Mac Mini

• HDMI-to -DVI adapter

The Mac mini is a developed by the Californian computer manufacturer Apple compact computer. He was introduced to the public on 11 January 2005 at the Macworld Expo in San Francisco.

Over the 7 development generations the unit lost its internal DVD drive, but got added to the previously designed external power supply and a fan. In the 7th generation of the Mac mini has the dimensions of 19.7 cm × 19.7 cm × 3.6 cm and weighs about 1.22 kg. It is characterized by its small size, a balanced energy management and low noise. Mac mini is made from the Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn.

Mac mini G4 ( 1st generation)

The device presented in 2005 had a soldered on the motherboard PowerPC G4 processor with 1.25 or 1.42 GHz clock frequency in two, later three trim levels. The larger models were delivered with a SuperDrive and a 80 GB hard disk, the smaller with a CD -RW combo drive and a 40 GB hard drive. While the smallest model was always installed a 56K V.92 modem, it was built with the larger mid-2005 only to order. A Bluetooth module and Airport Extreme card was installed in mid-2005 in the larger mini factory. The graphics card was a Radeon 9200 installed with 32 MB of VRAM in all G4 minis. Only in the 1.5 GHz model it has 64 MB. The graphics card has a DVI - I output and was not Core Image -capable.

The Mac mini G4 works with a controlled fan, the noise is loud at idle computer magazine c't at 0.3 sones and jumps under load at 1.6 sone ( Mac mini G4). The power of the Mac mini G4 is 18 watts during normal operation and a maximum of 30 watts under full load.

The Mac mini also features two USB 2.0, one Firewire 400 and a 10/100-MBit-Ethernet-Anschlüsse as well as a line-out output. It can be a DDR SDRAM module (PC -2700 ) can be installed, this slot is factory equipped with a 256 MB module. The memory can thus up to 1 GB ( as a module ) to be expanded. The hard drive is a 2.5 " ATA model, the built-in optical drive ATA notebook drive, slot-loading mechanism. Consequently, the Mac mini is viewed from the technical point of view, an iBook G4 derivative in a desktop housing.

With the introduction of Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger operating system in mid-2005, the model range was increased to three variants and doubled the RAM to 512 MB ​​. The so-called "silent upgrade " in September 2005, the clock frequency was increased to 1.33 GHz and 1.50 GHz, the price remained unchanged. The memory was now DDR SDRAM PC3200U.

Intel Mac mini (2nd generation)

On 28 February 2006, the Mac mini was introduced the second generation of Intel hardware in two trim levels. Externally, the predecessor likeness, the built-in technology has been thoroughly revised and completed the technical transition to Intel/x86-Technik. Within a short time all computers by Apple were switched to Intel's Core processors. Has not changed the little ergonomic power switch on the rear panel.

In the first trim level, the computer has a Core Solo T1200 CPU with a clock speed of 1.5 GHz and a 60 - GB -2, 5 " SATA hard drive with 5400 min-1 and a CD- RW combo drive.

The second trim level includes the multi-core CPU Core Duo T2300 with a clock speed of 1.66 GHz each and a 9.5 mm-high 80 - GB -2, 5 " SATA hard drive with 5400 min-1 and an DVD-R / DVD -RW SuperDrive with the ability to describe double-layer discs.

Both models have 512 MB ​​of RAM, put the two 256 MB DDR2 -667 modules in SO- DIMM slots. The Mac mini second generation therefore now has two instead of just one slot for memory modules and can accommodate up to 2 GB of memory. The models, which were produced from mid-2007, even - against the official manufacturer's specification - up to 4 GB of memory to record, of which due to the system but only a maximum of 3 GB can be used. Due to the chipset graphics (see below), should always be installed two modules of the same, as this dual-channel mode, the memory is being used and so a speed advantage should arise.

The Ethernet interface is now a 10/100/1000-MBit-Variante. The Mac mini second generation has an analog line-out and line-in connection, via optical inputs and outputs for sound output and can therefore spend surround sound. The number of USB ports was extended to four, there is a Firewire 400 interface. The graphics card in the Mac mini is a built- in (Intel ) chipset GMA950 graphics processor, it will run under Mac OS X with fixed 64 MB "shared RAM". The one on the Mac mini installable with Boot Camp Windows XP utilizes dynamically between 16 MB and 224 MB "shared RAM". The graphics card, the image signals via DVI-I output ( VGA adapter is back in ), new is support for S- video with adapter available as an accessory.

