Apple beefs up Mac mini with dazzling graphics and increased storage

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 04 March 2009 02:27

Opinion and Analysis

The Mac mini - ignored by Apple for two years - has finally been given some special attention, resulting in significant and much needed improvements on multiple fronts. Graphics, storage and power consumption improvements contribute to an impressive array of improved functionality for Apple's tiniest desktop Mac.

A revamp for the Mac mini delivers greater speed and reduced power consumption.

Now featuring a 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, the Mac mini now uses the Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics controller found in the MacBook range and in the new iMacs.

Apple claims the new chip gives five times the graphics performance of the old model.

A related change means the mini is now equipped with a Mini DisplayPort in addition to the mini-DVI video connector. Two displays can be driven simultaneously.

Other interfaces include Gigabit Ethernet, five USB 2.0 ports (up from four), and one FireWire 800 port (instead of FireWire 400).

Earlier this year, a photo purportedly of the new mini and showing these connectors was posted in the MacRumors Forums by 'monthy'. Despite being derided by other posters, it turns out that monthy got these and other specs right.

The 2009 Mac mini has a 1066 MHz front-side bus, 1 or 2G of DDR3 RAM (expandable to 4G), and a 120G or 320G hard drive. That's a substantial improvement on its predecessor, but we can easily imagine mini fans thinking "not before time!"

Despite the increased performance, Apple says the mini now uses 45 percent less power than its predecessor. Indeed, with a 13W power consumption when idle, Apple claims the Mac mini is the world's most energy-efficient desktop computer.

The 1G/120G Mac mini costs $A1049; the 2G/320G version is $A1399.

Built-to-order options include a 2.26 GHz processor, extra RAM, 80 or 250G  hard drives, and the Apple Remote.