Apple intros new Mac mini family, including media server model

Confirming speculation, Apple is introducing new model Mac minis.

There’s three in all, including a 2.26Ghz and 2.53GHz model with 160GB and 320GB drives respectively. The third model offers a 1 terrabyte drive and is configured as a media server.

Starting at £499 (inc. VAT), or XXX in the US, the entry level Mac mini hosts a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, a 160GB hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics and a SuperDrive.

Higher in the range, the £649 (inc. VAT), or XXX in the US Mac mini features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of memory and a larger 320GB hard drive.

Seizing an opportunity, Apple  has also introduced a Mac Mini server for $999/£799. This is configured with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server and features two 500GB hard drives for a total of 1TB of server storage (in the form of two 500GB drives) in the tiny 6.5-inch square by 2-inch tall Mac mini enclosure.

This is aimed at small business and consumer users seeking an affordable media hub.

oth the iMac and Mac mini (see here) extend Apple’s leadership in green design. iMac and Mac mini meet the new, more stringent Energy Star 5.0 requirements and achieve EPEAT Gold status.

Both iMac and Mac mini use PVC-free internal components and cables, contain no brominated flame retardants, use highly recyclable materials, and feature material-efficient system and packaging designs.