Another new feature is a built-in infrared receiver, which Apple works with the remote control is also supplied Remote for Front Row. The receiver was integrated by Apple directly in the housing slot for the optical drive. Both models now get standard with AirPort Extreme (802.11g ) and Bluetooth. The modem of the first Mac -mini- generation is no longer part of the package, but it can be bought as an external USB device.

Another new feature is that the CPU of the Mac mini now in a processor socket (Socket 479) sits and thus can theoretically be replaced at a later date by a more powerful model.

The Mac mini second generation are Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and iLife '06 on. In addition, the programs Big Bang Board Games and Comic Life, and various demos are installed.

On 6 September 2006, Apple introduced through a product - improvement in which the Mac -mini- series was equipped with new processors. The Core Solo processor was taken there from the program. The trim level with the previous Intel Core Duo T2300 1.66 GHz is complemented by a more expensive trim level at 1.83 GHz ( T2400 ).

On 7 August 2007, it was announced the Mac mini equip 2 Duo processors with newer type core, optionally with 1.83 ( T5600 ) or 2.00 GHz ( T7200 ). In addition, Mac OS X 10.5.3 and iLife '08 now included.

Mac mini Intel ( 3rd generation)

On 3 March 2009, Apple introduced another version of the Mac mini before, equipped with Core 2 Duo processors, with either 2.00 or 2.26 GHz. The current model has a compared to its predecessor powerful graphics processor ( NVIDIA GeForce 9400M ) and a mini-display port as a supplement to further existing mini-DVI port. The Mac mini will continue to be delivered with 1 GB of memory but can be expanded up to 4 GB, or after you install the EFI Firmware Update 1.2, up to 8 GB. The wireless network is now compatible with the 802.11n draft standard, also the mini now has five USB ports. The transfer rate of FireWire port has been increased to 800 Mbit / s. The previously contained in the Box Apple Remote ( infrared remote control) is no longer included.

Mac mini Intel ( 4th generation)

The fourth generation ( Model Identifier: Macmini3, 1 ) was presented simultaneously with the Mac mini Server, the iMac and the MacBook on 20 October 2009. By default, two variants at a price of 549 euros and 749 euros offered, where is the cheapest version with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor running at 2.26 GHz, 2 GB of DDR3 RAM and a 160 GB hard disk has. Both models are supplied with SuperDrive, built-in mono speaker, AirPort, and like its predecessor with the Nvidia graphics processor ( GeForce 9400M ) with Mini DVI and Mini DisplayPort. It is supplied as standard with the latest version of Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.1 and iLife. The more expensive version of the Mac mini features an Intel Core 2 Duo processor running at 2.53 GHz, 4 GB RAM and a 320 GB hard disk.

Mac mini Intel ( 5th generation)

On June 15, 2010 Apple released the fifth generation. The new unibody enclosure is flatter with a greater surface area. Mac mini features an Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 2.4 GHz, 2 GB of DDR3 RAM and a 320 GB hard disk. Furthermore, the graphics performance has, according to Apple, doubled thanks to the Nvidia GeForce 320M graphics processor. The new Mac mini features compared to the previous an integrated power supply and only four USB ports, but an HDMI port. The Mac mini 5th generation in Germany costs 709 euros ( price reduction from November 2, 2010 before 809 euros ), in Austria and in Switzerland € 699 849 francs (about 660 euros ). Furthermore, this Mac mini is available with a 2.66 GHz processor. In the Hardware Overview is the Model Identifier " Macmini4, 1".

Mac mini Intel ( 6th generation)

In conjunction with the release of Mac OS X 10.7 and Mac mini was revised in July 2011. Apple does completely without an optical drive and equipping the Mac mini with Intel Core i5- ( 2.3 or 2.5 GHz dual-core ) or i7 processors (2.7 GHz Dual-Core) from. When the graphics card customers between the Intel HD Graphics 3000 and an AMD Radeon HD 6630M can choose. Also included is a Thunderbolt port, which is also offered at the iMac, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air since mid-2011.

