Mac mini

Mac mini (August 2007)

Mac mini List is for those using G4 or Intel Mac minis.
Tiger List is for those using Mac OS X 10.4.
Leopard List is for those using Mac OS X 10.5.

Overview

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Apple "refreshed" the Mac mini the same day it unveiled new iMacs, iLife '08, and iWork '08. The updated model has a Core2 Duo processor and faster CPU speeds than its predecessor. Between the newer, more efficient CPU and 8-10% higher clock speeds, we expect 15-25% better overall performance.

The newest mini has the same 667 MHz memory bus as last year's model, along with the same underpowered Intel GMA 950 graphics. Because it uses the Core2 CPU, it can support up to 3 GB of RAM, although Apple only supports up to 2 GB.

There's one bank with two memory sockets, so to upgrade RAM, you have to remove 256 MB modules that came with the computer. Apple says that memory upgrades should only be done in matched pairs, but Other World Computing has discovered that you can use "mismatched" memory in the Mac mini (and some other Intel-based Macs where Apple specifies that upgrades should only be done with matched pairs). Their test results show that in general there is more benefit from having more RAM - even mismatched - than there is from having less RAM that is matched.

The base version now runs at 1.83 GHz and includes 1 GB of RAM, an 80 GB hard drive, and a Combo drive. It retails for US$599, the same price as the 1.66 GHz model it replaces. Except for the Core2 Duo CPU and the lack of a SuperDrive, this is essentially the same model Apple was selling for US$799.

The better model has a 2.0 GHz CPU, a 120 GB hard drive, and a dual-layer 8x SuperDrive in addition to all the features of the 1.83 GHz model. At US$799, it seems a bit overpriced in comparison to the 1.83 GHz model. What you're gaining for the $200 difference is a CPU with a larger cache, 40 GB more drive space (a $75 build-to-order option), the SuperDrive, and a 10% gain in CPU speed.

All Intel-based Mac minis use Intel GMA 950 graphics and "vampire video" (that's where the video bites into system memory). The Intel graphics processor uses 64 MB of system memory for the display, so increasing memory may be a good idea.

The Intel-based Mac mini looks like the G4-based one from the front, but the rear is different. The Intel-based mini has four USB 2.0 ports and no internal modem.

The tiny Mac mini (6.5" square, 2" high, 2.9 lb.) has a minimalist design. On the front, there's just a slot-loading optical drive and a power light. On the rear, just enough ports to do everything important.

The Mac mini doesn't include a keyboard or mouse. Apple says buyers can plug in their favorite USB keyboard and mouse - or buy Apple's offerings. Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) includes support for remapping the Windows alt and option keys to option and cmd.

Apple offers several Build To Order options, such as 120 or 160 GB hard drives; Mighty Mouse and Apple's new keyboard, or a wireless Mighty Mouse and Apple's new wireless keyboard, and a $49 USB modem. With a $19 DVI to Video Adapter, you can connect the Mac mini to most modern TVs using S-video or composite video.

Intel-based Macs use a partitioning scheme known as GPT. Only Macintel models can boot from GPT hard drives. Both PowerPC and Intel Macs can boot from APM (Apple's old partitioning scheme) hard drives, which is the format you must use to create a universal boot drive in Leopard. Power PC Macs running any version of the Mac OS prior to 10.4.2 cannot mount GPT volumes. PowerPC Macs won't let you install OS X to a USB drive or choose it as your startup volume, although there is a work around for that.

