Browse and experience with Mac mini (2014) after two weeks

I'm sure that the vast majority of readers who come to "MakRadar", from the Apple technicians have a iPhone or iPad. Price - the main criterion that stops people from buying high-grade "apple" of the computer. Therefore, every time again rvesh hair on his head due to the fact that the "Wind" again slows down, you start to think about buying a Mac. However, the prices please only the most basic computer Mac mini. The main question asked by any potential buyer: "Can a computer for the price of the smartphone to cope with my tasks?". Let's find out the answer.

First configuration. As the save loves everyone, the first buyer of the considered models will be the cheapest. That it will be taken as a basis, so that you can immediately determine whether you can meet the 25 thousand rubles, which is asking for it.

Configuration

- Dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with a clock frequency of 1.4 GHz (Turbo Boost acceleration of up to 2.7 GHz)
- 4 GB LPDDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
- Serial ATA hard drive 5400 rev / min capacity 500 GB

- Intel HD Graphics 5000 graphics processor
- Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac
- Ports: 4 ports USB 3.0, HDMI, Thunderbolt 2 2 connector, Ethernet, 3,5 mm audio jack, microphone input
- a slot for SD memory cards, SDHC
- Dimensions: 197 x 197 x 36 mm
- Weight: 1.22 kg

And of course, with every new Mac comes the new operating system OS X Yosemite.

Equipment

I think those who have been waiting for an updated line of the smallest computers from Apple, we know that the package does not include anything except the computer and the power cord. Yes, the mouse, keyboard and monitor have to buy separately or connect from an old PC. Of course, due to the lack of input / output devices is reduced and the price and size, but if you've already had a PC, most likely, by changing it to a brand new Mac mini do not have to buy anything (except that you may experience problems connecting the monitor, as little old VGA-connectors in the Apple-technology no longer long).

Appearance

As is the case with a complete, new Mac Mini looks virtually unchanged. He still resembles Apple TV (unless the size is larger, but the color of the other) and still has a miniature size for full-fledged computer. If desired, you can easily put it in your backpack and take another. Or take it as a laptop for work - the weight of a little more than a kilogram makes it possible to seamlessly transport your computer from place to place.

Color also remained unchanged - silver metal casing and black plastic cover on the bottom of the device. Now she, by the way, is not removable - pay attention to this when choosing components. RAM is now can not be so easy to change, as before.

Performance

Hello! I bet most of you reading have missed all that is written above and immediately went to this item :)
Well, since now the gathered, let's start on the most important - the computer itself. As before, Mac mini runs completely silently during standard operation (surfing the web, watching videos, working with documents, and so on). And of course, the fans starts making noise under heavy braking, for example, in the productive running games.

We all know that the "Mac - not for games," but nevertheless from time to time run on it last available hits to see how they will work on not the top iron. For the test I ran three games: World of Warcraft, Tomb Raider

and the new Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!

Why them? Firstly, WoW shows excellent optimization. This is not a curve of the port with Windows, and "sharpened" specifically for Mac development. Secondly, the latest Lara Croft came out not so long ago, and could boast of a decent graphics. And thirdly, the last part of the Borderlands was on the shelves of Mac App Store very recently, so do not look at how it works - sin.

Frankly, I was surprised to performance. Who is there to compare different models of Mac mini and shouted that the two-year "Minicom" do better than new?

- WoW, as expected, he proved to be a fine. At high settings the game "feels" quite comfortable. You can even experiment and some parts to fit under the "ultra", but is likely to come along with the beauty and brakes. Nevertheless, I did not expect that the sliders graphic can be put above the average. But then, of course, the whole point optimization.

- Tomb Raider. It is not bad itself "feels" at medium-high settings and 720p. Here the role played exceptionally resolution. Retarding 1920x1080 image even at low settings.

- Borderlands. The game is pretty briskly at FullHD resolution, and medium-high graphics settings. Optionally 1080p can be sacrificed in favor of more detailed textures, but not observed in general brakes.

And now look at the results Geekbench, which screamed the entire Internet. Judging by the synthetic tests, the new Mac mini, though not much, but it is higher in comparison with the previous models performance. However, points performance gain is approximately the same (page test).

"Bottleneck"

While the solid-state SSD drives are increasingly appearing in laptops and desktop PCs, the new Mac mini is still supplied with a conventional HDD in the minimum configuration. It is clear that SSD still is more expensive, but the hybrid discs (the same Fusion Drive) Has not been canceled. Yes, of course, the price would rise, but not so much. My advice to you before you buy: Do not be stingy and take the place of the usual hard drive Fusion Drive. This will be the best solution between HDD and SSD, in which you get a nice boost in performance.

Currently no HDD - this is the "bottleneck" in current Mac computers. One can endlessly argue about the advantages and disadvantages of OS X Yosemite, but do not recognize that now is a convenient operating system itself - it is impossible. And to enjoy all of its features, you need a high level of response from the user's actions to the launch of the (program). And then, of course, HDD can not help us.

Output?

Small, light and quiet - it's still a full-fledged computer. Of course, this is ideal for undemanding tasks. The cost, which is lower than most flagship smartphones - an undeniable plus in the treasury of the device. Already outdated HDD - the saddest thing in the updated Mac mini.

If you are waiting for an updated line, it's time to think about buying, because it is not clear how much time will pass until the moment that Apple will be decided on the new update. Most importantly - do not take the HDD normal, better a little digging, than to be upset.