Apple debuts new Mac minis with five times better graphics

[AppleInsider]

As part of its complete desktop revamp Tuesday, Apple introduced a pair of new 2.0GHz Mac minis that deliver up to five times better graphics performance through the same NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics used in the company's latest family of unibody MacBooks.

"The Mac mini is not only our most affordable Mac, it's also the world's most energy efficient desktop computer," said Apple chief operating officer Tim Cook. It uses less than 13 watts of power when idle, up to 10 times less power than a typical desktop PC.

Available in two models that start at $599, Mac mini features a 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, up to 320GB Serial ATA hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800 and a SuperDrive. The diminutive desktops also sport NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics for up to five times better graphics performance than the previous generation models with added display support that can drive two Apple or third-party displays with Mini DisplayPort or DVI connections.

Like the new iMacs, the Mac minis exceed current Energy Star 4.0 requirements and are leading the industry as early adopters of the more stringent Energy Star 5.0 requirements which will become effective later this year. The new Mac minis also use PVC-free internal components and cables and contain no brominated flame retardants. Like the company's latest notebooks and iMacs, the minis have achieved EPEAT Gold status.



Each Mac mini comes with Apple's iLife '09 suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music, as well as Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard.



The new 2.0 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $599 (US), includes:
2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;1GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable up to 4GB;NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm;a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW); separately);Mini DisplayPort and mini-DVI for video output (adapters sold separately);built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 BASE-T);five USB 2.0 ports;one FireWire 800 port; andone audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog.
The new 2.0 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $799 (US), includes:
2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;2GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable up to 4GB;NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm;a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW);Mini DisplayPort and mini-DVI for video output (adapters sold separately);built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 BASE-T);five USB 2.0 ports;one FireWire 800 port; andone audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog.
Build-to-order options and accessories for the Mac mini include: a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB DDR3 SDRAM, 80GB, 250GB or 320GB 5400 hard drives. Additional options include: LED Cinema Display, Apple Keyboard, Apple Keyboard with numeric keypad, Apple Wireless Keyboard and Wireless Mighty Mouse; AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme Base Station, Time Capsule; Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple USB Modem, Apple Remote, the AppleCare Protection Plan; and pre-installed copies of iWork '09, Logic Express 8, Final Cut Express 4 and Aperture 2.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[success]

oh really

[AgNuke1707]

FINALLY, FINALLY, FINALLY!!! Basically a square, non-portable MacBook, which is fine with me.

I would have liked to have seen the 2.26 GHz as standard, but oh well, at least the $599 model has a freaking SuperDrive now. 5 USB slots will definitely be a help also...

It was a long wait for what I'm sure a lot of people will regard as insignificant feature bumps, but to hell with them! I'm getting a new mini!!!!

[Cam'ron]

Fake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[vinney57]

Oh well... solid update. Would have liked a new case but whatevs. The ports are generous and widen the potential userbase significantly. I'm buying.

[bigdaddyp]

Originally Posted by Cam'ron

Fake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dang you beat me to it!

[Rokken]

Mac Mini costs 1000Kr more and iMac 1200Kr more now. Nice!

[lamewing]

I am also buying. The outlet/refurbs are really tempting, but I want to be able to bring the mini up to 4gb of ram. My current machine is a hand-built PC with an AMD 64 3000Mhz proc. - 4 years old to the month, so it is definitely time for an upgrade.

It doesn't look like Apple made it any easier to replace the RAM....boooo, but that is life.

I wonder if the Apple stores will have them in stock today? I will find out at 10am.

later...

[Walney]

D'oh! Another slam dunk from Apple. Entry level UK price rises by £109

...so it's not "our most affordable Mac"... that would be the last one.

[BiggerBadderBen]

Are the only differences between the two mini models RAM and hard drive? If so I'm going for the cheaper one! Assuming the tried & true putty knife method still applies...

[7600/132]

According to the Mini's tech specs page, the high end version has a 2.26 GHz chip.

Edit: Oops, its build-to-order only.

[Dogcow]

Originally Posted by 7600/132

According to the Mini's tech specs page, the high end version has a 2.26 GHz chip.

Then scroll down and see they are both 2.0GHz and they are 2.0GHz on the store page... odd.

[Lorre]

Originally Posted by 7600/132

according to the mini's tech specs page, the high end version has a 2.26 ghz chip.

Edit: Oops, its build-to-order only.

$150 bto

[dnisbet]

Yeah shame the UK entry price has gone up, but I'd rather pay the £109 today than get yesterdays model.
It's been a long time coming, but finally some new specs. I'll be probably walking by the Apple Store sometime this week to pick one up on impulse...

[eggstone]

No, both are 2.0. And the other difference is graphics, one is 128 and the other 256.

Originally Posted by 7600/132

According to the Mini's tech specs page, the high end version has a 2.26 GHz chip.

Edit: Oops, its build-to-order only.

[UTisNUM1]

I don't think this is a bad update. Again this should have come out sooner but any update is welcomed.

[vinney57]

Exchange rates people - not exactly Apple's fault...