Details

introduced 2007.08.07 at US$599 (1.83 GHz Combo) and US$799 (2.0 GHz SuperDrive)
requires Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later
CPU: 1.83/2.0 GHz Core2 Duo, Socket 479 makes upgrades possible
bus: 667 MHz
performance:

Geekbench 2 (Leopard): 2365 (1.83 GHz), 2604 (2.0 GHz)
Geekbench 2 (Tiger): 2473 (1.83 GHz), 2668 (2.0 GHz)

RAM: 1 GB, expandable to 3 GB using two PC2-5300 DDR SDRAM. Best performance with matched memory modules. 64 MB of RAM set aside as video memory.
Graphics: Intel GMA950 with resolution to 1920 x 1080 (VGA) and 1920 x 1200 (DVI).
VRAM: 64 MB DDR2 SDRAM (shared with main memory, and according to Apple actually uses 80 MB of system RAM)
video out: DVI, VGA with included adapter, S-video with optional adapter
L2 cache: 2/4 MB on CPU
hard drive: 2.5" 80/120 GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA standard; 120, 160 GB available as build-to-order options
Combo Drive: reads DVDs at up to 8x speed, writes CD-R discs at up to 24x, writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x, reads CDs at up to 24x
SuperDrive DL: writes DVD±R discs at up to 8x speed, DL at 2.4x; DVD±RW at 4x; reads DVDs at up to 8x; writes CD-R discs at up to 24x, writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x, reads CDs at up to 24x
USB 2.0: 4 ports
FireWire 400: 1 port
no internal modem; external USB modem available
ethernet: 10/100/gigabit
AirPort Extreme: 802.11g standard
Bluetooth 2.0: standard
microphone: none
power: 85W external power supply
PRAM battery: 3V CR2032 lithium
H x W x D: 2.0 x 6.5 x 6.5 in/5.1 x 16.5 x 16.5 cm
weight: 2.9 lb./1.3 kg
upgrade path: none
Part no.: MB138 (1.83 GHz), MB139 (2.0 GHz)

Upgrades

CPU can be replaced with a faster Core2 Duo.

