Apple today unveiled the new Intel-based Mac mini at its special event in Cupertino, which will replace the company's previous low-end PowerPC-based model. The new machines come in two flavors, one that includes a single core processor and another boasting a dual core Intel chip. The new single core Mac mini is said to be up to three times faster than the previous model, while the dual core model is nearly four times as fast as its predecessor. The single core Mac mini is priced at $600, while the dual core model is available for $800. Both models, as well as a new iPod Hi-Fi which is priced at $350, are available starting today. [updated]

"With the new Mac mini, Apple has now moved 50 percent of its entire product line to Intel within 60 days--a record transition," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "The new Mac mini is now up to four times faster with the Intel Core Duo, includes even greater expansion in the same incredibly compact design, and is the most affordable way to enjoy Front Row and iLife '06."

The new Mac mini offers a completely new system architecture for performance up to four times as fast as the previous Mac mini, including a 667MHz front-side bus and 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory, expandable to 2GB. All new Mac mini models include built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11g WiFi for fast 54Mbps wireless networking, built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), and four USB 2.0 ports--twice as many as the previous generation.

Mac mini includes a DVI interface and a VGA-out adapter to easily connect to a variety of displays, including many of today's most popular flat panel televisions, and features both analog and digital audio outputs to easily connect to a home stereo.

The new systems include iLife '06, the next generation of Apple's suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring major new versions of iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand, and iWeb--a new iLife application that allows users to easily create websites with photos, blogs, and podcasts to publish them on .Mac. All of the iLife '06 applications are Universal applications that run natively on the new Intel-based Mac mini for maximum performance.

Apple's latest addition to its Intel-based Macs features the company's FrontRow software, enabling users to enjoy music, photos and videos from across the room using the Apple Remote. The latest version of FrontRow supports shared iTunes playlists, iPhoto libraries, and videos throughout the home via Bonjour, Apple's zero configuration wireless networking built into Mac OS X.

The new 1.5GHz Mac mini, priced at $600, includes:

• 1.5GHz Intel Core Solo processor;
  
• 512MB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable up to 2GB;
  
• a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive;
  
• 60GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm;
  
• Intel GMA950 graphics processor;
  
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
  
• Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 BASE-T);
  
• four USB 2.0 ports;
  
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
  
• DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video out adapter sold separately);
  
• the infrared Apple Remote.
  

• 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo processor;
  
• 512MB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable up to 2GB;
  
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL / DVD+/-RW / CD-RW);
  
• 80GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm;
  
• Intel GMA950 graphics processor;
  
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
  
• Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 BASE-T);
  
• four USB 2.0 ports;
  
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
  
• DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video out adapter sold separately);
  
• the infrared Apple Remote.
  
  Build-to-order options and accessories include up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, 80GB, 100GB and 120GB Serial ATA hard drives, iWork '06 (pre-installed), AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme Base Station, Apple Wireless Keyboard, Apple Wireless Mouse, Apple USB Modem and the AppleCare Protection Plan.
  
  It is available now from the Apple Store.