Mac Mini Updated (All Core Duo)

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Apple has updated the Mac Mini to include all Core Duo models. Other than the processor upgrade, there does not appear to be any differences between the previous Mac Mini and today's release. The Mac Mini is available in two offerings:

1.66 GHz Mac Mini
60 GB 5400-rpm SATA Hard Drive
Combo Drive

1.83 GHz Mac Mini
80 GB 5400-rpm SATA Hard Drive
Superdrive

Both models feature:
-2MB Shared L2 Cache
-512 MB 667 MHz DDR2 RAM standard (up to 2 GB supported)
-GMA 950 Integrated graphics
-1 Firewire 400, 4 USB 2.0
-Optical Digital/Analog Audio In/Out
-Gigabit ethernet
-Airport Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR standard

Of note, the Mac Mini still uses Core Duo (Yonah), not the more advanced Core 2 Duo "Merom" chip found in today's iMac announcements (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/09/20060906091309.shtml).

[ImNoSuperMan]

Still cant see any sign of MBPs.*weeps*

Maybe next tuesday...

[hyperpasta]

Poop. And I was hoping for a $100 price drop.

I see why Apple came out with a 24-inch iMac the same day... we can't complain! :p

[4np]

Hmm... the Mini still has no Core 2 Duo? That does not sound too promising for MacBook (Pro) updates... unless Apple only wants to use the Core 2 Duo for the high end laptops (MacBook Pro) of course... Or are they waiting untill Leopard has been released?

[milo]

I'm mixed to disappointed on this one.

The solo to duo upgrade on the low end is nice, but I would rather have seen a price drop.

On the high end, that's barely an upgrade at all. Before, the high end model was way more appealing, after the upgrade the high end model is really unappealing compared with the macbook and the iMac.

[AvSRoCkCO1067]

Hmm... the Mini still has no Core 2 Duo? That does not sound too promising for MacBook (Pro) updates... unless Apple only wants to use the Core 2 Duo for the high end laptops (MacBook Pro) of course... Or are they waiting untill Leopard has been released?

Core Duo prices will decrease soon (October or so), so Apple will probably have a price decrease then. Additionally, it may wait to put merom in its Macbook lineup, and instead have a price decrease there too...

[miles01110]

Hmm... the Mini still has no Core 2 Duo? That does not sound too promising for MacBook (Pro) updates... unless Apple only wants to use the Core 2 Duo for the high end laptops (MacBook Pro) of course... Or are they waiting untill Leopard has been released?

I didn't think they would put the Core 2 Duo in the mini before the MBP.

[Zadillo]

Hmm... the Mini still has no Core 2 Duo? That does not sound too promising for MacBook (Pro) updates... unless Apple only wants to use the Core 2 Duo for the high end laptops (MacBook Pro) of course... Or are they waiting untill Leopard has been released?

I wouldn't say that the lack of Core 2 Duo in the Mac mini would say much about what Apple will do with the MBP. I could agree that it makes it slightly plausible that the MB might stick to the regular Core Duo though.

[milo]

Hmm... the Mini still has no Core 2 Duo? That does not sound too promising for MacBook (Pro) updates... unless Apple only wants to use the Core 2 Duo for the high end laptops (MacBook Pro) of course... Or are they waiting untill Leopard has been released?

We'll see it soon in the macbook pro, I'd guess the MB will be later on.

So are all the yonah naysayers ready for a big plate of crow?

[trstno1]

4 week delay if you want the 160GB drive. Maybe I'll buy my own, but it's only $200 from Apple.

Any thoughts - why no Merom?

[ImNoSuperMan]

Hmm... the Mini still has no Core 2 Duo? That does not sound too promising for MacBook (Pro) updates... unless Apple only wants to use the Core 2 Duo for the high end laptops (MacBook Pro) of course... Or are they waiting untill Leopard has been released?

Yup that seems like bad news for anyone hoping C2D MacBooks this september. But I doubt there was anyone realistically expecting Merom MB this soon. But I do hope they pump out Merom MBP on 12 Sept. May be a completely new and cool design for the MBP is waiting for as next tuesday.:rolleyes:

[relimw]

Still cant see any sign of MBPs.*weeps*

Maybe next tuesday...
Dude, the MBP was updated in late April of this year, why would you think it'll be updated four and a half months later??

[anim8or]

Does anyone think that as we have seen the Mac Mini's update was just a speed bump, that the MacBook will only see a speed bump too.

There has been a debate as to whether the MacBook will see 'merom' this year, i think that the evidence speaks for itself... ...not til next year.

Here is how i see it;

Mac Mini, MacBook White - Consumer models - Core Duo til late this year or early next

iMac, MacBook Black - Bridge between consumer and pro - Core 2 Duo (Possibly not in the BlackBook but perhaps as an option?)

Mac Pro, MacBook Pro - Pro Models - Core 2 Duo


Just my opinion... ...what does everyone else think?

[Multimedia]

Besides, no more Intel Core Solo in Mac Mini.
$599 - $579 Academic (3.5% off) Big Whoop.
1.66GHz Intel Core Duo processor
2MB L2 Cache
667MHz Frontside Bus
512MB memory (667MHz DDR2 SDRAM)
60GB Serial ATA hard drive¹
Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0
Apple Remote

I think Merom will follow after their supply of Core 2 Duo can keep up with other model's needs first - my guess is by Thanksgiving. :) So that report of fulfillment of an order for a Core Solo with a Core Duo was not a screw up mistake on Apple's end. He was just the first to get one.

So looks like Steve will premiere the all new Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro next Tuesday.

[KevanDual2.5]

Maybe i am alone on this one....

I think the 24" iMac G5 is the beginning of the end of the G5 iMac. We all watched as the outstanding G4 iMac grew from a 15" to a 17" and finally to 20". While the stunning design remained the same, the 20" just didn't look as good as the 2 previous models. The proportions were wrong and it looked top-heavy.

I am sitting in front of an original 23" Apple Display (plastic rather than aluminium). The new iMac cannot be much smaller than it. I firmly believe that the 24" will be, and should be, as big as it gets. I just hope that heat doesn't become a problem with the Core 2 Duo chips else the G5 iMac may have to evolve into a new enclosure.

Anyone else have thoughts similar?

[~Shard~]

Any thoughts - why no Merom?

Apple probably wants to keep the costs of the Mini down, and until prices drop in October on the Core 2 Duos, we likely won't see them in the Mini. Plus, going from Core Solo to Core Duo is a decent enough upgrade for now. Lasty, Apple probably would not update the Mini to Core 2 Duo before the MacBooks/MacBook Pros. :cool:

[Multimedia]

Dude, the MBP was updated in late April of this year, why would you think it'll be updated four and a half months later??You are mistaken. MBP was introduced January 10. It will go all new design and Core 2 Duo next Tuesday for sure.

