How much dose the apple mini really costs?

[Solafaa]

Ok lets say that i am in the market for a new desktop and i would like to spend as little money as possible. I would like to buy the apple mini with everything (monitor, keyboard and mouse) how much would it really cost to get it to be a working desktop?

[edesignuk]

You can't add up, or just lazy? :rolleyes:

Find a monitor, get price
Find a keyboard, get price
Find a mouse, get price

Mini + monitor + kbd + mouse = cost ;)

[Norouzi]

Well the base price is 499, from there you can add any monitor, and any USB keyboard and mouse, so it depends on how much you want to spend on a monitor and keyboard. You can find a keyboard and mouse for about $30, and prices for monitors are about $100-The Sky. So honstly you could get the Mac Mini fully set up for about $650.

[jsw]

Well, be forewarned that the 17" iMac is going to be competition by the time you add everything.

But, if you want to go low-end:

(1) There's no reason to get the 1.42 GHz version; upgrade the 1.25 GHz version to an 80GB drive, if you want, and save $50. Or stay with 40GB and save $100. So, let's say you get the cheapest one.

Price so far: $499.

(2) Spend the money to upgrade to 512MB. $75 is worth it.

Price so far: $574.

(3) If you don't mind a CRT, you can get a 17" for $99. Maybe ~$300 for an LCD.

Price so far: $673 (if you get the $99 CRT).

(4) You can get a decent KB/mouse combo for $30, maybe less.

Price so far: $703.

So, I'd say a bit over $700 for the cheapest usable configuration. $1000 or so for some upgrades.

[baby duck monge]

of course, according to your sig you already have a REALLY nice desktop setup, so why you would need to do this is beyond me. but that aside, you could always at least use that nice apple display you already have and then all you would need is a KB and mouse.

[maya]

Check out MacMall, they are giving a FREE Keyboard and Mouse with the purchase of a Mac mini.

All you have to do now is add a screen size of your choice. :)

[maya]

Mini + monitor + kbd + mouse = cost ;)

As per MacMall:


Mini (494)+ 17" lcd monitor (264) +kbd (free) + mouse (free) = 758 :)

[Maestro64]

Well first off, if you understand the market it is going after, it is the PC user who happens to have an ipod, 3 year old PC looking to upgrade or replace. Mostly likely they have a monitor and USB keyboard and mouse. So the cost is $499 to them.

But as usually people are easily up sold and figure why not get a new monitor and keyboard. so they look at it all and maybe realize hell I am over a $1000 lets look at an Imac, which for Apples is good thing since you can bet the margins on an Imac are better then the mini.

I can tell you this much I am buying one for my in-laws. They have a 5 yr old Imac and I was going to get them an eMac. But why, I have an extra monitor and keyboard I'll give them, so to them it is $499 for what they need. I bet i can get $150 for the Imac so it is really $350 to them.

[mactastic]

Well, figure $1,000 for the computer w/ Superdrive, AE, BT, matching wireless keyboard and mouse, and an upgrade to 512MB RAM. Then add a monitor of your choice. You could add a 20" Cinima Display for another thousand.

[maya]

Well, figure $1,000 for the computer w/ Superdrive, AE, BT, matching wireless keyboard and mouse, and an upgrade to 512MB RAM. Then add a monitor of your choice. You could add a 20" Cinima Display for another thousand.

Repeat after me:

I do not have to buy an Apple branded Display.

I do not have to buy an Apple branded Keyboard and Mouse.


All I need is the Mac mini, and the upgrading to a SuperDrive, larger HDD, AEcard, and Ram can be done on my behalf, it is not hard. :)

Only thing you might want is bluetooth as a BTO. :)

[jeremy.king]

Mostly likely they have a monitor and USB keyboard and mouse. So the cost is $499 to them.

Most PCs (especially outdated ones) ship(ped) with a PS/2 mouse and keyboard, so really a majority of the so-called target consumers will have to get a keyboard and mouse anyways.

[patseguin]

I have visions of getting a wireless keyboard & mouse and hooking it up to my 50" Panasonic LCD TV. That would be cool!!!!

[baby duck monge]

Most PCs (especially outdated ones) ship(ped) with a PS/2 mouse and keyboard, so really a majority of the so-called target consumers will have to get a keyboard and mouse anyways.

or a cheap ps/2 -> usb converter. i have a number of them just laying around here, so i know they can't be that hard to come across.

