Three models of the Mac mini will include 512 MB of memory, with the starting price remaining at $499.
Apple launched its Mac mini with 256 MB of memory in January of this year. That model debuted with a price of $499, a 1.25 GHz processor, and a 40GB hard drive.
If you decided to hold off on picking up one at that time, Apple has a new deal for you. Three Mac mini models have become available from the Apple online store and its retailers. The configuration for the base $499 model has been updated from the minimal 256 MB DDR RAM to 512 MB.
Two new models of the Mac mini will also ship with 512 MB of memory on board. A $599 investment increases the hard drive from 40 to 80 GB, adds AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g networking and Bluetooth functionality, and ships with a 1.42 GHz PowerPC processor.
The top-end model at $699 adds a DVD RW SuperDrive to the listed configuration for the $599 version. All of the models will ship with Apple’s Mac OS X version 10.4 Tiger, as well as Apple’s lifestyle applications: iLife, GarageBand, and iTunes among many others.
Apple has outfitted the Mac mini with one FireWire and two USB 2.0 ports, plus built-in 10/100 Base-T Ethernet. Purchasers have the option of expanding that 512 MB of memory to 1 GB for an additional fee.
The Cupertino-based company’s iBook G4 portables have received a speed boost, with new models carrying 1.33 or 1.42 GHz PowerPC processors, and 512 MB of RAM onboard like the higher-level Mac minis.
A 12-inch iBook prices at $999 and includes a ComboDrive and a 40 GB hard drive. The 14-inch iBook at $1299 improves on that with the faster processor, a SuperDrive, and an 80 GB hard drive in place.
David Utter is a staff writer for murdok covering technology and business. Email him here.