[MacVault]

Maybe i am alone on this one....

I think the 24" iMac G5 is the beginning of the end of the G5 iMac. We all watched as the outstanding G4 iMac grew from a 15" to a 17" and finally to 20". While the stunning design remained the same, the 20" just didn't look as good as the 2 previous models. The proportions were wrong and it looked top-heavy.

I am sitting in front of an original 23" Apple Display (plastic rather than aluminium). The new iMac cannot be much smaller than it. I firmly believe that the 24" will be, and should be, as big as it gets. I just hope that heat doesn't become a problem with the Core 2 Duo chips else the G5 iMac may have to evolve into a new enclosure.

Anyone else have thoughts similar?

What do you mean by "G5"??? PowerPC is long gone from Macs.

[McScooby]

Does this mean we can expect MB / MBP revisions with a bumped HD?

[Porco]

Dude, the MBP was updated in late April of this year, why would you think it'll be updated four and a half months later??

Yeah, next thing you know people will saying machines could have their processors upgraded before they're even released!! Oh, wait... :p

Seriously, I think it's been widely stated that with the move to intel chips, processors are likely to be updated more regularly... don't know when the MBP will get upgraded, but if the chips are there, they need to be going in the machines ASAP for Apple to maintain a competitive line-up compared with otherwise-similarly specced PCs.

[~Shard~]

Maybe i am alone on this one....

I think the 24" iMac G5 is the beginning of the end of the G5 iMac.

You are alone on this one - the end of the G5 iMac has already happened, in fact it happened a long time ago when Apple introduced the first Intel iMacs. Hate to break it to ya, but G5 iMacs haven't been around for a long time, nor does a 24" G5 iMac even exist. :p :cool:

As for this new incarnation of the Intel iMac though, it totally depends on Apple's strategy. If they want to leave it as a desktop computer, yeah, it probably doesn't make sense to get much bigger. However, if they want to eventually incorporate a TV tuner and make it even more media-centric, and have it evolve into something else, then this may just be the beginning, not the end. :cool:

[milo]

Dude, the MBP was updated in late April of this year, why would you think it'll be updated four and a half months later??

Because new mobile chips just started shipping! You're nuts if you think MBP's won't be updated in the next couple weeks. There have already been confirmations from the retail channel based on supply constraints and similar things. It will probably be any day now.

You are mistaken. MBP was introduced January 10. It will go all new design and Core 2 Duo next Tuesday for sure.

Read his post, he said it was UPDATED in april, not introduced then. Which it was, they updated the 15 when the 17 shipped. And I doubt that the MBP announcement will be part of the Showtime presentation, but it should be soon.

[Porco]

What do you mean by "G5"??? PowerPC is long gone from Macs.

I think he's [quite obviously] talking about the iMac G5 exterior (as opposed to the 'sunflower' iMac G4, or the original G3-based CRT iMac), the form factor, which didn't really change much from PPC to intel. He even mentioned the intel chip in his post, I think no small amount of pedantry is involved in the "???"s :)

[mdntcallr]

cmon apple. get a clue.

these little mini's are nice but not great. there is a real void in your product lineup.

we need something with like a intel conroe chip, larger case, the ability to put in a better graphics card, and the basics like more ram, bigger hard drive and stuff.

give us a bigger mid sized tower type computer.

we all don't want to buy something with a screen. nor do we want some tiny puny non-upgradeable thing like the mac mini.

give us better options.

[relimw]

You are mistaken. MBP was introduced January 10. It will go all new design and Core 2 Duo next Tuesday for sure.
It may have been introduced then, but that wasn't the last time it was refreshed . See here (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/05/20060516092750.shtml) which is actually on May 16th.

[deputy_doofy]

Maybe i am alone on this one....

I think the 24" iMac G5 is the beginning of the end of the G5 iMac. We all watched as the outstanding G4 iMac grew from a 15" to a 17" and finally to 20". While the stunning design remained the same, the 20" just didn't look as good as the 2 previous models. The proportions were wrong and it looked top-heavy.

I am sitting in front of an original 23" Apple Display (plastic rather than aluminium). The new iMac cannot be much smaller than it. I firmly believe that the 24" will be, and should be, as big as it gets. I just hope that heat doesn't become a problem with the Core 2 Duo chips else the G5 iMac may have to evolve into a new enclosure.

Anyone else have thoughts similar?

I don't know whether you're right or wrong about a possible design change in the near future, but your terminology is wrong.
The G5 iMac is not a model. The G5 is a CPU. The iMac has not been a "G5" (or, to be more correct, has not had a G5) since January.
It's just "iMac." A G5 with a Core 2 Duo chip is like spouting off how you have a great "Intel Pentium Athlon machine made by AMD." People will see right through the ignorance.

[aquajet]

A thread on the new mac mini where everybody is bitching about the MacBook and the new iMac G5. :confused: :rolleyes:

As a side note, I think I'll buy a new mini now...

[relimw]

Yeah, next thing you know people will saying machines could have their processors upgraded before they're even released!! Oh, wait... :p

Seriously, I think it's been widely stated that with the move to intel chips, processors are likely to be updated more regularly... don't know when the MBP will get upgraded, but if the chips are there, they need to be going in the machines ASAP for Apple to maintain a competitive line-up compared with otherwise-similarly specced PCs.
Well, I'll agree that Apple should be updating faster, but I doubt they'll upgrade any of their machines faster than every 6 months. Unless it's just a simple processor-only speed bump, otherwise their factories would be constantly retooling.

[Senbei]

Any thoughts - why no Merom?
Apple seems to be stratifying their desktop lines based on processors.

Mini - Core Duo (Yonah) 1.66-1.83GHz
iMac - Core 2 Duo (Merom) 1.83GHz-2.33GHz
Mac Pro - Quad Xeon (Woodcrest) 2.00GHz-3.00GHz

All of this leaves room for Core 2 Duo E6600 (2.4GHz) and E6700 (2.67GHz) to eventually appear in a suitable form factor some time in the future.

[Stella]

They are expensive - slow, with a lack of hard disc capacity when compared against the new iMacs and existing PowerBooks ( which I'm sure are also about to go Dual Core 2.

[relimw]

A thread on the new mac mini where everybody is bitching about the MacBook and the new iMac G5. :confused: :rolleyes:

As a side note, I think I'll buy a new mini now...
LOL, you're right, we did sort of stray off topic there. :)

[BornAgainMac]

These new Mac Mini's don't seem like a great deal anymore. I think it was done on purpose to get people to upscale to a higher model.

[aquajet]

These new Mac Mini's don't seem like a great deal anymore. I think it was done on purpose to get people to upscale to a higher model.

I think the $599 model, now with the core duo of course, is a good deal. I can't really say the same thing about the $799 model.

