Apple ships three new Mac mini models

Like expected Apple today presented three new Mac mini models. All models come with 512MB memory and the cheapest model retails for only $499. The $599 model adds built-in wireless network functionality with AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth support, and the $699 model will enable users to burn DVDs with SuperDrive.

The new models feature a 1.25GHz or 1.42GHz PowerPC G4 processor and come with Apple's iLife 05 and Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger preinstalled.

Just two inches tall and weighing only 2.9 pounds, Mac mini redefines design for the sub-$1,000 desktop, and allows users the flexibility to choose their display, mouse and keyboard. Mac mini includes one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports for easy plug-and-play connections to popular peripherals such as Apple’s market-leading iPod digital music player, digital still cameras, digital video camcorders and printers. Mac mini offers a DVI interface that also supports VGA so customers can easily connect to a variety of LCD or CRT displays and built-in 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet.

Here's a look at the specifications of the three new models:

The 1.25 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $499 (US), includes:

• 1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 processor;
• 512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable to 1GB;
• 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
• Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive;
• ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32MB video memory;
• one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports;
• 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet networking and 56K V.92 modem;
• internal support for AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth;
• DVI or VGA out (adapter included), composite/S-video out with optional adapter; and
• built-in speaker and headphone/line out.

The 1.42 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $599 (US), includes:

• 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 processor;
• 512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable to 1GB;
• 80GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
• Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive;
• ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32MB video memory;
• one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports;
• 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet networking;
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth;
• DVI or VGA out (adapter included), composite/S-video out with optional adapter; and
• built-in speaker and headphone/line out.

The 1.42 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $699 (US), includes:

• 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 processor;
• 512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable to 1GB;
• 80GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
• SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
• ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32MB video memory;
• one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports;
• 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet networking;
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth;
• DVI or VGA out (adapter included), composite/S-video out with optional adapter; and
• built-in speaker and headphone/line out.

Build-to-order options and accessories include up to 1GB of RAM, SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW), AirPort Extreme Card, 56K V.92 modem, internal Bluetooth module, wired or wireless Apple Keyboard and Apple Mouse and the AppleCare Protection Plan.