Apple's Mac mini - Tempting PC Users Everywhere
by Anand Lal Shimpi on January 25, 2005 7:39 AM EST- Posted in
- Mac
Introducing the Mac mini
Before we get to the mini itself, let's have a quick rundown of the specs of the Mac mini:
| Apple Mac mini 1.25GHz | Apple Mac mini 1.42GHz | |
| CPU: | PowerPC G4 1.25GHz | PowerPC G4 1.42GHz |
| Memory: | 256MB DDR333 | |
| Graphics: | ATI Radeon 9200 | |
| Hard Drive: | 40GB 2.5" HDD | 80GB 2.5" HDD |
| Optical Drive: | Slot-loading Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) | |
| Ports: | One FireWire 400; two USB 2.0; DVI (VGA adapter included); 1/8" headphones/line-out; 10/100 Ethernet; 56K modem | |
| Monitor: | None | |
| Keyboard/Mouse: | None | |
| Software: | Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther), iLife '05 | |
| Price: | $499 | $599 |
First Encounter with the Mac mini
The box is small:
If you need a carrying case for your Mac mini, just save the box and it will serve perfectly. Remember that the mini measures 6.5" on each side and is only 2" high, so the box is pretty small. The box is slighty longer and wider than the mini itself, but about twice as deep.
A Mac mini box compared to a regular sized ATI Radeon 9800 Mac Edition video card.
What's interesting about the box is that on the back face of it, you have instructions on how to set up the computer. As you can expect, it's not too difficult, but helpful for the first-time computer user.
The Mac mini box itself is representative of Apple's simple design philosophy, but what truly sums up Apple's intentions with the Mac mini is the side of the box:
The side of the box simply states that iLife is included, and below that, it says that you can organize photos, compose music, create playlists, make movies and watch DVDs. This isn't the side of a computer box. This is the side of a consumer electronics device box; it's the side of a multifunction iPod's box. And this is where it hit me - what I was holding in the mini's box didn't feel like a computer. In fact, it didn't feel like I was unpacking a computer either. Apple has effectively made their computer into something that doesn't seem like one at all, perfect for those who are intimidated by computers, but definitely leaves those of us who aren't feeling somewhat strange - not in a bad way, and not in a good way, but just in a different way. If every other computer manufacturer in the world made their computers and boxes look like the mini's, then I'm sure that the feeling wouldn't be so strange; but the fact of the matter is, they don't, and the Mac mini is different - and you know that before you even hit the power button.
Inside the Mac mini box, there are already indications that Apple was working as quickly as possible to get these things out and shipped. The best example of this is that the Mac mini comes with iLife '04 installed (meaning that the master image for the mini's hard drive was made before iLife '05 was ready to be put on it), and stuck to the top of the inside of the box is an iLife '05 DVD.
You have your handful of users guides, warranty information and the usual paperwork that comes with any computer, but with the mini, it all seems a lot "cooler" for some reason. Everything is well made, well put together, and well, mini. Once again, I wasn't reminded of a computer; I was reminded of buying something from Bose or Mercedes.
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tfranzese - Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - link
For articles from Anadtech, you seem quick to jump to performance comparisons without any data to back them up. The G4 is quite a capable beast, and just because it has been surpassed by the G5 doesn't make it a slow chip. It's an incredible number cruncher, yet I never see anyone put it to such tests.Having used the mini, though the max config, I find myself wanting one more and more. I'm a hardcore PC user, but it just has to be seen in person. Then there's OSX, which is something to experience and give the time to get use to.
Also, the Apple mouse is great. Thing I miss most using it is the scroll wheel, but right clicking can be managing with a control + click and further alternate options with control + option + click.
I share your opinions with the apps for the most part. The iWorks programs both show a lot of promise IMO.
Ecgtheow - Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - link
#62: I think it's a month or so.davecason - Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - link
Anand, other Mac Mini owners, would you please try MS Remote Desktop for OS X and let us know how it performs on the Mac Mini:http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?Fa...
I had hoped to get one and use it to connect to a faster computer in my basement when needed... like a very stylish dumb-terminal.
Thank you.
jasonsRX7 - Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - link
#71, In response to point 2.Because PC manufacturers typically wait for someone else (like Apple) to do it first, and then copy them.
rowcroft - Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - link
Got one, love it (hooked up to a 30" Dell LCD - VERY NICE!). Very good article as well. I like the commentary and explanations of your points. Good job.hopejr - Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - link
#36, Appleworks is included with the mini, as is a trial version of Office 2k4hopejr - Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - link
#26, The mac mini already has a sound card, and it's pretty decent. Unless you're talking about something to bring audio in, why get another one?#69 in response to your two things:
1. Get an Apple keyboard with the built in hub (they all have one). You can plug your mouse into that, and the printer into the spare port on the back of the mini.
2. If PC manufacturers could make something this small, why haven't shuttle done it already when getting into SFF?
Chuckles - Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - link
#67: You've got some brown on your nose... ;)As for the article, I agree completely with the "five year" idea. The computer I am writing this on is three-and-a-half (G4 .73GHz) and I am not planning on replacing it for another year. The computer my parents use is, well, its one of the last of the beige Macs. Also, it was a good article, a lot better than the typical "Mac review". Kudos.
mostlyprudent - Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - link
Two things:1. With only 2 USB ports - wouldn't you need a USB hub to connect a keyboard, mouse and printer?
2. I recently purchased (for a new secretary) a Dell Optiplex SX80 (which I am very impressed with by the way). It's a bit larger than the Mac Mini, but with a lot more performance. It does not seem it would be too difficult for Dell or some other large PC maker to create a PC that is as small as the Mac Mini with equal performance. I have to wonder how much market there actually is out there for such a PC. I thought the Shutle Zen would have been a bigger success than it was.
ShadowVlican - Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - link
good article anand... always wanted to know more about macs... just to see both sides of the picture!... i wonder how this will compare with a mini-itx system?