Although, a refurb core solo can now be had for $479. :)

[Multimedia]

It may have been introduced then, but that wasn't the last time it was refreshed . See here (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/05/20060516092750.shtml) which is actually on May 16th.I do not consider a minor speed bump to be a refresh.

[surroundfan]

They are expensive, with a lack of hard disc capacity when compared against the new iMacs and existing PowerBooks ( which I'm sure are also about to go Dual Core 2.

The latest pathetic Mac Mini upgrade continues to highlight the idiocy of the decision to build a cheap 'switcher' computer using expensive notebook parts.

For the foreseeable future, compared to your cheap desktop from the purveyors of fine beige boxes, the Mac Mini will lack HDD space, CPU speed, expandability, decent optical drives, and the low, low price tag of the machines it is (supposed) to compete against...

(Yes, we understand why we should buy a Mac, but most folks are only interested in raw numbers. Remember this is theoretically supposed to be Apple's answer to the cheap crap piled high and sold cheap in the WalMarts and Harvey Normans of the world).

[Linito]

so no sub 500€ macmini yet?... :( although the core 2 duo line is a nice touch :cool:

[azzurri000]

I am underwhelmed, as Tim Gunn might say.

[aquajet]

The latest pathetic Mac Mini upgrade continues to highlight the idiocy of the decision to build a cheap 'switcher' computer using expensive notebook parts.

Sometimes it's about form over function. This is nothing new for Apple.

[bigandy]

i think it's a good move - all dual core. nuff said.

[twoodcc]

well core2duo would have been better, but at least they got rid of the solo.*

[asiayeah]

I am a little bit disappointed that it still does not have any built-in TV tuner.

[Linito]

Still cant see any sign of MBPs.*weeps*

Maybe next tuesday...

new processor needs new motherboard, there for new sistem needs new case, i think their gonna release a new mbp and will be aa killer!

[surroundfan]

Sometimes it's about form over function. This is nothing new for Apple.

Well quite, but it's going to lock the Mac Mini into being a poor value proposition.

[Compile 'em all]

Comparing the prices of the new iMacs and the Mac mini is absurd. The killer
feature of the mini is its form factor. Wake me up when you can use an iMac
as a file/download server placed in your desk drawer.

[miloblithe]

I think the $599 model, now with the core duo of course, is a good deal. I can't really say the same thing about the $799 model.

Although, a refurb core solo can now be had for $479. :)

The $799 model isn't a very good deal compared to the iMac, definitely. Add memory to get up to 1GB, and put in a 160GB HD like the $1199 iMac model, and you're already up to $1074 for the mini. For that $125 extra dollars you get a graphics card, a significantly faster processor, faster HD, a bit more expandability, and of course a screen.

Unless you specifically want the mini form factor, or have specific limit intentions for its use, it's not that good deal as a computer. If it were $100, that'd make a huge difference.

[Linito]

Poop. And I was hoping for a $100 price drop.
me 2:o :p :D

I see why Apple came out with a 24-inch iMac the same day... we can't complain! :p

yes we can! let me show you_:
were's my macbook core 2 duo :mad:
were's the new ipod/iphone :(
no new apple displays? apple what are you doing!?! :confused:
how about a new macbook pro? :confused:
how about a new newton! :mad:
were is my sub 500$ macmini? :confused:
no new cases ? bah!

its this easy

[miloblithe]

Comparing the prices of the new iMacs and the Mac mini is absurd. The killer
feature of the mini is its form factor. Wake me up when you can use an iMac
as a file/download server placed in your desk drawer.

Fair enough, but what about those of us who want to buy a general purpose computer? (Probably most people)

[Chundles]

new processor needs new motherboard, there for new sistem needs new case, i think their gonna release a new mbp and will be aa killer!

The "Merom" Core 2 Duo does not require a new logic board. It is pin-compatible with the current Core Duo processor so all they'd have to do is pop the old one out and pop the new one in - no need for a new enclosure.

Never said they won't do it though...

[boncellis]

My first instinct was that Apple stuck with Yonah in the Mini because of something they're about to introduce next week. The "streaming video" device could very well fill the set-top box niche that the Mini does, only at a lower price for the same remote media functions.

I was wondering which way it would go--I guess it's still up in the air. Basically I just see this as a $200 price drop, which is always welcome.

[miloblithe]

I was wondering which way it would go--I guess it's still up in the air. Basically I just see this as a $200 price drop, which is always welcome.

Except that doesn't take into account the superdrive and hard drive. It's more like a $100 price drop.

[brepublican]

yes we can! let me show you_:
were's my macbook core 2 duo :mad:
were's the new ipod/iphone :(
no new apple displays? apple what are you doing!?! :confused:
how about a new macbook pro? :confused:
how about a new newton! :mad:
were is my sub 500$ macmini? :confused:
no new cases ? bah!

its this easy
I dont think its that simple. This makes the mini wayyy more appealing to alot of people. Its a close call if you're deciding to get a mini or an iMac.

And aren't there more new announcements next week on the 12th? I dread to think of what new killer products/updates they are reserving that for!

[boncellis]

Except that doesn't take into account the superdrive and hard drive. It's more like a $100 price drop.

Ah, you're right, I missed the Superdrive change. Nice catch. I've never paid mind to the HDD inasmuch as it almost begs for a high-capacity external drive anyway, in my opinion.

[t0mat0]

Silent upgrades anyone? :)
Makes the MBP upgrades more likely. Can only say to nay sayers, that MBP will be C2D before (12th) or *just* after the student offer ends (US) - Sept 16th. I'd bet someone an icecream over it...

The important thing as someone said is that it "is one less thing for next thing". They'd only do a media event with something substantial, otherwise they'd be overwhelming us with lots of small presentations. Just see it as 2 things to tick off the wishlist for Sept 12th/16th!

[eidrunner247]

The 24" iMac can be upgraded to a 7600GT video card. Anyone know how decent that is? What about the x1600?

[aquajet]

I really kinda wish Apple would offer deeper education discounts on the mini. $20 just seems cheap to me. I wonder what the exact margins are on these things.

The 24" iMac can be upgraded to a 7600GT video card. Anyone know how decent that is? What about the x1600?

Wrong thread.

[dongmin]

Fair enough, but what about those of us who want to buy a general purpose computer? (Probably most people)Well I actually think there's a good chance now that Apple will drop the Mini altogether and replace it with a Conroe-based smallish desktop. Apple didn't add any new features to the Mini other than the CPU bump. To me, this signals Apple's reluctance to advance the line beyond the current incarnation. Logic dictates that a new product will replace it.

