Apple 1.25GHz Mac Mini Desktop (1.25GHz PowerPC G4, 256MB, 40GB, DVD/CD-RW, Mac OS X)

• Reviewed by: arkleseizure

  Strengths: Size and functionality, good price

  Weaknesses: Not the most powerful system, MUST upgrade the included 256 MB RAM

  Overall: Got this during the release of Tiger, a great OS. This is a very smooth system, and I really have not had any problems running anything with it.However, upgrading the RAM to at least 512 MB is a must. I grabbed a 1 GB stick, and it is pretty speedy now. The 1 GB upgrade is still pretty insanely priced from Apple I believe. It is rather annoying to get the case open, but not overly difficult.I would gladly recommend this system to anyone looking into getting a Mac. Its cheap (for a Mac) and powerful enough to get everyday stuff done quickly. I'm very impressed.

• Reviewed by: ervfang

  Strengths: Compact yet powerful small package, easy set up, less vulnerability to viruses.

  Weaknesses: 256 RAM likely too small, not enough USB ports.

  Overall: Overall, am very pleased with it. As a fairly competent PC user, I have had lots of negative experiences with PC crashes, re-installations, trouble-shooting, virus problems -- one after another. Yes, maybe there are more programs for the PC, but when you need it for basic/advanced web-surfing and programs of daily tasks, this is the best for you. Who needs an advanced PC with 200g HD, unless you do digital editing, high-speed gaming, etc? And, if that 200g crashes? I am a born-again Mac convert. Enough of PC problems.(!)

• Reviewed by: TogetherinParis

  Strengths: Small, capable, dependable, reliable, fast, quiet, not under constant hacker attacks like MS products

  Weaknesses: needs powered speaker system, few compatible ports, no keyboard, monitor, or mouse.

  Overall: I got a 512 Meg Mac Mini with 80 gig hard drive and superdrive. Apple's reputation for reliable hardware & software and superb support made my hassles getting it up and running worth it. Designwise, this is a halfway measure. The mini should be installable inside a PC. It should come on a PCI card & hard drive bay combination along with hardwired software upgrade accessible only by Apple.

• Reviewed by: scottwb

  Strengths: Very easy to use and set-up, the awesome OS X and iLife 05, no virus/spyware, takes little space on my desk and is extremely quiet.

  Weaknesses: None so far - make sure you get the extra 256Mb ram upgrade.

  Overall: This is a great alternative to my PC which now feels positively clunky and ugly! I love OS X and the iLife applications are wonderful. Within a couple of hours I'd imported my photos, made a slideshow to music and cut it to a DVD - the grand parents are gonna love what's comming up :). Best computer I've ever owned, the only downside is i feel a bit lost without the constant tweaking, patching, virus updates and spyware flushing that consumed a large part of my PC computing time - time to fire up GarageBand and see if I can come up with the next big hit :)

• Reviewed by: 32tideride

  Strengths: Price, size, OS X, and of course "coolness" factor

  Weaknesses: 256MB RAM just doesn't cut it, no audio inputs

  Overall: Having never owned a Mac - and never having used OS X for one second - I knew I had to have a Mac Mini as soon as I heard about it. The 1.25 Ghz machine is plenty if you're in the same situation as me - a Windows user curious about what the other side has to offer. The 40 GB drive was not a factor because you'll want to add an external firewire drive later anyway. This unit could not be easier to setup. In 5 minutes you can have it out of the box and have your email pulled up. Factor in OS X and the iLife software and you're getting a great bargain on the hardware. Definitely upgrade the RAM to at least 512 MB because the 256 it comes with definitely isn't nearly enough. The bottom line is if you're reading this and you're on the fence then my advice would be to buy, buy, buy! Absolutely no regrets from this former Windows-only user!