The new generation Apple Mac mini has hit stores in its overhauled version which boasts of deliver double the performance compared to the prior version. Without any alterations to its small form factor, the device continues to be encased in the aluminum exterior.
The three variants of the 7.7-inch compact device will feature any one of the Intel Core i5, i7 or Quad Core i7 processors. Besides processors, it will also offer users with an option to enhance graphics by twofold using AMD Radeon HD 6630M. It is compatible with MacBook Air SuperDrive and uses optical drives of other systems and Macs as it does not feature one.
“Mac mini delivers the speed and expandability that makes it perfect for the desktop, living room or office. With faster processors, more powerful graphics and Thunderbolt in an incredibly compact, aluminum design, the new Mac mini is more versatile than ever,†quoted Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
The device supports Wi-Fi for wireless access to Mac App Store, Time Capsule and AirDrop. Also, it can be connected wirelessly to devices through Bluetooth or using USB cables via four USB ports. The key attraction of the Apple Mac mini is the Mac OS X Lion operating system, claimed to be the world’s most advanced OS. The Lion OS integrates more than 250 new attributes in the device such as Multitouch gestures, Mission Control, LaunchPad, Mail app and more.
Further, the customizable Mac mini can be ordered with an optional memory of 8GB along with a 256GB solid state drive and faster hard drive. The new additions to the device include the Thunderbolt I/O technology to facilitate expansions by allowing connections of various peripherals including Apple Thunderbolt display, storage devices and RAID arrays. Moreover, it meets the guidelines laid down by Energy Star 5.2 and EPEAT. The recyclable aluminum design and PVC-free components make it eco-friendly.
Depending upon the configurations, the Apple Mac mini is priced at $599, $799 and $999. It is now available at Apple authorized retail stores.
Update: The prices of the updated Mac mini lineup in India are as follows:
The 2.3 GHz Dual Core Intel Core i5 equipped Mac mini with 2GB memory and 500GB storage space comes at a price of Rs. 33, 900 inc. VAT. While Mac mini running on 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 4GB of memory and 500GB hard drive will carry a starting retail price tag of Rs. 44,900 inc. VAT. At a starting retail price of Rs. 54,900 inc. VAT, the Mac mini will feature 2.0 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, Lion Server, 4GB of memory and dual 500GB hard.