Silent upgrades anyone? :)
Makes the MBP upgrades more likely. Can only say to nay sayers, that MBP will be C2D before (12th) or *just* after the student offer ends (US) - Sept 16th. I'd bet someone an icecream over it...I'd bet on the 19th or 20th. There's just too much stuff next week with the video store, ipods, and airport AV. Apple will want at least a full week of these new toys on the Apple.com front page before adding the C2D MBPs. Next week:

[............movie store..............]
[ipods] [airport] [24" imac] [mini]

The week after:

[.............movie store..............]
[MBPs] [ipods] [airport] [imacs]

It looks like Apple's been holding off making any Merom-related announcements until they have enough on hand to ship today. And indeed, they're shipping Merom iMacs today, which beats all other major vendors, if I'm not mistaken. I'll bet that Apple will wait til they have enough stock of 2.0 and 2.16 ghz parts before announcing the Macbook Pros. That's why I say they're two weeks off, at least.
.
.

[freeny]

Just as others, I am waiting on the merom MBP. People are ansy about this because the current MBP is known to those who knew about the merom as a "place holder" until the actual install of the merom. the merom was built for laptops and of course the laptops will be the last machines to actually recieve it. The order in which apple is updating their computers with this new chip is not logical to the consumer but may very well be logical to apple $$$.

[mterlouw]

Is it just me, or does the $599 mini *not* let you configure it with a DVD burner?

[aquajet]

Is it just me, or does the $599 mini *not* let you configure it with a DVD burner?

You're right and that sucks. :(

[surroundfan]

Is it just me, or does the $599 mini *not* let you configure it with a DVD burner?

The Superdrive option in the base model has gone.

Earth to Apple: a Combo drive in 2002 was state of the art. A Combo drive in 2004 was a reasonably priced alternative to a DVD burner. A Combo drive in 2005 was an acceptable means of marketing differentiation. A Combo drive in 2006 (particularly with no option to buy a DVD burner) is an embarrassment...

[twoodcc]

The Superdrive option in the base model has gone.

Earth to Apple: a Combo drive in 2002 was state of the art. A Combo drive in 2004 was a reasonably priced alternative to a DVD burner. A Combo drive in 2005 was an acceptable means of marketing differentiation. A Combo drive in 2006 (particularly with no option to buy a DVD burner) is an embarrassment...

i agree. i would never buy a computer that didn't have a dvd burner....and i'd never advise someone else to either

[zac4mac]

It may have been introduced then, but that wasn't the last time it was refreshed . See here which is actually on May 16th.

Wrong, all they did then was drop the bottom config. Top speed is STILL 2.16GHz, as it was the day the 15"MBP started shipping in Feb. - I have a 2.0 that I received Feb28. The ONLY speed bump the MBP has gotten was before they started shipping.

Z

[mterlouw]

i agree. i would never buy a computer that didn't have a dvd burner....and i'd never advise someone else to either
And neither would Steve Jobs, and so he wants you to spend $799 for the feature.

[archer75]

Not impressed. I could put a Core2duo in my mini myself. I want a better video card in the mini.

[ryanx27]

were's my macbook core 2 duo :mad:

2007


how about a new macbook pro? :confused:

"new" as in C2D & GPU upgrade: October

"new" as in significant form factor change: 2007

[kadajawi]

The 24" iMac can be upgraded to a 7600GT video card. Anyone know how decent that is? What about the x1600?
Somewhat decent, a bit faster than the 6600GT, less power consumption IIRC. Just look out for normal reviews in the PC territory, that should give you an idea. I think it would be a decent choice in a sub-$1000 computer... over that I'd be expecting something better. Still, the 6600GT which I have is pretty decent, can play most games at a good resolution and high quality settings.

I'm going to buy the basic Mini... the size makes the difference, since it's going to be used at different locations (every few months in a different country ;) ). A superdrive would be nice, but not neccessary.

Anyone knows if student discount and the "free printer" works with refurbs too?

[Dunepilot]

The Superdrive option in the base model has gone.

Earth to Apple: a Combo drive in 2002 was state of the art. A Combo drive in 2004 was a reasonably priced alternative to a DVD burner. A Combo drive in 2005 was an acceptable means of marketing differentiation. A Combo drive in 2006 (particularly with no option to buy a DVD burner) is an embarrassment...

There's some truth in this. Apple's approach to optical drives has been haphazard for some time now.

[archer75]

I'm going to buy the basic Mini... the size makes the difference, since it's going to be used at different locations (every few months in a different country ;) ). A superdrive would be nice, but not neccessary.


You can add in your own super drive for cheaper. Newegg sells a nice Pioneer DVD burner that works in the mini for $72

[zoozx]

Please explain to me who would buy a mini and why?
I just don't get it when a imac is close in price with a monitor.
What am I missing?

[mrgreen4242]

Is it just me, or does the $599 mini *not* let you configure it with a DVD burner?

I came to post the same thing. So you have to pay $150 (price after matching the 80gb HDD) for a SD? Lame. Ya I know you get a faster CPU - put by what, 9%? Big whoop. At least the old mini line up made sense. $200 and you get an extra core, bigger HDD, and a SD... now you get 9%. Bah. If they had dropped the price $100 I would have been all over it.

You can get the 1.66ghz Duo w/ SD and 80gb HDD for $649 refurb still - if it had been $599 I would have jumped, but I'm kinda waiting now. Tell ya' what Apple, give me the 2.0ghz iMac guts in a box, no screen, for $899 EDU ($999 retail) and I'll be the first in line.

[Multimedia]

I am a little bit disappointed that it still does not have any built-in TV tuner.No problem. Just add an EyeTV hybrid (http://www.elgato.com/index.php?file=products_eyetvhybridna) for $150 to one ofthe 4 USB ports and you are good to go. Hang a FW400 external 400GB HD for about $150 total - case and HD - and you have your TV server. Why would Apple do it when Elgato already has the perfect ultimate solution? :confused:

[Ashtangi]

Please explain to me who would buy a mini and why?
I just don't get it when a imac is close in price with a monitor.
What am I missing?

People who already have an LCD. If you already have a 19" or 20" LCD, why would you want to replace it with a 17" LCD?

[mrgreen4242]

Please explain to me who would buy a mini and why?
I just don't get it when a imac is close in price with a monitor.
What am I missing?

I love my mini. I would have bought the former top end mini (1.66ghz Duo, 80gb HDD, SD) to replace my mini if it came down to $599 refurb/$699 new. I like my monitor just fine. I prefer the form factor of the mini over the iMac is what it comes down to, I suppose.

I'm not a fan of the iMac design... mostly because of my bad experience with a Rev A iMac G5 being so freaking loud. If Apple had kept the Core Solo and dropped it's price $100 or more (Apple needs a $399 mini more than it needs a $799 model) lots of people would have bought it.

As it stands, though, the mini kinda sucks.

[autrefois]

If Apple is concerned with showing potential switchers that Macs are more affordable than PCs, why not keep on the old Mac mini low-end model and price it at $499 (like the low-end Mac mini used to cost a while ago) or eventually even a little lower?

