Apple Updates the Mac mini with Faster Processors, Thunderbolt Ports

Photo courtesy of Jason Snell at Six Colors.

At its media event held earlier today in Cupertino, Apple announced an update to its Mac mini line.

“People love Mac mini. It’s a great first Mac or addition to your home network, and the new Mac mini is a nice upgrade packed into an incredibly compact design,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With the latest CPU and graphics, faster Wi-Fi, two Thunderbolt 2 ports, OS X Yosemite, and starting at just $499, the new Mac mini is the best value ever.”

Described by Phil Schiller’s as “the world’s most efficient” desktop computer, the new Mac mini comes with two Thunderbolt 2 ports, new fourth generation Intel Core processors, and 802.11ac WiFi. Packing an “entire Mac experience” in a small 7.7-inch-square frame, the new Mac mini will come pre-installed with OS X Yosemite and also offer four USB 3 ports.

Mac mini makes everyday tasks a breeze with fourth-generation Intel Core processors, a flash storage option that’s up to 50 percent faster, and wireless performance up to three times quicker than its predecessor. With Intel Iris Graphics or Intel HD Graphics 5000, it also delivers graphics performance up to 90 percent faster than the previous generation. And with great connectivity features like Thunderbolt 2 and support for HDTV, Mac mini makes the perfect centerpiece to any setup.

The new Mac mini comes in three configurations, with the base model starting at $499 for 4 GB of RAM and a 500GB (5400-rpm) hard drive.

Bad news: No longer able to upgrade Mac mini RAM on your own. Not so bad news: Apple only charges $200 for 16GB now.

— Brian Stucki (@brianstucki) October 16, 2014

A few details: A second Thunderbolt 2 port replaces the Firewire, three versions with 500GB, 1TB, 1TB Fusion, 8GB RAM in $699 and $999 mini

— Macminicolo (@macminicolo) October 16, 2014

Apple’s new Mac mini is available today. You can read more details at Apple’s website and browse the tech specs here; Apple’s official press release is available here.

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