[Quevar]

Originally Posted by eggstone

No, both are 2.0. And the other difference is graphics, one is 128 and the other 256.

So, what is the difference of having 128 vs. 256 MB of graphics memory. I know some games require it, but would it speed up openCL, iMovie, rendering, etc.?

I am so glad they finally updated it. Now I just have to decide which graphics and processor speed I want.

[MacSuperiority]

What's the best way to hook this up to my HDTV??

[RichL]

Sorry, too expensive.

£100 (25%) more and no remote as standard. I really wanted one but 25% more is not acceptable.

Originally Posted by vinny57

Exchange rates people - not exactly Apple's fault...

One of Apple's excuses for the UK's already high mark-up was protection against currency fluctuation. Notice how they don't pass on the savings when the pound is strong (i.e. when the US saw an Apple TV price cut) but do pass on the extra cost when the pound is weak? These tactics remind me of the oil companies.

Ultimately, Apple are free to charge what they like. I'm also free to go buy their competitors' products though.

[Alonso Perez]

Originally Posted by eggstone

No, both are 2.0. And the other difference is graphics, one is 128 and the other 256.

That's shared memory. If you just add memory you can do the same thing. In fact I think OS/X does it automatically.

I'd get the base model but with 4GB and the 250GB drive. This is worth $849 in the Apple store.

The cheapest way to get 4GB / 320 is to start with the "high" model: $899.

I don't see any point in spending $150 on the 2.26GHz CPU. Too little performance difference and probably runs hotter. so more fan noise.

Within a few months, this machine will replace my current desktop Windows PC. The drive is now big enough for me to keep my current Windows installation in a VM. The machine is far smaller and quieter and I expect performance to be comparable on the VM, and better for native Mac apps.

[Vulcan1]

So much for the macmini pictures being fake! Who's laughing now

[vandil]

Hells yeah. I just ordered the model with the 320GB hard disk and only upgraded the RAM to 4GB.

I've been waiting since MacWorld in January to pull the trigger on this purchase. Looks like my Late 2004 Single1.8 GHz G5 Tower's days are numbered. At least as my primary machine.

[Cam'ron]

Originally Posted by MacSuperiority

What's the best way to hook this up to my HDTV??

Mini-DVI to HDMI adapter from monoprice.com for ~ $8.99. That is how I span my iMac to my 32" Sony Bravia. Mac OS also recognizes televisions much better than Windows and adjusts accordingly.

[aaarrrgggh]

Surprised that they kept the teaser pricing and specifications. Really expected a $100 price cut and significantly more storage, but I guess with all the USB ports it is easy enough to have external drives and maybe even a RAID.

[domerdel2]

Originally Posted by Alonso Perez

That's shared memory. If you just add memory you can do the same thing. In fact I think OS/X does it automatically.

Would i benefit from the 256 integrated gpu if i'm using my mac mini for MKV's as an HTPC (with high bitrates). some things i'm considering for ultimate HD performance running Mac OS X PLEX.

Upgrades
- upgrading to 2.26
- upgrading to the 799 model because it has 256 gpu.
- I don't need apple certified memory, i'll max out w/ 3rd party (cheaper)

Adapters
- if i want to hook this up to my HDMI tv, would i need a male miniDisplay-Port to Female HDMI? (i can't find one on monoprice.com)

[DaveyJJ]

Anyone know if these ones are any easier to do HD and RAM upgrades yourself to? The 13" unibody MacBook I bought two weeks ago was a breeze to do my own 4GB and 500GB hard drive upgrade to (took less than 15 minutes ... RAM roughly the same price as Apple wanted, 500GB Western Digital Scorpio Blue HD was about $100 cheaper). Anyone know yet?

[rhowarth]

The increase in UK prices isn't surprising. Apple (and lots of other companies too) tend to set the price for a product in local currencies based on the rate at the time of introduction and then more or less hold that price. It's not that long ago the pound was worth $2.00, now it's $1.40, so no surprise that prices have gone up now.

[joelsalt]

Originally Posted by rhowarth

The increase in UK prices isn't surprising. Apple (and lots of other companies too) tend to set the price for a product in local currencies based on the rate at the time of introduction and then more or less hold that price. It's not that long ago the pound was worth $2.00, now it's $1.40, so no surprise that prices have gone up now.

This may make sense, but its sure annoying that Apple Store Canada touts the iMac as now much more affordable and, from what I can remember, the prices are basically the same, maybe a slight slight cut.

Pretty embarrassing upgrade after 19 months to the mini, and I say that as someone who usually apologizes for anything. 730 CA$ and still only 120 GB/1GB is a little bit shameful. Sure, some of the other upgrades are nice, but the cost of these components isn't so high they couldn't bump the base to 250/2 for harddrive/memory, i'm sure.

[bigdaddyp]

Originally Posted by domerdel2

Would i benefit from the 256 integrated gpu if i'm using my mac mini for MKV's as an HTPC (with high bitrates). some things i'm considering for ultimate HD performance running Mac OS X PLEX.

