Mac Mini-Me: Apple Packs Intel Core i5 Punch $699
0Overall Score

Mac has gone mini. Packing the same punch as its MacBook Air big brother, Apple’s new mini boasts dual-core Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, AMD Radeon HD 6630M graphics or a quad-core Core i7 server (3 options).And at just 19.7 cm square and 3.6 cm thin, it lives up to its name with a compact aluminium design, making it an ideal office partner.

Running on Mac’s new Lion X OS, features include: new Multi-Touch gestures, system-wide support for full screen apps as well as Mission Control, giving users an “innovative view of everything” running on a Mac.
Mini’s Thunderbolt I/O allowing connection to peripheral devices and RAID arrays through a single cable, and iLife apps for multimedia management. 

 “Ulta fast” Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and an impressive four USB ports (two more than MacBook Air) are all standard on mini desktop.  
 With three configuration choices as above, other options include up to 8GBs of memory, a faster 7200 RPM hard drive and a 256GB solid state drive. 
 However, in a departure from previous models, mini lacks a disc drive, so not ideal if watching DVD’s is your thing. However,  hook it up to a PC, laptop, or MacBook Air SuperDrive and away you go. 
 “The new Mac mini delivers up to twice the processor and graphics performance of the previous generation in the same amazingly compact and efficient aluminium design,” Apple said yesterday. 
 Mini prices start at AUD$699 inc GST and hit stores from today. 
 “Mac mini delivers the speed and expandability that makes it perfect for the desktop, living room or office,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. 
 “With faster processors, more powerful graphics and Thunderbolt in an incredibly compact, aluminium design, the new Mac mini is more versatile than ever.” 
 The desktop is the industry’s greenest, Apple claims, and meets standards like Energy Star 5.2, has a highly recyclable aluminium enclosure and PVC-free components.
 

Several other options are also available. 

For more information on specs and configurations visit www.apple.com/au/macmini/features.html.