14 DAY TRIAL // The new Mac Mini is the subject of much heated debate. For one thing, the users are complaining about the rise in price for the machines, then, there is the issue of the integrated graphics that many feel is totally inadequate and a cheap move.
Firstly, the low version of the Mac Mini is not more expensive. The previous low end version was indeed cheaper by $100, however it did not include WiFi or Airport support, an upgrade which would have cost $99, meaning that with the new included Airport, the machines cost the same, and the new one has many improvements. In terms of the high-end model, here too there are many improvements that more than make up the difference in price.
The integrated graphics is a false, thorny issue. For one thing, those who yell poor performance in 3D applications need to remember that the Mac Mini is not a gaming machine, and that as such it is not intended for high-end 3D performance. The Mac Mini is intended as a media hub, and because high definition movies require a lot of Video RAM, it makes a lot more sense to include integrated graphics that share the memory, than include a separate graphics card lots of Video RAM and still be able to keep the price as low as it currently is. Intel's GMA 950 supports up to 224 MB of video memory, as system memory is allocated where it is needed.
So far, all the complaints about the new Mac Mini are pretty much unfounded and it looks like a promising little machine. Of course, those wanting to buy a Mac Mini to play the latest game with every setting turned to max will be very disappointed, but then again that is not what the mini is all about.