The most noticeable difference of the new model compared to the preceding generation of minis is the missing thin long slit in the aluminum case of the Mac mini. Here we only find the familiar silver cover, Apple has gotten rid of the DVD drive even with the entry-level model. This step seems typical of Apple: there were often complaints about the Superdrive and instead of going the other route and installing a Blu-Ray player, Apple has done away with the disc drive altogether. Whether a device with a built in CD/DVD drive is a good alternative is a decision everyone has to make for himself. How long it will really be needed remains to be seen. At least Apple includes the software stores with iTunes and Mac App Store—two important media sources that need no discs—under one roof.

Those looking for the home theater experience with some good old DVDs might have to consider getting an external DVD component to hook up to the Mac-Mini. For occasional use it's definitely doable, but a big compromise for some saved desk space. Windows users will also soon feel the lack of the DVD drive, at least if they haven't yet created an ISO image of the Windows OS in order to complete Bootcamp installation. If you've cleared this hurdle, installing Windows goes nice and smoothly via Bootcamp using a USB drive, just respond to the prompts.

On second glance we see that variety of ports along the rear edge had changed a bit. Here we now see the Thunderbolt port which doubles as the DisplayPort and is marked with a little lightning bolt symbol. There are still no Thunderbolt-compatible peripheral devices on the market. Even Apple's Thunderbolt display is currently listed with a delivery time of 6-8 weeks. As before, the 2011 Mac Mini sports a flawless, excellently crafted case made from top-quality materials. The unibody case, well crafted edges and perfectly measured dimensions can only be found on other Apple devices. The RAM is easily accessible through the removable base plate, but to get to the hard drive, you have to dig a bit deeper into the case. Once you've found it, you'll discover there's even space for a second hard drive. Finding an appropriate cable for this might be rather difficult, however, because Apple once again has chosen a special solution here. Those who don't do the hassle of figuring out this whole setting-up-an-additional-HDD business might want to order the two-hard-drive model right off the bat. The exact specifics about that model can, as always, be found on Apples Homepage.

As usual, the ports work a bit better or worse depending on whether you're running Mac OS or Windows. There's a noticeable improvement in Firewire 800 speeds under Mac OS for one (see image). On the other hand, the somewhat low SD-Card scores under OS X are easily trumped by Windows 7. eSata and USB 3.0 are not found on the Mini and Thunderbolt port is, as previously mentioned, virtually useless because of lacking compatible devices. The wireless internet connection via W-LAN 802.11 a/b/g/n is fast and up-to-date, and there's Bluetooth 4.0 for cellphone connections. Those preferring a landline internet connection have gigabit LAN (Ethernet) to fall back on. The receiver for Apple's Remote is built-in at the front, but the remote itself has to be ordered separately. Also not included are a mouse and keyboard. Normal keyboards and mice are, nevertheless, compatible and easy to use. A few slight differences in the Mac keyboard layout might take some getting used to, though.