Manage updates with the Download AppApple Mac Mini (2.5GHz Core i5, Summer 2011)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MC816LL/A
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Apple's new $799 Mac Mini demands that you abandon disc-based media, and that you surround it with potentially expensive extra hardware to realize its full benefits. It makes most sense for committed Mac users, those who need it for a specific niche-case, or for those who value design over functionality for the dollar.
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Where to buy
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 |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/22/2013 |
| Memory4Less.com | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 05/22/2013 Refurbished |
CNET editors' review
Apple Mac Mini (2.5GHz Core i5, Summer 2011) price range: $649.99 - $1,621.12
- Reviewed by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 07/21/2011
- Released on: 07/20/2011
The good: The new Mac Mini boasts Apple's usual design leadership, as well as new internal components that nearly double its performance compared with that of the older model.
The bad: Some users will find the lack of an optical drive too forward-looking, and may struggle to understand the benefits of the Thunderbolt port. The new Mac Mini also offers suspect value compared with Windows PCs in the same price range.
The bottom line: Apple's new $799 Mac Mini demands that you abandon disc-based media, and that you surround it with potentially expensive extra hardware to realize its full benefits. It makes most sense for committed Mac users, those who need it for a specific niche-case, or for those who value design over functionality for the dollar.
User reviews
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Huge improvements over last gen--no ODD, fine with me
by rgs1218 on July 22, 2011
Pros: Huge bump in processor speed, option for multiple HDD or SSD, choice of dedicated GPU, great connectivity options (USB, FW800, HDMI, Thunderbolt), great form factor and even easier to upgrade components yourself
Cons: No option to upgrade GPU on high end Server model. Price a bit high but still in line with previous years pricing.
Summary: First, let's get this out of the way--I can see how the absence of an optical disk drive can be an obstacle for some people but some of the ...
Summary: First, let's get this out of the way--I can see how the absence of an optical disk drive can be an obstacle for some people but some of the reviews I'm reading are speaking like it's the end of the world. People said the same think over a decade ago when Apple was the first to ditch the floppy drive and look how much longer it stuck around. Get over it people, physical media for computing is going the way of the Dodo. It isn't needed to install software any longer and isn't even needed to recover a crashed system using Lion. If you are getting the Mini to serve as a HTPC so that you can watch DVDS, you are wasting a whole lot of money. The point of a HTPC (and/or media server) is to house your media digitally and get rid of those damn disks. And to those of you forsaking the Mini because you'd have to buy and external (a whole $50, maybe less if you go third party route), your loss.
Performance:
This new Mini is a huge leap forward from previous generations. If now has processing power comparable to Apple's other products and now even has the option for a nice dedicated graphics card. Benchmarks of the Mac Mini Server done using Geekbench have it over 9400--nearing the performance of higher end iMacs and Macbook Pros
Design:
Nothing else on the market compares--small footprint, solid aluminum case, beautifully simple.
Great connectivity options--USB, FW800, SDXC card slot, HDMI, and Thunderbolt. I'm aware that there aren't many available peripherals at the moment but most of us own a computer for more than a few months so I'm guessing it'll get some use over the next few years. And it's based on DisplayPort tech so it's backwards compatible and there are tons of DisplayPort compatible peripherals available. And unlike USB, you can daisy-chain with it.
Yes, the price if higher than similar spec'd PC models but so are all Apple products. Apple computers are premium products--terrific design using high end materials and exceptional build quality--so yes, they do command a premium price. Most importantly though, you get access to what many consider to be the primary reason for buying/using a Mac--OS X. That alone is worth the price for me.9 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worthless until Lion issues are fixed.
by Nena1510 on July 21, 2011
Pros: Improved graphics, selectable processor upgrades, some of the features of Lion sound useful (Autosave and Verisions).
Cons: Ships only with the new operating system, Lion and downgrading to Snow Leopard is not recommended. Lion does not support Java natively (it must be downloaded as an add on and does not work with all plugins). I don't have enough time or energy to list al
Summary: I had been greatly anticipating the release of the new Mac mini. I have an older model that is just a bit limited due to processor speed and graphics. However, ...