[maya]

Most PCs (especially outdated ones) ship(ped) with a PS/2 mouse and keyboard, so really a majority of the so-called target consumers will have to get a keyboard and mouse anyways.

Some PC users also have a BT mouse and keyboard along with LED, RF, and Laser mouse.

No need to add something to the package that many Mac and PC users have complained in the past that all they do is toss the keyboard and mouse in a draw.

Plus do not forget that you can buy Keyboard and Mouse on ebay, or some 3rd party for much much cheaper. Some vendors are giving it for free with the Mac mini purchase.

I fail to see your point, unless you buy it direct from Apple at the moment. :)

[maya]

or a cheap ps/2 -> usb converter. i have a number of them just laying around here, so i know they can't be that hard to come across.

Please read others post before posting, it can be rather rude when all you have is a I SHALL ONLY BUY FROM APPLE mindset.

There are 3rd party Apple vendors that give these for free, just look around. :)

[jeremy.king]

or a cheap ps/2 -> usb converter. i have a number of them just laying around here, so i know they can't be that hard to come across.

You sure you don't have that backwards? Most Microsoft periphs came with a USB -> PS/2 converter (the little green guys). The PS/2 to USB converters are a bit more expensivo. Although this doesn't look so bad - http://www.digitaletc.com/go/item/6632

maya, my point was that even a person looking to replace the family PC is going to spend more than $499 + tax/ship. I just dont' see why apple didn't just include a KB/mouse. Sort of like buying a car without tires or a monitor without cables, IMO.

Either way, I may end up getting one and using it as a house "server"/development environment of some sort and just use VNC to drive it.

[grapes911]

I have visions of getting a wireless keyboard & mouse and hooking it up to my 50" Panasonic LCD TV. That would be cool!!!!

This is actually a really good idea. Its so small, it would be the perfect media centered computer.

[dejo]

Check out MacMall, they are giving a FREE Keyboard and Mouse with the purchase of a Mac mini.

True. Any ideas on how to get the details of what keyboard and mouse is part of this deal? The MacMall site mentions this deal on the main page and the Mac mini "family" page, but doesn't appear to have any further details. It's not even listed in the Rebates page for the minis, although the free printers, earbuds, wireless routers, etc. are.

[ftaok]

This is actually a really good idea. Its so small, it would be the perfect media centered computer.Unfortunately, Apple didn't supply it with the necessary inputs (i.e. coax, component/DVI) or outputs (optical audio). I agree that the form factor makes it great for a media PC, but it just doesn't have everything you'd need.

Someone else suggested that perhaps Apple is working on another MediaPC type unit along with a video store (a la iTMS). Let's all say a little prayer for that. :D

EDIT - I also wanted to add that this would be a perfect "WebTV" type computer. Throw in the Bluetooth and Airport Extreme, then add a BT keyboard and you're set. The only thing is that I've never seen a BT keyboard with a "mouse" type device. Maybe someone should come out with a keyboard with a "thumbstick" or trackpad. That would be sweet.

[Solafaa]

of course, according to your sig you already have a REALLY nice desktop setup, so why you would need to do this is beyond me. but that aside, you could always at least use that nice apple display you already have and then all you would need is a KB and mouse.

I am not gona get it i dont need it, i was just asking to see how cheap the mac mini really is.

To be honest i think if they had a normal desktop but smaller something like 30% the size of teh G5 powermac it would be better that comes with a monitor/ mouse and keyboard, as macs normaly do this should come with everything you need out of the box.

[maya]

True. Any ideas on how to get the details of what keyboard and mouse is part of this deal? The MacMall site mentions this deal on the main page and the Mac mini "family" page, but doesn't appear to have any further details. It's not even listed in the Rebates page for the minis, although the free printers, earbuds, wireless routers, etc. are.


Call them up and ask. :)

The answer is only a phone call away. :)

[maya]

maya, my point was that even a person looking to replace the family PC is going to spend more than $499 + tax/ship. I just dont' see why apple didn't just include a KB/mouse. Sort of like buying a car without tires or a monitor without cables, IMO.


Apple is not leaving you high and dry, well at least not they 3rd party vendors. Since they are offering FREE K/M.

