iFixit breaks down the new Mac mini
The folks at iFixit have carefully taken apart a mid-2010 Mac mini and documented the process for all to see. This new case is a lot thinner and fatter than its predecessor. The whole thing is machined from a single block of aluminum and impressive-looking.The most striking change to anyone who's opened a previous-generation mini is the screw-off bottom. With a simple counter-clockwise twist, you've got access to the RAM bay and fan. No more putty knife. Well done, Apple!
Apple's designers got creative with this machine in a number of ways. The unibody construction required the two antennas to be carefully placed next to the logic board. Also, the fan has a very high number of blades so it can push a maximum amount of air. The fan's screws are isolated with rubber dampers to keep noise to a minimum.
Getting at the hard drive (iFixit's unit only had one) is an ordeal. Expect to remove just about every other part before gaining access. And I thought the white iBook was a pain to take apart.
Meanwhile, the folks at Macminicolo have taken apart a dual-drive mini meant to be used as a server. That second drive is much easier to get at than that in the single-drive model. They also provided some nice side-by-side shots with a white plastic mini; the aluminum model is so much better looking it's not funny. The whole thing is three pounds, and macminicoloco says, "It feels less like a brick...and more like a laptop without a screen."
Finally, Macworld kept their unit in one piece and did a point-by-point comparison to the Apple TV. Could the mini be the next-generation Apple TV in disguise? By comparing features like connections, physical media, content and price (a biggie, as the new mini is seven hundred bucks), Chris Breen fills in the details while letting the readers make final judgement. As for me, I'd love to swap my Apple TV for a sleek new mini.
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The folks at iFixit have carefully taken apart a mid-2010 Mac mini and documented the process for all to see. This new case is a lot...
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Looks like Apple have now complete the transition from the 165mm-square form-factor / external power brick (old mac-mini, airport extreme) to the larger 197mm-square form-factor / internal psu (new mini, apple TV, time capsule). Makes for a tidier set-up but the new Mini is certainly not as "mini" any more nor anywhere near as cheap.
June 19 2010 at 10:48 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyConsidering the addition of the HDMI connection on the Mini and (I only just noticed this) that the Apple TV doesn't get a featured spot on the front page of the store(I had to do a search to find it) I'd say the ATV's days are numbered...
June 17 2010 at 6:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAlthough everything LOOKS GREAT, I think Apple and others have forgotten the INTENT of the Mac mini. It was released to be a LOW COST upgrade path for Mac users who already owned a monitor, keyboard, & mouse. The other INTENT was to LURE PC users to a LOW COST, ENTRY LEVEL Mac that they could just replace their WHOLE CPU and enter the MAC EXPERIENCE. One of the FAULTS of the NEW Mac mini is the COST, $699!! I would NOT call that AFFORDABLE by any stretch of the imagination! Look at the parts inside. Can anyone guess the Cost to Manufacture? (please excuse the CAPS, I only use them to emphasize words, not yelling)
June 17 2010 at 4:12 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replycorrect me if I'm wrong but aren't they still putting SLOW 5400 rpm drives in the non-server version? that stinks!
I just bought a mini and that's the first thing I did was putting in a larger faster drive along with my own memory and then it screams.
It's stupid to put the 7200 rpm drives in the server edition and not offer it in the other.
can't wait until solid state drives are affordable!!!!!!!!!!
As nice as it is, given the bump in price I'm glad I got one earlier this year.
June 17 2010 at 12:39 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply"This new case is a lot thinner and fatter than its predecessor"
It is BOTH thinner AND fatter?!?! Thus is truly an amazing product :)
...also a return of the internal backup battery
June 17 2010 at 12:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply"Expect to remove just about every other part before gaining access. And I thought the white iBook was a pain to take apart."
- Great just what apple tech's need, its probably a low tier paid repair aswell.
This kinda reminds me of the dome iMac. Fun times ahead for us ACMT's
Even though you have to take out the logic board to get to the hard drive, it really doesn't look all that bad...at least in comparison to the hassle of old iBook
June 17 2010 at 1:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot Apps on TUAW
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