Does the Mac mini "Core" have a ROM or BIOS?

The Mac mini "Core" systems use Intel's Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) rather than the traditional Macintosh ROM or PC BIOS.

Can Mac mini "Core" systems be stacked on top of one another?

No. Apple recommends against stacking multiple Mac mini "Core" systems on top of one another because this can restrict airflow and reduce the signal strength of AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth (if installed). However, Apple says that it is okay to place a Mac mini "Core" on it side. For information on appropriate positioning, please refer to "How to Position Your Mac mini" from the Apple Support Site.

Can the Mac mini "Core" be installed in a car?

Although Apple does not officially support such use, numerous people have noticed that the compact size of the Mac mini "Core" makes it possible to install the system in the dash of some vehicles.

For a particularly impressive custom installation of a Mac mini in a VW GTi, be sure to check out to Matt Turner's blog. You might also be interested in visiting MacVroom, a website covering issues related specifically to installing Mac mini systems in automobiles.

Does the Mac mini "Core" have a PCI slot?

No. The Mac mini "Core" is designed to be simple, small, and inexpensive, and consequently, there are no PCI slots.

If expansion is a top priority, and cost is a factor, you probably would be better served with a computer from the discontinued Power Macintosh G5 or Power Macintosh G4 lines. Site sponsor Operator Headgap Systems specializes in refurbished, and often heavily upgraded, systems capable of running both MacOS X and MacOS 9 applications.

What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the Mac mini "Core" models? Which can read and write dual-layer DVDs?

The Mac mini "Core Solo" 1.5, the second configuration of the Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.66 (MA607LL/A), and Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 1.83 have a drive that can read DVD, but not write to DVD or read or write to DVD Dual Layer discs. It can read and write CD-RW.

The first configuration of the Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.66 (MA206LL/A), Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.83, and Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 have a drive that can read and write CD-RW, DVD, DVD±RW, and DVD+R Dual Layer.