Expert's Rating
Pros
- Two processing cores
- Analog- and digital-audio input and output
- Four USB 2.0 ports
- Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0
- Front Row software with Apple Remote
- Improved performance in many native applications
- Built-in SuperDrive
- Gigabit Ethernet
Cons
- RAM is difficult to upgrade
- Integrated graphics reduces available RAM
Our Verdict
Unlike the single-core 1.5GHz Intel-based Mac mini, this model is powered by a 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo chip. It also features more storage capacity and an 8X dual-layer SuperDrive. Other features — an integrated graphics processor that shares memory with the system RAM, built-in wireless networking capabilities, and the Front Row multimedia management program — are the same as what you get with the 1.5GHz Mac mini.
The Mac mini Core Duo’s built-in improvements and performance boost are worth the increased cost over the PowerPC-based version of the desktop. As with other Intel Macs, non-native software performance for this configuration suffers when compared with previous models, and the integrated graphics chip diverts valuable system RAM. Nevertheless, this Intel-powered mini remains an attractive entry-level Mac.