Summary: I had been greatly anticipating the release of the new Mac mini. I have an older model that is just a bit limited due to processor speed and graphics. However, this little machine can be used for more than an entertainment device. I use mine for data analysis (OS X is UNIX based), design layout, and publishing. I was so looking forward to the rumored i5 processor, and low and behold, I can even get the i7. The lack of an integrated SuperDrive is an easy work around, but indicates to me where Apple is heading - forcing everything to be bought online - preferably (by them) from the App Store. The top three out of four features on Apple's Lion site involve App management. Thus, the feeling I get from Apple's latest offering is a unit designed to function as a shopping channel, social media kiosk, or entertainment toy.
8 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great machine...well used to be
by MarqBland on July 22, 2011
Pros: Slim design, powerhouse
Cons: No optical drive, $700 and no keyboard or mouse
Summary: I loved the Mac Mini and was attempting to talk my father into getting one. He currently has a windows PC and I'm sick of having to constantly repair ...
Summary: I loved the Mac Mini and was attempting to talk my father into getting one. He currently has a windows PC and I'm sick of having to constantly repair his computer because he's clicked on the wrong thing or something. As a current MBP user, I saw the benefit of being able to lock him out of things on the computer much easier than I could on his PC. We were talking about getting the Mac Mini, however there is NO WAY I will be able to sell him on this without at least a DVD drive. For me, I could easily carry on without one, however, for him, he will see it as value taken away that there is no DVD drive and the computer is expensive. It may be a cheaper Mac, but it's still an expensive computer. I know you can spend $80 on their optical drive (or buy a cheaper one), however, after spending $800 on a computer with no keyboard or mouse, why would I want to buy something additional. I was ok with the keyboard and mouse extra and had talked him through that...now one more critical thing. Apple should at least give an option for an optical drive. On their website they say they removed it to use the space for faster processors and all that jazz, however, there is 1/8 of an inch internal for a second hard drive...which means the space an optical drive could fit in has nothing to do with what they have improved on. Huge mistake on Mac's part. This computer isn't for power users, the aim is at simple users who will be alienated by the lack of an optical drive. Argh!
9 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Steve Jobs strikes again!
by JimPratt3 on July 22, 2011
Pros: Still an amazing little computer.
Cons: Less = more? I think not!
Summary: Here we go again. His Majesty Steve Jobs with the God complex is deciding for the rest of us that we don't need to have the CURRENT TECHNOLOGY which ...
Summary: Here we go again. His Majesty Steve Jobs with the God complex is deciding for the rest of us that we don't need to have the CURRENT TECHNOLOGY which every other computer offers. First it was Flash, not its the DVD drive? C'mon!
6 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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For HTPC useres, stick with the prev. generation
by cublynx on July 21, 2011
Pros: Sound via HDMI, improved graphics, better CPU/Chipset, SD Slot
Cons: For HTPC users, the missing DVD drive is a deal breaker. Sure you can get an external one, but that kind of ruins the simplicity of a small unit meant for theater use. SD Slot in rear, should be in the front for ease of use, regardless of your Mini's pu
Summary:
I currently have the late 2009 model, and my neighbor just got the new Summer 2011. Helped him setup up Boxee, VLC, Chrome, and etc. ...
Updated on Jul 22, 2011Summary:
I currently have the late 2009 model, and my neighbor just got the new Summer 2011. Helped him setup up Boxee, VLC, Chrome, and etc. It works great for his needs, but he is extremely disappointed that it has no optical drive. I had a spare Asus USB DVD drive, and it works, but more peripherals that take USB, the less there is for later. Overall, we were both impressed, but honestly, we both like the previous generations.
Updated on Jul 22, 2011
I understand the world is turning towards Cloud computing, and its services, but its still a bit to early for Apple to abandon the optical drive.8 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Too many people still use optical drives
by jdubb1500 on July 22, 2011
Pros: Faster, More Memory.
Cons: No Optical Drive. Was able to download digital versions already...
Summary: Too many people still use optical drives for this to be practical for its market. Plenty of people that are not "tech-savvy" have large DVD collections and Blu-Ray collections. CDs ...
