“Apple breathed fresh air into its line of Mac Minis [sic], whose specs haven’t changed since an update in August 2007. With this $599 model, Apple adds significantly improved Nvidia graphics, a new 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and a larger hard drive. Those changes are welcome, and we’re also impressed by the Mac Mini’s power efficiency, as well as its ability to handle multiple programs at once. We still take issue with the Mac Mini’s overall value,” Justin Yu reports for CNET Reviews.

MacDailyNews Take: Because CNET reviewers never have grasped the value of Mac OS X and/or iLife and therefore routinely shortchange Apple’s Mac. A proper review should be comprehensive – looking at what the machine will or will not do for the user – not present a vapid spec sheet comparisons versus machines capable of running only inferior software. It’s the software, stupid! And, it’s “Mac mini,” not Mac Mini.

Yu continues, “The Mac Mini remains a distinctive-looking computer and it has more than a few useful features. We can easily imagine it in a light-duty work role. But if your goal for a lower-cost desktop is core hardware bang for the buck, you’re better off with a more well-rounded Windows system.”

MacDailyNews Take: Like we said above.

Yu continues, “For $599, the baseline Mac Mini nets you a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with the aforementioned integrated graphics chip, 1GB of DDR3 RAM, a puny 120GB hard drive running at 5,400rpm, a dual-layer DVD burner, and built-in 802.11n wireless networking. You need to add a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse, as well to build out a complete setup. In comparison, the Acer X1700 slimline PC cuts the price down to $480 for a faster processor speed, three times more RAM, and a staggering 520 added gigabytes of storage space–at 7,200rpm to boot. The Acer lacks the Mac’s good looks and wireless networking, but the Acer’s hardware becomes even larger when you consider expansion possibilities, both inside and out.”

MacDailyNews Take: Why does CNET have to suck? Is it in their mission statement or something?

Yu continues, “Even though we have questions about the Mac Mini’s hardware value, Apple helps close the gap by including its iLife ’09 application suite with every new Mac Mini.”

MacDailyNews Take: Oh, good, here we go, now Yu will redeem himself and CNET and delve into Mac OS X Leopard and the entire Mac value equation…

Yu continues, “We’re also glad to see the mini DVI-to-single-DVI dongle mentioned above, but as usual with the Mac Mini, there’s no mouse or keyboard. We’re also disappointed that Apple left off the tiny Apple Remote this time around. You can add an Apple keyboard and mouse set for $98, and the Remote for an extra $20. Other options from Apple for the Mac Mini include a faster 2.26GHz CPU for an extra $150, and more RAM and larger hard drives, both for reasonable prices.”

MacDailyNews Take: Nope. Right back to hardware stuff. Like we said, CNET just doesn’t get it, but we already knew that, didn’t we?

Full hardware review here.