Introduction
Apple recently released what some have called long overdue updates to its lineup of desktop computers: the Mac Mini, iMac and Mac Pro. This update marks the third version of desktop Macs to use Intel’s multi-core processors, and the third version to be able to run both Apple’s Mac OS X, and Microsoft’s Windows operating systems.
Counter Clockwise from Top Left: the Mac Mini, iMac and Mac Pro.
Apple has certainly never been more distracted than it is today from its core business of making an operating system and computers to run it. With hardware like iPods, iPhones and AppleTV; the iTunes music downloading service; and advanced software titles such as iLife, Aperture, Final Cut Studio and Logic Pro; Apple may have to prove to its often-loyal personal computer customer base that it has not lost site of its flagship product, the Macintosh computer.
Personally, I use both Windows and Macintosh computers. I’m ready to make an investment in a high-end computer this year, and what I see in the new Macs will be the single most important factor in deciding whether that new computer will be a PC or a Mac.
Mac Mini Default Configurations
| Hardware | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | 1.83 GHz (MB138LL/A) | 2.0 GHz (MB139LL/A) |
| Processor | 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB Shared | 4 MB Shared |
| System Bus | 667 MHz | 667 MHz |
| Memory | 1 GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2 x 512 MB)
Upgradeable to 2 GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2 x 1 GB) |
|
| Hard Drive | 80GB 5400 RPM SATA
Upgradeable to 120 GB or 160 GB |
120GB 5400 RPM SATA
Upgradeable to 160 GB |
| Optical Drive | CD-RW / DVD-ROM | CD-RW DVD±R DL DVD±RW |
| Graphics | Intel GMA 950 motherboard GPU requiring minimum of 80 MB of main memory and up to additional 64MB main memory | |
| Ports | One FireWire 400, Four USB 2, One DVI, One VGA (using included adapter), S-video and composite video output (using Apple adapter sold separately) | |
| Network | Wired: 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet
Wireless: AirPort Extreme (802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR |
|
| Audio | Built-in speakers, digital audio input/audio line in, digital audio output/headphone out | |
| Warrantee | 90 days free phone support, one year limited warrantee | |
| Base Model Price | $599.00 | $799.00 |
| Optional Hardware
All Mac Mini Models |
|
|---|---|
| Keyboard | USB Keyboard with Two USB 2 Ports |
| Mouse | USB Mouse
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse also available |
| Displays | All Apple displays are flat panel, starting at 20", $599
(Apple computers also work with many non Apple displays) |
| Software
All Mac Mini Models |
|
| Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger Operating System, iLife ’08 (including Microsoft Office Demo), and Apple Front Row are included with all 2007 Mac Mini models | |
Note that internal upgrades for Apple computers are priced as pre-purchase upgrades, while some upgrades may become prohibitively expensively once the unit is completely built.
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"If there are any remaining questions as to just how far Apple has fallen, I believe the image above has the answers."
owww..., apple got OWNED
apple really shouldnt be used by ppl who use thsi site. i mean a 7300, what the hell is that about, 1 GiB of ram. if it wherent for there ipod and iphone, they would go bust and quite rightly, i say get an iLife
apple really shouldnt be used by ppl who use thsi site. i mean a 7300, what the hell is that about, 1 GiB of ram. if it wherent for there ipod and iphone, they would go bust and quite rightly, i say get an iLife
just to reply to a couple of your points...
When you criticise the the mac pro remember this machine has been available for over a year now and it works just as well now as it did then. IF it was a PC running Vista then no, 1gb would be no use but with the Mac it's fine. Yes, more would be nice, but more would always be nice! and those who need it will buy it. Apple have no need to get involved in the PC spec race, and nor should they, and neither do people who use macs. If you want to you can, you can upgrade the mac pro to your heart's content. Or just not bother.
So clearly the fact that the Mac pro offers up to 750 gb drive configurations compared to 1tb for the imac is simply because thats what was available then compared to whats available now. I know you're going to say they should update the spec and maybe they should but does it matter that much? The majority of serious users of the Pro will be using external storage anyway.
It's not really a fair comparison to show a chart of all the Graphics cards released over the last 16 months when the chart would have looked very different at the time the Pro was released...also the radeon1900xt is available as an option but you didnt mention that...look where it falls on the chart.. a bit more respectable... but again i say that apple aren't in that race so what does it matter? If you want a better card then buy one....(isnt that what Tomshardware is all about anyway?)
Saying that Airport and Bluetooth belong in the pro is to misunderstand the market the pro is aimed at. The majority of bigger companies (like the one i work for) are suspicous (and in fact are afraid) of wireless comms so won't touch them so making these an option for a professional machine makes sense.
As for dobby's coment that without ipod and iphone Apple would be dead? Have you looked at Apple's PC market share? 5.6% of the US market? Joint 3rd largest PC maker in the US? I wish i had a company like that!
oh and spuddyt?
How did Apple get pwned when it's an *NVidia* card? Apple supply it but they don't make it...