Mac mini (Mid 2010) dissected

The folks at iFixIt have done what they do best and torn down the new (mid 2010) Mac mini - released Tuesday (press release) from Apple.

Here's what they uncovered:

• Departing from previous generations, the Mini's unibody top enclosure is machined from a single block of aluminum.
• With a simple counter-clockwise twist, we were able to gain access into the Mini's internals. Gone are the days of the putty knife. You will be missed, old friend!
• Removing the RAM is very simple this time around, requiring only the simple prying of two clips.
• The fan doesn't have too much work to do, since the new Mac Mini is the most energy-efficient desktop, running on less than 10 watts at idle!
• There are two blind holes in the case of the Mini that are meant for the ends of Apple's custom U-shaped logic board removal tool. We just used two Torx screwdrivers. We call them the "Mac Mini logic board removal tool."
• In keeping with its space saving design, the fins directing air toward the vent hole are slanted to allow for better fan placement.
• The new Mini's power supply churns out a minuscule 7 Amps at 12V. Compare that to the 25.8 Amps at 12V cranked out by the iMac Intel 27", and you can understand how they fit the power supply inside the Mini.
• The Mini's 3/8" woofer dome won't be popping ear drums anytime soon.
• Apple had to get creative with the antenna placement because they switched to unibody construction for this Mac Mini.

Tantalizing Pictures:

• Final disassembly
• Utilizing the "logic board removal tool" -- two Torx screwdrivers
• Taking out the RAM
• Removing the heat sink
• Sliding out the logic board
• The minuscule power supply