MacVroom

Contrary to some reports of the Mac mini’s demise, Apple updated our little buddy with 1.83 GHz and 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo processors. The upgraded Mac mini includes up to 2GB of RAM, integrated GMA 950 graphics, gigabit ethernet, 802.11g wireless and bluetooth 2.0. You can also upgrade to a 160GB hard drive for all your music and video needs.

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.

I’d like to apologize to the readers of MacVroom.com for the lack of posts over the past couple months. The MacVroom team has been extremely busy with our new startup company - ContentRobot. Fear not, we have adjusted to our new work schedule and we are back! We even pulled out our Toyota MR2 and are excited to continue documenting our install. We also have plans for another detailed Mac mini install, and a couple other cool things up our sleeve, so stay tuned!

We’d also love to hear from our readers on the types of stories you’d like to see on MacVroom. Leave your requests over in our forums or shoot us an email.

Thanks,
Dana Rockel
Publisher, MacVroom.com

Amazon.com is offering $25 off the new Intel-based Mac minis via mail-in rebate. This offer ends tomorrow (March 21st), so head on over and save a few bucks…

1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo Mac mini
1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo Mac mini

It’s hard to believe a year has passed since we launched MacVroom. What started as a little place to document our findings on installing Macs in cars, is now a well-trafficked site with a wealth of information.

We’d like to thank everyone that has participated in creating our stories and sharing in our forums. Our community is what makes MacVroom a success!

Today Apple unveiled two new Intel-based Mac mini systems that are up to four times faster than previous G4 models. The high-end model sports a 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo processor and the lower-end model comes with a 1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo processor. Both systems now include built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet, built-in AirPort Extreme WiFi, built-in Bluetooth, four USB 2.0 ports (up from two in previous models), one FireWire 400 port, an optical digital and analog audio in/out, and built-in mono speaker.

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.

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New to this years Macworld Expo is the official Macworld Auto Show, which featured our pal Matt Turner’s VW Mac mini install and five other cars tricked out with various iPod integration solutions. It was great to finally see Matt’s install in person, the craftsmanship of his install is amazing.

We also had the opportunity to chat with Matt about his new company 2point5 which is manufacturing the spec.dock, a collection of custom iPod docks that are easily installed (typically in the ashtray location) and provide a stealthy and factory-installed appearance. You can read more about the spec.dock and all the other various iPod solutions on our sister site TuneVroom.com.

You can view higher resolutions images from the Macworld Auto Show here.

The MacVroom team had a great time meeting and talking with exhibitors and visitors to the Macworld expo today. The day started with many of the Mac faithful clamoring to follow the keynote, which was not available as a live web stream this year. Thankfully MacRumors had an excellent auto-refreshing AJAX-based web page that fed everyones appetite for up-to-the-minute information.
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Unfortunately, the Mac mini was not one of the new systems to be outfitted with the new Intel dual-core processor, but the performance of the newly announced iMac and MacBook Pro looks promising. It’s only a matter of time before our Mac’d rides are outfitted with the new zippy Intel processor.

Here are a few sites that will be providing live coverage of the Steve Jobs keynote at Macworld today…

Uneasysilence
Spy Mac
Mac Daily News
MacNN
MacRumors

MacVroom would like to invite everyone to visit our sister site TuneVroom.com. This new site is a companion to MacVroom.com and focuses in installing iPods in your car. Like MacVroom, TuneVroom provides up-to-date information on iPod car integration news, new product releases, reviews, and user installs. The site also has a comprehensive product catalog and plenty of tips to help determine the best way to iPod your ride.

Take some time to check out the new site and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear any suggestions on the types of stories that our readers would be interested in.

We are happy to announce that the MacVroom crew will be at the Macworld Conference and Expo in San Francisco on January 10th through the 13th. We will be providing show coverage on all related Mac car integration news and products.

If you are heading to the show, make sure to check out the Macworld Auto Show that will be showcasing the latest in iPod integration as well as Mac mini installs.

If any of our readers are interested in meeting up to chat, feel free to drop us a line or use the uber-cool Jambo social networking tool to track us down at the show.

Visit MacVroom’s Jambo DiscoverMe Page