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Low End Mac's Best Deals

Best Mac mini Deals

2009.11.16

Tweet these deals. Short link: http://bit.ly/Xw1yt

Apple made some modest improvements to the Mac mini on October 20. We called the Early 2009 version "the Best Value in Desktop Macs", and the Late 2009 version further improves that with faster CPUs, more base RAM, and a bigger hard drive (on the entry-level model) - plus the addition of a server edition. Other World Computing (OWC) recently discovered that all 2009 minis (the ones with nVidia graphics) support 8 GB of RAM, twice Apple's stated maximum, although it isn't cheap.

Mac mini

The entry-level Mac mini has a 2.26 GHz Core 2 CPU, 2 GB of RAM, a 160 GB hard drive, a dual-layer SuperDrive, and includes 802.11n AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR. The top-end Mac mini has a 253. GHz CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and a 320 GB hard drive. Apple now offers faster CPU build-to-order options for both models, along with larger hard drives and RAM upgrades.

Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" is supported on all Mac mini models with at least 512 MB of RAM, and we recommend at least 1 GB for much better performance, and OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" is supported on all Intel-powered Macs with at least 1 GB of RAM. See the individual computer profiles for a list of supported and unsupported new technologies (for instance, the Mac mini Core Solo cannot run in 64-bit mode, cannot use Grand Central Dispatch, and has no support for OpenCL).

We think the Mac mini is quite the value (see The 2009 Mac mini Value Equation). Keep in mind that is ships with no mouse or keyboard. The Mac mini can be ordered with a Apple's new USB 2.0 keyboard and Mighty Mouse for $98 extra ($129 for wireless). We're big fans of some of the better Logitech keyboard/mouse combos, which is what we use at Low End Mac headquarters.

Apple recommends that anything going inside the mini be installed by an authorized Apple dealer, although user installation of memory will not void the warranty. Getting inside the Mac mini to add RAM or upgrade the hard drive is a bit tricky.

For those seeking more power on a budget, the Core Solo or Core Duo CPU in the 2006 models can be replaced by a faster Core Duo or the newer, faster Core 2 Duo. We do not recommend buying the Core Solo Mac mini unless you plan to upgrade the CPU, as it is widely reported as being very sluggish with its single-core CPU. Note that upgrading to a Core 2 CPU does not allow use of more than 2 GB of RAM.

Note that the 1.42 GHz and 1.5 GHz G4 models shipped with 512 MB of RAM and the Intel-based models don't include a modem.

Many of the dealers listed offer free ground shipping on new units. Best deals factor in estimated ground shipping costs. Used Macs usually include a 90 day warranty. Used minis do not include mouse or keyboard.

Best Used Mac mini Prices

Best Refurbished Mac mini Prices, no rebate

Best New Mac mini Prices

Recent Prices on Memory Upgrades

Mac OS X and OS X Server Prices

Unless otherwise noted, there is no surcharge for credit card purchases and shipping is not included. Vendors are listed in alphabetical order.

Factory refurbished items carry an Apple one year warranty and are eligible for AppleCare. Store refurbished items may vary. Prices may be limited to quantity on hand. Not responsible for typos. Please email any corrections or additional sources with competitive prices to Dan Knight .

Buying through some of these links benefits Low End Mac. Buying at these prices benefits you.

G4: 1.25/1.42 GHz - 1.33/1.5 GHz
Intel: 1.5 GHz/1.66 GHz - 1.66/1.83 GHz - 1.83/2.0 GHz Core 2 - 2.0 GHz nVidia - Late 2009

New, Open Box, and Demo

Amazon.com

Free ground shipping. Amazon.com collects sales tax on orders shipped to KS, KY, ND, and WA.

Apple Store US

Free ground shipping. Apple collects sales tax on orders shipped to most states.

Apple Store Canada

Apple offers free shipping.

B&H

B&H offers free ground shipping.

Club Mac

Ground shipping can add $13 or more. Club Mac collects sales tax on orders shipped within California.

ExperCom

ExperCom collects sales tax on orders shipped within UT.

LA Computer Company

LA Computer collects sales tax on orders shipped within CA.

MacConnection

Free ground shipping. Mac Connection collects sales tax on orders shipped to AL, CT, IL, MA, NC, NJ, NY, OH, TN, and TX.

MacMall

Ground shipping can add $9.50 or more. MacMall collects sales tax on orders shipped to CA, IL, MN, TN, and WI.

Power Max

Free ground shipping.

Small Dog Electronics

Free ground shipping.

Apple Refurbished

Apple refurbished computers include Apple's full one-year warranty and are eligible for AppleCare. Inventory usually sells out very quickly.

Apple Store US

Apple collects sales tax on orders shipped to most states. Free ground shipping.

Apple Store Canada

Used & Store Refurbished

Used and store refurbished Macs are covered by a store warranty and are not eligible for AppleCare.

Gainsaver

Ground shipping may add $31 or more. Prices reflect a 10% off sale which appears to end at 10:00 p.m. daily. Gainsaver sometimes replaces the stock SuperDrive with a Combo drive (add $69 for the SuperDrive), removes AirPort Extreme ($29 extra), may include less RAM, and installs a smaller hard drive (20 GB) than originally shipped with the computer. Units are untested unless you pay $25 for diagnostics. 30 day warranty. Gainsaver is located in Long Beach, California. There is a 20% restocking fee for returns, and Gainsaver is unlikely to refund your credit card - instead, the company prefers to issue a store credit, according to customers. Gainsaver has also been accused of bait-and-switch tactics by several customers. We list these because of their excellent prices for those who might not need a SuperDrive, are willing to upgrade RAM and hard drives themselves, and are willing to deal with Gainsaver when they know the company's policies in advance. Because these Macs may have been downgraded below original specs, we do not include Gainsaver's prices when listing "Best Deals". Caveat emptor.

MacResource

Ground shipping may add $28 or more.

Power Max - G4 - Intel

Free ground shipping.

Small Dog Electronics

Free ground shipping.

Enjoy the compact power. LEM

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