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Best Mac mini Prices

2012.01.18

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2011 Mac miniApple updated the Mac mini in July, finally leaving behind the Core 2 Duo CPUs that Apple started using way back in mid-2006. Except for the lack of an optical drive slot, the Mid 2011 Mac mini looks almost identical to the 2010 model. The best news is that in addition to moving to Intel Core i5 and i7 CPUs, which pretty much doubles power, Apple has trimmed prices by $100 to $200.

Redesigned 2010 Mac mini
The slimmer, wider 2010 Mac mini.

The Core i5 is far more efficient than Core 2 Duo, so despite a slightly lower CPU clock speed (2.3 GHz vs. 2.4 GHz), it's nearly twice as powerful. The Mini officially supports up to 8 GB of memory and can now use the same SSD modules used in the 2010 and 2011 MacBook Air. It also gains a Thunderbolt expansion port and ships with OS X 10.7 Lion. If you need an optical drive, you can add the same external SuperDrive used by the MacBook Air for $79.

The base model has a 2.3 GHz i5 CPU, 2 GB of RAM, and a 500 GB hard drive. The step-up model moves to a 2.5 GHz i5, doubles RAM to 4 GB, and adds AMD Radeon HD 6630M graphics, which should make it the choice for serious gamers. And for power users, there's also a 2.7 GHz i7 build-to-order option, along with SSDs and faster, higher capacity hard drives.

There's also a separate Mac mini Server with a 2.0 GHz quad-core i7 processor and a pair of matched 7200 rpm 500 GB hard drives. Upgrade options include 8 GB of RAM, 750 GB hard drives, and 256 GB SSDs. OWC has found that the 2011 Mac mini will support 16 GB of memory, but it costs a whole lot more than the computer itself.

The only compelling reason to choose the Mid 2010 Mac mini is that it can run OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. (There are ways to get 10.6 on the 2011 Mini, but it requires cloning 10.6 from another Mac.) If you're not ready for Lion - or are unwilling to go there - it's the last and best Mac mini option, and its Nvidia graphics may be better for gaming than the Intel HD 3000 Graphics in the new entry-level Mini.

The Late 2009 Mac mini was no slacker and had some advantages over the 2010 model - it can run Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard (the 2010 model requires 10.6 Snow Leopard) and has five USB 2.0 ports (vs. four now, but the 2010 and 2011 models have a built-in SD Card reader).

We called the 2009 Mac mini "the Best Value in Desktop Macs", the 2010 version was an improvement in almost every respect, and Thunderbolt and Intel Core i processors take things to the next level in 2011.

Mac mini
The original Mac mini design.

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard is supported on all Mac mini models through 2009 with at least 512 MB of RAM; we recommend at least 1 GB in G4 Minis and 2 GB in Intel Minis for much better performance. Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard is supported on all Intel-powered Macs with at least 1 GB of RAM, but we recommend at least 2 GB for improved performance (we had 1 GB in our 2007 Mac mini for the longest time - upgrading to 3 GB made a huge difference). See the individual computer profiles for a list of supported and unsupported Snow Leopard technologies (for instance, the Mac mini Core Solo cannot run in 64-bit mode, cannot use Grand Central Dispatch, and has no support for OpenCL).

OS X 10.7 Lion, which comes with the Mid 2011 model, is supported on all 2007 and later models. Earlier models use Intel Core Solo or Core Duo CPUs, which are 32-bit only and cannot run Lion, which is a 64-bit operating system.

We think the Mac mini is quite the value. Keep in mind that it ships with no mouse or keyboard. The Mac mini can be ordered with a Apple's USB 2.0 keyboard and USB Mouse for $98 extra ($20 more for the wireless Magic Mouse or the Magic Trackpad). That's a lot to spend for a mouse and keyboard. We're big fans of some of the better Logitech keyboards and mice, as well as the Macally KeySlim USB 2.0 keyboard, all of which we use at Low End Mac headquarters.

