MAC MINI
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The 'Mac mini' is the smallest desktop computer marketed by Apple Inc. It is designed to attract owners of Windows computers, iPods, older Macintosh models, and anyone interested in a low budget personal computer. It was announced at the Macworld Conference & Expo on January 11, 2005. Two models of the Mac mini were released in the U.S. on January 22, 2005 (January 29 worldwide), with slightly updated versions were released on July 26 2005. Models with Intel Core processors were released on February 28 2006,[1] with slightly revised models introduced on September 6 2006. On August 7 2007, new models were released with Intel Core 2 processors with 1.83 or 2.0 GHz speeds.
The original Mac mini was announced at the same time as the iPod shuffle. Both are scaled-down products which have been introduced at lower price points. These two products together can be seen as a conscious effort on the part of Apple management to target a lower-end market and increase visibility in the mass-market.
The mini is distinctive in its extremely small size and form factor, resembling earlier Mini-ITX PC designs. The mini measures 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) wide, 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) deep, and 2 inches (5.1 cm) tall, comparable to 5 CD Jewel Cases stacked atop each other, and is the smallest Macintosh desktop computer ever produced. It weighs 2.9 pounds (1.32 kg).
The mini is also distinctive in that it comes without a display, keyboard, or mouse. Many potential users already own mice and keyboards (compatible with the cross-platform USB standard), and displays from a Windows PC or an older Mac.
The Mac mini ships with Apple's Mac OS X operating system preinstalled, and also includes software such as the Safari web browser and the iLife suite of Apple-designed multimedia programs to create and manage videos, music, photos and DVDs. Trial versions of iWork and Microsoft Office are also included. Intel based Mac minis also come with Front Row, an application which integrates the media management features, and the Apple Remote.
With iLife and the optional SuperDrive, the Mac mini makes for a compact media editor/player, like Media Center PCs from Microsoft, except in a much smaller form factor (although S-Video out requires an optional adapter).
Two models were originally announced on January 11 2005 at the MacWorld Expo in San Francisco:
★ 1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 processor, 256 MB RAM, and 40 GB hard drive, for US$499 (EU€489 in the Eurozone, GB£339 in the UK, CA$629) (Model # M9686LL/A)
★ 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 processor, 256 MB RAM, and 80 GB hard drive, for US$599 (EU€589 in the Eurozone, GB£399 in the UK, CA$899) (Model # M9687LL/A)
Each model also included:
★ Slot-loading CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo drive
★ ATI Radeon 9200 graphics card with DVI and VGA output (DVI to VGA adapter supplied) and 32 MB of (non-upgradable) video RAM
★ Two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port
★ Integrated 10/100 Ethernet and V.92 56 kbit/s modem ports
★ Built-in speaker and headphone/line-out jack
Optional built-to-order add-ons included:
★ RAM up to 1 GB PC-2100 DDR SDRAM (The G4 Mac mini had a single RAM slot)
★ TV Output adapter (S-Video and Composite video)
★ Add-in cards for AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth cordless peripherals
On July 26, 2005, slightly revised models were made available. The biggest change was a doubling of each unit's shipping amount of RAM, from 256 MB PC2700 (or PC3200 supported at PC2700 speeds) Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) in the prior units to 512 MB in the newer models (256 MB having been widely considered insufficient for OS X and its applications).
★ 1.25 GHz model (M9686LL/B at US$499)
★ 1.42 GHz model (M9687LL/B at US$599)
At this time, the 1.42 GHz model stopped including the internal modem as standard equipment, however it could still be purchased as a BTO (build-to-order) option.
In addition a high-end model was introduced:
★ The 1.42 GHz model could be purchased with a Slot-loading CD-RW/DVD±RW SuperDrive for US$699 (M9971LL/B).
The Mac mini was silently upgraded in October 2005 to 64 MB VRAM, and either a 1.33 GHz (up from 1.25 GHz) or 1.5 GHz G4 (up from 1.42 GHz) processor, with 512 MB of PC3200 RAM while underclocking it to PC2700. The 80 GB drive was a Seagate Momentus 5400.2 ST9808211A, which runs at 5400 rpm with a 2 MB cache. The SuperDrive is a MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-845, which supports DVD+R DL burning, and may also have unofficial support for DVD-RAM. Also, the internal mezzanine board was upgraded to accommodate the wifi and bluetooth technology onto one chip. In previous models, the mini included an Airport Extreme card taped to the mezzanine board and a separate bluetooth module.[2] This new wifi card also no longer uses an MCX-Female connector for the antenna (as the previous models did) but rather a proprietary Apple one. The serial number and specifications sticker on the underside of the machine itself do not carry the actual specs of the upgrade. For example, on a 1.5 GHz model, 1.42 GHz is listed. The product packaging also did not reflect the upgrade.
