- Aptly named, the Apple Mac mini is an ultracompact computer featuring the same easy-to-use Mac operating system as its larger iMac and Mac Pro counterparts. If you're unfamiliar with Mac computers but considering a switch from a Windows PC, choosing a new Mac mini is an affordable option.
- Best Monitor For Mac: ASUS TUF VG27AQ. ASUS TUF VG27AQ.
The Mac mini is a tiny computer with enormous capabilities. Measuring just 7.7 inches (19.7 centimeters) square and 1.4 inches (3.6 centimeters) high, this small machine can be connected to almost any large display screen and numerous peripheral devices. Introduced by Apple in 2005, the Mac mini was marketed towards people switching over from PCs to Macs. The upgraded 2011 model, priced at $599 for the most basic version, is the perfect computer for a budget-conscious computer buyer who wants to move on from PCs but who also doesn't want to splurge on an iMac [source: Apple].
So a late 2012 Mac mini it has to be. (Tangent: a really budget alternative would be to go for a A1283 2009 Mac mini (the last of the generation with plastic on the top of the housing), use a patched version of macOS (see compatibility here), put 8Gb of RAM in it, and replace the DVD drive with a SSD in a caddy. But that still only has USB 2). Mac mini (2018) Model Identifier: Macmini8,1. Part Numbers: MRTR2xx/A, MRTT2xx/A.
Because the targeted audience is former PC users, the Mac mini is sold without a mouse, keyboard or screen. PC users can use all of their old accessories with their new Mac mini while enjoying a new easy-to-use software package. Because of its small size and multiple ports, many Mac mini customers use the system as the hub of their home media center. It's nearly silent when running, stores easily and is less susceptible to viruses than a PC.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The 2011 Mac mini includes a new innovation, Thunderbolt. This upgraded display port supports both video and data connections and is capable of transferring data at 10 gigabits per second [source: Apple].
One possible downside to the Mac mini is its lack of an optical drive, a cut that might be a deal- breaker for people who frequently use their computers to read CDs or DVDs. Although this move cuts down on Apple's costs in production, and CDs and DVDs might soon become the next floppy disk (replaced by streaming data), the lack of a CD drive may isolate customers who primarily want to use the Mac mini as a part of a media center. On the upside, you can use the DVD or CD sharing feature of the Mac mini's operating system to wirelessly borrow the optical drive of a nearby Mac or PC. In other words, you can install applications from CDs or DVDs without having an optical drive in the Mac mini.
Read on to learn more about Mac mini specs.
Contents
The Mac mini is available in three versions, and these specs are for the most basic computer. The Mac mini is 1.4 inches (3.6 centimeters) in height, 7.7 inches (19.7 centimeters) wide, 7.7 inches (19.7 centimeters) deep and weighs 2.7 pounds (1.22 kilograms). It is equipped with a 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 with 3MB on-chip shared L3 cache processor and has 2GB of memory and a dual 500GB hard drive [source: Apple].
In terms of available storage space, the Mac mini is configurable to dual 750GB hard drives, single or dual 256GB solid-state drives or 256GB solid-state drive and 750GB hard drive. It features Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor with 288MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory [source: Apple].
Advertisement
Advertisement
What sets the latest Mac minis apart from other home computing options is the addition of Thunderbolt port, which Apple says is 12 times faster than the previous FireWire 800, can handle several peripherals at the same time and allow 10 Gbps of throughput in both directions. There is also an HDMI port to connect your big screen HDTV, an HDMI to DVI adapter, and support for dual display and video mirroring [source: Apple].
The Mac mini also has a FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps), four USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps), a SDXC card slot, a gigabit Ethernet port and audio in/out connections [source: Apple].
On the next page, we'll discuss Mac mini software.
The Mac mini comes equipped with all of the software included in the OS X Lion bundle, Apple's newest operating system released in July 2011. We'll take a look at just a few of the highlights.
