The new Mac mini is available in two models that feature a 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, up to 320GB Serial ATA hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800 and a SuperDrive. The new Mac mini features NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics for up to five times better graphics performance than before and now with dual display support can drive two Apple or third-party displays with Mini DisplayPort or DVI connections.

The new 2.0 GHz Mac mini has a suggested retail price of $599 (US) and includes:

• 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 1GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable up to 4GB;
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;
• 120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• Mini DisplayPort and mini-DVI for video output (adapters sold separately);
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 BASE-T);
• five USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port; and
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog.

The $799 model, includes 2GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable up to 4GB and a 320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm.

Build-to-order options include a 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB RAM, 120GB, 250GB or 320GB hard disk drives.

Here are the two updated configurations…

1.83GHz: Combo Drive Model

• 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• 1GB memory
• 80GB hard drive
• $599.

2.0GHz: SuperDrive Model

• 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• 1GB memory
• 120GB hard drive
• $799.

Both models are available now.

The Mac mini comes bundled with the amazing new iLife ’08, Front Row and includes the Apple Remote (a nice little companion for controlling a Mac’d Ride). Another sweet accessory, just announced by Apple is the new ultra-slim, anodized aluminum wireless bluetooth keyboard. The keyboard features special function keys for one-touch access to Mac features like play/pause, volume, etc. The keyboard looks sleek and compact for stashing away under a car seat when not in use. The new wireless keyboard retails for $79.

The systems come bundled with Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger, iLife ’06, iWork ’06 (30-day trial), Front Row, Big Bang Board Games, Comic Life and OmniOutliner. The base price of the new Mac mini has been increased $100, bringing the price up to $599 for the Solo and $799 for the Duo.

Thankfully the design and footprint of the Mac mini have not changed and will continue to be an idea in-car media solution – we can’t wait to get our hands in one of these powerhouses. It’s great to have FrontRow and the Apple Remote officially supported and included with the Mac mini. The additional two USB ports will help to simplify our installs by taking a USB hub out of the equation. Overall an excellent upgrade for the already capable Mac mini. Both new models are available today.

Rumors have been bandied about in the blogosphere regarding the anticipated Mac mini revision. Well, the wait is over and the new 1.5GHz (formerly 1.42GHz) and 1.33GHz (formerly 1.25GHz) models are now shipping.

What else do you get in the revised models?

• An updated Boot ROM version 4.9.4f0
• Hard drives were upgraded to 5,400-rpm models
• The SuperDrive equipped Mac mini features a new 8x dual-layer SuperDrive from Matshita (Panasonic), which supports 5x DVD-RAM burning along with 8x DVD+/-R support, 4x DVD+/-RW support, and 24x CD-R Support. DVD-RAM support is not enabled on the Apple drive, however.
• The graphics card is still the ATI Radeon 9200, but now has 64MB VRAM at 64MB (up from 32MB). However, it still cannot support Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger’s Core Image technology.
• The new Mac mini features Bluetooth 2.0+EDR support.

The update to the Mac mini is pretty minor. But there were some surprises – don’t be alarmed if the outer box has is mislabeled with the older configuration!

Apparently, the box labels will continue to list the older specifications without any indication if there is a newer or older system inside. The theory is that it will help Apple to clear out current inventory without lowering prices.

Essentially, they are promising customers that the Mac mini they purchase will include specifications “at least” equal to the label, but that their system may exceed those. However, if you ended up with the “older configuration,” you can’t return the system in the hopes of getting the newer configuration without paying a restocking fee.

There are now three models:

• Base Model: 1.25GHz G4 CPU, 512MB RAM, 40GB Hard Drive, and Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive ($499)
• Faster Wireless Model: 1.42GHz G4 CPU, 512MB RAM, 80GB Hard Drive, Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive, both Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme networking ($599)
• Faster Wireless Model with SuperDrive: 1.42GHz G4 CPU, 512MB RAM, 80GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW) drive, both Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme networking ($699)

The new Mac mini is also BYODKM (bring your own display, keyboard and mouse) and will work with most USB keyboards and mice (including three-button mice). The Mac mini supports any display that has a DVI or VGA connector at resolutions up to 1920 by 1200 for DVI and 1920 by 1080 VGA. Users can simply use their existing Mac or PC peripherals with the Mac mini.

The Mac mini comes loaded with the latest version of OS X and the newly introduced iLife suite of digital media applications. It’s 1.25GHz or 1.42GHz G4 processor makes it a very respectable machine capable of running the thousands of available OS X software titles.

While Apple touts the new Mac as being ideal for anyone looking to get started with Mac OS X, the small size and capabilities of the Mini make it a perfect solution for a Mac based home or mobile media center. The physical size of the Mac mini is 6.5″ deep by 6.5″ wide by 2″ tall, a perfect size for in-car installation – stay tuned!