Online Resources

Best online Mac mini deals, updated biweekly.
Best Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.4.
Best Mac OS X 10.5 'Leopard' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.5.
What's the best version of OS X for my Mac?, Ian R Campbell, The Sensible Mac, 2008.02.28. Which version of Mac OS X is best for your hardware depends on several factors.
Mac Pro overclocking, Windependence with Darwine, Blu-ray for Macs, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.07.04. Also more on running Leopard on non-Apple hardware, Ubuntu on a Mac mini, the first autofocus webcam with Zeiss optics for Macs, and more.
Win the depreciation game by buying on the low end, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.06.24. The worst depreciation afflicts high-end models. By buying a less powerful version, choosing certified refurbished, or picking up a used computer, you'll come out ahead.
5 business essentials for 'The Switch', Jason Packer, Macs in the Enterprise, 2008.06.06. If you're planning a migration from Windows to Macs, these five steps will help you succeed in making the switch.
1 display with 2 Macs, flash memory for file transfer, Quicksilver or TigerLaunch?, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.05.21. Also running a PowerBook 1400 from Compact Flash, format=flowed for email, and OS 9 nice for browsing without Flash.
Virtual PC works with Leopard, Intel vs. PowerPC performance, beyond the Mac mini, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.05.20. Also upgrading Intel iMacs, Compact Flash in a PowerBook 2400, and thoughts on low-end Macs.
SheepShaver brings Classic Mac OS to Intel Macs and Leopard, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2008.05.20. Mac OS X 10.5 doesn't support Classic Mode. Neither does Leopard. But SheepShaver lets you emulate a PowerPC Mac and run the Classic Mac OS.
Beyond the Mac mini, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.05.15. What if Apple were to think different and eliminate the built-in optical drive, cut $100 from the price, and offer an expansion chassis?
Windows on Macs: Three paths for integration, Jason Packer, Macs in the Enterprise, 2008.05.14. Mac users have three routes for running Windows apps: Run Windows using Boot Camp or virtualization, or use a compatibility layer such as WINE.
Prosumer Mac suggestions, bring back the 12" 'Book, Pismo displays, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.05.06. Readers offer more thoughts on a midrange Mac, the need for a new 12" 'Book, using F-keys as F-keys in OS X, and lid closed video mode for Pismo.
50% Mac sales growth is only the beginning, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.05.02. Apple has a great line of computers and an awesome operating system, but a prosumer model could make last quarter's growth seem normal.
Macintosh peace of mind, PA Semi and the iPhone, $40 802.11g PCI card, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.05.01. Also Power Mac vs. Mac mini, more on DVD User Op Patch, 12" vs. 14" iBook, and VGA for a Power Mac 6100.
OS X for PCs, Mac mini with HDTV, 802.11n options, upgrading from Mac OS 9, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.04.22. Also reviving a dead PowerBook 5300, Lucida Grande, external FireWire SuperDrive advice, OS X and the DeskWriter, and royalties.
Mac mini with HDTV, Lucida Grande on Low End Mac, the Open Computer, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.04.17. Also using a computer display with HDTV and cleaning your keyboard in the dishwasher.
A $99 PC, a $399 hackintosh, and growing the Mac market, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.04.15. There is a low-end market, which now includes a $99 bare bones PC and a $399 computer designed to run Leopard.
Intel mini vs. Power Mac, best keyboard ever, uses for old Macs, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.04.10. Also using Classic with Intel Macs, problems with Classic Mode, and collective nouns.
Used Intel Mac mini vs. 867 MHz Power Mac G4 dual, Mark Garbowski, My Turn, 2008.04.07. Can a dual processor Power Mac hold its own against a Core Duo Mac mini?
Apple's growing market share, iMac color lawsuit, updated Mac Bible software, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.04.04. Also the rate of Leopard adoption, Adobe launches free Photoshop Express, Mac mini media center, and more.
Mac sales up while PCs decline, college students flock to Mac, Mac mini mount, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.03.28. Also picking the right Mac, creative uses for a Mac mini, Time Capsule reviewed, updates for Leopard, Time Capsule, and AirPort, and more.
Intel Mac mini value, best YouTube browser in Tiger, additional Pismo resolutions, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.03.19. Also more in iSub incompatibility with Leopard, PC Card compatibility with PowerBooks, and Leopard on 3 more unsupported Power Macs.
Power Mac G5 vs. Intel Mac mini, video thumbnails lost in migration, OCR software, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.03.17. Also HARMONi compatibility with Mac OS X 10.4, a dual processor G4 auction, Internet access by digital phone, and more.
Megapixels, noise, image quality, and fixing photos in software, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.02.27. Also iMac vs. Mac mini, a possible fix for failing optical drives, optical mice for ADB Macs, and where to buy Macs in Philly.
