Apple release new Mac minis

The MacBook Air wasn’t the only hardware to get a refresh today, Apple also released new Mac minis with Intel Sandy Bridge processors and high-speed Thunderbolt I/O ports. They also removed something from the previous generation – the optical disc drive! The new models, which are available to order today, range in price from £529 ($599) for the base model, to £849 ($999) for a server version.

From Apple’s press release:

“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.”

Specifications & prices:

2.3GHz: 500GB 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 2GB memory, 500GB hard drive, Intel HD Graphics 3000 = £529 ($599).

2.5GHz: 500GB – 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 4GB memory, 500GB hard drive, AMD Radeon HD 6630M = £699 ($799).

2.0GHz: Dual 500GB (server version) – 2.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, 4GB memory, Dual 500GB 7200-rpm hard drives, Intel HD Graphics 3000 = £849 ($999).

Configuration options:

All the new Mac minis can be maxed out to 8GB of RAM.

The 2.3GHz 500GB model’s hard drive can be upgraded to 750GB.

The 2.5GHz 500GB mini has a wider choice of storage options, including the option to include just an SSD (solid state drive), or a standard hard drive plus an SSD.

The 2.0GHz Dual 500GB server version has even more storage options – you can choose between 2 x 750GB hard drives, a single 256GB SSD, a 750GB hard drive plus a single 256GB SSD, or 2 x 256GB SSDs.

Will you be buying one of the new minis? Let us know by leaving a comment below.