In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, one device stands out as a true game-changer – the Apple Mac mini. Introduced on January 11, 2005, this compact marvel swiftly captured the hearts of consumers worldwide, reshaping perceptions of desktop computing.
At its debut, the Mac mini shattered conventional norms, heralding a new era of affordability and compactness in the Mac ecosystem. With a starting price of just $499, it became the go-to choice for those seeking an entry point into the world of Mac OS X. Designed to fit seamlessly into any workspace, its diminutive stature – standing at just two inches tall and weighing a mere 2.9 pounds – redefined desktop design for the sub-$1,000 market.
Steve Jobs, the visionary CEO of Apple at the time, expressed the essence of the Mac mini succinctly: “Starting at just $499, Mac mini is the most affordable way to enjoy Mac OS X and iLife.” This sentiment encapsulated the essence of what made the Mac mini so special – accessibility without compromise.
Despite its compact size, the Mac mini packed a punch in terms of performance. Equipped with either a 1.25 GHz or 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 processor and ATI Radeon 9200 graphics, it delivered the processing and graphics capabilities necessary to tackle demanding tasks with ease. Whether editing movies, managing digital libraries, or creating music, the Mac mini empowered users to unleash their creativity without limitations.
Additionally, the inclusion of iLife ’05 – Apple’s innovative suite of digital lifestyle applications – further enhanced its appeal. With major updates to iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand, and iTunes, users found themselves immersed in a world of seamless creativity and entertainment.
The Mac mini was not just a powerhouse; it was also remarkably versatile in terms of connectivity. Featuring one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports, it offered seamless plug-and-play compatibility with a myriad of peripherals, including Apple’s iconic iPod, digital cameras, and printers. Moreover, its DVI interface with support for VGA ensured effortless connectivity to a range of displays, further enhancing its versatility.
For those seeking connectivity beyond wires, the Mac mini offered optional support for AirPort Extreme for fast wireless networking and an internal Bluetooth module, setting the stage for seamless wireless communication.
At the heart of every Mac mini lay Mac OS X 10.3 Panther, a groundbreaking operating system that delivers a host of innovative features. From iChat AV desktop video conferencing to Mail, Safari web browsing, and QuickTime, Panther epitomized Apple’s commitment to delivering a seamless user experience. Combined with a collection of productivity and entertainment titles, including Quicken 2005 for Mac and MarbleBlast Gold, the Mac mini catered to the diverse needs of users with aplomb.
Despite being discontinued on February 28, 2006, the Mac mini continues to hold a special place in the annals of computing history. Its legacy transcends its lifespan, symbolizing a bold step towards accessibility and innovation in personal computing. For many, it remains a cherished relic of a bygone era, a testament to Apple’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.
The Apple Mac mini was more than just a computer; it was a symbol of innovation, accessibility, and versatility. From its humble beginnings in 2005 to its eventual discontinuation in 2006, it left an indelible mark on the world of personal computing. Though it may no longer grace store shelves, its spirit lives on in the hearts of enthusiasts who continue to celebrate its legacy. As we reflect on its 19-year journey, one thing remains abundantly clear – the Mac mini will forever occupy a hallowed place in the pantheon of iconic Apple products.
Original Mac mini Details
| Introduced | January 11, 2005 – 19 years ago |
| Released | January 22, 2005 (256 MB of RAM) – 19 years ago July 26, 2005 (512 MB of RAM) – 19 years ago |
| Discontinued | September 27, 2005 (1.42 GHz) – 19 years ago February 28, 2006 (1.25 GHz) – 18 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 13 months (1 year) |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac10,1 |
| Model Number | A1103 |
| EMC | 2026 |
| Order Number | M9686LL/A (1.25 GHz) M9686LL/B (1.25 GHz) M9687LL/A (1.42 GHz) M9687LL/B (1.42 GHz) M9971LL/B (1.42 GHz) |
| Original Price | $499 $599 $699 |
| 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 | 1.25 GHz 1.42 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 167 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 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 | 256 MB 512 MB (from July 26, 2005) |
| 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 |
| 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 – Ultra ATA/66 (ATA-5) 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 (Optional or built-in) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 1.1 (Optional) |
| 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 10.3.7 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.4 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.3 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 |
Original Mac mini Introduction Video
Further Reading and References
- Mac mini (Original): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces Mac mini – Apple Newsroom
- Mac Mini – Wikipedia
- Mac mini (Early 2005) – Low End Mac
- Apple Mac Mini – Review 2005 – PCMag UK
- Mac mini (2005) 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.
