Apple today updated its Mac mini desktop PC with next generation Intel Core processors, new discrete graphics, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and Lion, Apple’s new operating system. Apple claims the new Mac mini delivers up to twice the processor and graphics performance of the previous generation in the same amazingly compact and efficient aluminum design.
At just 7.7-inches square and 1.4-inches thin, the new Mac mini maintains its compact aluminum design while delivering amazing performance and graphics capabilities. Available in three different configurations, customers can choose a Mac mini with the latest dual-core Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 processors, AMD Radeon HD 6630M discrete graphics, or a quad-core Intel Core i7 powered server configuration. Designed without an optical disc drive, Mac mini can access the optical drives on other PCs and Macs, and works with the MacBook Air SuperDrive. Configure-to-order options include up to 8 GBs of memory, a faster 7200 RPM hard drive and a 256GB solid state drive.
Mac mini now comes with Thunderbolt I/O technology for expansion possibilities never before available to Mac mini users. With a Thunderbolt port, Mac mini can connect to peripherals such as high-performance storage devices, RAID arrays and the new Apple Thunderbolt Display, a stunning 27-inch IPS widescreen display that’s great for making FaceTime HD video calls, surfing the Web and viewing movies and photos.
With ultra-fast Wi-Fi, you can wirelessly download apps from the Mac App Store, get music and movies from iTunes, back up data to Time Capsule and share files with AirDrop, which makes transferring files quick and easy. Mac mini includes Bluetooth for wireless peripherals and four USB ports for easy connectivity for the wired and wireless devices you use every day.
The new Mac mini remains the world’s most energy efficient desktop, meets Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold status. Mac mini has a highly recyclable aluminum enclosure, PVC-free components and cables, no brominated flame retardants and features material-efficient system and packaging designs.
A new removable bottom panel makes it easy to upgrade. The new Mac mini comes with 2GB or 4GB of fast 1333MHz DDR3 memory, but now its possible to easily swap in new memory.
Every new Mac mini comes with Mac OS X Lion, the latest major release of Mac OS X, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife apps for creating and sharing great photos, movies and music. Lion introduces more than 250 new features to the Mac, including Multi-Touch gestures and system-wide support for full screen apps; Mission Control, an innovative view of everything running on your Mac; the Mac App Store, the best place to find and explore great software; Launchpad, a new home for all your apps; and a completely redesigned Mail app.
Pricing & Availability
The new Mac mini is available through the Apple Store online/retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers starting July 21, 2011.
- $599 for the 2.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Mac mini with 2GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive, with options to add memory up to 8GB and a 750GB hard drive.
- $799 for the 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Mac mini with 4GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive, with options to upgrade to a 2.7GHz dual-core Core i7 processor, up to 8GB of memory, and a 750GB hard drive with an option to add or replace with a 256GB solid state drive.
- $999 for the 2.0 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 Mac mini with Lion Server, 4GB of memory and dual 500GB hard drives. Options include adding memory up to 8GB, two 750GB hard drives, or up to two 256GB solid state drives.