Apple did not revise the official specifications on their web site. This may be to avoid issues with discounting or discontinuing of old stock.
Two new Intel-based models were announced on February 28 2006, replacing the older line:
★ 1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo (T1200) processor, 60 GB SATA hard drive, and Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) for US$599 (MA205LL/A).
★ 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo (T2300) processor, 80 GB SATA hard drive, and Double-Layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) for US$799 (MA206LL/A). The SuperDrive is a MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-846.
Both models include:
★ 512 MB of PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM, SO-DIMM (200pin) form factor, with 2 RAM slots (expandable to 2 GB).
★ Integrated Intel GMA950 GPU, which uses at least 80 MB of main RAM (128 MB on Windows XP with Firmware 1.0 or newer), with 64 MB actually made available for graphics and video processing
★ Four USB 2.0 ports
★ One FireWire 400 port
★ combination Analog and S/PDIF Optical Digital audio input and output mini-jacks
★ DVI video output
★ 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) Ethernet
★ Built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth Version 2.0+EDR
★ Apple Remote and Front Row
★ Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) enabled
On September 6 2006, Apple increased the speed of the US$599 model to a Core Duo T2300 1.66 GHz [MA607LL/A], and the US$799 model to a Core Duo (T2400) 1.83 GHz [MA608LL/A]. With this change all Macs use multi-core processors.
On August 7, the Mac mini was refreshed with new hardware and software features, including:
★ New Intel Core 2 Duo processors, running at 1.83 (T5600) and 2.0 Ghz (T7200)
★ 1 GB RAM up to 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) on two SO-DIMMs
★ An 80 GB or 120 GB internal 5400 rpm SATA hard drive, with 160 GB optional
★ iLife '08
Of note, the revised Mini does not offer 802.11n support, despite having the Intel Core 2 processor. It is now the only current Apple computer that does not offer the newer WiFi standard.
Although it has been removed entirely from the mini's design, an Apple modem is still available - only now it is external, USB-based, and costs US$49 (UK£35).
While the Industrial design of the Mac Mini is handled entirely by Apple's in-house designers, some of the hardware has been engineered by Sparkfactor Design.[3]
Both Core Solo and Core Duo CPUs provide Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x or Vanderpool) even though Intel documentation has suggested VT-x was not to be a feature of the Core Solo.
Initially the Intel-based Mac minis were shipped with a bug that caused difficulties with VT-x. Apple subsequently released a firmware update that fixes this bug.[4]
Mac minis integrate 2.5 in ATA hard disk drives, CPUs and other components originally intended for mobile devices, such as laptops, contrary to regular desktop computers which use lower cost, but less compact and power-saving components.
The decision to use an 'integrated' graphics chip, the GMA950 GPU, on the Intel-powered Mac mini is a contentious issue for some, who feel the inclusion of an integrated chip cheapens the machine and the Apple brand, which has previously never used integrated chips. This is further supported by the fact that in Apple's early marketing of the G4-powered Mac mini, it touted the superiority of the use of a discrete ATI Radeon 9200 32 MB graphics card over the integrated graphics included in many budget PCs:[5]
Apple argues that a single-core CPU performance should be expected to be severely impacted, and generally unsuitable for gaming. On a dual-core machine, otherwise lightly loaded, the second core can be used for graphics functions while the game runs on the first, and can improve performance to the same levels that might be expected from a "low end" graphics card. Additionally, the GMA950 graphics chip itself is a relatively advanced model specifically optimized for video playback - exactly what Apple is emphasising in its marketing and branding of the Mac mini. Furthermore, the GMA950 supports more memory than the Radeon 9200 it replaced, 64 MB vs. 32, allowing it to drive the all but the largest of Apple's monitors, the 30" Cinema Display. It also supports Apple's Core Image technology, although this is due largely to most of this functionality running in software on the CPU. A fuller comparison of the two GPUs is listed below:
Following the move to Intel processors Apple’s senior director of desktops, Tom Boger, claimed that the company saw increases of between 10 and 40% in framerates of unspecified 3D games compared to the PowerPC models. This claim was disputed by some observers who, when playing Unreal Tournament 2004 (UT2K4), witnessed no change or even a decrease in framerates when using Core Solo models. However, it is important to remember that UT2K4 is a heavily processor-bound game and a fast GPU is less important to functionality - a modern processor such as the Core Solo or Core Duo used in the Mac mini may well help. Performance in mainstream 3D games that extensively utilize a computer's graphics processor has not yet been extensively tested.
