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Top-Rated Products
Top Rated Product
Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
The new Mac mini features a 1.4-inch-thin seamless unibody enclosure carved from a single, solid block of aluminum. It’s created using computer numerical control, or CNC, machines the same kind used by the aerospace industry to build mission-critical spacecraft components. This ensures absolute precision of every component of the Mac mini enclosure. Not to mention a stunning aluminum fit and finish that will make any desk proud.
The power supply is built right into Mac mini. So there’s no bulky brick, and there are fewer cables to connect. A removable panel on the bottom makes upgrading the memory completely painless. And once you’re inside, you’ll see how clean and organized Mac mini is. With attention paid to the tiniest details. Like the air intake vent. It’s practically invisible. And when the fan is running, you’ll barely hear it. Mac mini is full of big ideas.
Built-in Thunderbolt technology lets you daisy-chain up to six Thunderbolt peripherals, including the new Apple Thunderbolt Display, to a single port. It also supports Mini DisplayPort peripherals you might already have, including the Apple LED Cinema Display. The HDMI port lets you connect Mac mini to your HDTV with a single cable. And a built-in SDXC card slot makes speedy work of transferring photos and videos from your digital cameras.
Mac mini is designed without an optical disc drive. Because these days, you don’t need one. It’s easier than ever to download music and movies from the iTunes Store. And you can download apps from the Mac App Store with a click. So what did we do with all the extra space? We squeezed in more powerful processors, advanced graphics, and Thunderbolt technology. And removing the optical drive gave us room to do one more thing with Mac mini: lower its price. If you still want to burn discs, consider the external MacBook Air SuperDrive, which connects to Mac mini with a USB cable.
What Mac mini doesn’t do could be its biggest feat. It doesn’t waste energy. When idle, Mac mini consumes less than 13 watts. Mac mini is also made from highly recyclable aluminum. And even its package is designed to be mini, so it’s as efficient as possible to ship.
Average Customer Rating:
(18 Reviews) 18
Rating Snapshot (18 reviews)
5 stars
13
4 stars
5
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
18 of 18(100%)customers would recommend this product.
Customer Reviews for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Review 1 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
Mac Mini works well
Date:January 24, 2012
Written By: tuckt
From: Boston area
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Expert
Pros: quiet, size & weight, build quality, Fast/High Speed, Easy to Use/Setup
Replaced a quite old Cube G4 with the Mac Mini. Needless to say it was about 20 times faster. I had to play some games to get "Lion" to drive the speakers on the Studio Display I had been using with the Cube, but there was a pretty good explanation on the web how to do it. I added a nice OWC blue-ray/DVD/CD reader/burner to it via fire-wire 800 to make a complete system. The HDMI output on the MacMini is a real plus. It connects into an adapter I had bought earlier for the Studio Display, and also connects directly to my HDTV.
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Review 2 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
fantastic Mac Mini
Date:January 20, 2012
Written By: BossAZ
From: Hollywood, CA
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Expert
Great product and mac connection made is super easy.
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Review 3 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
4
out of
5
Apple Mini
Date:January 5, 2012
Written By: Dummo
From: Missouri
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Expert
Pros: design, size & weight, build quality, features, value for money, Fast/High Speed
Xmas present.. Haven't had long enough for a thorough review, but, "NO WORRIES" so far.
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Review 4 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
Mac Mini: Best
Date:January 4, 2012
Written By: Anonymous
From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Expert
Pros: quiet, design, Screen Display, build quality, features, value for money, Fast/High Speed, Easy to Use/Setup
Cons: no disk drive
Wanted to get my 2 boys a new Mac. I had always worked in graphic companies with the latest Macs. When newer Macs were bought, I was given the previous (outdated Mac) to bring home. I have my daughter with a G5, myself with a 17 inch Imac (2006 model) and my boys had another G5. Since I don't work in that field anymore (economy) I knew when the time came I needed to replace, I was going to have to spend money. The boys G5 finally gave out in November. I wanted to purchase a Mac, but just couldn't see myself spending $1000+. Thought about a Dell and thankfully the boys and I all came to our senses. Saw the Mac Mini at Mac Connection at an affordable price of $568. Was turned on by the fact that it was powerful enough. Loved all the features, the speed, the processor, the latest Lion operating system, HDMI connection, etc. Bought it as a Christmas gift, Hooked it up to a 23 inch monitor using HDMI and it looks fantastic. Decided on buying an extra 4 gigs from Mac Connection at $25 and the speed is amazing. This is an excellent buy, I don't give it a perfect score only because it lacks a SuperDrive, but have yet to find a need for it. Going back to my outdated Imac as my boys have this lightning fast and powerful computer, makes me want to save some money and buy myself one as soon as I can.You will not go wrong if you're looking for a 'Mac' and can't pay $1000+. It's powerful enough and was the designed the 'Apple' way.
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Review 5 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
Excellent Product
Date:January 2, 2012
Written By: snow
From: Kansas city Mo
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Average
Best price, very good service. I would buy from them again.
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Review 6 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
i5 MacMini rocks!
