What are the "pros and cons" of the Mac mini "Core"? Is it right for my needs?

Like any other purchase, only you can make the decision whether or not the Mac mini "Core" is the right Mac for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons of the series to see if your needs are met. This "run down" may be helpful in making a decision:

Pros:

• Attractive, compact, and elegant case design.
• Lack of integrated or bundled display, keyboard, and mouse allows one to use existing peripherals or choose from a variety of third-party options, some of which cost less than Apple's and can be reused with a new system later at no additional cost.
• Processor can be upgraded.
• Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme, and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR all standard.
• Optical digital audio input/output.
• Least expensive new Apple computer.

Cons:

• Requires one to have, or to purchase, a display, keyboard, and mouse. Depending on the desired configuration, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a faster Intel-based iMac.
• Upgrading the RAM, hard drive, or processor requires prying open the case. Apple does not support individuals upgrading their own system.
• MacOS X applications forced to run via "Rosetta" on "Core Duo" configurations are slower than the same applications running on the less expensive Mac mini G4 that it replaced. "Core Duo" models are slower performing some tasks even when running native software.
• No support of MacOS 9/Classic applications.
• Integrated graphics "borrow" system RAM/slower than dedicated graphics.
• No internal modem.
• Entry-level price is US$100 more than the Mac mini G4 models.

Basically, if you are looking for the cheapest new Apple computer you can buy, have no need for internal expansion, have no MacOS 9/"Classic" applications, and no existing "mission critical" MacOS X applications that are incompatible or run too slowly using "Rosetta", then the Mac mini "Core" is well worth consideration.

If performance is a higher priority, but cost and compatibility with older applications are less important, an Intel-based iMac might be a better choice. If compatibility with older applications is critical and physical size is important, but cost is a factor, a Mac mini G4 might be ideal. If performance, expansion, compatibility, and cost are all factors, but physical size is irrelevant, a used Power Macintosh G4 might be ideal.

Site sponsor PowerMax sells all of these systems. Site sponsor Operator Headgap Systems specializes in refurbished, and often heavily upgraded, systems capable of using both MacOS X and MacOS 9 applications.