Summary: Too many people still use optical drives for this to be practical for its market. Plenty of people that are not "tech-savvy" have large DVD collections and Blu-Ray collections. CDs carry more value than an mp3 download...for the same price you get the actual medium, booklets and various collectables along WITH the ability to rip those songs to mp3 for ANY pc/mac/linux with an optical drive. Not the same as zip drive or floppy, they were never the multimedia giants that CD/DVD/Blu-Ray are. USB replaced zip and floppy. Hard to make a case that digital replaces optical media since majority of those media contain rip-able digital formats anyway...just losing value for same price with digital version only. Sorry for the rant, the Mac Mini is a great device, just should've upgraded to Blu-Ray burner instead of erasing optical all together
7 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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harsh ratings
by adlchau on July 23, 2011
Pros: design, performance
Cons: price, lack of optical drive
Summary: i think the user reviews given here are a bit harsh, they pretty much say everything is good but the lack of an optical drive and the price and give ...
Summary: i think the user reviews given here are a bit harsh, they pretty much say everything is good but the lack of an optical drive and the price and give the mac mini about 1 star rating. personally i never use an optical drive but you can use the optical drive from another computer anyway so this shouldn't really be a problem. price is a bit high especially the upgrade to a 750GB HDD from 500GB costing something like $200 but overall is a great system
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Just made the older mac minis more popular
by DatabaseDoctor on July 22, 2011
Pros: I5 chips but nothing else
Cons: No DVD drive, Thunderdud port present but nothing works with it yet;
Summary: I was eagerly awaiting this new mac mini with the idea that this would be my first mac. I'm dying to get a mac and start playing but didn'...
Summary: I was eagerly awaiting this new mac mini with the idea that this would be my first mac. I'm dying to get a mac and start playing but didn't want to buy another laptop or a big monitor all in one. I was waiting for the new model with new core I5 chip and here it is! But no DVD? ***? Does Apple realize that bandwidth is being restricted even on DSL connections now? Like others, I have music on CD's and movies on DVD's that I DEMAND to have an optical drive to read. I'm not about to spend another 80 on an external.
So now I'll continue to wait or maybe by an older mac mini and upgrade it to lion. When Apple makes mistakes, they really blow it.6 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Lack of DVD drive makes it useless!
by deomac8 on July 22, 2011
Pros: The i5 processor and small size
Cons: Lack of DVD drive means you'll have to connect a USB one thus turning a nice looking machine into a horrible one.
Summary: I was going to buy the mac mini precisely to plug it into my sony bravia and use it as general home computer and to be able to watch movies ...
Summary: I was going to buy the mac mini precisely to plug it into my sony bravia and use it as general home computer and to be able to watch movies - DVD movies included... bad move.
6 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Mac Mini as a Media center with Elgato is hard to beat
by DeeXDee on July 23, 2011
Pros: Have just ordered a Mac Mini to replace my original CoreDuo Mac Mini which have used as a media centre for 4 years or so. Expect Lion to make this even easier to use. Great with iTunes and iPhoto as well as media browser. Now of course with HDMI so can
Cons: Had to order DVD burner as extra, not cheap way of creating a media centre, but iLife makes it worth while
Summary: Far better and easier to use than the Microsoft Media Player (tried that and didn't like it) - thanks to Elgato software. HDMI will improve quality.
