“Though smaller than a lunch box, Apple’s Mac Mini doesn’t want for computing power. In my tests of a $673 shipping unit equipped with a 1.25-GHz G4 processor, 512MB of RAM, a combination CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive, and built-in 802.11g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it handled most tasks gracefully, without hesitating or freezing. I even opened and switched among a half-dozen applications without any system slowness,” Rebecca Freed writes for PC World. “But I’m not convinced that Apple’s $499 base configuration model, which includes just 256MB of RAM, would manage task switching or large files as nimbly as my test system. The base model lacks built-in wireless, too. For my money, the upgrades are worth the extra $174. It is possible to upgrade the Mini later, but it can be a tricky job.”
MacDailyNews Take: We agree with Freed about the extra RAM, Airport, and Bluetooth upgrades. Most consumers will be better off adding these upfront.
Freed concludes, “For Windows users who want to experiment with a Mac on the side, the Mini is a great way to get started.”
Full article, “Apple’s Diminutive Mac Mini Seems Pretty Mighty – Powerful but tiny Mac just might lure curious PC users,” here.
Related MacDailyNews articles:
Apple Mac mini ‘perfect for computer user who wants to leave the tyranny of Window and viruses’ – February 26, 2005
Apple’s Mac mini might well convince Windows users to switch to Mac OS X – February 22, 2005
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CNET Executive Editor switches to Mac and he ‘ain’t ever going back’ to Windows – February 17, 2005
Tom’s Hardware: Apple Mac mini’s size, design, attractive price sets it apart – February 16, 2005
Apple’s Mac mini is a convincing shot across Bill Gates’ bow – February 15, 2005
Apple’s Mac mini makes using a Mac more affordable and more attractive than ever to Windows users – February 08, 2005
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New Mac mini helps Apple get its secret weapon – creative software – in front of Windows users – February 08, 2005
The Seattle Times: Apple’s new Mac mini is ‘tiny, beautiful and dirt cheap’ – February 05, 2005
BusinessWeek: Apple’s Mac mini comes with elegant, stable Mac OS X and very good software – February 03, 2005
Apple’s Mac mini is an attractive option to Windows-based PCs – February 02, 2005
Computerworld: Apple Computer ‘has a hit on its hands with the new Mac Mini’ – February 01, 2005
Apple’s Mac mini offers relief from Windows viruses and malware – January 30, 2005
Associated Press: With Apple’s Mac mini ‘you could abandon Windows altogether’ – January 27, 2005
CBS News: Grab a new Apple Mac mini ‘and kiss the old Wintel machine goodbye’ – January 27, 2005
AnandTech reviews Apple’s Mac mini: ‘tempting Windows users everywhere’ – January 26, 2005
