In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, it’s fascinating to look back at devices that once pushed the boundaries of innovation. One such gem is the Mac mini Late 2005, a pint-sized powerhouse that left an indelible mark on the tech sphere during its brief stint from 2005 to 2006.
Launched on September 27, 2005, the Mac mini Late 2005 quickly captured attention with its compact form factor and affordable price tag of $499. As part of the esteemed Mac mini series, it stood out as a beacon of innovation in the realm of personal computing.
Building upon its predecessor, this iteration of the Mac mini boasted significant upgrades. The CPU clock speeds received a boost, with the 1.25 GHz model accelerating to 1.33 GHz, and the 1.42 GHz model ascending to 1.5 GHz. Additionally, the RAM received a welcome expansion, elevating the user experience to new heights.
One of the standout features of the Late 2005 model was the enhancement of the SuperDrive, now capable of burning dual-layer discs and supporting DVD-RAM media. This marked a significant stride forward in the realm of optical drive technology, offering users greater versatility and functionality.
Equipped with 64 MB of VRAM in the 1.5 GHz model, the Mac mini Late 2005 delivered enhanced graphical performance, powered by the Radeon 9200 graphics processor. Moreover, the inclusion of 5400 rpm hard drives as standard further optimized storage capabilities, ensuring smooth operation and ample space for user data.
Interestingly, Apple initially refrained from acknowledging the existence of these upgraded models, leading to some confusion among consumers. Despite this, the improved performance and features undoubtedly contributed to the allure of the Mac mini Late 2005.
Characterized by its minimalist design, the Mac mini exuded elegance in its compact form factor. With dimensions of 6.5″ square, 2″ high, and weighing a mere 2.9 lbs, it epitomized portability without compromising on functionality.
While the Mac mini may have been small in stature, it offered expandability through memory upgrades, albeit limited by a single memory slot. Connectivity options were abundant, featuring USB 2.0 and FireWire ports, facilitating seamless integration with a plethora of peripherals.
Despite its impressive specifications, the Mac mini Late 2005 was not without its challenges. The ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor was susceptible to overheating during intensive usage, necessitating adequate airflow and strategic placement to mitigate potential issues.
Despite its brief stint on the market, the Mac mini Late 2005 remains a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries. Today, 19 years later its legacy lives on, revered by enthusiasts and collectors alike as a symbol of innovation and ingenuity.
In retrospect, the Mac mini Late 2005 stands as a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation. From its compact design to its enhanced performance capabilities, it embodied the essence of technological advancement. While its time in the spotlight may have been fleeting, its impact continues to resonate within the annals of tech history.
Mac mini Late 2005 Details
| Introduced | September 27, 2005 – 19 years ago |
| Discontinued | February 28, 2006 – 18 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 154 days (4 months) |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac10,2 |
| Model Number | A1103 |
| EMC | 2026 |
| Order Number | N/A* |
| Original Price | $499 $599 |
| 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 | PowerPC 7447a G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1.33 GHz 1.5 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 167 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 40 GB 80 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 | 1 GB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC2700 184-pin DDR333 SDRAM* |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Radeon 9000 |
| Graphics Memory | 32 MB 64 MB |
| 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 – ATA/100 (ATA-6) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k (Standard or Optional) |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR |
| ADB | None |
| USB | 2 – 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) |
| Serial | None |
| SCSI | None |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps |
| Audio In | None |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DVI (VGA or S-Video with adapter) |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | None |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X 10.4.2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.4 iLife ’05 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand) Dashboard Spotlight iChat Safari Sherlock QuickTime iSync iCal DVD Player Address Book AppleWorks iWork (30-day trial) Classic environment Quicken 2005 for Macintosh Nanosaur 2 Marble Blast Gold Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive Zinio Reader XCode Developer Tools Apple Hardware Test |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3 V CR2032 Lithium (922-6476) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 85 W |
| Line Voltage | 100 – 240 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Mac Mini – Wikipedia
- Mac mini (Late 2005) – Low End Mac
- Mac mini (Late 2005) – Geekbench
- Apple Mac Mini – Review 2005 – PCMag UK
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.
