What are the differences between the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" models? How do they compare to their predecessors?

For all practical purposes, the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" models -- the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 1.83 and the "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 -- are the same as the models that preceded them, but have been upgraded with faster "Core 2 Duo" processors and include more memory by default.

Like the their predecessors, the internal components of the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" systems are cleverly enclosed in a tiny and elegant 2.9 lb, 6.5 inch square, two inch tall case.

Photo Credit: Apple Computer

The Intel-based Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" models have an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a 2 MB or 4 MB on-chip level 2 cache, a 667 MHz frontside bus, 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300), an integrated "Intel GMA950 graphics processor with 64 MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory", 5400 RPM hard drives, and an Apple Remote for use with Apple Front Row media organization software.

Connectivity of all of the Intel-based Mac mini models is the same as well, and includes DVI (DVI-to-VGA adapter included), Firewire "400", four USB 2.0 ports, combined "optical digital audio input/audio line in" and combined "optical digital audio output/headphone" minijacks, a 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet port, and built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. The systems lack an internal 56k modem, but an external Apple USB Modem can be purchased for US$49.

There are a handful of configuration differences between the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" models -- the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 1.83 and the "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 -- summarized below in this handy chart:

	Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 1.83	Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0
Processor Speed:	1.83 GHz (T5600)	2.0 GHz (T7200)
Hard Drive:	80 GB	120 GB
Optical Drive:	8X "Combo Drive"	2.4X "SuperDrive"
Apple Part No:	MB138LL/A	MB139LL/A
Price:	US$599	US$799

The Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 1.83 replaced the Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.66 on August 7, 2007. The differences between these entry-level systems are below:

	Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.66	Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 1.83
Processor Type:	Core Duo (T2300)	Core 2 Duo (T5600)
Processor Speed:	1.66 GHz	1.83 GHz
Standard RAM:	512 MB	1 GB
Hard Drive:	60 GB	80 GB
Optical Drive:	8X "Combo Drive"	8X "Combo Drive"
Apple Part No:	MA607LL/A	MB138LL/A
Price:	US$599	US$599

Also on August 7, 2007, the Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 replaced the Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.83. These higher-end systems have the following differences:

	Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.83	Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0
Processor Type:	Core Duo (T2400)	Core 2 Duo (T7200)
Processor Speed:	1.83 GHz	2.0 GHz
Standard RAM:	512 MB	1 GB
Hard Drive:	80 GB	120 GB
Optical Drive:	2.4X "SuperDrive"	2.4X "SuperDrive"
Apple Part No:	MA608LL/A	MB139LL/A
Price:	US$799	US$799

Site sponsor PowerMax has new and used configurations of the Intel Mac mini systems available free of sales tax.