It's all fine and dandy that Apple can show during the keynote that the Mac Pros are significantly cheaper than comparable Dell machines, but why not try to show they can be competitve (or at least exist) at the under-$500 end of the spectrum as well?

[Chundles]

I love my mini. I would have bought the former top end mini (1.66ghz Duo, 80gb HDD, SD) to replace my mini if it came down to $599 refurb/$699 new. I like my monitor just fine. I prefer the form factor of the mini over the iMac is what it comes down to, I suppose.

I'm not a fan of the iMac design... mostly because of my bad experience with a Rev A iMac G5 being so freaking loud. If Apple had kept the Core Solo and dropped it's price $100 or more (Apple needs a $399 mini more than it needs a $799 model) lots of people would have bought it.

As it stands, though, the mini kinda sucks.

The Intel iMacs are almost silent - truly, you can barely hear them if at all.

[ethernet76]

And aren't there more new announcements next week on the 12th? I dread to think of what new killer products/updates they are reserving that for!

Yeah I can't wait for an updated iPod Hi-fi.

[Multimedia]

Please explain to me who would buy a mini and why?
I just don't get it when a imac is close in price with a monitor.
What am I missing?Needs to be $499 for the base. I agree with you. BUT, did anyone notice they have a DDR333 ram description when it is really PC 5300 running @ 667MHz? What a screwup. :eek:

Omni via Ramseeker.com (http://Ramseeker.com) has a pair of 1GB sticks for $174 instead of Apple's $225. Save $50 and have something to sell on eBay. - two 256 sticks. Wonder if anyone is buying those? Seems like so small.

[relimw]

Please explain to me who would buy a mini and why?
I just don't get it when a imac is close in price with a monitor.
What am I missing?
I have two minis, one of which is running headless, one is running with one of my extra monitors. Why would I want to buy yet another monitor? Besides which, if you're using them as a "poor man's build farm" you don't need superdrives.

[ethernet76]

i agree. i would never buy a computer that didn't have a dvd burner....and i'd never advise someone else to either

Remind me to never ask you for computer advice.

The parents bought a top of the line g4 iMac back when superdrives were 2x.

They still haven't used the superdrive to burn a dvd.

[ethernet76]

Somewhat decent, a bit faster than the 6600GT, less power consumption IIRC. Just look out for normal reviews in the PC territory, that should give you an idea. I think it would be a decent choice in a sub-$1000 computer... over that I'd be expecting something better. Still, the 6600GT which I have is pretty decent, can play most games at a good resolution and high quality settings.

I'm going to buy the basic Mini... the size makes the difference, since it's going to be used at different locations (every few months in a different country ;) ). A superdrive would be nice, but not neccessary.

Anyone knows if student discount and the "free printer" works with refurbs too?

It doesn't.

[Naimfan]

I'd have to call this one disappointing at best....mainly because I think the Mini is just too expensive to be considered any kind of "entry level" machine. Entry level for Apple, sure. But if this is the offering that is supposed to make people think a Mac is an "affordable" alternative to a PC, I don't think it does that.

I don't think Apple wants to wade in the disposable $299/399 territory, but $499 looks an awful lot better than $599....

Bob

[chabig]

They are expensive - slow, with a lack of hard disc capacity when compared against the new iMacs and existing PowerBooks ( which I'm sure are also about to go Dual Core 2.
There is no lack of hard disk capacity. Who says the hard disk has to be in the same enclosure as the CPU?

[Spanky Deluxe]

Thank God I sold my mini three days ago. It was a Core Duo 1.66Ghz with 1GB RAM. Luckily the buyer's already payed and I'm on my way to the post office now. Phew!!

[kadajawi]

Please explain to me who would buy a mini and why?
I just don't get it when a imac is close in price with a monitor.
What am I missing?
Just ordered mine :) The line up is nice because the lower end is pretty decent already with the Core Duo.

Why would I prefer the Mini... because a decent 19" widescreen is very cheap, and bigger, and I have a few monitors (ok, CRT, but what the heck...). Because people might have one of the HDTV LCDs or Plasmas and they want to use it in the living room (add a tv tuner and you have a nice HTPC).
You can always add an external DVD writer and HDD (which would be faster too).

[milo]

They are expensive - slow, with a lack of hard disc capacity when compared against the new iMacs and existing PowerBooks ( which I'm sure are also about to go Dual Core 2.

I think the $799 isn't a good deal. But you think the $599 model is expensive?

I do not consider a minor speed bump to be a refresh.

Then you're playing semantic games. They updated the MBP in april. Period.

I am a little bit disappointed that it still does not have any built-in TV tuner.

It's not a feature everyone wants, why should they force everyone to pay for it. Just buy a third party tuner (assuming apple doesn't introduce their own next tuesday).

The parents bought a top of the line g4 iMac back when superdrives were 2x.

That still doesn't mean you shouldn't get one NOW, when they cost $30.

[Unspeaked]

Thank God I sold my mini three days ago. It was a Core Duo 1.66Ghz with 1GB RAM. Luckily the buyer's already payed and I'm on my way to the post office now. Phew!!

So it was IDENTICAL to the current top of the line model, except the new one has a measly .17 GHz speed bump and 512MB LESS memory?

Yeah, this new one sure is a leaps and bounds ahead of the one you sold!

:D

[climhazzard85]

I just bought a Core Duo on the 21st, needless to say I'm pissed. Anyone know apple's price match policy?

[rockthecasbah]

Now that the Minis are Core Duo I like it more. Even though it's still $599 ($579 Edu) for the low end, it is at least not a solo. The Mini is still a good computer for a low end price range, even if it isn't the very newest processor available. I would definitely recommend a Mini, but since the iMac is so close in the Edu department, it is a little tough for the 1.83 clockspeed.

[Marx55]

Whre is FireWire 800?

At least two FireWire ports, please.

And a true 7200 rpm fast drive.

Thanks.

[MacinDoc]

What? No Core2 Duo? Why? The Core2 Duo costs the same as the Core Duo, according to Intel's price list. Is there a shortage of the Core2 chips, was Apple committed to purchasing a certain number of Core Duos, or was whoever decided to go with this configuration just temporarily insane?

[kadajawi]

Now that the Minis are Core Duo I like it more. Even though it's still $599 ($579 Edu) for the low end, it is at least not a solo. The Mini is still a good computer for a low end price range, even if it isn't the very newest processor available. I would definitely recommend a Mini, but since the iMac is so close in the Edu department, it is a little tough for the 1.83 clockspeed.
I don't think the iMac is so close. The low end iMac doesn't has a superdrive, no Front Row remote... it does have more than twice the HD and a slightly faster CPU, but other than that it seems pretty identical to the low end Mac Mini. That means $400 gets me a not so big TFT screen (far less than $200... although the quality may be better on the iMac... but you would get a bigger one for less than $200...), a bit more and faster storage space (external HD? How much is that? $100 for a small one (still bigger than the iMacs 160 GB, if you take the built in space. And you can make use of Time Machine)), and a slightly faster CPU (not a big deal to me) + you get Front Row.