If you're already familiar with Macs, you'll recognize many of the features of OS X Lion and catch some new additions to Apple's newest operating system. The OS X Lion software bundle includes all of your favorite Apple applications. You can access your iTunes library, talk with friends on iChat, make video calls on FaceTime, take pictures in Photo Booth, play GarageBand, make an iMovie and view a QuickTime video [source: Apple].
Advertisement
Advertisement
The package also includes all of your communication and organizational applications such as Mail, iCal and Address Book. The Mac mini comes equipped with Time Machine, an app that allows you to back up all of your data. You can access the Mac App Store to purchase and download additional apps for your Mac mini. You also can surf the internet through the Safari web browser. All of your apps are stored on your Launchpad start screen, giving you quick and easy access to them. Some new features and upgrades to the Mac mini include AirDrop, a Lion-to-Lion sharing feature that uses a WiFi connection, vertical text displays to support East Asian languages and multiuser screen sharing [source: Apple].
Even though the variety of apps might seem overwhelming, OS X Lion is user-friendly and intuitive. Its simple design and interface should make the switch from a PC to a Mac mini pretty effortless. In general, reviews for the operating system are very positive: MacWorld gave the system a 4.5 out of 5 rating [source: Snell].
Although the Mac mini is significantly less expensive than an iMac, you have to provide all peripherals and accessories. If you don't already have a screen, keyboard or mouse, you'll have to buy them to operate your Mac mini, and you might end up spending more than you would if you bought an iMac. The 2011 iMac comes with a camera, more powerful processor and hard drive, speakers, keyboard and other accessories for $1,199 [source:Apple] .
Depending on how and where you plan to use your Mac mini, you might need a mounting kit. For instance, if your Mac mini is going to be mainly used as part of a home media center, you could mount the computer on a wall or ceiling. You could also choose from a variety of Mac mini table mounts. These mounting systems will securely affix your Mac mini to the surface that you choose so that you can easily access your device and not worry about it falling and breaking. When choosing a mounting system, keep in mind that you won't want the mount to cover important ports that you frequently use.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Although the Mac mini comes with four USB ports, an extra USB hub might come in handy if you're connecting multiple devices to the computer. Once you plug in your mouse and keyboard, you've used up two ports already and you haven't added your printer or other peripherals yet, so this could be useful.
Finally, since the Mac mini does not come with an optical drive, a good accessory to have on hand is the MacBook Air SuperDrive [source: Frakes]. Although it's designed to be used with a MacBook, it's compatible to the Mac mini and is a good option if you plan to play CDs or DVDs on your computer.
Related Articles
Sources
- Apple. 'Built-in apps.' (August 16, 2011). http://www.apple.com/macmini/built-inapps.html
- Apple: 'iMac.' (August 29, 2011). http://www.apple.com/imac/
- Apple. 'iPhoto.' (August 17, 2011). http://www.apple.com/ilife/iphoto/ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4162009.stm
- Apple. 'Mac mini.' (August 16, 2011). http://www.apple.com/macmini/
- Apple. OS X Lion.' (August 20, 2011). http://www.apple.com/macosx/
- BBC News. 'Apple Unveils low cost Mac mini.' January 11, 2005. (August 17, 2011). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4162009.stm
- B&H. Mac mini mount.' (August 20, 2011). http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/784683-REG/Premier_Mounts_ECM_MAC2_ECM_MAC2_Adaptor_for_MAC.html
- Electronista. 'Review: Mac mini 2011.' August 7, 2011. (August 20, 2011). http://www.electronista.com/reviews/mac-mini-2011.html
- Elliot, Matt. 'Battle of the Cheap.' CNET. (August 16, 2011). http://reviews.cnet.com/1990-3118_7-5690541-1.html
- EPEAT. (August 30, 2011). http://www.epeat.net/
- Frakes, Dan. ' New Mac minis deliver serious performance.' Macworld. August 3, 2011. (August 16, 2011.) http://www.macworld.com/article/161414/2011/08/mac_mini_mid_2011_review.html
- H-Squared. 'Mini Mount.' (August 20, 2011). http://store.h-sq.com/HSQ-MINI+MOUNT-X.html
- Siracusa, John. 'Review: Mac OS X Lion.' Ars Technica. July, 2011. (August 20, 2011). http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2011/07/mac-os-x-10-7.ars/
- Snell, Jason. 'OS X Operating System.' MacWorld. July 20, 2011. (August 20, 2011). http://www.macworld.com/article/161026/2011/07/osx_lion_review.html
- Wipro Green Tech. 'FAQ on PVC/BFR Productions. (August 30, 2011). http://www.wiprogreentech.com/pvc_bfr_faqs.html
Your Mac provides several tools to help you identify it. The simplest is About This Mac, available by choosing About This Mac from the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen. The other is the System Information app. Learn how to use these tools to identify your Mac.