Apple recommends that anything going inside the mini be installed by an authorized Apple dealer, although user installation of memory will not void the warranty. Getting inside the Mac mini to add RAM or upgrade the hard drive is a bit tricky with pre-2010 models, and a lot easier with the new design - especially upgrading memory.

For those seeking more power on a budget, the Core Solo or Core Duo CPU in the 2006 models can be replaced by a faster Core Duo or the newer, faster Core 2 Duo. We do not recommend buying the Core Solo Mac mini unless you plan to upgrade the CPU, as it is widely reported as being very sluggish with its single-core CPU. Note that upgrading to a Core 2 CPU does not allow use of more than 2 GB of RAM, nor will it allow these Minis to run Lion.

The 1.42 GHz and 1.5 GHz G4 models shipped with 512 MB of RAM, and the Intel-based models don't include a modem.

Many of the dealers listed offer free ground shipping on new units. Best deals factor in estimated ground shipping costs. Used Macs usually include a 90 day warranty. Used minis do not include mouse or keyboard.

Best Used Mac mini Prices

Best Refurbished Mac mini Prices

Best 2010 Mac mini Prices

Best 2011 Mac mini Prices

Recent Prices on Memory Upgrades

Prices are per module unless otherwise noted.

Mac OS X and OS X Server Prices

Unless otherwise noted, there is no surcharge for credit card purchases and shipping is not included. Vendors are listed in alphabetical order.

Factory refurbished items carry an Apple one year warranty and are eligible for AppleCare. Store refurbished items may vary. Prices may be limited to quantity on hand. Not responsible for typos. Please email any corrections or additional sources with competitive prices to Dan Knight .

Buying through some of these links benefits Low End Mac. Buying at these prices benefits you.

G4: 1.25/1.42 GHz - 1.33/1.5 GHz
Intel: 1.5 GHz/1.66 GHz - 1.66/1.83 GHz - 1.83/2.0 GHz Core 2 - 2.0 GHz Nvidia - Late 2009 - Unibody (Mid 2010) - Thunderbolt (Mid 2011) - Server (Mid 2011)

New, Open Box, and Demo

Amazon.com Apple Store US Apple Store Canada B&H J&R MacMall PC Connection PowerMax
2010 Mac Mini
2.66 Server 4/2x500 $899 sh
2011 Mac Mini
2.3 GHz i5, 2/500 $568.95 sh $599 sh C$599 sh $568.95 sh $579.88 $568.95 sh $568.95 sh $599 sh
2.5 GHz i5, 4/500 $762.95 sh $799 sh C$799 sh $762.95 sh $769.88 $762.95 sh $759.99 sh $799 sh
2.7 GHz i7, 4/500 $899 sh C$899 sh $899.95 sh $899 sh $899 sh
2.0 GHz Server, 4/2x500 $955 sh $999 sh C$999 sh $955 sh $959.88 $955 sh $959.99 sh $999 sh
SuperDrive $79 sh $79 sh C$79 sh $79 sh $79 $79

Apple Refurbished

Apple refurbished computers include Apple's full one-year warranty and are eligible for AppleCare. Mac mini inventory usually sells out very quickly.

Apple Store US

Last known prices - no inventory listed today. Apple collects sales tax on orders shipped to most states. Free ground shipping.

Apple Store Canada

Used & Store Refurbished

Used and store refurbished Macs are covered by a store warranty and are not eligible for AppleCare.

ExperCom

Ground shipping may add $19 or more. ExperCom collects sales tax on orders shipped within UT.

MacResource

Ground shipping may add $28 or more.

Operator Headgap

Operator Headgap thoroughly refurbishes and tests every Mac they sell. When buying, please let them know you heard about them on Low End Mac when entering your shipping information. Thanks!

PowerMax

Free ground shipping.

G4

Intel

Enjoy the compact power. LEM

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