Apple Introduces Intel Based Mac mini
At a special event Tuesday on the company's Cupertino campus, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced a new Intel based Mac mini, marking the arrival of the third Macintosh to transition to the new platform. The diminutive computer comes in the same form factor as the G4 version, but promises to be 2.5 to 3.2 times faster than its predecessor.
A 1.5 GHz single- and 1.67 GHz dual-core version of the Mac mini would be available. The system includes gigabit Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports, as well as analog and SPDIF audio outputs. The low-end model with combo drive and 60GB hard drive will run $599 USD, while the dual-core Mac mini with SuperDrive and 80GB hard drive is priced at $799.
"Fifty percent of our entire product line is now available with Intel processors, in less than sixty days," said Jobs in his keynote address.
All Mac minis will include iLife '06, Bluetooth, Airport Extreme and DVI video out.
As expected, the mini will ship with Apple's Front Row media interface and six-button remote control. Apple has designed the Mac mini to easily link up with a television to serve as a media receiver.
A new feature in Front Row enables support for listening to music, photos and videos shared from other machines on the network.