The relatively modest 1.5GHz processor can’t compete with the more powerful processors typically found in larger desktop systems – or even the 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo found in the entry-level Mac Mini – so its overall score in our PCMark Vantage benchmarks isn’t terribly impressive. Even so, it’s perfectly adequate for day-to-day computing chores such as surfing the web and running Microsoft Office applications.
Benchmark Tests
PCMark Vantage Results
Longer bars are better
3DMark Vantage Report
Apparently, a 3D Mark score of zero might not 'represent the true performance of the graphics hardware'
COMMENTS
Like a Golf
reminds me of the adverts currently running for the VW Golf. Why have a computer that's like a Mac Mini? This is slighlty bigger, slightly cheaper but in the whole not as good as the Mac Mini.
Macs DO make good media Centre's
The Mac Mini is an awesome media centre when coupled with the right software. Unfortunately (for apple) that software is Linux and XBMC! When its configured like this it will eat any content you throw at it, including 40Mbs+ Blu-Ray content at full 1080P (with not a frame drop in sight)
This Dell is a good attempt but for anyone running XBMC its a non starter as there is no H/W acceleration in XBMC on Windows unless you use external players (which is a pain to configure)
The reviewer is wrong about the audio
I can only assume that the reviewer is unfamiliar with HDMI connections. If you connect this via HDMI to a TV or better yet a 7.1 receiver it has no problem with digital audio out in 5.1 or 7.1 surround. I know what I'm talking about I just hooked one up.
Mac mini can handle HD
Actually this isn't true. The modern(ish) Mini's use the Geforce 9400 this is more than capable than pumping out 1080p video via XBMC or something. Also you can put one of those Broadcom Crystal HD cards in the Mini's Mini PCIE that seems to be working well too.
Mini audio
The Mac Mini also has optical in and out with a 3.5mm to S/PDIF cable, the same cable I used with my mini disc walkman.