Aside from that, a discrete graphics card has additional hardware, namely vertex and pixel shaders, that an integrated Intel graphics chip not only lacks but is also too complex to be replicated on the CPU. The Intel GMA is thus not capable of running games that strictly require such hardware, such as Doom 3. On the other hand, the potency of the Radeon 9200 in the G4 Mini was cut because it had only 32 MB VRAM, more akin to a notebook configuration, while all desktop cards had at least 64 and commonly 128 MB. Today, many PCs with integrated graphics do have a PCI Express slot so one can add in a discrete graphics card.
Some Mac mini owners have managed to use a putty knife to pry open the computer's case, thereby gaining access to the interior to install cheaper 3rd-party memory upgrades.[7] In fact, the official Apple Service Source manual for Mac mini describes this procedure in detail. It's also possible to use wires to pull the white plastic bottom case out of the metal top case.[8] While opening the case does not actually void the Mac mini warranty, anything broken while the case is open is not covered. Other modifications include overclocking the processor[9] and upgrading the wireless networking to 802.11n [10].
With the switch to the Intel Core Solo and Duo line, Apple has begun to use a socketed CPU in their desktop computers which allows for the processor to be replaced.
1. Apple Unveils Mac mini with Intel Core Duo
2. http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1290
3. Sparkfactor. Sparkfactor: Computer. Retrieved on 2007-07-16
4. Mac OS X: Firmware Updates for Intel-based Macs
5. Mac Mini G4 Graphics
6. The Intel GMA950 uses system RAM, thereby reducing the available system memory.
7. The Mac mini: Inside and Out
8. Mac Hack(001) Opening Mac Mini: Wire Method
9. Overclocking Apple Mac mini
10. 802.11n wireless upgrade for Mac mini
★ Arthur, Charles (12 January, 2005). "Mac rumour sites get it right" at The Register
★ Rizzo, John, ''Mac mini Hacks & Mods for Dummies,'' Wiley, 2006, ISBN 0-471-74900-1
★ Katz, Ryan (27 September, 2005). "Updated Mac minis arriving, details revealed"
★ Apple - Mac mini
★ "Apple unveils low-cost 'Mac mini'" at BBC News
Introduction
The original Mac mini was announced at the same time as the iPod shuffle. Both are scaled-down products which have been introduced at lower price points. These two products together can be seen as a conscious effort on the part of Apple management to target a lower-end market and increase visibility in the mass-market.
Overview
The mini is distinctive in its extremely small size and form factor, resembling earlier Mini-ITX PC designs. The mini measures 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) wide, 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) deep, and 2 inches (5.1 cm) tall, comparable to 5 CD Jewel Cases stacked atop each other, and is the smallest Macintosh desktop computer ever produced. It weighs 2.9 pounds (1.32 kg).
The mini is also distinctive in that it comes without a display, keyboard, or mouse. Many potential users already own mice and keyboards (compatible with the cross-platform USB standard), and displays from a Windows PC or an older Mac.
The Mac mini ships with Apple's Mac OS X operating system preinstalled, and also includes software such as the Safari web browser and the iLife suite of Apple-designed multimedia programs to create and manage videos, music, photos and DVDs. Trial versions of iWork and Microsoft Office are also included. Intel based Mac minis also come with Front Row, an application which integrates the media management features, and the Apple Remote.
With iLife and the optional SuperDrive, the Mac mini makes for a compact media editor/player, like Media Center PCs from Microsoft, except in a much smaller form factor (although S-Video out requires an optional adapter).
Specifications
A view inside a Mac mini
January 2005–July 2005
Two models were originally announced on January 11 2005 at the MacWorld Expo in San Francisco:
★ 1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 processor, 256 MB RAM, and 40 GB hard drive, for US$499 (EU€489 in the Eurozone, GB£339 in the UK, CA$629) (Model # M9686LL/A)
★ 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 processor, 256 MB RAM, and 80 GB hard drive, for US$599 (EU€589 in the Eurozone, GB£399 in the UK, CA$899) (Model # M9687LL/A)
Each model also included:
★ Slot-loading CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo drive
★ ATI Radeon 9200 graphics card with DVI and VGA output (DVI to VGA adapter supplied) and 32 MB of (non-upgradable) video RAM
★ Two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port
★ Integrated 10/100 Ethernet and V.92 56 kbit/s modem ports
★ Built-in speaker and headphone/line-out jack
Optional built-to-order add-ons included:
★ RAM up to 1 GB PC-2100 DDR SDRAM (The G4 Mac mini had a single RAM slot)
★ TV Output adapter (S-Video and Composite video)
★ Add-in cards for AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth cordless peripherals
July 2005–October 2005
On July 26, 2005, slightly revised models were made available. The biggest change was a doubling of each unit's shipping amount of RAM, from 256 MB PC2700 (or PC3200 supported at PC2700 speeds) Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) in the prior units to 512 MB in the newer models (256 MB having been widely considered insufficient for OS X and its applications).
