Original Mac mini Explained

Mac mini
Source: apple.com – Mac mini

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.

Mac mini and Cinema Display
Source: apple.com – Mac mini and Cinema Display

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.

Mac mini
Source: apple.com – Mac mini

Original Mac mini Details

IntroducedJanuary 11, 2005 – 19 years ago
ReleasedJanuary 22, 2005 (256 MB of RAM) – 19 years ago
July 26, 2005 (512 MB of RAM) – 18 years ago
DiscontinuedSeptember 27, 2005 (1.42 GHz) – 18 years ago
February 28, 2006 (1.25 GHz) – 18 years ago
Time on the Market13 months (1 year)
Model IdentifierPowerMac10,1
Model NumberA1103
EMC2026
Order NumberM9686LL/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
ColorsAluminum
Weight2.9 Ibs.
1.315 KG
Dimensions2” 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

ProcessorPowerPC 7447a G4
Processor Speed1.25 GHz
1.42 GHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores1
System Bus167 MHz
Cache64 KB L1
256 KB L2

Storage & Media

Storage40 GB
80 GB
Media1 – 12x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive or 4x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive”

Memory

Built-in Memory256 MB
512 MB (from July 26, 2005)
Maximum Memory1 GB
Memory Slots1 – PC2700 184-pin DDR333 SDRAM*
Interleaving SupportNo
*PC-3200 supported; runs only at 333 MHz

Display

Built-in DisplayNone

Graphics

Graphics CardATI Radeon 9000
Graphics Memory32 MB
Display Connection1 – DVI (VGA or S-Video with adapter)
External ResolutionUp to 1920 x 1200 (DVI)
Up to 1920 x 1080 (VGA)

Expansion

Expansion SlotsNone
BaysNone
Hard Drive Interface1 – Ultra ATA/66 (ATA-5)
1 – ATA/100 (ATA-6)

Connections

Ethernet10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45)
Modem56k (Standard or Optional)
Wi-FiAirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g (Optional or built-in)
BluetoothBluetooth 1.1 (Optional)
ADBNone
USB2 – 480 Mbps (USB 2.0)
SerialNone
SCSINone
FireWire1 – 400 Mbps
Audio InNone
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack
1 – Built-in speaker
Display1 – DVI (VGA or S-Video with adapter)

Keyboard and Mouse

PeripheralsNone

Software

Original OSMac OS X 10.3.7
Later OSMac OS X 10.4
Maximum OSMac OS X 10.5.8
FirmwareMac OS ROM
Bundled SoftwareMac OS X 10.3
iLife ’05 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand)
Mail
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 Battery3 V CR2032 Lithium (922-6476)
Maximum Continuous Power85 W
Line Voltage100 – 240 V AC

Original Mac mini Introduction Video

Do you like this article?

Let’s go social and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or Threads, to stay updated.

Further Reading and References

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.