In the realm of personal computing, Apple has long been synonymous with innovation and sleek design. Among its array of groundbreaking products, the Mac mini Late 2006 stands out as a testament to Apple’s commitment to providing powerful yet budget-friendly computing solutions.
Released on September 6, 2006, the Mac mini Late 2006 marked a significant milestone in Apple’s Mac mini series. Boasting an Intel Core Duo processor clocked at either 1.66 GHz or 1.83 GHz, coupled with 512 MB of RAM and a choice between a 60 GB or 80 GB hard drive, this compact powerhouse offered formidable performance at an accessible price point. Additionally, it sported a 12x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive, a built-in AirPort Extreme Card, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, and 64 MB Intel GMA 950 graphics, catering to both casual users and professionals alike.
With a base model priced at $599, the Mac mini Late 2006 shattered barriers to entry into Apple’s ecosystem. Its affordability made it an enticing option for individuals seeking a seamless transition to the Mac experience without breaking the bank. Whether for personal use, creative endeavors, or business applications, the Mac mini Late 2006 offered a compelling blend of performance and value.
As a successor to the Mac mini Early 2006, the Late 2006 iteration brought notable improvements. The introduction of higher clock speed variants, featuring the 1.66 GHz and 1.83 GHz Core Duo processors, marked a significant speed-bump from its predecessor. Despite these enhancements, Apple maintained the competitive pricing of its earlier models, ensuring accessibility without compromising on performance.
In a strategic move to cater to a broader audience, Apple retained the earlier Mac mini model with an Intel Dual Core 1.66 GHz processor, released in early 2006, at a reduced price of $599. This decision democratized access to Apple’s computing prowess, enabling more individuals to enjoy the Mac experience at an affordable price point. By offering a spectrum of configurations, Apple solidified its position as a brand committed to inclusivity and accessibility.
Regrettably, on August 7, 2007, the Mac mini Late 2006 bid farewell to the market, marking the end of an era. Now, 17 years old, its hardware may have aged, but its legacy endures. The Mac mini Late 2006 laid the groundwork for subsequent iterations, influencing the design ethos and affordability of Apple’s computing solutions. Its impact resonates through the present day, as the Mac mini remains a cornerstone of Apple’s product lineup, embodying the same spirit of innovation and accessibility championed by its predecessor.
While the Mac mini Late 2006 may no longer be in production, its spirit lives on in the modern iterations of the Mac mini. Today, Apple continues to refine and reimagine the Mac mini, ensuring that it remains a versatile and indispensable tool for users across diverse domains. From content creation to software development, the Mac mini continues to empower individuals and businesses with its blend of performance, reliability, and compact design.
Mac mini Late 2006 Details
| Introduced | September 6, 2006 – 17 years ago |
| Discontinued | August 7, 2007 – 16 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 335 days (11 months) |
| Model Identifier | Macmini1,1 |
| Model Number | A1176 |
| EMC | 2108 |
| Order Number | MA207LL/A (1.66 GHz) MA608LL/A (1.83 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 Duo T2300 “Yonah” (1.66 GHz) Intel Core Duo T2400 “Yonah” (1.83 GHz) |
| Processor Speed | 1.66 GHz 1.83 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| System Bus | 667 MHz |
| Cache | 2 MB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 60 GB 80 GB 100 GB 120 GB 160 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 |
| USB | 4 – 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) |
| 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 10.4.7 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.4.8 |
| 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 (Late 2006): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Mac Mini – Wikipedia
- Mac mini (Late 2006) – Low End Mac
- Mac mini (Late 2006) – Apple History
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.
