Free Mac mini Test Drive for 30 Days

[papersushi]

Just saw Apple's new pilot program today, test drive a non-custom Mac mini for 30 Days between August 30, 2005, and October 31, 2005.

If you don't like it, just return it within 30 days. Awesome! Online or 1-800-MY-APPLE Only!

http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/step1_promo_testdricebanner.gif

http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/836/store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/sd_testdrive_banner.gif

[Chip NoVaMac]

Sounds like the Mac mini is not selling well, even after the update. This may be the thing to get more people interested.

[Super20]

I've been itchin' to try one out. Good opportunity to do it. I'm tired of my giant tower of a pc clogging my desk.

[wPod]

cool offer, except i already know i want one!! but i wonder why apple is doing something like this. seems like something a company would do b/c noone knew the company exisisted. but everyone knows about apple, just not much about the computers. i doubt too many people will return it though b/c they will all fall in-love with the OS. the only people i think will return it are M$ people that send it back just to piss off apple. intersting concept.

[Angelus520]

Here's the other thread on this:

Mac Mini: Free 30 Day Trial (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=146555)

[mpopkin]

Sounds like the Mac mini is not selling well, even after the update. This may be the thing to get more people interested.
actually the mac mini is selling really strong right now, apple wants to convert people and that is the reason

[powerbook911]

Everyone wants to find trouble with a company, but it isn't there. It actually shows a confidence. Apple is selling lots of Mac Minis, just see how they rank on Amazon, for an example.

However, this will push even more people to try it out. This way they will not have to worry that they won't like it, or their keyboard won't work, or whatever his or her concerns might be. They can get it, open the box, and still be able to return it.

[kalisphoenix]

Hahaha... just the other day someone said that Apple tried this test program twenty years ago, it was a disaster, and they'd never try it again :P

[Lord Blackadder]

I agree with Powerbook911 - I think this is less desperation than confident marketing.

I suspect that Apple's real goal here is to get people to switch to OS X; The Mini is a low-cost way to get people to try the OS. Once hooked, they hope people will go to the Apple store and buy a more expensive Mac, or at least buy the Mini and increased OS X's installed base.

[kalisphoenix]

:( I didn't weigh in with my actual opinion...

Ah, for what it's worth, I think this is a great idea. It's how NordicTrak and every other exercise machine-manufacturer in the country make their money. I'm not talking about winning hearts and minds here, I just mean that people are too lazy to return ****.