★ 1.25 GHz model (M9686LL/B at US$499)
★ 1.42 GHz model (M9687LL/B at US$599)
At this time, the 1.42 GHz model stopped including the internal modem as standard equipment, however it could still be purchased as a BTO (build-to-order) option.
In addition a high-end model was introduced:
★ The 1.42 GHz model could be purchased with a Slot-loading CD-RW/DVD±RW SuperDrive for US$699 (M9971LL/B).
October 2005–February 2006
The Mac mini was silently upgraded in October 2005 to 64 MB VRAM, and either a 1.33 GHz (up from 1.25 GHz) or 1.5 GHz G4 (up from 1.42 GHz) processor, with 512 MB of PC3200 RAM while underclocking it to PC2700. The 80 GB drive was a Seagate Momentus 5400.2 ST9808211A, which runs at 5400 rpm with a 2 MB cache. The SuperDrive is a MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-845, which supports DVD+R DL burning, and may also have unofficial support for DVD-RAM. Also, the internal mezzanine board was upgraded to accommodate the wifi and bluetooth technology onto one chip. In previous models, the mini included an Airport Extreme card taped to the mezzanine board and a separate bluetooth module.[2] This new wifi card also no longer uses an MCX-Female connector for the antenna (as the previous models did) but rather a proprietary Apple one. The serial number and specifications sticker on the underside of the machine itself do not carry the actual specs of the upgrade. For example, on a 1.5 GHz model, 1.42 GHz is listed. The product packaging also did not reflect the upgrade.
Apple did not revise the official specifications on their web site. This may be to avoid issues with discounting or discontinuing of old stock.
February 2006–September 2006
Two new Intel-based models were announced on February 28 2006, replacing the older line:
★ 1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo (T1200) processor, 60 GB SATA hard drive, and Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) for US$599 (MA205LL/A).
★ 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo (T2300) processor, 80 GB SATA hard drive, and Double-Layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) for US$799 (MA206LL/A). The SuperDrive is a MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-846.
Both models include:
★ 512 MB of PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM, SO-DIMM (200pin) form factor, with 2 RAM slots (expandable to 2 GB).
★ Integrated Intel GMA950 GPU, which uses at least 80 MB of main RAM (128 MB on Windows XP with Firmware 1.0 or newer), with 64 MB actually made available for graphics and video processing
★ Four USB 2.0 ports
★ One FireWire 400 port
★ combination Analog and S/PDIF Optical Digital audio input and output mini-jacks
★ DVI video output
★ 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) Ethernet
★ Built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth Version 2.0+EDR
★ Apple Remote and Front Row
★ Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) enabled
September 2006–August 2007
On September 6 2006, Apple increased the speed of the US$599 model to a Core Duo T2300 1.66 GHz [MA607LL/A], and the US$799 model to a Core Duo (T2400) 1.83 GHz [MA608LL/A]. With this change all Macs use multi-core processors.
August 2007
On August 7, the Mac mini was refreshed with new hardware and software features, including:
★ New Intel Core 2 Duo processors, running at 1.83 (T5600) and 2.0 Ghz (T7200)
★ 1 GB RAM up to 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) on two SO-DIMMs
★ An 80 GB or 120 GB internal 5400 rpm SATA hard drive, with 160 GB optional
★ iLife '08
Of note, the revised Mini does not offer 802.11n support, despite having the Intel Core 2 processor. It is now the only current Apple computer that does not offer the newer WiFi standard.
General Intel Mac mini information
Although it has been removed entirely from the mini's design, an Apple modem is still available - only now it is external, USB-based, and costs US$49 (UK£35).
While the Industrial design of the Mac Mini is handled entirely by Apple's in-house designers, some of the hardware has been engineered by Sparkfactor Design.[3]
Both Core Solo and Core Duo CPUs provide Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x or Vanderpool) even though Intel documentation has suggested VT-x was not to be a feature of the Core Solo.
Initially the Intel-based Mac minis were shipped with a bug that caused difficulties with VT-x. Apple subsequently released a firmware update that fixes this bug.[4]
Mac minis integrate 2.5 in ATA hard disk drives, CPUs and other components originally intended for mobile devices, such as laptops, contrary to regular desktop computers which use lower cost, but less compact and power-saving components.
