Apple Macintosh Mini
[Vin175]
The Apple Macintosh Mini, introduced in 2005, was notable for being the most compact and affordable Macintosh model, offering a small footprint with silent, cool operation. It was significant for bringing the power of Mac OS into a tiny, versatile desktop form factor, making it accessible for users needing a space-saving yet capable Mac compatible with standard keyboards, mice, and displays. Its popularity stemmed from combining the Macintosh’s legacy of ease of use and broad software compatibility with modern connectivity options such as USB, Ethernet, and video output ports, helping bridge classic Mac computing and contemporary needs.
- Manufacturer: Apple Computer Inc.
- Model: Mini
- Released: 2005
- Type: Personal Computer
- Cost at release: CAD ~$1,000 (adjusted for inflation)
- MIPS: 2-3
Hardware Specifications
- CPU: 1.25 GHz or 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 (7447a) with 512KB L2 cache and 167 MHz system bus.
- Memory: 256 MB or 512 MB PC2700 (333 MHz) DDR SDRAM, expandable to 1 GB.
- Graphics: ATI Radeon 9200 with 32 MB DDR SDRAM, AGP 4x support.
- Storage: 40 GB or 80 GB Ultra ATA hard drive.
- Optical Drive: Slot-loading Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW); optional SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW).
- Ports: Two USB 2.0, one FireWire 400, DVI (with VGA adapter), headphone/audio out.
- Networking: 10/100BASE-T Ethernet; optional 56K V.92 modem, AirPort Extreme (802.11g), Bluetooth.
- Dimensions: 2 inches (5.08 cm) height, 6.5 inches (16.51 cm) width and depth.
- Weight: ~1.32 kg
Operating System & Programming Languages
- O/S: Mac OS X 10.3 Panther (minimum 10.3.7 for early models) or 10.4 Tiger, and supported upgrades to Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard as the final official version,
- Programming Languages:
- Compiled languages: C, C++, Objective-C (primary for Mac apps via Xcode), Fortran.
- Scripting: AppleScript, Python, Perl, Ruby, Bash/shell.
- Virtualized or emulated: Java, JavaScript; Classic Mac OS 9 apps (via Classic environment) supported languages like HyperCard, REALbasic; unofficial patches allowed Mac OS 9 native booting for legacy tools.
Notables
- Apple’s first low-end consumer Mac since 1998, launched January 2005 at Macworld for $499 USD (BYODKM: Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, Mouse) to lure Windows users via iPod “halo effect.”
- Compact design (2″ tall, 2.9 lbs) echoed failed G4 Cube but succeeded as affordable entry, spawning Mac hosting services and server variants.
- First (and only) Intel Mac with single-core Core Solo processor in 2006 model; PowerPC G4 original was last sub-$500 Mac.
- Redefined small-form-factor desktops, evolved into 40+ editions, remains Apple’s cheapest Mac line.
Donated by: Dr. Prosenjit Bose