If you don't mind you can get an external superdrive. A DVD writer is 30 € here, dunno about the case. Might be faster too. And you may upgrade the drive to Blue Ray or HD-DVD, later.

[sparksinspace]

just bought a core solo mac mini a week ago.. kind of weird I did the same when the iBooks were moved go G4 a while back, a couple of weeks earlier I had bought a G3 model..

oh well.. it's still a great machine. with a bit more memory it'll do just fine as the build machine for our software.

[Unspeaked]

Whre is FireWire 800?

At least two FireWire ports, please.

And a true 7200 rpm fast drive.

Thanks.

I believe what you're looking for is called the iMac.

[milo]

I just bought a Core Duo on the 21st, needless to say I'm pissed. Anyone know apple's price match policy?

You're probably too late. Should have waited, it was pretty obvious that most if not all of apple's machines would be updated around now, with both merom and conroe shipping.

Whre is FireWire 800?

On the high end machines. Apple obviously considers it a pro format, not a mainstream one.

What? No Core2 Duo? Why? The Core2 Duo costs the same as the Core Duo, according to Intel's price list. Is there a shortage of the Core2 chips, was Apple committed to purchasing a certain number of Core Duos, or was whoever decided to go with this configuration just temporarily insane?

Apple doesn't pay the prices on the price lists, they negociate with intel. You can bet they're getting yonahs cheaper than meroms.

[Multimedia]

I just bought a Core Duo on the 21st, needless to say I'm pissed. Anyone know apple's price match policy?If you call and complain, they might give you a refund for the difference.You're just over 2 weeks. Be persistent and ask to speak to a supervisor.

[twoodcc]

Remind me to never ask you for computer advice.

The parents bought a top of the line g4 iMac back when superdrives were 2x.

They still haven't used the superdrive to burn a dvd.

fine by me.....do what you will. that's them, but what about their kids? or anyone else who ever uses it? what about backing up their data?*

say what you will, but a dvd burner is always worth it

[ryanx27]

Thank God I sold my mini three days ago. It was a Core Duo 1.66Ghz with 1GB RAM. Luckily the buyer's already payed and I'm on my way to the post office now. Phew!!


LOL, sucks for that guy!! :p

[rmhop81]

Please explain to me who would buy a mini and why?
I just don't get it when a imac is close in price with a monitor.
What am I missing?
some people use the mini form factor in a different way. A lot of people already have a keyboard, mouse, and a nice lcd. Now the people i don't understand are the ones that go out and buy a 23inch ACD or 20inch ACD and buy a mini, makes no sense. But if you check out my sig you can see why i have my mini. I bought it specifically to use with my 42inch HDTV. I've been thinking about having a desktop setup so I may just purchase a new 17inch or 20inch imac. I thought about buying a display but i'd rather have the added extras that a new imac has. Just bc you wouldn't buy a mini doesn't mean other people don't have good uses for them. I love my mini and never want to get rid of it. Works great on my hdtv bc i have vga input on it. so i store all my music and play dvds through it to the tv.....

[rmhop81]

LOL, sucks for that guy!! :p well really depends on the price he paid.....it would really suck for him if the specs were exactly the same as the previous high end model but they aren't. Add an 80gb hard drive and a superdrive and that's another $150 or so.....all he is missing out on is the 1.83ghz processor which isn't that big of a deal.

[Multimedia]

Whree is FireWire 800?On the iMac 24". :pAt least two FireWire ports, please.You can buy a FW Hub with 3 or more for $30.And a true 7200 rpm fast drive.Buy a 400GB PATA Drive at Fry's on a holiday for $100 and put it in a $30 FW Case. You can even boot off it by cloning your internal to the outside.What? No Core2 Duo? Why? The Core2 Duo costs the same as the Core Duo, according to Intel's price list. Is there a shortage of the Core2 chips, was Apple committed to purchasing a certain number of Core Duos, or was whoever decided to go with this configuration just temporarily insane?Supply. As soon as there are enough Core 2 Duos coming at Apple to fulfill their needs for the iMacs, MacBook Pros and MacBook then Apple will switch to Merom in the mini I think by Thanksgiving. It's a cool move by Apple 'cause they are immediately offering the speed bumps that they were planning for the Core 2 Duo version now instead of when they switch the chip once they get enough.

[MacSA]

Is it just me, or does the $599 mini *not* let you configure it with a DVD burner?

Apple want you to "upgrade" to the more expensive model. The superdrive was a BTO option of £30. That Superdrive probably costs Apple £5, and they're still using a Combo Drive, which must cost them 99p

Im going to give this Mac Mini a miss.

[BenRoethig]

Look, they discontinued the $50 BTO superdrive option on the lower end model. Are they purposely trying to drive me to Velocity Micro?

[MacSA]

I just bought a Core Duo on the 21st, needless to say I'm pissed. Anyone know apple's price match policy?

Dont bother, its not worth the hassle, you'll notice a 0.5 second difference in some speed test thats all. If youd bought a Core Solo, it might be worth it.

[4God]

You are mistaken. MBP was introduced January 10. It will go all new design and Core 2 Duo next Tuesday for sure.


I'm betting that it will be more of an iPod, Moviestore, MacBook event.

[Dr.Gargoyle]

Hmmm... I wouldnt be surprised if we will see a Mac Media (beefed up mini with 3.5'' HD and TV tuner) released the 12th to go with the Movie store.
Three iMacs. Why not three Mac minis?

[Multimedia]

Look, they discontinued the $50 BTO superdrive option on the lower end model. Are they purposely trying to drive me to Velocity Micro?The SAVE refurb page has what you want for $649. If you really want that model, pull the trigger.

[freebooter]

I agree that the lower end 17" iMac is a better deal than the mini.

[MacSA]

The 1.6 - 1.8 chip upgrade on the high end Mini looks more like something we would have seen during the PPC days. :mad:

[evilgEEk]

I've been waiting for this update for a few weeks now, need to get a new computer for the office. But now I'm really torn between the mini and the low end iMac.

Frankly I'm thinkin the iMac. :confused:

[chillywilly]

As a current G4 mini owner, I like that they decided to get rid of the Core Solo. It didn't seem much of a bump from the G4 1.42 model.

As for prices, the high end mini with upgraded options seems very pricey. It's almost cheaper to go with the iMac.

I wouldn't mind getting a new mini, but don't really have the need for one now. Maybe if I give mine to my daughter eventually, that may be an option down the road.

But as with others, it would have been nice to see a price drop.

