AppleInsider Staff
After a brief hiatus, Apple's high-capacity 2TB Mac mini has returned to the Online Apple Store on Tuesday, but is once again reserved as a configuration option on the most expensive $999 model.
When the latest Mac mini refresh was introduced last October, AppleInsider noted Apple had axed internal storage options beyond 1TB. Prior to the hardware update, a 2TB HDD was offered as an add-on to the top-end Mac mini server, which was also discontinued.
In its return to the Online Apple Store, spotted earlier today, the 2TB Mac mini is now a Fusion Drive unit, but is again restricted to the highest-end $999 model, which comes with a 2.8GHz dual-Core Intel Core i5 1TB Fusion Drive and 8GB of memory, standard. The additional storage space comes at a $100 premium and — aside from swapping to an 256GB SSD — is the cheapest storage upgrade available.
The new option adds to Apple's existing Mac mini storage customization options, which include a switch to 256GB of PCIe-based flash storage for no extra fee, or 512GB and 1TB SSD configurations that sell for $300 and $800, respectively.
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35 Comments
The only thing that frustrates me about the new Mini is the soldered RAM. But it's not what you think; I'm frustrated because everyone freaked out about it, and the 2012 models didn't drop in price on the used market as much as they could have.
I have to say, since the last update to Duet my old iPad is now a pretty useful head to my previously headless 2013 Mac mini. An old iPad is perfect for the occasional tinkering on a Mac mini (in my case it is a server) although I still like using ARD (which is now all working properly again since 10.10.2) but never-the-less, better it is sitting proudly on a Mac mini than in a cupboard collecting dust. They have feelings you know ;) . Anyone thinking of using an old iPad and Duet for a Mac mini screen I suggest using kiosk mode (in the accessibility settings).
Apple should get out of the hard drive business and sell a Mac mini without a drive and you stick in whatever you want.
Does Apple really have to rip everyone off?
[quote name="TheWhiteFalcon" url="/t/184298/apple-brings-2tb-mac-mini-configuration-back-to-online-store#post_2660918"]... the 2012 models didn't drop in price on the used market as much as they could have. [/quote] A month or so before it was discontinued, I got an awesome bargain on the 2012 dual drive mini server (thanks AI / Adorama) for $100 below retail with free AppleCare. Having the TimeMachine drive built in is perfect for my development environment. I'll buy another one in the near future. I think it was a mistake to drop the dual drive option. I expect these server models will retain value as long as they run the current MacOS.
They should get out of the RAM business too…they are gouging customers with their memory upgrade pricing.