Cupertino (CA) - While many Apple commentators have been spelling doom for Apple's unique miniature Mac desktop, citing outdated technology that hasn't been updated in 20 months, Apple today proved that it indeed knows how to make a $600 computer that isn't a piece of junk. The new Mac mini shares a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and Nvidia 9600M integrated graphics across the line for a substantial speed increase. The system also comes with more memory and storage, along with cool extras, like an additional USB port, a speedier FireWire 800 interface for transferring digital video, dual display support and both Mini DVI and Mini DisplayPort (for backward and forward compatibility with display devices). While priced the same as before, the new Mac mini now matches unibody MacBooks or an entry-level iMac in some areas. If you ever wanted to get into the Mac game without spending a premium, this machine may be right for you as it fully supports all Apple software. 

Apple bills its refreshed Mac mini family, unveiled earlier today, as the "world's most energy efficient desktop." The tagline is on target as the new Mac mini draws less than 13 watts of power when idle, which is a tenfold lower than a typical desktop Windows PC. "The Mac mini is not only our most affordable Mac, it's also the world's most energy efficient desktop computer," suggested Apple's operations chief Timothy Cook who is currently covering for the CEO Steve Jobs who is on a six months medical leave.

The miniature Mac machine is also the greenest Mac mini ever, sharing virtually the same environmental-friendly technologies and features like the new iMac family, earning both new iMac and Mac mini EPEAT Gold status and exceeding current Energy Star 4.0 requirements while "leading the industry" as early adopters of the more stringent Energy Star 5.0 requirements which will become effective later this year.

Looks can be deceiving

Just like the new iMacs, the updated Mac mini is virtually indistinguishable in terms of the design: It still comes in the same aluminum casing measuring just 6.5 by 6.5 by 2 inches. A closer look under the hood, however, reveals more substantial hardware changes which now bring the nearly 20-month old hardware in line with modern technological advances recently deployed across unibody MacBooks and, as of today, the new iMacs. The new Mac mini comes in two basic configurations offered at the same $599 or $799 price points, just like the previous generation. Unlike the rumors stating Apple would ditch the physical media with new Mac minis, both models still have the same 8x double-layer SuperDrive, which supports DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW as before.

INTACT DESIGN
If you judge by the outside only, the new Mac mini could easily pass as the previous generation because Apple kept the form factor and design intact. However, a look under the hood reveals the compute power changes, along with additional I/O and built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.

Expansion slots: Additional USB, FireWire 800, Mini DVI and Mini DisplayPort

The new Mac mini confirms the accuracy and authenticity of the leaked spyshot that suggested five USB ports, up from four in the previous generation. It also ditches the legacy FireWire 400 in favor of a faster FireWire 800 interface. Located on the back of the Mac mini are the power button, security cable lock slot, analog or digital audio in and out, power connector, Gigabit Ethernet, Mini DVI and Mini DisplayPort (for backward and forward compatibility) and five USB ports. Some will also love the fact that Mac mini can now drive two displays via Mini DisplayPort or DVI connections. AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR also come built-in.

PORTS GALORE
The new Mac mini replaces legacy FireWire 400 with a speedier FireWire 800 interface -- useful for high-speed transfer of digital video. The system also adds another USB port and features both Mini DVI and Mini DisplayPort (for backward and forward compatibility). Unlike the previous generation, the updated Mac mini finally supports a dual displays mode driving two monitors instead of one, allowing for a much wider professional use.

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