Macworld | Mac Product Guide: Mac mini/1.5GHz

Mac mini/1.5GHz

One of two Intel-based Mac minis, this model features a 1.5GHz single-core processor. The form factor of this mini remains unchanged from its PowerPC-based predecessor, although it adds two additional USB 2.0 ports for a total of four while dropping S-video and composite ports. Internally, the new mini has a faster frontside bus and built-in wireless networking via AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth. The mini uses the Intel GMA950 as its graphics processor; since the chip doesn' have its own dedicated video memory, it shares memory with the main system RAM. The mini also gains the remote-and-software combo that makes up Front Row, allowing you to control audio, video, and photos from across the room.

	Reviewed	Full Review

Even priced $100 more than its PowerPC-based predecessor, the Mac mini Core Solo remains an attractive desktop -- especially when you consider features like built-in wireless networking now come standard on this machine. It's worth noting that this Core Solo configuration underperforms compared with the Mac mini Core Duo in almost every respect; however, it's still a good entry-level Mac for the money.

Pros: Improved performance in many native applications; Gigabit Ethernet; four USB 2.0 ports; analog- and digital-audio input and output; built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0; Front Row software with Apple Remote.

Cons: Integrated graphics reduces available RAM; unable to play HD video without dropping frames; RAM is difficult to upgrade; improvements over G4 Mac mini not as dramatic as Core Duo model.

Basics

Reviewed Price: $599

Processor: 1.5GHz Intel Core Solo

Information about this system on Apple's website

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Lab Tests

Speedmark 5 Score	100
Cinema 4D XL 10.5	3:00
iMovie HD 6	2:09
iTunes 7.5	2:50
Photoshop CS3	2:16
Compressor	8:03
Unreal Tournament 2004	19.2fps
Tested Configuration	Mac OS X 10.5, 2GB of RAM

Tested Configuration	Mac OS X 10.5, 2GB of RAM
Display	No built-in display
Processor	1.5GHz Intel Core Solo
Cache	2MB L2 shared
Frontside Bus Speed	667MHz
Memory	512MB of DDR2 SDRAM ; 2GB maximum - 667MHz
Graphics Card	Intel GMA950 with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM (shared with main memory); Maximum resolution:1,920-by-1,200; Port(s):DVI, VGA
Hard Drive	60GB Serial ATA, 5,400 rpm
Optical Drive	Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
Ethernet	10/100/1000BASE-T
Wireless	AirPort Extreme built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR built-in
Peripheral Ports	Firewire: 1 FW 400 port; USB: 4 USB 2.0 ports
Audio	Inputs: Combined optical digital audio input/audio line in (minijack);Outputs: Combined optical digital audio output/headphone out (minijack)
Expansion Slots
Dimensions	6.5 x 2 x 6.5 inches
Weight	2.9 pounds