I am sure you can buy a cheaper keyboard and mouse else where also a monitor. All Apple wants is for you or other to get hooked on the OS and apps that is all. Sure in the end you will spend more than 499 then again that happens with all electronics, you have to buy a printer, scanner, digital camera, blah blah blah....

Look at digital cameras they do not come with the docking station you have to buy that along with rechargeable batteries. <--- What is that all about?

Same with this product, you want low cost then you get what you pay for. :)

This products is only there so people come in with the intent to buy it however will buy something more expensive, a great marketing ploy. :)

[maya]

...it would be better that comes with a monitor/ mouse and keyboard, as macs normaly do this should come with everything you need out of the box.

And that is exactly Apples point. :)

[jeremy.king]

Look at digital cameras they do not come with the docking station you have to buy that along with rechargeable batteries. <--- What is that all about?

Mine came with a rechargeable and a USB cable. ;)

We can just agree to disagree - yeah MacMall has it right (after rebate) but the least apple could have done was throw in a PS/2 -> USB converter. That one I found was only $10 - but I guess to paint it white and put an apple logo on it would up the value to $50 (yes that was a joke). Some of us are attached to our MS Ergonomic keyboards.

Good price point, good marketing, but in reality you do end up spending more no matter how you spin it - but that was the intent right? :)

[Diatribe]

Well, figure $1,000 for the computer w/ Superdrive, AE, BT, matching wireless keyboard and mouse, and an upgrade to 512MB RAM. Then add a monitor of your choice. You could add a 20" Cinima Display for another thousand.

And then you could get the 20" imac instead and have a way nicer mac. :p

[mactastic]

Repeat after me:

I do not have to buy an Apple branded Display.

I do not have to buy an Apple branded Keyboard and Mouse.


All I need is the Mac mini, and the upgrading to a SuperDrive, larger HDD, AEcard, and Ram can be done on my behalf, it is not hard. :)

Only thing you might want is bluetooth as a BTO. :)

Well duh. I was just trying to answer the guy's question. I'm well aware of different brand monitors, mice, keyboards, etc.

[panphage]

I keep seeing people saying "Add a 20" Cinema for $1000 and you might as well get an iMac". But the 20" Cinema is WAY better than getting an iMac.. The 20" cinema is a far better panel than the one that comes with the iMac. But the real point that destroys the comparison is that you can use the cinema three years from now with a newer mac mini. Or a G6 tower. Or whatever. For my money the Cinema is a better deal.

[maya]

I keep seeing people saying "Add a 20" Cinema for $1000 and you might as well get an iMac". But the 20" Cinema is WAY better than getting an iMac.. The 20" cinema is a far better panel than the one that comes with the iMac. But the real point that destroys the comparison is that you can use the cinema three years from now with a newer mac mini. Or a G6 tower. Or whatever. For my money the Cinema is a better deal.

Why even buy the ACD for that matter? You can get as big displays for much much less. :)

[Diatribe]

I keep seeing people saying "Add a 20" Cinema for $1000 and you might as well get an iMac". But the 20" Cinema is WAY better than getting an iMac.. The 20" cinema is a far better panel than the one that comes with the iMac. But the real point that destroys the comparison is that you can use the cinema three years from now with a newer mac mini. Or a G6 tower. Or whatever. For my money the Cinema is a better deal.

The only problem is that there's no processor in the cinema display. Makes it kinda hard to run any apps... ;)

[TyleRomeo]

Repeat after me:

I do not have to buy an Apple branded Display.

I do not have to buy an Apple branded Keyboard and Mouse.


All I need is the Mac mini, and the upgrading to a SuperDrive, larger HDD, AEcard, and Ram can be done on my behalf, it is not hard. :)

Only thing you might want is bluetooth as a BTO. :)

hey maya and i actually agree here. All you need is the mini, everything else apple offers can be done later, except maybe the internal bluetooth. Has anyone installed internal bluetooth themselves?

Tyler

[dejo]

but in reality you do end up spending more no matter how you spin it

I hook up my DVI LCD display, USB keyboard and USB mouse. Total cost more to me: $0. No need for me to spend any more no matter how you look at it.

