Lesson 13. About Mac mini Models

Time

This lesson takes approximately 1 hour to complete.

Goals

Describe the key features of the Mac mini models

Explain the differences in the Mac mini models

Locate technical specifications for the Mac mini models

On January 11, 2005, Apple unveiled the Mac mini, a new desktop computer designed specifically for the consumer and education switcher markets. Mac mini features a radically different form factor and an aggressive pricing structure. Additionally, a keyboard and mouse are not included with the system; they must be purchased separately.

Visually, the Mac mini is comparable to the Power Mac G4 Cube because, most notably, it ships without a display and is small. The Mac mini footprint is an impressive 6.5 inches square by 2 inches tall, and it weighs only 2.9 pounds. (In contrast, the Power Mac G4 Cube was quite a bit larger, coming in at a whopping 8 inches square by 10 inches tall and weighing 14 pounds.)

The following chart outlines the major technical differences among the Mac mini models. Use this chart to distinguish between various models and to determine the capabilities of each.

Mac mini

Lesson Review

1. What is the lowest speed of the CPU in any Mac mini introduced before September 2006?

a. 1.0 GHz

b. 1.25 GHz

c. 1.42 GHz

2. How large is the L2 cache in the Mac mini (January 2005)?

a. 128 KB

b. 256 KB

c. 512 KB

3. True or false: The Mac mini comes with Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Base-T).

4. What type of optical drive comes in the “Best” Mac mini (Late 2006)?

a. CD-ROM

b. Combo

c. SuperDrive

5. What brand of graphics controller is used in the Mac mini?

a. ATI

b. NVIDIA

c. AGP

6. Which Mac mini model first featured the Intel Core Duo processor?

7. This figure shows the back of the Mac mini (Early 2006). Name as many I/O ports as you can. Use the Answer Key to fill in any you may have missed.

Answer Key

1. b

2. c

3. False—the Mac Mini comes with 10/100Base-T Ethernet, but the Mac mini (Early 2006) and the Mac mini (Late 2006) both come with Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T).

4. c

5. a

6. Mac mini (Early 2006) 1.66 GHz

7. A. Power button; B. Security slot; C. Audio-in/optical audio-in port; D. Headphone-out/optical audio-out port; E. Power port; F. 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet port; G. FireWire 400 port; H. DVI video-out port; I. USB 2.0 ports