Summary: Far better and easier to use than the Microsoft Media Player (tried that and didn't like it) - thanks to Elgato software. HDMI will improve quality.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MC816LL/A
- Description: Mac mini features a 1.4-inch-thin seamless unibody enclosure carved from a single, solid block of aluminum. It's created using computer numerical control, or CNC, machines - the same kind used by the aerospace industry to build mission-critical spacecraft components. This ensures absolute precision of every component of the Mac mini enclosure. Not to mention a stunning aluminum fit and finish that will make any desk proud. The power supply is built right into Mac mini. So there's no bulky brick, and there are fewer cables to connect. A removable panel on the bottom makes upgrading the memory completely painless. And once you're inside, you'll see how clean and organized Mac mini is. With attention paid to the tiniest details. Like the air intake vent. It's practically invisible. And when the fan is running, you'll barely hear it. Mac mini is full of big ideas. Built-in Thunderbolt technology lets you daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt peripherals, including the Apple Thunderbolt Display, to a single port. It also supports Mini DisplayPort peripherals you might already have, including the Apple LED Cinema Display. The HDMI port lets you connect Mac mini to your HDTV with a single cable. And a built-in SDXC card slot makes speedy work of transferring photos and videos from your digital cameras. Mac mini is designed without an optical disc drive. Because these days, you don't need one. It's easier than ever to download music and movies from the iTunes Store. And you can download apps from the Mac App Store with a click. So what did Apple do with all the extra space? Apple squeezed in more powerful processors, advanced graphics, and Thunderbolt technology. And removing the optical drive gave Apple room to do one more thing with Mac mini: lower its price. If you still want to burn discs, consider the external MacBook Air SuperDrive, which connects to Mac mini with a USB cable. The Thunderbolt port lets you connect up to six Thunderbolt devices, including the Apple Thunderbolt Display. You can also daisy-chain an Apple LED Cinema Display. Have a third-party display? Use the HDMI port and HDMI to DVI adapter that comes with Mac mini to connect it. You can even connect two displays to see more of your photos, movies, and documents at the same time. A built-in SDXC card slot makes it easy to grab all those photos and videos from your digital cameras. And four USB 2.0 ports and a FireWire 800 port let you plug in your keyboard, mouse, iPod, iPhone, iPad, digital camera, DV camcorder, external hard drive, printer, and just about any other device you use. The latest 802.11n wireless technology is built into every Mac mini. It automatically connects to your Wi-Fi network, so you can get right down to surfing the web, printing, and streaming your music wirelessly. Bluetooth wireless technology is also built in, so you can connect accessories such as a wireless keyboard and mouse. Plug your own display, keyboard, and mouse into Mac mini. Turn it on. And just like that, everything works together. That's one of the great things about Mac mini. You can mix and match it with almost anything. It's easy to connect Mac mini to the biggest screen in the house - your HDTV - courtesy of a built-in HDMI port. All it takes is one HDMI cable to start enjoying movies and TV shows from iTunes, surfing the web, and flipping through your photo library, all in brilliant HD. There's also a handy control that lets you adjust the output on Mac mini to fill even the biggest HDTV screen. And when you just want to listen to music, you can play your entire iTunes collection through your home entertainment center, or stream it to a set of speakers in any room via an AirPort Express Base Station.
General
- Desktop type Media center system
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Type Personal computer
- Product Form Factor Desktop slimline
- Built-in Devices Antenna,
Speaker - Localization English
Processor / Chipset
- Type Intel Core i5 2.5 GHz
- Number of Cores Dual-Core
- 64-bit Computing Yes
- CPU Qty 1
- Max CPU Qty 1
Cache Memory
- Installed Size L3 cache - 3 MB
- Cache Per Processor 3 MB
RAM
- Installed Size 4 GB,
8 GB (max) - Technology DDR3 SDRAM
- Memory Speed 1333 MHz
- Memory Specification Compliance PC3-10600
- Form Factor SO DIMM 204-pin
- Configuration Features 2 x 2 GB
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 50 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 5 - 95% (non-condensing)
- Sound Emission 16 dBA
Hard Drive
- Type HDD
- Capacity 500 GB,
1 - Interface Type Serial ATA-300 Serial ATA
- Spindle Speed 5400 rpm
Storage Controller
- Type 1 x Serial ATA - Integrated
- Controller Interface Type Serial ATA-300
Storage Controller (2nd)
- Type None
Hard Drive (3rd)
- Type None
Optical Storage
- Type None
Floppy Drive
- Type None
Optical Storage (2nd)
- Type None
Card Reader
- Type Card reader
- Supported Flash Memory Cards SD Memory Card,
SDXC Memory Card,
SDHC Memory Card Storage Removable
- Type None
Monitor
- Monitor Type none.
