Apple redesigns Mac Mini, adds HDMI port
The Mac Mini desktop computer gains an HDMI video port, faster processors, and better graphics.
Update: Check out the full CNET review (with hands-on video) of the
Apple on Tuesday released a new Mac Mini computer with several new hardware features, including faster processors and an HDMI port.
The new Mac Mini comes in two models: one with a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and the other with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The older systems came with 2.26GHz and 2.53GHz processors.
The $699 standard configuration also comes with a 320GB hard and 2GB of RAM. The high-end $999 model has two 500GB hard drives, 4GB of RAM, and includes Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server. Both computers can be expanded to 8GB of RAM.
There are two interesting additions to the new Mac Mini: an HDMI port and an SD card slot.
The HDMI port allows you to connect the Mac Mini to an HDTV and see the computer's output on a digital screen. This gives you the option to play videos or other media directly from the computer, an option that many users have been asking for in the Mac Mini.
The SD card slot gives you even more options for adding media to the computer, especially if it is living room setting, connected to your TV.
Apple says the new Mac Mini "includes the fastest integrated graphics processor on the market today," with the Nvidia GeForce 320M graphics processor. It includes 48 processing cores, making it twice as fast as its predecessor, according to Apple.