Mac mini Drops Optical Drive, Gets Core-i & AMD Boost

Today Apple released updated Mac mini computers with new Intel processors and Thunderbolt I/O, AMD Radeon HD 6630M graphics and no optical drive, marking the company’s first attempt to transition customers to a CD-free desktop environment.

“Apple today updated the Mac mini with next generation Intel core processors, new discrete graphics, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and Lion, the world’s most advanced operating system,” reads the official announcement.

As with the MacBook Air boost confirmed an hour ago, the new Mac mini doubles the performance of its predecessor, delivering “up to twice the processor and graphics performance of the previous generation in the same amazingly compact and efficient aluminum design,” as Apple itself puts it.

The new mini comes in three different configurations, all broken down below:

· Mac mini with the latest dual-core Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 processors, AMD Radeon HD 6630M discrete graphics;

· A quad-core Intel Core i7 powered server configuration;

· A configure-to-order version which includes up to 8GB of memory, and a faster 7200 RPM hard drive, or a 256GB solid state drive.

The company behind Mac OS X today confirmed that Mac mini is its first desktop computer to eliminate the optical drive.

“Designed without an optical disc drive, Mac mini can access the optical drives on other PCs and Macs, and works with the MacBook Air SuperDrive,” Apple said.

New Mac minis also pack Thunderbolt I/O technology which allows users to reap the benefits of high-performance storage devices, RAID arrays and the new Apple Thunderbolt Display, also introduced today.

“Mac mini delivers the speed and expandability that makes it perfect for the desktop, living room or office,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

“With faster processors, more powerful graphics and Thunderbolt in an incredibly compact, aluminum design, the new Mac mini is more versatile than ever,” added Schiller.

The latest Mac minis ship with OS X Lion pre-installed.

Pricing remains in place at just $599 for the base configuration, and the systems are available for order today. Customers can pick them up in stores tomorrow.