Apple finally refreshes Mac Mini with updated specs

Apple finally refreshes Mac Mini with updated specs The updated Mac Mini has new default configurations, even though the prices remain the same, at $599 for that low-end model and $799 on the step-up version. The $599 system receives a new 2GHz Core 2 Duo processor, identical nexus 4 wallet case 1GB of RAM, having a larger 120GB challenging. The $799 model also retains its 2GB of RAM plus the same 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo chip, nevertheless with an even greater 320GB hard disc drive.

An Nvidia MCP79 chipset drives both new Mac Minis, in accordance with the MacBook Pro which came out with Nvidia circuitry just a couple of weeks ago, but devoid of the second 9600M GPU. It means each Mac Mini comes with a Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics chip driving its display, which improves the Mac Mini's outlook for video and photo editing and in order to the particular extent gaming. We found theMacBook Pro of your 9400M chip was at are able of at the least playable frame rates in Quake IV.

(Credit:Apple)

With the specs are available new ports along the rear within the Mac Mini, you now obtain the same inputs and outputs at either price range. So five USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and upgrades to FireWire 800 along with Mini DVI and Mini DisplayPort for monitor connections. Mini DisplayPort is made for now only one feature of Apple systems and monitors, but that should grow case for nexus 4 as Apple also has offered the spec to VESA for incorporation into its official DisplayPort standard.

We would not have a Mac Mini in hand to utilise (yet), but we have a few queries about its bang in the buck. Comparing raw hardware of your $480 Vista-based Acer Aspire X1700, the Mac arises short on core processor clock speed (2.4GHz vs. 2.0GHz), RAM allotment (4GB vs. 1GB), and especially hard-drive size (640GB vs. 120GB). The Acer lacks the Mac Mini's wireless networking, and Bluetooth, but instead of DisplayPort and FireWire 800 it gets you HDMI and eSATA jacks--essentially a wash, if he doesn't an outright Acer win for eSATA's faster data throughput.

We'd agree that your particular Mac Mini includes a more pleasing design than all of its Windows competitors, as well as prefer Apple's OS X to Vista, in which particular case your decision is already made. We're less sure within the new Mac Mini's value proposition, that is tricky for earlier models. Hopefully capable to run one throughout the lab soon.