As far as managing your files and programs, that's all you need to know, because the Fusion Drive software does the rest. Instead of there being two drive volumes to manage (which can be a nuisance for the tech savvy, and downright mystifying for others), the Mac mini presents the two drives as one volume. Apple's Fusion Drive combines hard disk and flash storage-Apple's nomenclature for both solid-state drives and custom flash modules-but it's neither a hybrid drive, nor is it a traditional dual drive. The Mac mini's specifications tell us that our model is equipped with a 1.12TB Fusion Drive, but that's not even half of the story. The Mac mini also equipped with Apple's new Fusion drive technology and the latest version of Mac OS X Mountain Lion.

Graphics processing got a bump with the integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, but this time around there is no configuration available with a discrete GPU. There are also 8GB and 16GB configurations available (for an extra $100 and $300, respectively). Last year's $799 mid-tier model had a Core i5 processor in it. The processor has been upgraded to the latest Ivy Bridge technology, and our review unit was outfitted with a 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7 quad-core processor and 4GB of 1600MHz DDR3 memory. It's a robust selection of features for such a small system other compact desktops often drop features in the interest of saving space, such as the Shuttle X6100, which omits Wi-Fi connectivity. Gigabit Ethernet is joined by 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. Joining the faster USB ports are the same port used before, with a Thunderbolt port (which doubles as a mini-DisplayPort), FireWire 800 connection, HDMI output, an SDXC card slot, and audio line in and line out connections. The USB ports have all been upgraded to USB 3.0, though the ports aren't labeled as such, nor do they have the blue port connectors to indicate as such. In such a small, tightly packed package, there's not really room for upgrades.Īpple has beefed up several features in the new Mac mini. RAM modules can be added and swapped, the fan removed for cleaning, though the rest of the components can be accessed, assuming you have the necessary tools and a lot of patience. It can be opened without any tools, giving you a limited view of the internals, only providing real access to a few specific components. On the top is a glossy black Apple logo on the bottom is a round black plastic hatch.

Unlike other tiny desktops that set up vertically, like the Polywell Poly i1000A-3770T, the Mac mini sticks with the low horizontal design it has used for years.

The rounded corners and subtle curves will be familiar looking to anyone that's seen an Apple product in the last few years. Measuring 1.4 by 7.7 by 7.7 inches (HWD), the compact Mac mini is small enough to sit unobtrusively on your desk, next to your display and keyboard.

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Mac mini i7 quad core late 2012