Apple updates Mac Mini


The new Mac Mini gets a pretty good overhaul both in design and specs. The updated mini features an unibody-styled aluminum construction and gains HDMI and a SD card slot. Spec wise, Apple promises up to twice the graphics performance.

"The sleek, aluminum Mac mini packs great features, versatility and value into an elegant, amazingly compact design," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "With twice the graphics performance, HDMI support and industry-leading energy efficiency, customers are going to love the new Mac mini."

Apple offers two stock models with 2.4 or 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo CPUs. One machine ships with a single 320 GB 5400 RPM drive, with the server version gets two 500 GB 7200 RPM drives. Graphics wise, they both get the GeForece 320M treatment. Pricing starts out at $699 for the base and $999 for the server model.

The addition of an HDMI port is interesting. The port offers multi-channel audio, so it should be good for surround sound system. It seems Apple has finally acknowledged the popularity of the Mini as a home theater PC. It will be interesting to see if Apple adds HDMI to other future Macs, or if this is a special deal for the Mini.

Mac Mini