[corywoolf]

Terrified to see that my MBP's 1.83 Ghz Core Duo is now in Apple's lowest line of computers... It does what I need it to, but it must be worth half the value it was 6 months ago ($1,999.99). Even more terrified that my ex got a black MB that has a better processor then mine. And she only uses it for papers and chatting! :eek:

[milo]

Terrified to see that my MBP's 1.83 Ghz Core Duo is now in Apple's lowest line of computers... It does what I need it to, but it must be worth half the value it was 6 months ago ($1,999.99). Even more terrified that my ex got a black MB that has a better processor then mine. And she only uses it for papers and chatting! :eek:

Lowest line? The mini and macbook still both have slower processors than the MBP's.

[boncellis]

...Works great on my hdtv bc i have vga input on it. so i store all my music and play dvds through it to the tv.....

I sure hope you mistook the VGA input for the DVI input, otherwise you're crippling that gorgeous TV. Or you can get a DVI to HDMI cable to connect the Mini.

Sounds like a cool setup, the kind of thing I want to do too. ;)

[mrgreen4242]

Terrified to see that my MBP's 1.83 Ghz Core Duo is now in Apple's lowest line of computers... It does what I need it to, but it must be worth half the value it was 6 months ago ($1,999.99). Even more terrified that my ex got a black MB that has a better processor then mine. And she only uses it for papers and chatting! :eek:

Welcome to the world of Intel Macs. Tech is going to be moving much faster now... at least you have a real GPU.

[whooleytoo]

Look, they discontinued the $50 BTO superdrive option on the lower end model. Are they purposely trying to drive me to Velocity Micro?

It's the one thing I don't like about buying Apple - they deliberately restrict options on their lower cost hardware to push you to choose a more expensive model. Other OEMs seem happy to allow you to choose your model, then add on whatever you choose, with Apple you only really have options if you choose the most expensive model (Mac Pro) to begin with.

That's why we're never likely to see a cheap mini-tower Mac again, with upgradable CPU & GPU.*

I should add though, I'm glad there is an option in the mini line not to have a DVD writer, if it saves a few euros. I've had 3 Macs with them and have burnt a total of 2 DVDs, a complete waste of money.

(* yes, that was said deliberately in the hope of having egg on my face in a week's time. ;) )

[syklee26]

i know this is off topic but are they ever gonna do anything about the outrageous cost of .Mac subscription?

[Unspeaked]

i know this is off topic but are they ever gonna do anything about the outrageous cost of .Mac subscription?

No.

::sigh::

[razzmatazz]

i know this is off topic but are they ever gonna do anything about the outrageous cost of .Mac subscription?

How is it expensive? 99$ a year is $8.25 a month...thats not bad!

[kadajawi]

I should add though, I'm glad there is an option in the mini line not to have a DVD writer, if it saves a few euros. I've had 3 Macs with them and have burnt a total of 2 DVDs, a complete waste of money.
Oh well, I've burnt so many DVDs on my PC (have I?) that my writer seems to be at the end of its life. Ouch :(

On a side note... at least with standard sized drives there is barely any price difference between combo and dvd writer... I guess Apple is really having a nice profit on the superdrives...

[corywoolf]

Lowest line? The mini and macbook still both have slower processors than the MBP's.

Apple's cheapest computer= Mac Mini. Also, I was comparing that to my less then 6 month old 1.83 Ghz MBP.

[chillywilly]

I really think the next option is to even take out the Combo drives on all low end Macs and just add a SuperDrive to every model.

Even if you don't burn that many DVDs, it makes more sense to include it instead of having something that's pretty much outdated that's semi-difficult to replace for most users (the mini is the easiest out of all non-Pro and laptop models to replace the optical drive).

I don't like the idea that Apple has dropped options on lower end models, esp the SuperDrive option on the low end mini. There's not that many advantages that make the extra $200 all that inviting.

[corywoolf]

How is it expensive? 99$ a year is $8.25 a month...thats not bad!
Luckily I get .Mac for free, but $99 is very expensive when compared to using flcker, gmail, youtube, etc.

[Philoman]

The price is slowing going up and up.

PC user who are considering switching is thinking they can buy a whole system for this price.

Apple should offer a $499 Mini for those who are short on money and for those who want to try a Mac for the first time.

[ImNoSuperMan]

It may have been introduced then, but that wasn't the last time it was refreshed . See here (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/05/20060516092750.shtml) which is actually on May 16th.

Well if you consider a minor speed bump as a refresh. In that case MBP was refreshed within 4 months of it`s launch and now it`s been 4 months since that refresh too. So MBP still is due for a refresh even if we go by your theory of refresh timings.

I know the sept 12 event might only concentrate on Movie store and maybe a new iPod. But in case MBP is not redesigned I guess they`ll do a silent upgrade within a couple of weeks.

[bubbalwz]

cmon apple. get a clue.

these little mini's are nice but not great. there is a real void in your product lineup.

we need something with like a intel conroe chip, larger case, the ability to put in a better graphics card, and the basics like more ram, bigger hard drive and stuff.

give us a bigger mid sized tower type computer.

we all don't want to buy something with a screen. nor do we want some tiny puny non-upgradeable thing like the mac mini.

give us better options.

A-freakin-men.

[k8to]

No EMT64, no biscuit.

I wonder if Apple will be able to ship a monitorless, affordable, quiet core 2 computer before a boutique vendor fills the gap. If so, no mac for me!

[iMikeT]

Better than nothing.

[Silentwave]

It may have been introduced then, but that wasn't the last time it was refreshed . See here (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/05/20060516092750.shtml) which is actually on May 16th.

Come on, apple updated the MBP before it even shipped! The pace of things are different nowadays.

the MBP WILL get C2D in the next ~2 weeks tops.

[chillywilly]

A Core 2 Duo mini would be nice, but I don't think we'll see one until January now with this small mini update.

And even as much sense as a C2D mini makes, I think it would have taken some thunder away from the iMac updates.

[milo]

Apple's cheapest computer= Mac Mini. Also, I was comparing that to my less then 6 month old 1.83 Ghz MBP.

Ah, I misunderstood. Well, it shouldn't be a surprise. At some point even the $599 mini will have a chip faster than yours. That's just the way things go.

I wonder if Apple will be able to ship a monitorless, affordable, quiet core 2 computer before a boutique vendor fills the gap. If so, no mac for me!

There's a good reason apple didn't go Core2 on the mini...it would make it too close to the new minitower they'll be announcing soon!

[nagromme]

The bottom model is now a great deal, but I agree that bringing in a cheaper model would be nice. $499 Core Solo would be power to spare for a lot of people. I know it's more power than the G4 I'm typing on has :)


There's a good reason apple didn't go Core2 on the mini...it would make it too close to the new minitower they'll be announcing soon!
I like where your head is :)

[syklee26]

Originally Posted by mdntcallr
cmon apple. get a clue.

these little mini's are nice but not great. there is a real void in your product lineup.

we need something with like a intel conroe chip, larger case, the ability to put in a better graphics card, and the basics like more ram, bigger hard drive and stuff.

give us a bigger mid sized tower type computer.

we all don't want to buy something with a screen. nor do we want some tiny puny non-upgradeable thing like the mac mini.

give us better options.

ironically, this is why Apple stock does not plummet like other computer vendors. giving buyers few options to upgrade forces people to keep upgrading the system. you know that Apple Mac users upgrade their computer more often than PC users.

more upgrade of Mac = more Mac sales. good for Apple.

