LATE 2012 MAC MINI I7 2.6 QUAD CORE PORTABLE
LATE 2012 MAC MINI I7 2.6 QUAD CORE MAC

Despite the obvious pitfalls associated with HDDs (i.e., the likelihood of potential hardware failure and the like), users that pry open the device's bottom lid will only have access to the two SODIMM slots.

LATE 2012 MAC MINI I7 2.6 QUAD CORE MAC

Similarly, Apple remains unmoved in its determination to make just one aspect of the Mac mini swappable, and that would be the unit's expandable memory. Instead, we again received the lone HDMI to DVI adapter and that, folks, is just history repeating itself. Last year, we criticized the company for not including a Thunderbolt dongle in the box, but that critique apparently fell on deaf ears. Otherwise, the ports read from left to right exactly as they did on the 2011 model: power (still integrated), Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, full-sized HDMI, Thunderbolt, 4 x USB 3.0, SDXC slot, audio-in and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Though a quick glance at its back panel might mislead consumers into believing it's business as usual, there's actually a very significant change at play here - namely, the addition of high-speed USB 3.0. For what's it's worth, you can flip the device on its side should you be faced with space restrictions and need to squeeze it in amongst other office or A/V equipment, but it probably won't look as nice with its circular lid showing.ДЄs much as things change, they seem to stay the same, and that's quite true of this Mac mini refresh. Users interested in purchasing the optional Apple remote for home entertainment purposes will be glad to know this unit still features an IR receiver. It eschews hard angles for softly curved corners, enlivened by the occasional black accent (e.g., the logo on top, the strip around back housing the ports and the removable lid at the base). At 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 inches, it retains the basic square shape of its two predecessors. Much of this is due to the unit's diminutive dimensions, which remain unchanged since the mini was redesigned back in 2010.

(It's alright, you can keep it to yourself if you like.)Д«oiled down to its essence, the mini's brushed aluminum enclosure has a wallflower appeal that's at home in a variety of settings a dash of modernism that should work in many environments. So fill up the comments below with the inevitable accusations of fanboyism, but know that we know that you know that we're right. Within our own office environment, we repeatedly entertained questions from nearby officemates who were intrigued by the design. And we're not just saying that figuratively, either. It's the tech equivalent of an irresistibly cute baby the kind of hardware that stops passers-by, prompting compliments. No matter your sworn brand allegiance, you'd be hard-pressed to deny the Mac mini's simple, refined build. Let's not beat around the bush here - there's a reason Apple plays proud host to a knighted Head of ID: ridiculously gorgeous design.

LATE 2012 MAC MINI I7 2.6 QUAD CORE PORTABLE

Just who is the Mac mini for? Is it the go-anywhere, portable desktop best integrated in yachts, airports, automobiles and living rooms? Or, with a starting price of $599, is it the perfect, low-cost migration assistant (pun intended) for consumers making the switch from a Windows desktop? Follow on to see which hat this not-quite-an- HTPC wears best. One quirk still remains, though: the product's demographic leanings. Perhaps most interestingly, it's now offering a hybrid storage option, the so-called FusionDrive, which combines flash memory with a SATA HDD.

Addressing criticisms of last year's model, Apple added USB 3.0 ports, upgraded to third-generation Ivy Bridge Core processors and boosted the standard RAM allotment to 4GB (you can configure it with up to 16 gigs). Amidst the flurry of announcements, there was one other wee hardware relative on hand ready to join in on the launch festivities: a refreshed 2012 Mac mini. But that newborn product didn't enter Apple's ecosystem alone. October 23rd was mostly the iPad mini's coming out party an event with one major headliner.

iFixit opens up new Mac Mini, has no trouble putting it all back together again.Mac Mini updated in two new flavors, at $599 for i5 dual-core and $999 for i7 quad-core server model.

Late 2012 mac mini i7 2.6 quad core