Apple recently launched a re-designed Mac Mini that is ready for high-definition, as the company looks to shake things up a bit in its PC/server lineup.
The new Mac Mini has an Intel 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo CPU (2.66GHz upgrade available), Nvidia GeForce 320M GPU, 2GB RAM, 320GB HDD, USB, and a built-in HDMI port. Apple is using an aluminum chassis, with the Mac Mini measuring 7.7-inches square and a mere 1.4-inches in thickness.
The hardware specs are similar to the Apple MacBook, except the MacBook doesn't have a 2.66GHz CPU. The most significant hardware upgrade in the new Mac Mini has to be the Nvidia graphics platform and the HDMI support, with the 320M utilizing 48 cores as opposed to just 16 cores with the Nvidia GeForce 9400M GPU.
Power consumption has also been slashed as much as 25 percent, and Apple will include its iLife software with the Mac Mini. Owners looking to swap out and upgrade the Mac Mini's RAM should find it to be easier than any other Apple products. Furthermore, the two 1GB SO-DIMM sticks of ram can be swapped out for two 2GB or two 4GB sticks of RAM, as Apple supports up to 8GB with the device.
Customers wanted HD features the most-- which is now supported due to the new Nvidia GPU -- and could help generate new interest in the product. A server version of the Mac Mini has also been released -- and will include a pair of 500GB, 7200 rpm SATA HDDs, rather than the single 320GB HDD.
The non-server version of the Mac Mini is available for $699, Apple announced during the launch. The Mac Mini Snow Leopard Server edition is available for $999.
This doesn’t appear to be a move for older Mac Mini owners to upgrade, with Apple focusing on drawing new customers to its fanbase.
With the powerful new video features and HDMI out, the new Mac Mini could start finding its way into living rooms and be used as a media center device. Compared to other media center PC's, the only thing holding back the Mac Mini is the lack of a Blu-ray drive option.