[maya]

hey maya and i actually agree here. All you need is the mini, everything else apple offers can be done later, except maybe the internal bluetooth. Has anyone installed internal bluetooth themselves?

Tyler

Not possible from what I gather. :(

BTO or USB dongle later.

[maya]

The only problem is that there's no processor in the cinema display. Makes it kinda hard to run any apps... ;)

If only your brain had a DVI port. ;) :D

[acedickson]

If you want a wireless KB/mouse combo pickup the Logitech Cordless MX Duo from zipzoomfly for 59.99 shipped. Costs the same as the wired apple KB/mouse.

[cazlar]

The only thing is that I've never seen a BT keyboard with a "mouse" type device. Maybe someone should come out with a keyboard with a "thumbstick" or trackpad. That would be sweet.

It's not quite the same, but one little-used feature of MacOS since System 7 or so is "mouse keys" (where your keypad directs the mouse around) in the Universal access prefs. It's not great for any sort of precision things and will never beat a mouse for many things but I use it all the time with my bluetooth keyboard. With practice you can get quite good at using it (even drag and drop)

[Toppa G's]

it would be better that comes with a monitor/ mouse and keyboard, as macs normaly do this should come with everything you need out of the box.

Is it just me or have people been complaining forever that Apple bundles keyboards and mice that they don't use with their computers? Seems people are always grumbling about having drawers full of keyboards and mice that they don't have the option to refuse.

(side note: I realize that those people might be construed as "power users", obviously not the target of this particular machine) :D

[coolsoldier]

OK, folks, the Mac mini can be considered as either (a) a replacement for an existing tower unit or (b) one component of an a-la-carte computer system. The mini is not, and is not being marketed as, a complete system.

It allows people who are so inclined to buy macs with a two button mouse and/or more ergonomic keyboard and/or cheap monitor, none of which Apple makes. If they included a mouse and keyboard with the computer automatically, it would be the overpriced apple mouse and keyboard, which, from my experience, recent PC converts tend to hate.

Remember that the one-button mouse has been a turn-off for PC users (and several mac users) ever since the invention of the two-button mouse. Hence not including it :)

[Solafaa]

Remember that the one-button mouse has been a turn-off for PC users (and several mac users) ever since the invention of the two-button mouse. Hence not including it :)

Blah, i never use apple keyboards or mouse, i got the Logitech and a Microsoft Explorer 3.0 USB mouse. By the way whats the point of the 1 button mouse? i dont get it.

[gauriemma]

Merits (or lack thereof) of the new "Mini" aside, I find it amusing that so many people are apparently up in arms over the fact that a Macintosh computer is actually being sold without a keyboard and mouse.

As a Mac user from the 'old days' (read: the 1980s), I can still remember a time when such components had to be purchased separately. All you got out of the box was a CPU.

Funny how things come back around, isn't it?

[TranceClubMusic]

You can't add up, or just lazy? :rolleyes:

Find a monitor, get price
Find a keyboard, get price
Find a mouse, get price

Mini + monitor + kbd + mouse = cost ;)

LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[coolsoldier]

Now, to actually answer the question:

Assuming one does not own a mouse, keyboard, or monitor, and also that one buys the cheapest available peripherals from walmart.com, one can get a complete computer system priced as follows:

Mac Mini, $499-$599
CRT Monitor (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1582166&cat=110911&type=19&dept=3944&path=0%3A3944%3A3951%3A37802%3A110911), $119
USB Keyboard (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2073573&cat=4442&type=19&dept=3944&path=0%3A3944%3A3951%3A163385%3A4442), $19.88
USB Mouse (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3425282&cat=175302&type=19&dept=3944&path=0%3A3944%3A3951%3A163385%3A175302), $11.98
-----------------------------------
Complete System $649.86-$749.86

Alternatively, one could take advantage of macmall's free keyboard&mouse promotion and buy just the monitor, bringing the total system price down to $618-$718.

Of course, a great many people already have monitors (Fewer have USB mice and keyboards, although dual PS2 to USB cables can be purchased for considerably less than the price of a mouse-keyboard set)

[TrenchMouth]

so i am thinking about getting one of these. i think i will go witht he slower model and throw in the 512 and get a superdrive.

i found a pretty good 15 lcd for $250 and i think that will due until i get some more spair cash for a bigger monitor.

my question is, i know this thing will be fine running Tiger, but will it be Core capable? I remember seeing a list of GPU's that were Core compatible, but i dont remember seeing the 9200 as one of them. that would be sort of a let down if it wasnt. but i guess i can deal with that. it is still a huge jump from what i have now lol.

