1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 667 MHz system bus
1 GB DDR2 SDRAM (expandable to 2 GB), 80 GB SATA hard drive, and slot-loading slot-loading Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
One FireWire 400 port (8 watts); four USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps); DVI output; VGA output (using included adapter); S-video and composite video output
Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit), built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11g)3; built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) module
Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard, iLife '08, and Front Row software included
Rating: - Very dissapointed
Ok, first of, I LOVE apple and their products. I own the original Mac Mini 1.25 GHz motorola G4, and iPod nano, an iPod video, and an iPod touch. But let me tell you, this here is the worst product from apple I have ever purchased. It is CONSTANTLY crashing, even though I have all up-to-date software. Apple made a HUGE mistake switching to Intel. Personally, I prefer my old one to this.
I fell bad about writing a poor review for this item, because I have NEVER had a problem with an Apple product until this.
Rating: - My second Mac Mini, perfect for my home theater/media center
This is my second Mac Mini. My first one still works great, never had a problem with it ever, despite upgrading the original memory and clumsily performing a delicate overclocking operation that brought me up to 1.5Ghz on the old CPU. Still, my old Mac Mini kept on ticking. Never crashed once in over 3 & 1/2 years. Not once. Never once had any issues or problems at all. I just wanted the Intel Core 2 Duo chip and all of the new software (Leopard). I love this new Mac Mini ... much faster at 2.0 Ghz with the Intel Core 2 Duo chip. I sincerely recommend buying an upgrade to the stock memory from 1G to 4G, for around $80, since this Mac Mini shares system memory with the video card. It greatly increases the speed of virtually everything. Some people have said the 4Gig upgrade to the Mac Mini is a waste because it will only recognize 3.5 Gig of the memory. Nonsense. I installed the 4 Gig and my system profiler shows 4 Gig available, installed, and functioning properly. Awesome speed and power. Can now run Windows XP in Parallels faster than on a PC. I also recommend buying a NewTech MiniStack external drive accessory, because it give you a bunch of extra firewire and USB ports.
Rating: - A new Mac user's review
The aluminum casing feels strong, and the plastic cover is glossy yet it doesn't seem to show that it gathers too much fingerprints. On the bottom of the Mac Mini is a large rubber grip that's just about the size of the bottom itself. It helps quite a bit should an excess of rocking should happen, that you won't have to worry about it slipping off and falling.
One of the few gripes I have with the Mac Mini so far in my few days of owning one is the location of the USB ports. They are located bottom left on the backside of the mini. Now they are placed in a spot where it won't intrude on the overall aesthetics of the mini, but the location of the audio cable is just above the four USB ports. Someone with larger fingers might have a little bit of trouble should there be a need to take a USB accessory out for whatever purpose. Then again, it could just be some getting used to.
The superdrive is quite noisy at first and there is a bit of a hum when its running. It's completely understandable considering it's less than an inch of being exposed if it wasn't for the mini's casing. My only worry is about how hot the disc gets after even a little bit of use.
I'm mostly a writer, so when buying this, I wanted a word processor and I knew that a good one wouldn't be installed on it beforehand. I also gave a try at iWork '08 with it being only $79 instead of $149.95 for Office 2008 for Mac - Home and Student Edition. With that I'm glad about the purchase, it didn't take too much trouble getting used to it. As a writer, I've hundreds of books lying around both on my desk, and whatever spot can hold a few books. So the small footprint of the mini also persuaded me to buy it.
I could have went for a slimlime tower that some PC manufacturers offer such as what HP offers. I could have got one for more than half the price of what the mini costs. However I dislike the possibility of a virus attack while doing research online. Reading up on 15+ tabs of websites, there was always a possibility of a virus attack. With Mac OS X, I've little worry for any sort of malicious attacks.
A plus side with the built-in speaker is I could listen to music without having to attach any speakers or use my current built-in speakers on my lcd screen. They aren't strong speakers, but for being at a desk, it certainly does it's duty.
For me, I'll take the added security and the small footprint of the Mac Mini.
Rating: - A little dream computer
This is my first Apple product since the original Apple computer that was my introduction to computers in the early eighties. What a nice change from win computers. No installation crashes--no glitches at all.
I purchased the Mac Mini to connect to a Samsung 46 inch LCD TV for the living room. Connected to an Apple wireless keyboard/mouse combo (more kudos on the Apple design here as well), I can connect to the internet with a BIG monitor and switch back to viewing normal TV without leaving the comfort of my recliner.
The Mac Mini is sleek, quiet and unobtrusive. Though pricier than other options for small footprint computers from HP (and a new one from Dell), the change from a windows computer has been a breeze, and the error free performance has been refreshing. I still have my Gateway in the other room and have set up wireless networking for connecting to the outside world. I am still adding programs and exploring the Mac. So far, not a single regret.
I will eventually add a tuner card, probably and Elgato product, and a separate mass storage device. Looks like I have finally found the best alternative for me for both normal computing and home entertainment.
Apple Mac mini MB138LL/A (1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Combo Drive) Reviews
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