Apple launches redesigned, easier-to-upgrade Mac mini

 

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Posted on 15 Jun 2010 at 13:44

Apple has unveiled its redesigned Mac mini desktop computer, but at a higher price than the previous model.

The compact, biscuit tin-sized Mac mini is Apple's smallest desktop computer, but its white plastic and aluminium design had remained essentially unchanged since the very first model debuted back in 2005. Apple has finally revamped the Mac mini with an all-aluminium design that's noticeably easier to upgrade than the older version.

Previously, simple upgrades such as adding more memory required disassembling the entire computer using tools. The new model has a simple, twist-to-remove bottom plate that gives easy access to the RAM slots, but, during our brief hands-on at Apple's London's offices, we were unable to tell if other components such as the hard disk are also as easy to replace.

The new Mac mini is Apple's first computer to have a HDMI port which is a long over-due addition. There's also a Mini DisplayPort connector, so connecting dual displays is simple. Other ports and slots include a SDXC memory card slot, a FireWire 800 port as well as an optical audio input and output.

There are four USB2 ports down from five on the previous model – we suspect the fifth port was jettisoned to make room for the memory card slot. Annoyingly, all of the ports are located on the rear of the computer where they could be hard to reach – a front-mounted USB port and memory card slot is a much-needed convenience.

The Mac mini also comes equipped with a Core 2 Duo processor and Nvidia GeForce 320M integrated graphics. We suspect Apple has chosen not to opt for a newer Core i3 or i5 processor so it can continue to use Nvidia's integrated graphics chips and motherboard chipsets instead of slower alternatives from Intel. Intel has forbidden Nvidia from producing Core i3/i5-compatible chipsets and integrated graphics chips.

Perhaps the biggest change is pricing. The last generation Mac mini was available in configurations costing £499 and £649. This latest model is only available for £649 which is close in price to all-in-one Windows PCs which have built-in monitors. This higher pricing would be easier to swallow if the Mac mini's specification wasn't so stingy – there's just 2GB of RAM, a 320GB hard disk and a DVD writer. There's still no Blu-ray option and Apple doesn't even include its remote control which would be useful for customers who want to use the Mac mini as a media centre computer.

Nevertheless, the Mac mini is still Apple's cheapest desktop computer. We'll bring you full benchmark results and a final verdict soon.

Author: Alan Lu