Apple has updated its Mac mini range of desktop computers with next-generation Intel Core processors, discrete graphics, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and Mac OS X Lion.
Starting at €599 inc VAT, the new Mac mini is available for order today and in stores tomorrow.
At just 7.7 inches square and 1.4 inches thick, the new Mac mini maintains its compact aluminum design while delivering amazing performance and graphics capabilities. Available in three different configurations, customers can choose a Mac mini with the latest dual-core Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 processors, AMD Radeon HD 6630M discrete graphics, or a quad-core Intel Core i7-powered server configuration.
Designed without an optical disc drive, Mac mini can access the optical drives on other PCs and Macs, and works with the MacBook Air SuperDrive. Configure-to-order options include up to 8GBs of memory, a faster 7200 RPM hard drive and a 256GB solid state drive.
Mac mini now comes with Thunderbolt I/O technology for expansion possibilities never before available to Mac mini users.
With a Thunderbolt port, Mac mini can connect to peripherals, such as high-performance storage devices, RAID arrays and the new Apple Thunderbolt Display, a stunning 27-inch IPS widescreen display that’s great for making FaceTime HD video calls, surfing the web and viewing movies and photos.
“Mac mini delivers the speed and expandability that makes it perfect for the desktop, living room or office,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice-president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
“With faster processors, more powerful graphics and Thunderbolt in an incredibly compact, aluminum design, the new Mac mini is more versatile than ever.”
With ultra-fast Wi-Fi, you can wirelessly download apps from the Mac App Store, get music and movies from iTunes, back up data to Time Capsule and share files with AirDrop, which makes transferring files quick and easy.
Mac mini includes Bluetooth for wireless peripherals and four USB ports for easy connectivity for the wired and wireless devices you use every day.
Every new Mac mini comes with Mac OS X Lion, the latest major release of Mac OS X which adds more than 250 new features to the Mac, including Multi-Touch.
Pricing and availability
The 2.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Mac mini with 2GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive starts at a suggested retail price of €599 inc VAT (€495.04 ex VAT), with options to add memory up to 8GB and a 750GB hard drive.
The 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Mac mini with 4GB of memory and a 500GB hard drive starts at a suggested retail price of €799 inc VAT (€660.33 ex VAT), with options to upgrade to a 2.7GHz dual-core Core i7 processor, up to 8GB of memory, and a 750GB hard drive with an option to add or replace with a 256GB solid state drive.
The 2.0 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 Mac mini with Lion Server, 4GB of memory and dual 500GB hard drives starts at a suggested retail price of €999 inc VAT (€825.62 ex VAT). Options include adding memory up to 8GB, two 750GB hard drives, or up to two 256GB solid state drives.
