Mac mini Late 2006

The Apple Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.83 is built with a 1.83 GHz Intel "Core Duo" (T2400) processor, featuring a 2 MB on-chip L2 cache and a 667 MHz frontside bus. It includes 512 MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300), an 80 GB Serial ATA hard drive operating at 5400 RPM, a slot-loading 2.4X double-layer "SuperDrive", and an Intel GMA950 graphics processor that shares 64 MB of DDR2 SDRAM with main memory.

Connectivity options include DVI (with a DVI-to-VGA adapter provided), Firewire "400", four USB 2.0 ports, combined "optical digital audio input/audio line in" and "optical digital audio output/headphone" minijacks, a 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet port, and integrated AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. While it does not have a built-in 56k modem, an external Apple USB Modem was available for US$49.

Like the Mac mini G4 versions, its internal hardware is cleverly packed into a tiny, elegant 2.9 lb, 6.5-inch square, two-inch-tall case with an integrated speaker and an external power adapter.

The Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.83 also includes an Apple Remote for use with Apple's Front Row media software. The "Core" systems were shipped without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but numerous Apple and third-party accessories were available.

The Late 2006 Mac mini with a 1.83GHz Core Duo processor was a modest refresh, offering a slight speed bump over its predecessor. It inherited the same strengths and weaknesses: a zippy dual-core processor that represented a huge leap from the PowerPC era, packaged in an elegantly compact chassis. The inclusion of a SuperDrive and the Front Row media experience made it a more capable digital hub. However, it was still saddled with the anemic Intel GMA950 integrated graphics, which severely limited its 3D performance and made it unsuitable for gaming. The standard 512MB of RAM was also considered insufficient for a smooth experience in OS X, often requiring an immediate and tricky upgrade. It was a good, affordable entry into the Mac world, but its potential felt constrained by the weak graphics and minimal base memory configuration.