Apple introduces new Intel-based Mac Minis

Both Apple enthusiasts and criticisers have commended Apple on the increased system specs but criticised harshly the inclusion of integrated Intel GMA950 graphics chips -- which many see as a downgrade from the previous Radeon 9200 chipset. The 100 dollar increase in the price tag was also looked down upon as it reduces the value the users will be getting arguably, better and more able PCs cost much less.

Recently there was much hype all over the net about the new Minis and it didn't help either fans and tech critics were hoping for a much better product. So while the new Minis certainly offer better value and performance in the same small form factor, the integrated chipset and increased price brought some initial disappointment for the product. It's certainly a good effort by Apple, but not without a few decisions marring what is otherwise a respectable system.

The new Mac Minis come in two models. The entry level model has a 1.5GHz Intel Core Solo processor. It has a (fast!) 667Mhz frontside bus, 512MB DDRII memory, 60 gigabyte 5200RPM SATA hard drive and a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive. This model will sell for $599 and Apple claims it to be 2.5 to 3 times faster than its entry-level non-Intel predecessor.

The higher-end model has a 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo processor. It also has the 667Mhz frontside bus, 512MB DDRII memory, 80 gigabyte 5200RPM SATA hard drive, and a SuperDrive dual-layer DVD burner. This model will sell for $799 and is estimated upwards of 5 times faster than the higher-level non-Intel predecessor.

Both of these models are featuring Gigabit Ethernet, four USB ports, a FireWire port, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. They also will both be able to connect to a television using DVI and SPDIF audio outputs. Also included are the usual Apple suite of software, including an updated Front Row and the Apple infrared remote control that'll allow the new Minis to act as a media centre the Mini will connect flawlessly with the new High Definition TVs and has high-quality SPDIF audio in and out so users can enjoy Dobly Digital 5.1 in all it's glory. The only concern here is whether the Integrated Intel GMA950 chipsets can handle the high resolution HD content.

It's understandable why Apple's decision on the graphics core is getting so much heat. Previously, the Minis had an older but more powerful graphics chipset with a small dedicated memory. Now the integrated GMA950 don't have any memory of its own and will eat up a significant portion of the system's main memory when in use. Apple itself criticised integrated chipsets last year when they first launched the Mini. "Most say they're good for 2D games only," Apple's website says. "That's because an 'integrated Intel graphics' chip steals power from the CPU and siphons off memory from system-level RAM. You'd have to buy an extra card to get the graphics performance of [the previous version of the Mac Mini], and some cheaper PCs don't even have an open slot to let you add one." Ironic. According to Apple itself, their new Mac Minis fall to that "lesser" category of "cheap PCs." Maybe cutting costs was the reason why Apple used the same chipsets they themselves criticised so unkindly a year ago, but it is going to cost them in the long run.

All in all, the new faster Intel-based Mac Minis does offer "More Mac per square inch", as Apple's website rightfully say; but considering its crippled integrated graphics, less than average storage (60 gigabyte is nothing these days) and the increased price tag, Apple's new offering is nothing to be terribly excited about.

Ahmed Ashiful Haque