editing photos, and swapping files all from the RAID drive in
which the burner is daisy chained to with no hiccups. (Don't know that
my old G4 would have been happy with this set up, but it had 2 FW400
ports along with a FW800, so I needn't try.)
For those of you I have lost... this means that the new mac mini is
a solid performer and although it has less expandability than my
previous mac (less ports, no PCI expansion slots, no upgradeable video
cards and processors), it still gets the job done at a faster rate and
at a lesser price than upgrades.
So far it has saved me processing time, space, and the utter sound of a power hungry loud fanned G4 buzzing in my ear!
One more thing. I use "PC only" software for work, so having a mac
that can boot up in windows was a definite plus for me, and another
large factor in my upgrading/buying decision.
Yet another great addition is dual display support for those of you
who want to hook up a couple displays at once. And to comment on
another review, the mac mini does support a VGA monitor (or 2!), you
just have to pay an additional $20 for the adapter from apple (as it
only comes with a Mini-DVI to DVI Adapter in the box). And although the
quality is going to be better with a DVI monitor, you may want to hold
onto your VGA until it poops out (especially if you are low on cash
like me) because by that time DVI monitors will be even cheaper and
better in quality. Just a thought! (Not to mention the difficulty and
expense to recycle those old VGA's).
Update - April 12, 2009
Mac Mini is still great, I am just updating this review due to an
important issue that was brought up by another reviewer in regards to
upgrading Mac Minis.
Mac Minis have no user-serviceable parts inside according to apple,
so upgrading it yourself may void the warranty. I did a little research
on apple forums before I opened mine and found that the general
consensus is if you break something, you void your warranty. If you
don't break anything, it should not void your warranty, but ultimately
depends on the apple authorized retailer's decision. If they can find
that the defect was possibly caused from you opening it up, they may
not uphold your warranty. For me the risk was worth it, as I have been
working on macs for years, but definitely take this into consideration
when installing yourself. I still recommend buying the low-end model as
you can always upgrade it later if/when you want. If you are uneasy
about upgrading yourself, you can always buy a larger hard drive and/or
ram from OWC or another third party and have an authorized apple
retailer install it for you. This will still save you a considerable
amount of money and protect your warranty, as a money saving hassle
free solution.
I would not like to be responsible in any way for people
accidentally screwing up while installing their own ram/hard drive and
possibly voiding their warranty. Sorry for not mentioning this issue
previously in my review.
A Powerful Machine For Many Things
This Mac mini builds on the success of the last one. The biggest
upgrade to the machine is the new graphics. With this change, movies
and games perform much better.
Items of clarification: Currently the description on Amazon lists 4 USB ports, but there are actually five.
Also, the Mac mini no longer comes with an Apple Remote so if
you're looking to use it as a media server, you may want to pick one of
those up.
Our favorite upgrade in this new machine is the ability to handle
more RAM. It can now address 4GB of RAM, and it is also DDR3 RAM so it
performs much better.
Also, the upgrade to Firewire 800 allows for some very fast external drives if you're looking for increased storage.
We have a few hundred Mac minis performing as servers at
macminicolo. According to our early benchmarks, this machine will be
even better at for a server. No doubt this is due mainly to the faster,
increased RAM.
Awesome home system
Just purchased am already very happy with the decision. This was a
replacement system that I purchased for my wife - I am the home tech
support resource and I was tired of constantly having to keep her
system patched, updated and rebuilt (from XP to Vista SP1) in order to
fight off ad/malware that was constantly infecting it.
Even though the hardware spec's for the Mini are lighter than the
Vista system that it replaced, it is much snappier in browsing and
using the included applications as compared to the Vista equivalents.
One correction to the displayed specs on Amazon - the included adapter
is a mini-DVI to full DVI adapter, not a DVI/VGA adapter as listed. If
your old monitor does not support DVI, you will need to get a new
monitor that supports it. Considering the graphics focus of Mac
systems, this is a worthwhile investment in any case if you have an old
VGA only monitor - the graphics will really "pop" when you convert to
DVI.
Update will follow in a few weeks once I have the wife fully converted over to the new system.
