The new Mac mini is a very cool little computer. Carved from a single billet of aluminum, it is super strong, light, tiny, powerful and really inexpensive. Starting at $699 this is the least expensive Mac you can buy. If you already have a monitor, keyboard and mouse, (that’s right just disconnect that old PC and plug this in instead) you’re good to go. OR, if you have always wanted to see your Mac on the big screen, you can plug this mini-beast directly into your HDTV! Finally, a Mac with a built-in HDMI port, a video card that supports HDTV resolutions and a new System Preference that that lets you use a little “slider” to fit your TV perfectly. No more fiddling with resolutions and overscan and frequency settings. Just plug it in, slide the slider till the screen is full and you’ve got a full blown, Mac based media center. iTunes movies, DVDs, HULU – in glorious HD. Now add a wireless keyboard and mouse, or if you’re like me have the MacBook in your lap while watching TV, just turn on screen sharing and run the mini with keyboard already in front of you!

Base model: $699
•2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
•2GB of memory
•NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics
•320GB Serial ATA hard drive1
•8x-speed SuperDrive
•HDMI and Mini DisplayPort output
•HDMI to DVI Adapter
•SD card slot, four USB 2.0 ports, and one FireWire 800 port
•Gigabit Ethernet
•Built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi2 and Bluetooth 2.1

Add options:
•add 2GB ram, 4GB total – $85
•upgrade processor to 2.66ghz – $150
•upgrade harddrive to 500GB – $100
•AppleCare 3yr support/warranty – $149
•Apple wireless keyboard – $69
•Apple wireless Magic Mouse – $69
•Apple TimeCapsule WiFi+backup – $299

When I first looked at this new Apple product, I wondered why Apple would build and sell something as mundane as a battery charger. When I mentioned it to our service manager, Jason told me to take a closer look and showed me why. This little device is over 10 times more efficient than the average charger. When the batteries are full, it goes into a sleep mode that only consumes 30 milliwatts. (average charger is 310mw) Then consider that the NIMH (Nickel Metal Hydride ) batteries have a life of up to 10 years. With 2 AA’s for your keyboard and 2 for your mouse (plus 2 spares ready and waiting) this little charger will keep a bushel basket of batteries out of the landfill! Plus, keep a little more green in your pocket.

Apple Battery Charger – $29
comes with charger, wall plug and 6 NiMH AA batteries.