I recently did a look at how I was putting together a Ustream setup. Part of that setup was a Mac Mini. I just yesterday got the Mac Mini and got it set up and I thought I would do a quick look at it for you.

What’s In It?

The one I am using has the following on the inside:

• 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM
• Intel GMA 950 Graphics Processor, using 64 MB shared video memory
• 80 GB hard drive
• Built-in Ethernet, wireless (Airport Extreme) and Bluetooth
• 4 USB ports, 1 Firewire
• DVD-ROM, CD-RW slimdrive
• Pre-loaded with OS X 10.5 Leopard

This is a decent little machine, but it certainly isn’t going to win any benchmark contests.

First Use

When I got the box, I was surprised how small it was. I was thinking: "There’s a computer in there?" But, I tore open the box, yanked out the power brick, the remote control, and of course the Mini itself. It measures only 2 inches high and is a perfect square of 6.5 inches (with rounded corners, of course). The thing is, well, mini. This is a big reason why I bought it.

See, I am setting up the Ustream setup on a spare desk. I could either place a large Gateway tower underneath the desk (right in the path of my legs when I’m sitting at the desk) or I could place a small little Mini right on top of the desk and it takes up no room at all. What’s more, its a Mac and that makes it better for live streaming simply because I can use CamTwist on it.

When I got the Mini all hooked up, I powered it on. It booted easily, asked a couple questions, then played me the usual introduction animation for all new Macs. The machine comes pre-loaded with Leopard, however I need to run Software Update to update all the software on the Mini as well as upgrade Leopard to 10.5.2.

My Cursory Evaluation

This is a cool little box. Obviously, anybody used to a more powerful computer is going to feel like it is a tad slow. Compared to the average computer, the Mini is no slouch. It is equally as powerful as my Gateway tower, which had almost the same specs with about 10X the size. But, when you’re used to a Mac Pro, yeah, the Mini seems a little slow.

It is REALLY quiet. You had to almost put your ears up to the rear ventilation vents to even hear anything. This seems to be the norm with Macs, though, because I was impressed that I could barely hear the Mac Pro either.

The size and style of the Mac Mini is just unparalleled, in my view. This machine is perfect for people who (a) want a Mac, (b) want something that is small enough to tuck almost anywhere and just do it’s job sight unseen. I could see this machine being used for a media center, for example. Tuck it into an entertainment center and you can use it to manage your music library with Itunes and interface with your audio equipment.

Could you use it as a primary machine? Yes, you could if your needs aren’t much. The memory is only expandable to 2 GB, so no matter how much you try to upgrade this box, it still isn’t going to be a power user’s computer. If you want a Mac and don’t want the IMac for some reason, the Mini is pretty much your only desktop option short of going with the full Mac Pro.

Is It a Good Deal?

The Mini is a little expensive for what you’re getting. You can go with slimline form factor PCs with more upgradability often for less money than the Mac Mini. However, the slimline PCs are not as small as the Mini. For example, take a look at the Dell Inspiron 531, Dell Inspiron 531s, or HP Pavilion s7210n. You also have some models from lesser known vendors such as the Blackhawk 45 Super Mini-PC. The Mini starts at $599 and the slightly upgraded version goes for $799. It isn’t cheap for a computer with these specs.

I don’t think I would recommend the $799 version. It is simply too much money for a computer with those specs. The $599 version is worthy of consideration, and you’re just not going to notice a big different in real-world performance between the two processors.

Also, don’t ignore Apple resellers or even Ebay to get a Mac Mini. I picked up my Mini from a reseller on Ebay for $489.

So, if you want a simple, tiny computer to use and you prefer to use an Apple product, the Mini is a great option. I’ve got mine hooked up to a 32" LCD television and it makes a great little Ustream computer. I can VNC into it from the Mac Pro and control it from across the room. All this and the Mini hardly takes up any space at all.