Graphics Controller
- Graphics Processor / Vendor AMD Radeon HD 6630M
- Video Memory 256 MB GDDR5 SDRAM
- Video Interfaces HDMI
- Max Monitors Supported 2
Audio Output
- Type Integrated
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Speaker(s) 1 x Mixed channel
Audio Input
- Type None
Telecom
- Modem None
Networking
- Type Integrated
- Wireless LAN Supported Yes
- Data Link Protocol Bluetooth 4.0,
IEEE 802.11a,
Fast Ethernet,
Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11n,
IEEE 802.11g - Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11g,
IEEE 802.11n,
Bluetooth 4.0,
IEEE 802.11a,
IEEE 802.11b Printer
- Type None
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included ( 1 pcs.),
HDMI-DVI adapter - Features Aluminum enclosure
Expansion / Connectivity
- Slots Memory,
2 (total) / 0 (free) x SDXC memory card SO DIMM 204-pin - Interfaces 1 x Thunderbolt,
1 x FireWire 800,
4 x USB 2.0,
1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones,
1 x Audio - SPDIF input/line-in,
1 x LAN (Gigabit Ethernet),
1 x HDMI Power
- Device Type Power supply
- Power AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
- Power Consumption Operational 85 Watt
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Apple Mac OS X Lion
- Software Apple iCal,
Apple QuickTime,
Apple iTunes,
Apple Dashboard,
Apple iMovie,
Apple Address Book,
Apple Safari,
Apple DVD Player,
Apple Mac App Store,
Apple Launchpad,
Apple Mission Control,
Apple FaceTime,
Apple Automator,
Apple Image Capture,
Apple Dictionary,
Apple Calculator,
Apple Preview,
Apple System Preferences,
Apple TextEdit,
Apple Stickies,
Apple iLife,
Apple Time Machine,
Apple iPhoto,
Photo Booth,
Apple Mac OS X Chess,
Apple Mac OS X Mail,
Apple GarageBand Dimensions & Weight
- Width 7.8 in
- Depth 7.8 in
- Height 1.4 in
- Weight 2.7 lbs
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year,
Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days Sustainability
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Yes
- EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Gold
- Greenpeace policy rating (Nov 2011) 4.6
- Greenpeace policy rating (Nov 2012) 4.5
Product series
-
Apple Mac Mini (2.5GHz Core i5, Summer 2011)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Intel Core i5 2.5 GHz,
4 GB,
/ 8 GB (max),
Apple Mac OS X Lion,
None,
AMD Radeon HD 6630M,
none.,
L3 cache,
3 MB -
Apple Mac Mini (2.3GHz Core i5, Summer 2011)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Intel Core i5 2.3 GHz,
2 GB,
/ 8 GB (max),
Apple Mac OS X Lion,
None,
Intel HD Graphics 3000 Shared video memory (UMA),
Integrated,
none.,
L3 cache,
3 MB -
Apple Mac Mini (Lion Server, Summer 2011)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Intel Core i7 2 GHz,
4 GB,
/ 8 GB (max),
Intel Core i7 (2 GHz),
DDR3 SDRAM,
500 GB Standard,
Apple Mac OS X Lion,
None,
Intel HD Graphics 3000 Shared video memory (UMA),
Integrated,
none.,
L3 cache,
6 MB
Accessories
- Corsair Mac Memory memory - 4 GB - SO DIMM 204-pin - DDR3 (34740973)24.99 - 37.99
- Kingston memory - 2 GB - SO DIMM 204-pin - DDR3 (34741119)15.63 - 18.99
- Corsair Mac Memory memory - 8 GB : 2 x 4 GB - SO DIMM 204-pin - DDR3 (34741108)44.99 - 62.37
- Kanex iAdapt V2 - video / audio adapter - DisplayPort / HDMI (34941909)19.99
- Premier Mounts ECM-MAC2 - mounting component (35089775)94.95
- Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard (32784878)115.68 - 168.67
- Intermec keyboard (35058896)478.19 - 517.50
- Kensington Notebook Keypad/Calculator with USB Hub - keypad (34991754)24.00
- Manhattan Numeric - keypad (34564735)10.32
- Unotron SpillSeal Meditech Magic Washable Antimicrobial Keyboard S6000KMT - keyboard (34666150)45.99
- Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (31485240)33.99 - 63.32
- Logitech Illuminated Keyboard (33264750)60.89 - 117.89
- Razer Lycosa (32640959)69.99 - 94.66
- Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution - keyboard and mouse set (32822577)124.99 - 224.79
- Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro (33300017)229.99
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Apple
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
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