New Mac Pro benchmarked, OS X killing Linux?, a hardened Mac mini, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.01.18. New Mac Pro architecture reduces memory bottleneck for better performance, Mac Pro Developer Note posted, and NewerTech's USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter.
Restore stability to a troubled Mac with a clean system install, Keith Winston, Linux to Mac, 2008.01.15. If your Mac is misbehaving, the best fix just might be a fresh reinstallation of Mac OS X - don't forget to backup first.
Ultimate Leopard tweaking guide, used Mac beats new PC, the megapixel myth, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.01.04. Also 'spectacular' growth in Mac usage to continue through 2008, why Leopard trumps Windows, Dell XPS and Apple iMac 'both suck', ditch your DVD player for a Mac mini, and more.
The best alternatives to Apple's USB keyboards, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2007.12.10. There are a lot of USB keyboards out there, even for the Mac, but these two have great keyboard action, are solidly built, and have features Apple's keyboard don't include.
Pros and cons of vampire video, another way to install Leopard, looking for EasyShare, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.11.29. More details on integrated graphics, going G4 on the cheap, more unsupported Leopard reports, the death of DropStuff, and more.
Merely adequate: Why you want to avoid integrated graphics, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.11.10. A couple years ago, Apple laughingly pointed at Windows PCs with 'integrated Intel graphics' as substandard. Today low-end Macs all suffer from those barely adequate graphics processors.
Could the $200 'green' PC with gOS Linux become a threat to Apple?, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 2007.11.14. The low cost, low power Everex desktop comes with a customized version of Ubuntu Linux, has a Mac-like Dock, and sells for $400 less than the Mac mini.
Cross-platform computing: Better than it's ever been, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2007.11.13. Macs can read PC media, both Macs and Windows PCs play nice with each other on networks, and emulation makes it easy for Intel Macs to run Windows apps.
Beyond Google, 10 years on the G3, the Cube is not a Road Apple, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.11.13. Also the 64-bit advantage of Core2, OS 9 on a USB flash drive, sound problems since switching to Leopard, and 7200 rpm in an eMac.
External $100 Sony DVD burner likes Macs, Brian Gray, Fruitful Editing, 2007.10.10. The box and manual say nothing about Mac compatibility, but this 18x USB 2.0 DVD burner is plug-and-play (at least with Tiger).
FastMac 8x SuperDrive and BurnAgain DVD: Fast and easy multisession disc burning, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2007.10.08. FastMac's 8x SuperDrive upgrade is remarkably fast compared with older PowerBook burners, and BurnAgain DVD makes it easy to append files to a previously burned CD or DVD.
Mac mini overpriced, iMac outpaces PCs, switching to Mac a waste of time, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.09.07. Also adding an eSATA drive to a Mac mini, cost of replacing an iMac's glass face, drives with 1 GB cache coming, reviews, and right-click software for 1-button mice.
PC war losers, Mac 'just works', $68 802.11n for older Macs, a free font manager, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.08.31. Also DVD region locking, the iMac's glossy screen, Mac mini powerful enough, Chromac iMac housings, SanDisk's 8 GB flash drive, and more.
Macs roar to #3 in US, 'one amazing iMac', 3 GB upgrade for Core2 Mac mini, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.08.24. Also aluminum iMac reviews, aluminum keyboard "packed with improvements", and QuickerTek's antenna array for AirPort Extreme.
Macs 'more enjoyable' than PCs, end of the G4, enthusiastic aluminum iMac reviews, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.08.17. Also Apple's USB 2.0 keyboard, business looks a iMacs, Core2 Mac mini benchmarked, miniStack NAS server, Virtual PC update improves security, and more.
No junk from Apple, Mac mouse dies after 18 years, time to cut the gigabyte BS, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.08.10. Also new iMac and Mac mini models, Apple's aluminum keyboards, new NAS drive looks like a Mac mini, first software update for aluminum iMacs, and more.
The 2007 Mac mini value equation, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.08.08. Faster, more efficient CPUs, more RAM, and bigger hard drives, but how do blow out prices on 2006 minis compare?
The Mac mini isn't dead, Macs for the workplace, a taller Mac mini, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.07.31. Readers weigh in on the pros and cons of the Mac mini - and whether Apple should replace it with a more expandable Mac.
I love the Mac mini, no iPhone in court, no region-free DVDs on MacBooks, and more, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2007.07.31. Also 15 years of ThinkPads, reliability and all-in-one devices, and thoughts on upgrading operating systems.
Does a college freshman need to run Windows on a MacBook?, Al Poulin, My Turn, 2007.07.24. While you can run Windows on today's Intel-based Macs, is there any reason most college students would want to or need to?