[oingoboingo]

Merits (or lack thereof) of the new "Mini" aside, I find it amusing that so many people are apparently up in arms over the fact that a Macintosh computer is actually being sold without a keyboard and mouse.

As a Mac user from the 'old days' (read: the 1980s), I can still remember a time when such components had to be purchased separately. All you got out of the box was a CPU.

Funny how things come back around, isn't it?

Macs were being sold without keyboards or mice much later than that. I was flipping through an old copy of MacUser (from 1996) and noticed that many of the Performas did not include keyboard/mouse in the base price. And in those days, you couldn't just plug in any standard USB peripherals...it had to be ADB.

So yeah...we've come full circle.

[oingoboingo]

so i am thinking about getting one of these. i think i will go witht he slower model and throw in the 512 and get a superdrive.

i found a pretty good 15 lcd for $250 and i think that will due until i get some more spair cash for a bigger monitor.

my question is, i know this thing will be fine running Tiger, but will it be Core capable? I remember seeing a list of GPU's that were Core compatible, but i dont remember seeing the 9200 as one of them. that would be sort of a let down if it wasnt. but i guess i can deal with that. it is still a huge jump from what i have now lol.

Apparently Apple has removed the list of supported GPUs from its Core Image web page, but the Radeon 9200 was not on the previous list of supported GPUs. However, you will still be able to run Core Image-based applications; extra details like certain animations will just be scaled down or not used.

[Toppa G's]

Apparently Apple has removed the list of supported GPUs from its Core Image web page, but the Radeon 9200 was not on the previous list of supported GPUs. However, you will still be able to run Core Image-based applications; extra details like certain animations will just be scaled down or not used.

Here's an old thread (from last July) that talks about CoreImage compatibility and issues with older GPUs. Enjoy! :D

Core Image Compatability (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=79026)

EDIT: Forgot to mention that a list of supported cards is in the thread.

[Mechcozmo]

Most PCs (especially outdated ones) ship(ped) with a PS/2 mouse and keyboard, so really a majority of the so-called target consumers will have to get a keyboard and mouse anyways.

A lot still ship with them... sad, very sad. PS/2 should die and be replaced with extra USB ports, but then again, what would I do with all those extra keyboards I have?

[maya]

what would I do with all those extra keyboards I have?

Buy converters. :)

[takao]

ordered mine (1.42 80gb,superd. 512 mb,bluet. airport) together with an apple keyboard (i really like the slim design of them and the 2 usb ports and of course it's a little bit nostalgy since i've been playing warcraft 2 at my friends house in the old days)

732.48 € with edu discount and without taxes (sadly 20% VAT is added here on top of that price)

i'm _really_ happy that it doesn't come with a keyboard and mouse
i wouldn't liked it to pay with my money for a bundled mouse i would never use...

it still is the most expensive PC i've every ordered but it is still cheaper than the iBook with which i wouldn't be much happier (actually: less because of lacking superdrive)
but it is worth every cent

(i've got an KVM switch,3,5 hd enclosure,usb2 hub,wireless router,ipod mini on my wishlist...in that order............. and of course money for mac os x 10.5 and for the iWork version when it has spreadsheet functionality ;))

[dejo]

PS/2 should die and be replaced with extra USB ports

Yeah, it's strange. Even the cheap Dells come with 6 USB ports (along with mini-DIN ports for keyboard and mouse). 6 should be plenty for keyboard, mouse, and various other USB devices, especially for their target market.

[IJ Reilly]

Merits (or lack thereof) of the new "Mini" aside, I find it amusing that so many people are apparently up in arms over the fact that a Macintosh computer is actually being sold without a keyboard and mouse.

As a Mac user from the 'old days' (read: the 1980s), I can still remember a time when such components had to be purchased separately. All you got out of the box was a CPU.

Funny how things come back around, isn't it?

I've been buying Macs since 1985, and I can't remember buying a single one without a keyboard and mouse. Is my memory really so riddled by age and excess alcohol consumption? :eek: