Mac mini (Early 2006)
The first Intel Mac mini, with a Core Solo or Core Duo inside.
Overview
A month after the first Intel iMac, the Mac mini followed suit. The same 2-inch-high case now held either a 1.5 GHz Core Solo or a 1.66 GHz Core Duo processor, an Intel GMA 950 graphics chip sharing system memory, and a 60 GB drive.
Ports expanded to four USB 2.0, FireWire 400, DVI, Gigabit Ethernet, and both audio input and output. Bluetooth 2.0 and AirPort Extreme were built in, and a bundled Apple Remote worked with the Front Row interface. It could run Mac OS X Tiger on its new architecture.
The Core Solo was only ever used in this model, which makes the entry-level mini the last single-core Mac.
Why it mattered
It carried the Mac mini into the Intel era and made Front Row media playback standard.
At a glance
- Announced
- February 28, 2006
- Released
- February 28, 2006
- Discontinued
- September 6, 2006
- Launch price
- $599
- Chip / processor
- Intel Core Solo 1.5 GHz / Core Duo 1.66 GHz
- Storage
- 60 GB
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- Intel Core Solo 1.5 GHz or Core Duo 1.66 GHz
- Four USB 2.0 ports and Gigabit Ethernet
- Apple Remote and Front Row included
- Last single-core Mac
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Chip
- Chip
- Intel Core Solo 1.5 GHz or Core Duo 1.66 GHz
- CPU cores
- 1 or 2
Memory
- RAM
- 512 MB DDR2, expandable to 2 GB
- Storage options
- 60 GB, optional 100 or 120 GB
Graphics
- GPU
- Intel GMA 950 (shared memory)
Ports
- Ports
- 4 USB 2.0, FireWire 400, DVI, Gigabit Ethernet, audio in and out
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- 802.11b/g (AirPort Extreme)
- Bluetooth
- 2.0+EDR
Design
- Dimensions
- 5.1 x 16.5 x 16.5 cm (2 x 6.5 x 6.5 in)
- Weight
- 1.3 kg (2.9 lb)
Software
- Launch OS
- Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger
Availability
- Announced
- February 28, 2006
- Released
- February 28, 2006
- Discontinued
- September 6, 2006
- Launch price
- $599
Colors
- Finishes
- White and Silver
How it compares
More in the Mac mini family
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Mac mini (Early 2009)
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Mac mini (Mid 2010)
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Mac mini (Mid 2011)
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Mac mini (Late 2012)
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Mac mini (Late 2014)
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Mac mini (2018)
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