Time for a Media Center Upgrade: Unboxing the 2010 Mac Mini

I bought this base model 2010 Mac Mini (2.4GHz with 2GB) to be a media center computer with HDMI to the TV while running PLEX on it.  I also purchased a Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard to use with my media center.

Three Boxes to Get through First

• The big brown shipping box has a MacConnection catalog and a smaller brown box inside.
• Then, inside the smaller brown box is the white Mac Mini box.
• The white Apple box shows the Mac Mini with a white background on the from and, on the back, the back of the Mac Mini and all its ports.  The side of the box states that the Mac Mini comes pre-installed with Mac OS 10 and iLife (doesn’t state version).

Note: After boot up the installed version of iLife is version 10 and not the latest the version 11. An upgrade version can be purchased from Apple by paying $9.99 shipping.

My first (and only?) Mac Mini

This computer is very much in line with the current mac look, with the same aluminum unibody look.  Also in the box is

• the HDMI to DVI adapter in case you are using it with a monitor that doesn’t have HDMI or display port,
• simple power cord (since the power brick is built in),
• white Package “Everything Mac” containing install disks (not USB key like came with the MacBook Air), warranty information, and Apple stickers.

By sliding the bottom black panel, it opens easily, providing access to the memory ports for easy DIY memory upgrade.

That’s it: Simple, elegant.  It’s a mac.

Super Gadget Guy

• Upgrading production value: Canon Vixia HF20 Camcorder Unboxing I had been wanting a good camcorder for a while.  Starting to document my unboxing experiences and publish them online provided the perfect excuse to pick up this  from Amazon.  When I ordered this camera from Amazon, it came with an 8 GB memory card promotion which I promptly put......
• Lights for Camera: Unboxing Canon 580EX II Flash for Canon XSI Rebel I bought this accessory for my camera, a Canon XSI Rebel.  I think the  is a great beginner DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera.  I have already bought the Battery grip for it so that I have vertical grip shot control and longer battery life. I have taken many great shots......
• Quick Unboxing of Logitech G13 Gaming Controller I got myself this little Logitech G13 Gaming Controller for Christmas.  This is a dedicated gaming controller pad that works with World of Warcraft.  Although I don't play WOW, I do play first person shooters and it seems like a pretty neat controller.  I've been thinking that my keyboard is......

• Ceiling Fan Installation Do-it-yourself ceiling fan installation can save you money both on the installation and your home's heating and cooling costs. While running the fan in the summer can cool a room and give your air conditioner a break, running a ceiling fan on low in the winter can help distribute warm......
• How to Make Money Buying Contact Lenses When my insurance company and optometrist both duped me into paying an extra $60, I learned my lesson. Still, I needed a year's supply of contact lenses, and the only way to get the $130 credit from my insurance company was to buy through the same provider, Hour Eyes. I......
• Multiple Apple updates as Mac goes to version 10.4.8 Apple is fixing 15 security flaws with the 10.4.8 version upgrade of Mac OS X. (There is a second update as well.... Security Update 2006-006). In typical fashion there are a bundle of issues in these updates. Several address remotely exploitable vulnerabilities. According to Incidents.org 10.4.8 addresses the following.... -......