What are the differences between the Intel-based Mac mini “Core Solo/Core Duo” and the PowerPC-based Mac mini?
Please note that all systems mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. The Mac mini “Core Solo/Core Duo” models were replaced by the “Mid-2007” Mac mini “Core 2 Duo” line on August 7, 2007. Upon first glance, the Intel-based Mac mini “Core Solo/Core Duo” models — the Mac mini “Core Solo” 1.5, Mac mini “Core Duo” 1.66, and Mac mini “Core Duo” 1.83 — look identical to the replaced PowerPC-based models — the Mac mini G4/1.25 and Mac mini G4/1.42 — as all use the same 6.5 inch by 6.5 inch by two inch enclosure and weigh 2.9 pounds. Differences become more apparent with an evaluation of the ports. Both systems have DVI out (which also supports VGA with an included DVI-to-VGA adapter), a Firewire “400” port, and a security port. However, the Mac mini G4 models have two USB 2.0 ports, a headphone/audio out jack, a 10/100Base-T Ethernet port, a 56k modem port, and optional AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth. AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth were standard starting July 26, 2005 with t
