What you should know about the overhauled Mac mini

Overview

Apple Mac mini 2011 upgrade comes with lots anticipated modifications. Processor of the device is updated to Intel’s advanced Sandy Bridge technology and there is Thunderbolt ultra-speed data transfer port on the computer. The Cupertino technology firm unveiled the revamped version of its so-called “headless iMac” desktop in July this year. Certainly, the new Mac mini runs on Mac OS X 10.7 Lion. In addition, Apple has replaced NVIDIA GPU with Intel and AMD combo graphics card for brilliant gaming and video performance.

Mac mini

Pricing and availability

The ordinary version of Mac mini has a price range that starts at $599. The Lion Server version of Mac mini is priced at $999. Apple sells both the versions of Mac mini via its stores across the country.

What’s great

Intel Sandy bridge processors: In line with other Apple computers like MacBook Air laptops and MacBook Pro, the new Mac mini is up with Intel’s advanced Sandy Bridge processors. You have Intel Core i5 and Core i7 options for the desktop computer.

Thunderbolt port: It is another new addition to the 2011 upgrade of Mac mini. Thunderbolt port was designed by Intel in partnership with Apple. The Macintosh maker also used the high-speed data transfer port on its MacBook Pro and MacBook Airs. You can connect up to six Thunderbolt-enabled devices on Mac mini’s Thunderbolt port.

New graphics card: In place of NVIDIA GPU, Apple has slotted in a discrete AMD Radeon HD graphics card that features 256MB of GDDR5 memory. The new AMD GPU ensures dazzling performance so that you can enjoy games quite faster on the fresh Mac mini.

Mac OS X 10.7 Lion: The revamped Mac mini certainly operates on Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, the latest version of Apple’s computer OS, which was previewed at WWDC 2011 in June.

Connectivity: You have the most recent 802.11n wireless technology on the new Mac mini. It helps you enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity, wireless printing and streaming quite superbly.

HDMI and other ports: Mac mini sports a HDMI port and a HDMI to DVI adapter that you can use to stream contents from the desktop to an HDTV and other large displays. An SDXC card slot, four USB 2.0 ports and a FireWire 800 port are also there on Mac mini.

Better memory: The revamped Mac mini is up with 500GB and 750GB memory options. You can select the memory option as per your requirements. You won’t anymore feel the shortage of memory space on the new Mac mini from Apple.

What’s not so great

Lack of an optical drive is a negative mark for the new Mac mini. The device also has a suspect value when compared with Windows computers that fall in the same price range.

Things to watch out for

Mac mini is Apple’s desktop computer without a display, a keyboard and a mouse. Apple rolled out the original version of the computer in 2005 so as to help people, who want to ditch their Windows PC for Mac. They just have to buy a Mac mini and connect it with a display, keyboard, mouse and other accessories. Of course, Mac mini has been a huge success in markets. Apple keeps up releasing upgrades for the device annually as it does with its other products.

Verdict

We have a powerful Mac min in stores. Apple has modified the major components of the desktop computer with the latest technologies like Intel Sandy Bridge processor and Thunderbolt port. What makes Mac mini a wonderful product is that it is with no display, keyboard and mouse. You can hook up any compatible displays, keyboards and mice with the desktop PC from Apple. With the new upgrade, customers are now getting a bit more high performing system.

Other Alternatives

Shuttle X350

Do you think there is a competitor to Mac mini, one of Apple’s most innovative products? Yes, there is. You have Shuttle X350. This desktop computer is an ultra-slim product that packs a dual core Atom D510processor and Nvidia Ion graphics. The latest version of Shuttle X350 is with almost all notable features of Mac mini.

Word around the web

According to CNet, the new Mac mini,

features some welcome updates and a controversial omission, but overall it remains in the same competitive middle ground as its earlier incarnations.