The Mac Mini Core 3 Duo not only costs less than its previous model, but it’s also faster and it is still a good deal, especially for those who already have a mouse, a keyboard and a monitor. With its faster perormance and the possibility of writing DVD’s, the MC MIni 2.0GHz is worth the €200 difference in price. But if the Super Drive is something not completely essential, the user will find that the Mac Mini 1.8GHz is the Apple computer that has the best quality/price value.

However, if space isn’t a problem, and the user doesn’t have a keyboard, a mouse and a monitor, it would be a better idea to look at the iMac models, which justify the extra cost by providing a better graphic card and better hard disk performances.

The Mac Mini represents an engineering miracle that forced the technicians from Cupertino to try to adapt in order to reach the best performance possible, while keeping a very small size and a reasonable price. Even if many people complain about its limited graphic performance and the optical unit’s capability, there’s a reason why the Mac Pro and other professional computers are as big as they are. Due to the high performance requirements, these computers tend to heat more often, hence, the need for more space, more cooling fans and a higher cost. The Mac Mini is, thus, the result of a balance on costs, performances, size and limitations.

Looking at the results obtained frm tests, it’s noticeable that the Core 2 Duo offered a noticeable enhancement in the most demanding tasks. In the test done with Photoshop, for example, the Mac Mini 1.83 GHz Core 2 Duo has resulted 19% faster than the previous Mini model.

The integrated Intel graphic card, however, doesn’t support the most demanding videogames, for example, those from Electronic Arts developed especially for the Mac Intel. Even other games for Mac, such as Doom 3, don’t reach even an average performance. It doesn’t mean, however, that the Mac Mini doesn’t support games, but users must settle for those titles that have few 3D effects.

Internally, the Mac Mini features the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor with a clock speed of 1.83 GHz, or 2.0 GHz for the more advanced version. This second-generation of Intel’s processors supports twice the amount of L2 cache and RAM, even though only the 2.0 GHz model features 4MB of cache memory. The 1.83 GHz model features 2MB of L2 cache, the same amount as found in the previous generation. Both models have 1GB RAM, which can be upgraded up to 2GB. The graphic card is an integrated Intel GMA 950, sharing 64 MB RAM with the processor, instead of having a dedicated RAM video section as most Mac’s. THe mini has two memory slots with SO-DIMM DDR2-667 MHz memories, each 512MB. If it’s needed to upgrade the RAM to 2GB, Apple can install two 1GB models for an additional cost of €80. Although it is possible to find cheaper RAMs that are compatible, the installation can be complicated and it could break the case.

The Core 2 Duo chipset also includes a 128-bit SSE3 vector engine, able to process data twice as fast as the normal Core Duo. The Mac Mini also features a hard disk with 5400rpm, with a higher storage capability than the previous generation: 80GB for the 1.83 GHz version and 120GB for the 2Ghz. For both models, however, it’s possible to have a 160GB Hard disk for additional €90. The entry-level model also features a combo CD-DVD writer, while the top model has a double-layer Super Drive 8x.

Externally, the Mac Mini still uses the same white case, on aluminum and plastic, that has been used since it was first launched. The mini is still distributed without a keyboard, mouse or monitor, but there are many ways of connecting those peripherals. In fact, on its back, there are four USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire 400 port, the power button and an audio / optical double jack. There’s also a safety slot, a Gigabit Ethernet port and a DVI port for connecting an LCD monitor with resolutions up to 1920×1200 (The same for the 23″ Apple Cinema HD Display).

A DVI-VGA adaptor is also included in the package, in order to connect an analogical LCD display or a CRT mointor. The Mac Mini also includes the Apple Remote remote control for the use with the Front Row, Bluetooth and the Wi-Fi 802.11g. Curiously enough, the MacBook, MacBook Pro and iMac have already been featuring the faster 802.11n wi-fi connection, which is compatible with the g devices, although when connecting a Mac Mini to a N network, the mini will continue to work at the slowest speed and will have a shorter range.

When Apple launched the new iMac featuring the Penryn processors, earlier this year, they also provided a cut in the Mac mini prices, that now are available, with its minimum features, for under €500. Unfortunately, Apple didn’t include a hardware update with the price cut. Nonetheless, the smallest and more economical Apple computer still remains a great deal for those who decided to go from the somewhat tormented PC world to the Macintosh, or for anyone that is looking for a good second computer.

It’s worth remembering, however, that although the Mac mini is a great option, it will always depend on what the user’s plans are. It’s a great option for those who do not need to rely on heavy graphic performances or need a second, small PC for data storage, for example. But if a little more performance is needed, especially on the graphic area, it would be recommended to look at other options.

However, let’s start the review on this great innovation from Apple.

An American user, sad about the “almost certain” death of the Mac Mini, apparently sent an email directly to Bob Mansfield, boss of Apple’s hardware division, asking for explanations. It seems that the user was in fact convincing, since he apparently obtained an answer. According to what was published on AppleWeblog, the user was first reassured that the Mac Mini won’t be erased from Apple’s list, and later asked for a little more patience.

At this point, the possibilities that the Mac Mini’s production has come to an end are really almost null: it’s likely to expect a new version of it next January, during the San Francisco Mac World. We can also expect big changes for this product, considering it’s been a while since it underwent any enhancements.