Apple debuts sub-0 Mac: the Mac mini

Taking a cue from the iPod's product evolution, Apple has announced a new sub-$500 Mac with processor specs that best the current eMac and rival the fastest PowerBooks.

At two-inches tall and weighing 2.9 pounds, the Mac mini is available in two configurations:

The 1.25 GHz Mac mini, priced at US$499:

• 1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 processor;
• 256MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable to 1GB;
• 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
• Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive;
• ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32MB video memory;
• One FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports;
• 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet networking and 56K V.92 modem;
• Internal support for AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth;
• DVI or VGA out (adapter included), composite/S-video out with optional adapter;
• Built-in speaker and headphone/line out.

The 1.42 GHz Mac mini, priced at US $599:

• 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 processor;
• 256MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable to 1GB;
• 80GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
• Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive;
• ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32MB video memory;
• One FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports;
• 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet networking and 56K V.92 modem;
• Internal support for AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth;
• DVI or VGA out (adapter included), composite/S-video out with optional adapter; Built-in speaker and headphone/line out.

Both models come bundled with the US$79 iLife '05 package, and can be fitted with a DVD-burning SuperDrive as a US$100 option.

No keyboard, mouse, nor display is included with the Mac mini. Users have the option of ordering either wired (US$58) or wireless (US$99) Apple keyboards and mice, or using their current USB-based equipment.

The Mac mini will ship on January 22nd.

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