Mac mini Late 2005 Explained

Mac mini
Source: apple.com – Mac mini

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.

Source: apple.com – Mac mini

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

Mac mini Late 2005 Details

IntroducedSeptember 27, 2005 – 18 years ago
DiscontinuedFebruary 28, 2006 – 18 years ago
Time on the Market154 days (4 months)
Model IdentifierPowerMac10,2
Model NumberA1103
EMC2026
Order NumberN/A*
Original Price$499
$599
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
*those computers have never been formally presented and have not been assigned to a dedicated order number.

Mac mini Tech Specs

Processor

ProcessorPowerPC 7447a G4
Processor Speed1.33 GHz
1.5 GHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores1
System Bus167 MHz
Cache64 KB L1
512 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 Memory512 MB
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
64 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 – ATA/100 (ATA-6)

Connections

Ethernet10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45)
Modem56k (Standard or Optional)
Wi-FiAirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g
BluetoothBluetooth 2.0 + EDR
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 10.4.2
Maximum OSMac OS X 10.5.8
FirmwareMac OS ROM
Bundled SoftwareMac OS X 10.4
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

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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.