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Intel Mac mini Q&A - Published August 11, 2008
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How does the "Mid-2007" Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" compare to the Dell Studio Hybrid and the Asus Eee Box?
Please note that the "Mid-2007" Mac mini has been discontinued. It was replaced by the "Early 2009" Mac mini on March 3, 2009.
Competitive Windows systems released soon after the introduction of the Intel-based Mac mini were largely knockoffs of the Mac mini or were generally otherwise uninspiring in price or performance.
Fast-forward more than two years since the introduction of the original Intel-based Mac mini and more than a year since the Mac mini was updated (as of the date published, see top), however, and the Dell Studio Hybrid and Asus Eee Box have been introduced, both of which offer differentiated industrial design and additional features with competitive pricing.
Photo Credit: Dell (Left), ASUS (Right) - Not to Scale
Dell Studio Hybrid
The Dell Studio Hybrid in some ways resembles a somewhat larger -- about 1" taller, 1.2" wider, and 2" deeper -- and heavier -- about 2 pounds including the stand -- Mac mini with rounded sides and colored "sleeves" offered in a variety of colors -- slate, emerald, ruby, quartz, topaz, and sapphire -- as well as natural bamboo as a US$130 extra. The system can be mounted vertically or horizontally using the included stand.
When configured with a 2.0 GHz "Core 2 Duo" processor, 1 GB of RAM, a 160 GB hard drive, a slot-loading dual-layer CD/DVD+/-RW optical drive, Intel "integrated" X3100 graphics, and 802.11n wireless networking to be roughly comparable to the Intel-based Mac mini systems, as well as a copy of Windows Vista Home Basic, the Dell costs US$619 (including a keyboard and mouse, which the Mac mini does not include by default).
The Dell system also provides DVI and HDMI ports (rather than just DVI like the "Mid-2007" Mac mini), and can be configured with a TV tuner or hybrid video recorder (via USB 2.0 dongles) for an additional US$70 or US$60, respectively, and a slot-loading Blu-ray DVD+/-RW & BD-ROM optical drive as a US$250 upgrade. Other configurations are available as well.
Asus Eee Box
The Eee Box is more aggressive in its efforts to shed weight and cost (it has no optical drive) -- and is smaller -- 1" shorter and 2" less deep, albeit half an inch wider -- than the Mac mini. It is nearly half a pound lighter than the Mac mini as well and can be cleverly mounted behind a VESA-compliant display to save even more space.
The design is basic, available in white or black, but it has a removable hard drive that slides out the bottom for easy upgrading (upgrading the Mac mini, by contrast, is a hassle). It also includes an integrated card reader, which the Mac mini lacks.
Additionally, the Eee Box has a convenient "ExpressGate" software feature that boots into Linux for "seven second" access to a web browser, e-mail client, IM client, music player, and Skype. Equipped with a slow, but usable 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor, 1 GB of RAM, an 80 GB hard drive, Intel GMA 950 "integrated" graphics, and 802.11n wireless networking as well as a keyboard, mouse, and a copy of Windows XP Home, it costs a mere US$350. Other configurations are available in other markets.
Head-to-Head Comparison
For your convenience, the major differences between the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 1.83 and the "Core 2 Duo" 2.0, and a configuration of the Dell Studio Hybrid and Asus Eee Box are provided below:
| Mac mini | Studio Hybrid | Eee Box | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor Type: | "Core 2 Duo" | "Core 2 Duo" | Atom |
| Processor Speed: | 1.83, 2.0 GHz | 2.0 GHz | 1.6 GHz |
| Standard RAM: | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Maximum RAM: | 3 GB | 4 GB | 2 GB |
| Hard Drive: | 80, 120 GB | 160 GB | 80 GB |
| Optical Drive: | Combo, Super | Super | None |
| Integrated Graphics: | GMA 950 | GMA X3100 | GMA 950 |
| Wireless: | 802.11b/g | 802.11n | 802.11n |
| USB 2.0: | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Firewire 400: | 1 | 1 | No |
| DVI: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI: | No | Yes | No |
| KB/Mouse Included: | No | Yes | Yes |
| Size (Inches): | 2.0 x 6.5 x 6.5 | 7.7 x 2.8 x 8.33 | 7 x 0.63 x 8.78 |
| Weight: | 2.9 lbs. (1.32 kg) | 4.8 lbs. (2.18 kg) | 2.57 lbs. (1.17 kg) |
| Operating System: | MacOS X | Windows Vista | Windows XP |
| Price: | US$599, US$799 | US$619 | US$350 |
Ultimately, the Intel-based Mac mini remains the cheapest way to buy a new MacOS X-capable system -- without hacking or building a "Hackintosh" -- and the value of the operating system should not be ignored, but it is clear that Apple should refresh, if not redesign, the Mac mini in order to remain competitive with new market entrants.
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