With the new Mac mini, Apple addresses some of the key complaints from users of the previous model by updating it to more recent processor offerings from Intel, and updating its graphics capabilities to be more in line with other small form factor desktops. The Mac mini’s ports also got a nice update with the addition of a FireWire 800 port and three additional USB 2.0 ports, bringing the total to five.
With all of the changes Apple made, the new Mac mini remains a good choice for individuals looking for an inexpensive entry into the Mac world, or who have specific uses in mind, such as a media server.
- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor provides better performance.
- FireWire 800 port delivers fast access to external hard drives.
- 5 USB 2.0 ports.
- Built–in 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1.
- Dual-layer DVD burner (SuperDrive).
- 5400 rpm hard drives.
- Small hard drives (120, 250, and 320 GB options).
- Limited RAM space (4 GB).
- Few user-serviceable or expandable parts.
- Available with a 2.0 or 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- 1066 MHz front side bus
- Two SO-DIMM slots support up to 4 GB of DDR3 RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with either 128 or 256 MB of shared RAM
- 120, 250, or 320 GB 5400 rpm hard drive
- Slot-loading SuperDrive
- One FireWire 800 port
- Five USB 2.0 ports
- Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11n) + Bluetooth 2.1
- Gigabit Ethernet
The Mac mini (early 2009 version) gives the Mac faithful some of the features they’ve been clamoring for, including new processors (Core 2 Duo) and a much-anticipated graphics update that finally brings some serious graphics capabilities to the littlest Mac.
The new NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor provides a much needed boost. In benchmarks performed by Apple on early prototypes, the new Mac mini proved to be 7.4 times faster when playing Doom 3, and 3.6 times faster running CINEBENCH, a benchmark suite for testing real-world graphics performance. The change to the new NVIDIA-based graphics also brought along dual-monitor support and two video outputs: a Mini DVI and a Mini DisplayPort.
The new mini also gained a FireWire 800 port. Frankly, I was expecting FireWire on the Mac mini to go away, so an upgrade to the faster FireWire 800 protocol was a pleasant surprise, and something many Mac mini users will appreciate. The Mac mini also got a boost from two USB 2.0 ports to five on its sleek back panel.
With all the good stuff, there is always a disappointment or two. In this case, I’m sorry to see that hard drive size and speed are at best adequate. The mini is still stuck with slower 5400 rpm drives. This type of drive uses less power and makes sense in a laptop, where conserving battery power is a priority, but the mini doesn’t have a battery and it has a large enough power supply to support the faster 7200 rpm drives. I’m also sorry to see that for most users the mini remains a sealed system, with few if any user-accessible parts that can be upgraded easily.
Back to the plus side of the equation. The Mac mini sips power, so it’s an economical choice if you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint. Drawing around 13 watts at idle, the mini uses 45 percent less power than the previous model.
