In 2006, the tech world witnessed a groundbreaking innovation that redefined personal computing – the Apple Mac Mini Early 2006. This compact marvel, part of the esteemed Mac Mini series, emerged as a bridge between desktops and laptops, offering a unique blend of power and portability.
Unveiled on February 28, 2006, the Mac Mini Early 2006 revolutionized performance with the introduction of the Intel Core Duo processor. This upgrade delivered a staggering fourfold increase in speed compared to its predecessors. Priced affordably starting at $599, it opened doors for users to indulge in iLife ’06, an award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications, all while experiencing seamless navigation through Apple’s innovative Front Row media platform.
Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, hailed the Mac Mini Early 2006 as a milestone in Apple’s transition to Intel processors. He lauded its enhanced speed, expanded capabilities, and compact design, underscoring its position as the epitome of innovation in personal computing.
The Mac Mini Early 2006 wasn’t just about raw power; it was about elevating the digital lifestyle experience. With Front Row, users could seamlessly enjoy their favorite music, photos, and videos from across the room, thanks to the included Apple Remote. This intuitive interface, coupled with Bonjour networking, facilitated effortless access to shared content throughout the home.
The Mac Mini Early 2006 boasted a revamped system architecture, featuring a 667 MHz front-side bus and expandable DDR2 SDRAM memory up to 2 GB. Moreover, its connectivity options were ahead of its time, with built-in Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, and a generous array of USB 2.0 ports. This ensured seamless integration with various peripherals and networks.
Included with the Mac Mini Early 2006 was iLife ’06, a suite of digital tools empowering users to unleash their creativity. From photo editing in iPhoto to video production in iMovie HD, and even website creation with iWeb, the possibilities were endless. These Universal applications optimized performance on the Intel-based Mac Mini, further enhancing user experience.
Powered by Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, the Mac Mini Early 2006 offered unparalleled performance and stability. With essential applications like Safari, Mail, and iChat AV, alongside the innovative Rosetta technology for seamless compatibility with PowerPC applications, it ensured a smooth and productive computing experience.
Despite being discontinued in September 2006, the Mac Mini Early 2006 left an indelible mark on the personal computing landscape. Its compact design, robust performance, and affordability endeared it to users, cementing its status as a beloved relic among Mac enthusiasts. Moreover, it set the stage for subsequent iterations of the Mac Mini, each pushing the boundaries of innovation further.
In retrospect, the Apple Mac Mini Early 2006 was more than just a computer; it was a symbol of innovation and progress. Its legacy lives on in the hearts of users who fondly remember its contributions to personal computing. As we celebrate its 18-year anniversary, let’s commemorate the Mac Mini Early 2006 as a game-changer that paved the way for a new era of computing excellence.
Mac mini Early 2006 Details
| Introduced | February 28, 2006 – 18 years ago |
| Discontinued | September 6, 2006 – 18 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 190 days (6 months) |
| Model Identifier | Macmini1,1 |
| Model Number | A1176 |
| EMC | 2108 |
| Order Number | MA205LL/A (1.5 GHz) MA206LL/A (1.66 GHz) |
| Original Price | $599 $799 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 2.9 Ibs. 1.315 KG |
| Dimensions | 2” H x 6.5” W x 6.5” D 5.08 cm H x 16.51 cm W x 16.51 cm D |
Mac mini Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Intel Core Solo T1200 “Yonah” (1.5 GHz) Intel Core Duo T2300 “Yonah” (1.66 GHz) |
| Processor Speed | 1.5 GHz 1.66 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 2 |
| System Bus | 667 MHz |
| Cache | 2 MB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 60 GB 80 GB 100 GB 120 GB |
| Media | 1 – 12x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive or 4x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 2 GB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC2-5300 200-pin DD1 SO-DIMM 667 MHz |
| Interleaving Support | Yes |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA950 |
| Graphics Memory | 64 MB DDR2 shared with main memory* |
| Display Connection | 1 – DVI (VGA or S-Video with adapter) |
| External Resolution | Up to 1920 x 1200 (DVI) Up to 1920 x 1080 (VGA) |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Bays | None |
| Hard Drive Interface | 1.5 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45 – support for jumbo frames) |
| Modem | Apple USB Modem MA034Z/A (Optional) |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR |
| ADB | None |
| USB | 4 – 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) |
| Serial | None |
| SCSI | None |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog/optical input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog/optical output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DVI (VGA or S-Video with adapter) |
Peripherals
| Peripherals | Apple Remote |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X 10.4.5 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.4.6 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.6.8 |
| Firmware | Intel Extensible Firmware Interface |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.4 iLife ’06 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand) Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive iWork (30-day trial) Quicken 2006 for Macintosh Big Bang Board Games Comic Life Omni Outliner Apple Hardware Test |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3 V CR2032 Lithium (922-6476) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 110 W |
| Line Voltage | 100 – 240 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Mac mini (Early 2006): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils Mac mini with Intel Core Duo – Apple Newsroom
- Mac Mini – Wikipedia
- Mac mini (Early 2006) – Low End Mac
- Mac mini (Early 2006) – Apple History
- Mac mini (Early 2006) Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- Mac mini (2006) review – MacWorld
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
