Apple Mac Mini 2nd Generation (2006)

Apple Mac Mini 2nd Generation

The Mac mini (2nd Generation), introduced in February 2006 for $599, marked the massive transition of Apple’s smallest desktop computer from older processors to fast Intel chips, effectively doubling its overall speed. While it looked exactly like the original model—a compact, elegant aluminum-and-plastic square box—it added modern user-friendly features like a built-in Apple Remote control and a simplified TV-style media menu, making it a favorite plug-in choice for living room home theaters. This generation was the first to feature upgraded internal hard drives and a disc drive that could read double-layer DVDs, though it remained famously difficult for regular users to open up for upgrades, often requiring a thin putty knife just to safely pop the internal plastic tabs. Apple offered several speed boosts to this specific shape before retiring it in June 2010 for a sleeker, all-aluminum redesign.

Donated by: Chris K.