Mac mini late 2011 i5
While we're able to forgive the mini for not having room for a TV tuner internally, at least , the sudden and unwarranted departure of the optical drive is downright baffling. We know -- too many people will simply write this off without a second thought, rationalizing it as Apple just killing off something that's on the way out, but it's a decision that we wholeheartedly disagree with. Losing the floppy drive when you have a smattering of other options is one thing; but spiking the optical drive?
On a desktop computer? It's a terrible, terrible decision, and the truly ludicrous part is that Apple didn't even shrink the size the chassis to make up for it. As much as Apple would love to have you believe that nothing worthwhile will ever ship on a physical disc again, the HTPC argument alone rebukes that.
Last year's mini could easily play back any DVD rental read: Gee, thanks for the option. In reality, Apple spiraled off in the wrong direction here.
Apple Mac Mini A1347 Desktop - MC815LL/A (July, 2011)
Instead of downgrading the mini from optical drive to slotless, it should've swallowed its misplaced disdain for Blu-ray and finally offered the clear next-gen format victor as a build-to-order option. It's not only senseless, it's laughable. In case it's not crystal clear, Apple has made it effectively impossible for us to recommend this as a media PC, but those dead-set on making it one will be glad to find that multichannel audio output is supported over HDMI, and finding the proper resolution to fit one's TV is a lesson in simplicity. So, for those content with a streaming-only HTPC option, this one's about as gorgeous as they come, but we'd definitely recommend a phone-based remote option.
Wrap-up It's not often that Apple products take a turn for the worse when a new revision comes out, but there's no question that the design of 's mini is superior to the design of this guy. For whatever reason, Apple's made the new mini even less useful than the last, and while a Benjamin off the sticker is appreciated, it hardly puts it in a new class in terms of value. It's also eerily quiet, power efficient and cool, and it's everything the average college student or studio apartment dweller needs.
Mac Mini Mid 2011
Apple dumbs down the back panel so the DIYers among us can't access the hard drive, but selling a computer without three essential peripherals monitor, keyboard and mouse ensures that the target market will be one that's at least remotely familiar with technobabble. In isolation, the Mac mini is a fine computer. It's quick on its feet, and it's happy both beside your TV or in the office.
As with all Macs, there's an elusive premium that comes with the overall software experience, and those placing a high value on OS X and the bundled iLife suite may find the compromises here acceptable.
But imagining how stellar this bundle of joy could have been with a Blu-ray drive or any drive is an impossible vision to shake. Perhaps it's just getting more difficult to logically recommend a Mac desktop, particularly one that's underpowered for serious AV work and near impossible to upgrade. Apple has fine-tuned its laptop options in such a way that makes the revamped mini look underwhelming -- grandiose thoughts of an entry-level MacBook Air docked to a reasonably priced inch Thunderbolt Display continue to find their way into our brains.
If you're still fixated on the beauty here, our honest recommendation is to pick up last year's model as it inevitably drops in price and in turn, increases in value. We've been looking long and hard for an ideal use-case for this guy, and sadly, we've yet to find it.
All products recommended by Engadget were selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company, Verizon Media. If you buy something through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Buyer's Guide. US Edition.
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- 2011 Mac Mini goes Sandy Bridge: Specs, details and our thoughts.
Grade B Refurbished. Hassle Free 90 Days Warranty Built-in Thunderbolt technology lets you daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt peripherals, including the new Apple Thunderbolt Display, to a single port. Encased in a smooth, futuristic 7. Released in July , this entry-level Mac Mini is ideal for basic productivity and graphics. Compared to its predecessor, the mid Mac Mini offers a faster processor, architecture, RAM, graphics, and improved wireless capabilities. The Mac Mini aluminum unibody case contains the Intel dual-core i5 with a 3 MB shared level 3 cache for quick, smooth processing capabilities.
Mac mini (Mid ) - Technical Specifications
With built-in Other connectivity features include a Firewire port, four USB 2. The Thunderbolt port is backward compatible with the Mini Display Port and supports an external monitor with a by pixel display while passing an audio signal as well. This Apple computer will support simultaneous dazzling displays at by and by through its two display ports. The dual monitor support will increase your productivity with two screens for large spreadsheets, multiple side-by-side pages, or multiple apps simultaneously.
You can choose to display one image across two monitors or run two completely different sets of programs.
Lightning and Thunderbolt
Upgrades for this Mac are easy for anyone to perform. Dual capabilities also extend to the built-in storage. There is also room for a second hard drive or SSD to be installed inside the aluminum enclosure. Let's get to the specs: Post Your Comment Please log in or sign up to comment. Privacy Policy.
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