Date:December 21, 2011
Written By: Anonymous
From: Washington DC
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Expert
Pros: quiet, design, size & weight, build quality, features, Fast/High Speed, Easy to Use/Setup
The i5 Mini is a very capable machine with a nice, small form factor and excellent quality build. I am using it primarily as an HTPC with XBMC, Plex and the standard Apple remote and have been extremely satisfied.
Upgrades from the stock configuration make significant performance improvements. Current RAM prices are low so definitely upgrade to 8GB of Kingston or Crucial RAM but to really make this Mini fly, install an SSD or a Momentus XT hybrid drive which unleashes this tiny beast. The RAM upgrade is something anyone can handle but the hard drive upgrade requires confidence in your technical skills as disassembly is required and may void the warranty.
In the past two years, I have purchased two Minis from MacConnection and could not be happier with the service. Their price along with fast, free shipping is unbeatable.
However, what they don't tell you and should advertise is their expert packaging. Your Mini will be double boxed in a custom fit, super secure package that guarantees the Mini to arrive in perfect condition. The plain brown cardboard box also doesn't attract any attention when delivered.
Don't hesitate any longer. I hope you enjoy your Mini as much as I've enjoyed mine!
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Review 7 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
Will be back!
Date:December 20, 2011
Written By: HappyBuyerrrr
From: Austin, TX
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Good
Pros: quiet, design, size & weight, Screen Display, build quality, value for money, features, Fast/High Speed, Easy to Use/Setup
The Apple computer arrived on-time as was cheaper than any other place on the web! Thanks PC Connection... I will be back!
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Review 8 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
4
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
Good deal
Date:December 1, 2011
Written By: Iamjdf
From: Nh
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Expert
Pros: quiet, design, size & weight, build quality, value for money, Easy to Use/Setup
Cons: keyboard
Solid product and a solid price
Would be nice if at least came with a keyboard but apple likes to sell accessories.
Would be nice if at least came with a keyboard but apple likes to sell accessories.
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Review 9 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
4
out of
5
Ease of Use:
4
out of
5
2011 Mac Mini
Date:November 24, 2011
Written By: daggar
From: Washington D.C.
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Expert
Pros: quiet, design, Screen Display, build quality, features, Fast/High Speed, Easy to Use/Setup
Upgrading a 2009 Mini (replacing my wife's dying laptop)... good value for the price, upgraded to 8GB RAM. I haven't missed the DVD yet. Can't say I've noticed a big performance boost, but I was pretty happy with the 2009 mini so I wasn't expecting huge increases in performance.
I'm using 2 x Dell 24" 1900x1200 displays, which are working pretty well ( a little pixelization on the HDMI side).
I use Oracle Virtualbox to run Windows for the few apps I need for work. Works well.
I'm using 2 x Dell 24" 1900x1200 displays, which are working pretty well ( a little pixelization on the HDMI side).
I use Oracle Virtualbox to run Windows for the few apps I need for work. Works well.
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Review 10 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
4
out of
5
Ease of Use:
4
out of
5
A good product
Date:November 9, 2011
Written By: stbtuok
From: Tulsa OK
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Good
Pros: design, size & weight, build quality, Easy to Use/Setup
Cons: Graphics Card
I would appreciated if the new Lion OS could operate with the older OS of Apple.
Also it would help to have a CD/DVD burner.
Also it would help to have a CD/DVD burner.
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Review 11 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
Mac Mini
Date:November 3, 2011
Written By: Brookster
From: Largo, Florida
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Average
Pros: quiet, design, build quality, Fast/High Speed, Easy to Use/Setup
Came in as advertised...I like this unit (2nd one I have bought...cottage) and company is great to deal with. No tax (Florida) makes a big difference...as I was able to get additional memory. :-)
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Review 12 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
What's not to like?
Date:October 17, 2011
Written By: cyberkyoobun
From: South Florida
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Good
Pros: quiet, design, size & weight, Screen Display, build quality, features, value for money, Fast/High Speed, Easy to Use/Setup
Cons: doesn't burn cds
I am 100% satisfied with my purchase of the Mac Mini. It is everything I hoped it would be and more! I'm into my second week of daily use and have experienced absolutely not one single issue/problem/glitch! I love this product and I highly value that I was able to purchase it from macconnection.com at a superb price. Thank you Macconnection.com for offering such high quality products!
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Review 13 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
4
out of
5
As advertised
Date:September 12, 2011
Written By: Bolerman
From: Minneapolis, MN
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Average
Pros: quiet, Easy to Use/Setup
Not enough time to give asn adequate review but seems to be as advertised so far. Would help if it had a disk drive also.
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Review 14 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
awesome product!
Date:September 7, 2011
Written By: catemi
From: Sequim, WA
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Newbie
Pros: quiet, design, size & weight, Screen Display, build quality, value for money, features, Fast/High Speed, Easy to Use/Setup
Cons: Operating System (Vista)
Hello,
I'm very happy with my mini mac! I always have had macs they are very user friendly!
I'm very happy with my mini mac! I always have had macs they are very user friendly!
