Rival ships custom Minis

Rival Computer today began shipping custom Mac mini systems with 1.83GHz, 2.0GHz, and 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo processors. Consumers can choose a 60GB (included), 80GB ($50), 100GB ($100), or 120GB ($175) 5,400 RPM hard drive, or alternatively a 100GB ($200) 7200 RPM hard drive. Custom Mac minis include 512MB of memory, but are upgradeable to 1GB or 2GB capacities for $100 and $300, respectively. Each system ships with a slot loading Combo Drive, which users can swap out for a slot loading SuperDrive for an additional $50. Keyboard/mouse combinations include a Logitech Cordless Desktop for $50, an Apple USB keyboard and Mighty Mouse for $80, or an Apple wireless keyboard and mouse for $100. Rival's 1.83GHz Mac mini systems start at $950, while its 2.0GHz and 2.16GHz Mac minis are priced at $1,100 and $1,250, respectively.

Display

Users can choose from an array of displays ranging from an Acer 15-inch LCD monitor for another $175 to a 23-inch Apple Cinema HD flat panel display by adding $1,300 to the system price.

Operating systems

The company is offering Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition for an extra $250, or Microsoft Windows XP Professional for an additional $400. Custom Mac mini systems by default ship with no alternate operating system.

Parallels Desktop

Rival offers Parallels Desktop software for another $50, Parallels Desktop with Windows XP Home Edition for $250, or Parallels Desktop with Windows XP Professional for $400.

Maximizing a Mac mini

A maximized system from Rival boasting a 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo processor with a 100GB 7,200 RPM hard drive, 2GB of 667MHz DDR-2 SDRAM (two 1GB modules), a slot loading SuperDrive, an Apple Wireless keyboard/mouse, and a copy of Windows XP Professional is priced at $3,600.

by MacNN Staff