Apple releases new Mac mini with quad-core processors, USB 3.0

Apple has just updated its most inexpensive Mac, the Mac mini. The updated model announced at today's iPad mini event sees spec bumps across the board. The new model sports Intel Ivy Bridge processors, either in dual-core or quad-core flavors, along with a Thunderbolt port, USB 3.0, OS X Mountain Lion pre-installed, AMD Radeon HD discreet graphics, and Bluetooth 4.0. Remember, despite being a desktop Mac, the Mac mini does not include a SuperDrive, so you'll have to count on the Mac App Store and downloads for installing apps. The Mac mini starts at $599 and comes with a dual-core 2.5GHz processor, 500GB storage, and 4GB RAM. For $200 more you get a 2.3GHz quad-core processor and a 1TB hard drive. Lastly, there's also a server version that ships with Mountain Lion Server for $999, and that one packs a quad-core 2.3GHz Intel Core i7 processor with 2TB storage and 4GB RAM. You can purchase the new Mac mini now from the Apple Store.

Apple also released the new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display today at its iPad mini event.