Can you put 3 GB in a Mac mini?, where are the Mirror Drive Door CPU upgrades?, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.05.21. Also a challenge to 'Mac-ify' the Interweb, more on CRT voltage dangers, and fixing Low End Mac's navigation bar in Firefox for Linux.
VMware Fusion beta 3 adds new features, takes a giant step toward release, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2007.04.11. Looking for a virtualization solution for your Intel Mac? The latest beta of VMWare Fusion makes several improvements and includes some unique features.
1 core, 2 cores, 4 cores, 8: How much difference does it make?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.04.10. Geekbench scores make it possible to compare the newest 3 GHz 8-core Mac Pro with the 1.5 GHz Core Solo Mac mini - and all the models in between.
11 ways to optimize your Mac's performance, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 2007.03.12. If your Mac is getting sluggish, here are 11 tips that can help restore its original performance.
CrossOver: Run Windows apps on Intel Macs without Windows, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2007.02.28. If you need to run Windows apps on your Intel Mac once in a while, CrossOver may be the least expensive way to do so since it eliminates the need to buy a copy of Windows.
Adding an Intel Mac mini can be cheaper than upgrading a Power Mac G4!, Dan Knight, Mac Daniel, 2007.02.14. Looking at the cost of upgrading memory, adding a fast hard drive, and a GHz-plus CPU upgrade, buying a new Core Duo Mac mini makes a lot of sense.
Upgrade the Power Mac or buy a Mac mini?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.11.30. With 1.8 GHz dual G4 upgrades selling for US$600, it might make more sense to add a Core Duo Mac mini than upgrade the processor.
Parallels revisited: Release version far more polished than beta, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2006.11.21. Parallels lets you run Windows or Linux without rebooting your Intel-based Mac, and it's made great strides since the beta came out earlier this year.
To AppleCare or not to AppleCare?, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.11.20. Consumer Reports, which generally recommends against extended warranties, says AppleCare makes sense. But does it?
Intel inside Macs paves the way for affordable CPU upgrades, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 2006.11.10. By adopting industry standards, Apple has made it much easier for Mac owners to add memory, expansion cards, and faster CPUs to their computers.
How soon will the Mac mini go Core2?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.11.09. The Mac mini is the last Mac not using a Core2 CPU. It's just a matter of time. And how about a Mac midi?
Pre-2006 software: The big reason you shouldn't buy an Intel Mac today, Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 2006.11.09. If you work with software that predates the Intel transition, you may be better off sticking with PowerPC Macs. And if you use classic apps, you definitely want to avoid Intel.
Region free DVD viewing options for Intel and PowerPC Macs, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.09.12. Several hardware and software options that will let your view 'wrong region' DVDs on your PowerPC or Intel Mac.
The new Mac mini value equation: Core Duo entry level changes everything, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.09.07. For the first round, the top-end Intel Mac mini offered far more power for your dollar, but that's not the case with the newly introduced models.
Drive matters, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.06.14. There's more to picking the right hard drive than size, spindle speed, buffer size, and price. But how can a 5400 rpm drive ever outperform a 7200 rpm drive?
Mac mini fails Final Cut Studio, Mac News Review, 04.07. Also TVMini HD now available from Apple Store, Keyspan RF remote for Front Row has 60' reach, next gen Deskstar hard drives announced, PC-Mac-Net FileShare reaches version 6, and more.
Boot Camp: Apple officially supports Windows XP booting on Macintel hardware, The Macintel Report, 2006.04.06. No more need to do any hacks to get WinXP booting on Apple's Intel-based Macs. Apple's new Boot Camp software fully supports it.
NewerTech miniStack: A great drive even if you don't own a Mac mini, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Reviews, 2006.02.08. Although it's designed to match the Mac mini, the miniStack hard drive can add USB 2.0 and FireWire ports to any Mac while keeping your fast external hard drive cool.
Matias OS X and USB 2.0 Keyboards reviewed, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.01.03. Two very good, nicely priced keyboards for the Mac - one even has a USB 2.0 port for the iPod shuffle and other devices.
A scrounger's guide to equipping the Mac mini: Choices for the budget conscious, Hardy Menagh, Empowered, 2005.12.22. How to add a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and stereo sound to your Mac mini for little or no money.
Performance increase in replacing a mini's hard drive, Jamie Dresser, Other World Computing, 2005.01.27. Alternate hard drives can boost disk performance by 25% to nearly 50% compared to Apple's stock hard drive.
PC2-5300 memory pricing, ramseeker
Apple Specs for Mac mini (Late 2006)

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