This month, Apple introduced the first major update to its line of desktop Mac Mini for two years . These new models feature Intel Haswell processors, with a starting price of 499 euros, which makes it cheaper than the new Mac Mini 2012 it replaces the entry-level model around 100 euros.
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The new models also feature a Wi-Fi 802.11ac connectivity, and two Thunderbolt ports 2.
This is the good news. Bad about them, is that the new models are much harder to upgrade than their predecessors .
We had already heard that the RAM on the new Mac Mini is not extensible by the consumer. Now the folks at iFixit have opened the mini computer, and reported that not only the memory and the processor is soldered to the motherboard, but you also need a very specific screwdriver to open the cover .
The new Mac Mini is maintained by security screws Torx T6. Chances are you do not have a screwdriver that can remove this type of screw - iFixit team that has some experience in disassembling, had never seen this type of screw used for a device in the real world.
If you can open the hood, there is no glue to remove and it is possible to replace or upgrade the hard drive. But if you were hoping to buy an entry-level model and upgrade the RAM or even your own processor, you can not. Indeed, there is no RAM slots under the hood, and iFixit confirms that the new Mac Mini memory is soldered to the motherboard , as is the case in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Retina . The only option is to buy a model that is pre-configured with the processor and the memory you need.
Overall, the new Mac Mini is ambiguous devices. Yes, we have a Haswell CPU, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, two Thunderbolt 2 ports, making them faster, and there has been a decline in price of 100 euros compared to the base model. Yes, the Mac Mini 2014 has all the ports you'd expect from a desktop computer well equipped. But as the dismantling of the iFixit confirms the device is not as versatile has been in recent years. It is sad to see scalability thrown through the same window if the computer still has a prominent place at home.
See also : Windows 10 Technical Preview first update
The new models also feature a Wi-Fi 802.11ac connectivity, and two Thunderbolt ports 2.
This is the good news. Bad about them, is that the new models are much harder to upgrade than their predecessors .
We had already heard that the RAM on the new Mac Mini is not extensible by the consumer. Now the folks at iFixit have opened the mini computer, and reported that not only the memory and the processor is soldered to the motherboard, but you also need a very specific screwdriver to open the cover .
The new Mac Mini is maintained by security screws Torx T6. Chances are you do not have a screwdriver that can remove this type of screw - iFixit team that has some experience in disassembling, had never seen this type of screw used for a device in the real world.