Mac mini Intel ( 7th Generation )

In the presented in October 2012 generation Core i5 (2.5 GHz dual core ) or i7 processors ( 2.3 or 2.6 GHz Quad-Core) have been installed with Intel's faster processors, the first time quad-core CPUs. The graphics chip is now on all models, the integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, a dedicated graphics chip can not be selected. The four USB ports now support the faster USB 3.0. All models have at least 4 GB clocked at 1600 MHz DDR3 RAM. The hard disk capacity increased to a maximum of 1 TB.

All models became more expensive in Germany In comparison to the 6th generation to 30 euros.

Mac mini Server (1st generation)

The Mac mini server was first presented on 20 October 2009. It differs in the hardware facilities hardly a conventional Mac mini, with the exception that he has instead of an optical drive on a second hard drive. On the software side is Mac OS X Server preinstalled and include a license for an unlimited number of clients.

Mac mini Server (2nd generation)

On June 15, 2010 Apple released the second generation. The new unibody enclosure is flatter with a greater surface area. The Mac mini server has an Intel Core 2 Duo processor running at 2.66GHz, 4GB of DDR3 RAM. The same graphics card as the Mac Mini ( 5th generation) is used here, the Nvidia GeForce 320M graphics processor. The new Mac mini server has, in contrast to its predecessor, an integrated power supply and only four USB ports, but an HDMI port. It differs in the hardware facilities hardly a conventional Mac mini ( 5th generation), with the exception that he (ie 1000 GB) instead of an optical drive with two 500 GB hard drives. On the software side is Mac OS X Server preinstalled and include a license for an unlimited number of clients. The Mac mini server is the 2nd generation costs in Germany since the price reduction on 2 November 2010 ( previously 1149 euro ) 999 euro, 999 euro in Austria and Switzerland in 1249 francs (about 970 euros ).

Mac mini Server (3rd generation)

Mid-2011, Apple updated the second generation. The new Mac mini Server now has a Core i7 quad-core CPU with 2.0 GHz clock rate. It can be equipped instead of hard disks with SSDs. Thunderbolt is also integrated.

Mac mini Server (4th generation)

The end of 2012 was presented with the Mac Mini to the seventh generation, the new Mac Mini Server. It has an Intel Core i7 quad-core CPU with 2.3 or 2.6 GHz. The RAM is 4, 8 or 16 GB of DDR3 1600 MHz. As hard drive two times 1 TB, 256 GB SSD or two 256GB SSDs are available. In addition, the USB 2.0 ports have been replaced by USB 3.0 ports. Mac OS X Mountain Lion Server is installed at the factory.

Graphics performance

The Mac Mini was never designed for graphics-intensive applications like professional video editing, which is why the graphics hardware was never particularly powerful. However, for "classic" applications such as word processing, internet and photo editing tasks he was always sufficient. For viewing of high-definition movies (HD) performance was not always sufficient to provide a smooth presentation was not guaranteed at all times.

Windows

Installing Windows on Macintosh computers without sacrificing performance was made possible by switching from Apple on the Intel/x86-Architektur as they are essential part of the emulation.

Initially this was not provided by Apple and was prevented by the use of the BIOS successor, Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI ), which is not supported by Windows XP. Windows Vista, however, has an EFI loader. The website http://www.onmac.net therefore organized a competition in which the first person to succeed in installing Windows on a Macintosh computer with x86 architecture ( without resorting to virtual environments like VirtualPC ), should receive prize money which was met by donations on the website.

The first computer on which this was achieved was a Mac mini. On March 16, 2006, a winner was determined, and the competition has ended.

Shortly thereafter ( early April 2006) Apple released a beta version of Boot Camp, which provides a boot loader and Windows drivers for the hardware. Moreover, a firmware update was released for all x86 -based Macs, in which a BIOS compatibility module is included. This made it possible, on these computers Windows XP (Service Pack 2), Vista, or Linux to install. Since Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard ) Boot Camp is built and officially supported.