If you don’t have your Mac or it doesn’t start up, use one of these solutions instead:
- Find the serial number printed on the underside of your Mac, near the regulatory markings. It’s also on the original packaging, next to a barcode label. You can then enter that serial number on the Check Coverage page to find your model.
- The original packaging might also show an Apple part number, such as MGEM2xx/A (“xx” is a variable that differs by country or region). You can match the Apple part number to one in the list below to find your model.
List of Mac mini models
Mac mini models are organized by the year they were introduced, starting with the most recent. Click the model name for detailed technical specifications.
Mac Mini What Is It Used For Cars
Mac mini models from 2012 and newer can run the latest version of macOS. For models from before 2010, the latest compatible operating system is noted.
Mac Mini What Is It Used For Sale
2018
Mac mini (2018)
Model Identifier: Macmini8,1
Part Numbers: MRTR2xx/A, MRTT2xx/A, MXNF2xx/A, MXNG2xx/A
Tech Specs: Mac mini (2018)
Model Identifier: Macmini8,1
Part Numbers: MRTR2xx/A, MRTT2xx/A, MXNF2xx/A, MXNG2xx/A
Tech Specs: Mac mini (2018)
2014
Mac mini (Late 2014)
Model Identifier: Macmini7,1
Part Numbers: MGEM2xx/A, MGEN2xx/A, MGEQ2xx/A
Tech Specs: Mac mini (Late 2014)
Model Identifier: Macmini7,1
Part Numbers: MGEM2xx/A, MGEN2xx/A, MGEQ2xx/A
Tech Specs: Mac mini (Late 2014)
Used Mac Mini 2014
2012
Mac mini (Late 2012)
Model Identifier: Macmini6,1; Macmini6,2
Part Numbers: MD387xx/A; MD388xx/A, MD389xx/A
Tech Specs: Mac mini (Late 2012)
Model Identifier: Macmini6,1; Macmini6,2
Part Numbers: MD387xx/A; MD388xx/A, MD389xx/A
Tech Specs: Mac mini (Late 2012)
2011
Mac mini (Mid 2011)
Model Identifier: Macmini5,1; Macmini5,2
Part Numbers: MC815xx/A; MC816xx/A, MC936xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: Mac mini (Mid 2011)
Model Identifier: Macmini5,1; Macmini5,2
Part Numbers: MC815xx/A; MC816xx/A, MC936xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: Mac mini (Mid 2011)
2010
Mac mini (Mid 2010)
Model Identifier: Macmini4,1
Part Numbers: MC438xx/A, MC270xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: Mac mini (Mid 2010)
Model Identifier: Macmini4,1
Part Numbers: MC438xx/A, MC270xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6
Tech Specs: Mac mini (Mid 2010)
2009
Mac Mini What Is It Used For Medically
Mac mini (Late 2009)
Model Identifier: Macmini3,1
Part Numbers: MC238xx/A, MC239xx/A, MC408xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: Mac mini (Late 2009)
Model Identifier: Macmini3,1
Part Numbers: MC238xx/A, MC239xx/A, MC408xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: Mac mini (Late 2009)
Used 2012 Mac Mini
Mac mini (Early 2009)
Model Identifier: Macmini3,1
Part Numbers: MB464xx/A, MB463xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: Mac mini (Early 2009)
Model Identifier: Macmini3,1
Part Numbers: MB464xx/A, MB463xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: OS X El Capitan 10.11.6
Tech Specs: Mac mini (Early 2009)