Upgrades
- upgrading to 2.26
- upgrading to the 799 model because it has 256 gpu.
- I don't need apple certified memory, i'll max out w/ 3rd party (cheaper)

Adapters
- if i want to hook this up to my HDMI tv, would i need a male miniDisplay-Port to Female HDMI? (i can't find one on monoprice.com)

IMHO for your intended use I would get the 2.26 ghz processor.
For HTPC I would skip trying to use displayport and go minidvi to Hdmi via an adapter.

[whatever00]

Originally Posted by eggstone

No, both are 2.0. And the other difference is graphics, one is 128 and the other 256.

First of all, the shared memory numbers quoted here are minimums, which brings me to my second point: Those minimum depends on how much memory you have installed---with 1GB (the lower end model), it's 128MB, but with 2GB, it's 256MB---which means you can simply install more memory into your lower end mac mini to achieve the same number.

[DrBoar]

800 bucks for a low end dual core?
insane prices for bigger HDs the only viable option is to get a external disk as the price hike from 120-250 GB will get me a 1 TB disk
Apple mini:2 GHz dual core 1 GB RAM, 120 HD nvida Go 9400M
Inspiron 5300: 2.33 Hz Quadcore 3 GB RAM, 500 GB HD Radeon 3450

The mini is no longer a entry level Macintosh but a overstyled underperforming over priced design piece
A Macbook but no batteries and no screen but the same price....

[hmurchison]

Well i'm in the US so there's been no price hike and I will likely buy two minis over the next year.

Pluses

Dual Monitor capability
11n networking
1066Ghz FSB
Faster graphics

It's a solid deal. I've enjoyed my 1.66Ghz mini and the RAM upgrades weren't all that hard IMO. I'll be ready to build a small network with Snow Leopard macs. It should be fun.

[Wiggin]

Originally Posted by bigdaddyp

IMHO for your intended use I would get the 2.26 ghz processor.
For HTPC I would skip trying to use displayport and go minidvi to Hdmi via an adapter.

It will be interesting to see some real world performance specs when people get their hands on this. If you are playing back something like the high bit-rate 1080p vidoe off Canon's new 5D, the 2.0 GHz processor might struggle a bit. But if the h.264 decoding is entirely offloaded to the new graphics processor, it may not matter as much.

As for which adaptor, I'd like to see how monoprice's announced mDP-to-HDMI adaptor performs (is it available yet?). I expect that at some point Apple will start renting HD movies via iTunes (vs only direct to AppleTV) which will likely require DRM on the video connection. They may only enable the DRM on the mDP connection. But the cables are relatively cheap, so I guess whatever works is fine for now.

[Alonso Perez]

Originally Posted by domerdel2

- upgrading to the 799 model because it has 256 gpu.

No, it's the exact same GPU. There is no difference at all. If that's your reason to go with the $799 model, don't.

[jlanganki]

Originally Posted by RichL

Sorry, too expensive.

£100 (25%) more and no remote as standard. I really wanted one but 25% more is not acceptable.



One of Apple's excuses for the UK's already high mark-up was protection against currency fluctuation. Notice how they don't pass on the savings when the pound is strong (i.e. when the US saw an Apple TV price cut) but do pass on the extra cost when the pound is weak? These tactics remind me of the oil companies.

Ultimately, Apple are free to charge what they like. I'm also free to go buy their competitors' products though.

Apple is charging the same in the U.K. as the U.S. and you are complaining?

$600 = 426 pounds.

I assume there is something like 17% Tax in Britain (just a guess):
426 * 1.17 = 498 pounds.

The Apple Store UK shows 499 pounds. That sounds fair to me.

[UTisNUM1]

Originally Posted by DrBoar

800 bucks for a low end dual core?
insane prices for bigger HDs the only viable option is to get a external disk as the price hike from 120-250 GB will get me a 1 TB disk
Apple mini:2 GHz dual core 1 GB RAM, 120 HD nvida Go 9400M
Inspiron 5300: 2.33 Hz Quadcore 3 GB RAM, 500 GB HD Radeon 3450

The mini is no longer a entry level Macintosh but a overstyled underperforming over priced design piece
A Macbook but no batteries and no screen but the same price....

[Alonso Perez]

Originally Posted by bigdaddyp

IMHO for your intended use I would get the 2.26 ghz processor.
For HTPC I would skip trying to use displayport and go minidvi to Hdmi via an adapter.

You might be right, but I would definitely wait for benchmarks and see how much work is offloaded to the GPU. Also, things might change with Snow Leopard.

I'm not sure that a 13% increase in CPU speed, on the same memory bandwidth, will really change anything. I think the key here is how much work is done by the GPU.

[vinea]

Originally Posted by Alonso Perez

No, it's the exact same GPU. There is no difference at all. If that's your reason to go with the $799 model, don't.

Really? Apple didn't do something hinky in the OS to limit the $599 to 128MB? Cool...

[mdriftmeyer]

Put in the G110M and I've got OpenCL ready GPU.

http://www.nvidia.com/object/product..._g110m_us.html

Add a secondary PCI-Express 2.0 GPU slot and I'd buy 2 and buy 2 GPUs to use OpenCL and OpenGL3.x.

They blew it.