By AppleInsider Staff

Published: 08:00 AM EST

Apple today announced enhancements to its Mac mini line, with 512MB of memory standard in every model and prices starting at $499.

The Mac mini also features built-in wireless networking with AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth starting at $599, and the ability to burn DVDs with a SuperDrive for $699.

"Mac mini has been a popular choice for consumers getting started with Mac OS X and iLife '05," said David Moody, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "With double the memory and new features like built-in wireless networking and DVD burning, the new Mac mini delivers an even greater value in an innovative compact design."

The new Mac mini lineup includes three models: 1.25 GHz Mac mini, 1.42 GHz Mac mini and the new 1.42 GHz Mac mini with SuperDrive for burning DVDs and CDs. The top two models of the Mac mini now include built-in AirPort Extreme for 54 Mbps 802.11g fast wireless networking* along with an internal Bluetooth module. Meanwhile, built-in Bluetooth enables cable-free communication with Bluetooth-equipped mobile phones and PDAs as well as popular peripherals such as the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse.

Mac mini includes one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports for easy plug-and-play connections to popular peripherals such as Apple's iPod digital music player, digital still cameras, digital video camcorders and printers. Mac also mini offers a DVI interface that also supports VGA so customers can easily connect to a variety of LCD or CRT displays and built-in 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet.

Every Mac mini includes iLife '05, Apple's suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand and iTunes. Mac OS X version 10.4 "Tiger" is also pre-installed on every Mac mini, as are Quicken 2005 for Mac, Nanosaur 2 and MarbleBlast Gold.

Pricing & Availability

Mac mini is available immediately through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers in three standard configurations.

The 1.25 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $499 (US), includes:

1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 processor;

512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable to 1GB;

40GB Ultra ATA hard drive;

Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive;

ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32MB video memory;

one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports;

10/100 BASE-T Ethernet networking and 56K V.92 modem;

internal support for AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth;

DVI or VGA out (adapter included), composite/S-video out with optional adapter; and

built-in speaker and headphone/line out.

The 1.42 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $599 (US), includes:

1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 processor;

512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable to 1GB;

80GB Ultra ATA hard drive;

Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive;

ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32MB video memory;

one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports;

10/100 BASE-T Ethernet networking;

built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth;

DVI or VGA out (adapter included), composite/S-video out with optional adapter; and

built-in speaker and headphone/line out.

The 1.42 GHz Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $699 (US), includes:

1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 processor;

512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable to 1GB;

80GB Ultra ATA hard drive;

SuperDrive (DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;

ATI Radeon 9200 graphics processor with 32MB video memory;

one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports;

10/100 BASE-T Ethernet networking;

built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth;

DVI or VGA out (adapter included), composite/S-video out with optional adapter; and

built-in speaker and headphone/line out.

Build-to-order options and accessories include up to 1GB of RAM, SuperDrive (DVD+/-W/CD-RW), AirPort Extreme Card, 56K V.92 modem, internal Bluetooth module, wired or wireless Apple Keyboard and Apple Mouse and the AppleCare Protection Plan.