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Review 15 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
4
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
really good
Date:September 2, 2011
Written By: appliedperspective
From: Eagan, MN
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Expert
Pros: quiet, design, size & weight, build quality, value for money, Easy to Use/Setup
Cons: os still buggy, not enough usb ports (4)
My business model has shifted, so I bought this to replace my 2006 Mac Pro, which I no longer needed for what I do. For 1/3 the price of what I paid for the Pro, the Mini is ever so slightly faster. True, I had to find a place for the 5 hard drives I had in the Pro, but that problem was solved with a Drobo. Frankly, it is a great little machine. RAM is exponentially cheaper for the Mini than the Pro. The only big downside about the Mini is the OS. Lion (10.7) is still pretty new, and I've had more random Finder crashes with it than I'm used to experiencing. This is a problem that will only get better with time as updates are released, so I'm not too concerned about it.
Upgrading the RAM to 8GB is a must if you plan on doing any sort of intensive work with it. All of Adobe's newest products are pretty snappy on it and it encodes video at near real-time, depending on what else you are doing. It's normally very quiet, but the fans do kick into high gear when encoding video or working with extremely large (multiple gigabyte) Photoshop files, or when playing some newer games. Call of Duty MW2 for instance, is pretty slow at high screen resolutions.
I love having Thunderbolt and Firewire 800 ports. I only wish there were more Thunderbolt accessories. The ability to drive two monitors is something the Mini should have had from the beginning, but was only added in recent years.
As with all Apple computers, there are never enough USB ports. I don't mind not having a built in DVD drive, because USB drives are cheaper than Apple's built in models. The downside there is that the USB drive I bought uses 2 ports - one for data and another for the extra power needed to run the motor. Because of this and all the other USB devices that are critical to my business, I actually have 2 4 port USB hubs plugged in.
The downside of no built in DVD drive is that iDVD is not installed as part of iLife 11 by default, nor will the iLife installer let you choose it as an option. I had to find the iDVD installer package on the disk (not included) and run it manually. Also, the eject key on the keyboard doesn't work with my Asus DVD drive. There is also no restore disk for Lion. You're supposed to be able to restore from the backup partition on your HD, but that's useless if your HD breaks. There are instructions all over the internet for creating a bootable disk from the Lion installer that you can get from the App Store.
The built in SD card slot is a nice feature, and it allowed me to sell off my old card reader. It initially was very slow, but the latest system update fixed that problem.
The HDMI port is great, allowing you to use your high def TV as a monitor, or to use the Mini as a high powered media center. I have a 720p 32" TV hooked up to HDMI through a DVI input on the TV, and had to use SwitchResX to get the correct resolution output. This may be a problem with my older TV more than the computer though. YMMV.
The small form factor allowed me to build a small shelf on the underside of my workbench, so the computer essentially takes up no space that would be used for anything else.
Bottom line: If you need a new Mac, and you're not constantly doing intense work with it, there probably isn't a better value out there. There may be a few things you need to work around, but at 1/2 - 1/6 the price of the other options, it's a good deal.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
Great deal
Date:September 2, 2011
Written By: Rdub
From: Phoenix
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Good
Can't beat the price or shipping! Very fast. I love macs now.
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Review 17 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
BIG POWER; small footprint
Date:August 16, 2011
Written By: KevinD90521
From: Yonkers, NY
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Good
Pros: quiet, design, size & weight, build quality, value for money, features, Fast/High Speed, Easy to Use/Setup
I got the entry level Mini with 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB memory. I since upgraded the ram memory to 8GB and this thing flies. It is sleeker & faster than my 2009 Mini. I also have an HP tower with Win 7, an AMD quad core processor & 8 GB of ram and this Mini is faster for most processes. For complex number crunching or video trans-coding it is slightly slower. Very slightly. Hyperthreading gives me 4 virtual cores that are almost as fast as 4 dedicated ones. I don't miss the DVD drive because I have an outboard blu-ray drive. Since Apple will never put a BD drive in an iMac or Mac Pro that works fine for me. Now I have a very compact desktop that is as fast as the huge tower PC it is replacing! You aren't sacrificing anything for that small footprint.
PS: I also prefer OSX (Lion or Snow Leopard) to Win 7. So much easier to navigate & work with.
PS: I also prefer OSX (Lion or Snow Leopard) to Win 7. So much easier to navigate & work with.
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Review 18 for Apple Mac Mini 2.3GHz Intel Core i5/2GB(2x1)/500GB HD/Intel HD Graphics 3000/Lion 10.7
Overall Rating:
Performance:
5
out of
5
Ease of Use:
5
out of
5
Replacing my usual Windows PC
Date:August 13, 2011
Written By: valius
From: Bensalem, PA
Owned this Product for: 0-3 Months
Level of Expertise: Expert
Pros: quiet, design, size & weight, build quality, value for money, features, Fast/High Speed, Easy to Use/Setup
Since I got my Mac Mini, I haven't used my Windows machine any more. I installed Virtualbox and if I need Windows, I just run my virtual machine with Windows 7 and I got the best of both worlds. No bulky pc's on my desk anymore
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