Pros

  • Includes Front Row software with Apple Remote
  • Decent dual-core processor performance
  • Analog- and digital-audio input and output
  • Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0
  • Built-in SuperDrive
  • Gigabit Ethernet

Cons

  • Not enough built-in RAM
  • RAM is difficult to upgrade
  • Ntegrated graphics reduces available RAM
  • Not suitable for gaming

At A Glance

As Apple introduces a dual-core chip to its entry level Mac mini, the $799 mini gets a speed bump of its own to a 1.83GHz Core Duo processor. Otherwise, the specifications for this model remain unchanged from the dual-core 1.66GHz mini Apple introduced in February 2006.

Manufacturer’s Description

Live the digital life in stylish simplicity â?? up to four times faster. Just 6.5 inches square and 2 inches small, Mac mini lets you have more fun with your music, photos and movies, more quickly and more easily. Enjoy them up close or far away with the included Apple Remote. Delivering unprecedented power in such a small package â?? the Mac mini runs up to four times faster than previously. Coupled with an architecture and the worldâ??s most advanced operating system, Mac OS X, Mac mini runs all your modern and innovative software, speedily.

The Specs

Pricing
Part Number MA608LLA
Processor
Processor type Intel Core Duo
Processor speed 1830.0 MHz
Cache size 2.048 KB
Bus speed 667.0 MHz
Processor count 1
Memory
Memory type DDR2
Memory max 2048.0 GB
Display
Included monitor No
Graphics
Graphics Type Motherboard
Primary Graphics Chipset Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Video Bus PCI Express x16
Maximum Shared Video Memory 128 MB
Storage
Drive size 80.0 GB
Drive Controllers Serial ATA
Green
Energy Star compliant 1.0
Dimensions
Width 6.5 inches
Depth 6.5 inches
Height 2.0 inches
Weight 2.9 pounds
Optical Drive
DVD-RW Write Speed 4.0
DVD-ROM Pressed Disc Read Speed 8.0
Single-Layer DVD-R Write Speed 8.0
CD-ROM Read Speed 24.0
Included Drives 1
CD Rewrite Speed 16 X (CD,CD-R)
DL DVD Pressed Disc Read Speed 2.4 X (DVD, DVD-R)
CDR Write Speed 24 X (CD,CD-R)
Sound
Speakers Yes
Included Software
Operating System Mac OS X
Other Features
Devices
  • Speakers
  • Remote Control
included_printer No
Ports and Connections
Ethernet Type
  • Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps)
  • Wireless Ethernet - 11 Mbps IEEE802.11b
  • Wireless Ethernet - 54 Mbps IEEE802.11g
Available Interfaces
  • Audio - Digital Optical
  • Audio - Line In (1/8\" Mini)
  • Audio - Line Out (1/8\" Mini)
  • Bluetooth
  • Ethernet - RJ45
  • FireWire 400/IEEE 1394 - 6 pin
  • USB - Universal Serial Bus 2.0
  • Video - 15 pin High-Density D-shell (VGA)
  • Video - 4 pin mini-DIN (S-Video)
  • Video - DVI (Unspecified)
  • Wireless LAN slot (AirPort Extreme)
Case
Chassis style Mini System
Chassis Color White
Warranty
Warranty information 1 Year Limited Warranty

Performance

Macworld Labs
Cinema 4D XL 9.5.21 1:18
Speedmark 4.5 Score 165
Tested Configuration Mac OS X 10.4.7, 1GB of RAM
Unreal Tournament 2004 20.8fps
Compressor 4:12
iTunes 6.0.4 1:22
iMovie 6.0.1 1:09
Photoshop CS2 2:48