14 DAY TRIAL // Apple makes an irresistible offer to prospective Mac mini buyers: a "test drive" that lets users buy a Mac mini and try it out for 30 days.
The Mac mini is available in configurations starting at US$499. That includes a 1.25GHz G4 processor, 512MB RAM, 40GBM hard drive, DVD-ROM/CD-RW "Combo" drive, 56K modem and optional AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth connectivity.
The offer is exclusive to Apple's online store. If you buy it and don't like it, you call Apple and they'll take it back. The same goes for an Apple keyboard and mouse, if you buy one at the same time, you'll get a full refund. Apple can't charge you a restocking fee, according to the terms and conditions.
"We're so confident you'll love your new Mac mini, we'll let you test drive it for 30 days with no risk. If you decide you don't want it, we'll take it back," explained Apple the unusual offer.
The latest change Apple has made to Mac mini line was adding a $699 model, which includes features that previously cost about $275 to order: a 4x SuperDrive, a built-in AirPort Extreme card, Bluetooth, and 512MB of RAM. It also no longer includes a dial-up 56 Kbps modem, which is now a $29 option-a sign of increased broadband Internet use among Apple's customers.
The other two models remain almost the same as before. The $599 model loses the modem and gains standard AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 1.0, and all models have 512MB of RAM-double the memory they had before.
Although it has a slightly aging hardware and still doesn't have an audio-in port or a built-in microphone, the Mac mini is still the best entry-level Mac.
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