Graphics
The decision to use an 'integrated' graphics chip, the GMA950 GPU, on the Intel-powered Mac mini is a contentious issue for some, who feel the inclusion of an integrated chip cheapens the machine and the Apple brand, which has previously never used integrated chips. This is further supported by the fact that in Apple's early marketing of the G4-powered Mac mini, it touted the superiority of the use of a discrete ATI Radeon 9200 32 MB graphics card over the integrated graphics included in many budget PCs:[5]
Apple argues that a single-core CPU performance should be expected to be severely impacted, and generally unsuitable for gaming. On a dual-core machine, otherwise lightly loaded, the second core can be used for graphics functions while the game runs on the first, and can improve performance to the same levels that might be expected from a "low end" graphics card. Additionally, the GMA950 graphics chip itself is a relatively advanced model specifically optimized for video playback - exactly what Apple is emphasising in its marketing and branding of the Mac mini. Furthermore, the GMA950 supports more memory than the Radeon 9200 it replaced, 64 MB vs. 32, allowing it to drive the all but the largest of Apple's monitors, the 30" Cinema Display. It also supports Apple's Core Image technology, although this is due largely to most of this functionality running in software on the CPU. A fuller comparison of the two GPUs is listed below:
| GPU | Pipelines | Fill rate | RAM | Core speed | Core Image support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATI Radeon 9200 | 4 | 1 gigapixel/second | 32 MB of DDR 200 MHz | 250 MHz | No |
| Intel GMA950 | 4 | 1.6 gigapixel/second | up to 64 MB of DDR2 667 MHz[6] | 400 MHz | Yes |
Following the move to Intel processors Apple’s senior director of desktops, Tom Boger, claimed that the company saw increases of between 10 and 40% in framerates of unspecified 3D games compared to the PowerPC models. This claim was disputed by some observers who, when playing Unreal Tournament 2004 (UT2K4), witnessed no change or even a decrease in framerates when using Core Solo models. However, it is important to remember that UT2K4 is a heavily processor-bound game and a fast GPU is less important to functionality - a modern processor such as the Core Solo or Core Duo used in the Mac mini may well help. Performance in mainstream 3D games that extensively utilize a computer's graphics processor has not yet been extensively tested.
Aside from that, a discrete graphics card has additional hardware, namely vertex and pixel shaders, that an integrated Intel graphics chip not only lacks but is also too complex to be replicated on the CPU. The Intel GMA is thus not capable of running games that strictly require such hardware, such as Doom 3. On the other hand, the potency of the Radeon 9200 in the G4 Mini was cut because it had only 32 MB VRAM, more akin to a notebook configuration, while all desktop cards had at least 64 and commonly 128 MB. Today, many PCs with integrated graphics do have a PCI Express slot so one can add in a discrete graphics card.
Opening the case and modifications
Some Mac mini owners have managed to use a putty knife to pry open the computer's case, thereby gaining access to the interior to install cheaper 3rd-party memory upgrades.[7] In fact, the official Apple Service Source manual for Mac mini describes this procedure in detail. It's also possible to use wires to pull the white plastic bottom case out of the metal top case.[8] While opening the case does not actually void the Mac mini warranty, anything broken while the case is open is not covered. Other modifications include overclocking the processor[9] and upgrading the wireless networking to 802.11n [10].
With the switch to the Intel Core Solo and Duo line, Apple has begun to use a socketed CPU in their desktop computers which allows for the processor to be replaced.
Notes
1. Apple Unveils Mac mini with Intel Core Duo
2. http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1290
3. Sparkfactor. Sparkfactor: Computer. Retrieved on 2007-07-16
4. Mac OS X: Firmware Updates for Intel-based Macs
5. Mac Mini G4 Graphics
6. The Intel GMA950 uses system RAM, thereby reducing the available system memory.
7. The Mac mini: Inside and Out
8. Mac Hack(001) Opening Mac Mini: Wire Method
9. Overclocking Apple Mac mini
10. 802.11n wireless upgrade for Mac mini
References
★ Arthur, Charles (12 January, 2005). "Mac rumour sites get it right" at The Register
★ Rizzo, John, ''Mac mini Hacks & Mods for Dummies,'' Wiley, 2006, ISBN 0-471-74900-1
★ Katz, Ryan (27 September, 2005). "Updated Mac minis arriving, details revealed"
External links
★ Apple - Mac mini
★ "Apple unveils low-cost 'Mac mini'" at BBC News
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