[chillywilly]

There's a good reason apple didn't go Core2 on the mini...it would make it too close to the new minitower they'll be announcing soon!
Mac Pro mini anyone? That would be kind of cool. I'm sure someone will photoshop up a pic soon.

[milo]

ironically, this is why Apple stock does not plummet like other computer vendors. giving buyers few options to upgrade forces people to keep upgrading the system. you know that Apple Mac users upgrade their computer more often than PC users.

Or it encourages them to look at PC alternatives. Do you have a source on mac users upgrading more often? Among the people I know it's the other way around.

[generik]

Ah, I misunderstood. Well, it shouldn't be a surprise. At some point even the $599 mini will have a chip faster than yours. That's just the way things go.



There's a good reason apple didn't go Core2 on the mini...it would make it too close to the new minitower they'll be announcing soon!

Good thinking! That's the spirit?

[generik]

Or it encourages them to look at PC alternatives. Do you have a source on mac users upgrading more often? Among the people I know it's the other way around.

PC alternatives.. such as projectosx86

[rmhop81]

i know this is off topic but are they ever gonna do anything about the outrageous cost of .Mac subscription?
order it from newegg! $20 cheaper

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832110004

or get the family pack. only $45 more than what apple wants for the cheap single license haha

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832110003

[Philberttheduck]

I gave it a positive rating because it means the release of the iPhone is imminent and will be the sole feature of the next event. I mean, if Apple has the balls to stick the Mac Mini update right next to the iMac's release of the 24" model, they have a HUGER release.

Crap, I don't know if I can afford both a fullscreen iPod AND an iPhone. You ask for a higher time for Apple.. and you (hopefully) get after Sept. 12. If only I was 18 and could buy stock...

[rmhop81]

I sure hope you mistook the VGA input for the DVI input, otherwise you're crippling that gorgeous TV. Or you can get a DVI to HDMI cable to connect the Mini.

Sounds like a cool setup, the kind of thing I want to do too. ;)
the tv has vga input on it so i just use that an the dvi to vga adapter to connect it to the mini. It's actually really good quality as it is right now. Happy with how it is, plus i don't feel like spending $50 on a single cable haha

[kasei]

It looks like I'm going to have to buy one of these and hook it up to my entertainment system. Good by clunky old DVDs and hello DVD library on a Mac Mini.

[ssteve]

Comparing the prices of the new iMacs and the Mac mini is absurd. The killer
feature of the mini is its form factor. Wake me up when you can use an iMac
as a file/download server placed in your desk drawer.

Agreed.

[stefan15]

Really confused as to why they just didn't skip to Core2.

[bommai]

the tv has vga input on it so i just use that an the dvi to vga adapter to connect it to the mini. It's actually really good quality as it is right now. Happy with how it is, plus i don't feel like spending $50 on a single cable haha

You can get a HDMI cable on line for like $10. You should be able to get a DVI/HDMI adapter pretty cheap too. VGA is so yesterday.

[milo]

Really confused as to why they just didn't skip to Core2.

Supply constraints, and intel is probably selling apple the yonahs cheaper than meroms.

[Silentwave]

Really confused as to why they just didn't skip to Core2.

probably supply reasons and cost reasons.

if they bumped it to core 2, at least the base model would still have been core duo, the c2d one would have been more expensive, and i'm willing to bet we may see the 1.83 C2D in more than just the 17" imac soon.

[aafuss1]

Bet the combo and Superdrives are all unchanged-the suppliers the same as February's model. And all Core Duo makes sense.
No HDMI or Blu-Ray though (but could jack the price up-so best left for 24" iMac's first revision in 2007)

[BenRoethig]

probably supply reasons and cost reasons.

if they bumped it to core 2, at least the base model would still have been core duo, the c2d one would have been more expensive, and i'm willing to bet we may see the 1.83 C2D in more than just the 17" imac soon.

I'm guessing that Apple probably had a bunch of yonahs sitting around and hoped they could sell some off.

Bet the combo and Superdrives are all unchanged-the suppliers the same as February's model.

Considering Panasonic and Pioneer are the only ones who make slot loading notebook drives, I'd guess so.

[Dr.Gargoyle]

Luckily I get .Mac for free, but $99 is very expensive when compared to using flcker, gmail, youtube, etc.
Not to mention the €99 we pay each for .mac over here.

[drzeus]

So this is interesting.

Everything is core duo, incuding the minis.
There is a movie announcement next week.
I still can't help but think that the mini has been silently hardware upgraded and will be the video iPod of the coming months. Download to the mini, keep your movies on it, it gets directly connected to your TV and you potentially have an HD movie solution to compete with netflix.

Very interesting. . .

[Multimedia]

I agree that the lower end 17" iMac is a better deal than the mini.Now that iMac is Core 2 Duo, the Academic $899 17" iMac is a mini killer config.

[Multimedia]

Really confused as to why they just didn't skip to Core2.Supply. Apple won't be able to get enough Core 2 Duos for a few months. Then they will switch at same speeds to Core 2 Duo.
But with the Academic 1.83 GHz iMac only $899, they may have to also speed bump both up one level to 1.83 & 2GHz where the L2 cache doubles to 4MB in Merom.

[Angrisano]

I'm a bit disappointed by this latest update as well. I'm still waiting for a headless Mac that will support my 19 inch dual monitors for under $2K. I recently built a nice Shuttle mini PC (not much bigger than the mini) with a P4 3ghz processor, 2gb ram, 250gb hard drive, 256mb graphics card and Litescribe DVD burner all for under $500.

Now I don't expect to pay so little for so much when buying a Mac. In fact I'm willing to pay double for the same specs. The trouble is, right now in Apple's line up you simply can't do it. Where is our mid-range expandable tower? I don't need all the power of the quad Xeon and my pocketbook doesn't need to pay that price.

I just want a decent middle of the road, expandable Mac for around $1K. I can build two really nice PCs for this price. Why can't I get one Mac?

[pixelvandal]

I can not believe how long it has taken me to finally bother to register here...And it has taken the release of an iMac to do it. I have never wanted an iMac, I've always been a 'pro' user - video editor, shake operator etc. I am still perfectly happy using my G5, plenty of grunt, and to be honest - wasn't really tempted to buy a MacPro, not for a little while anyway.
Then Apple drops the 24" iMac & I'm suddenly thinking, OMG I wan't one of those, in fact i think I will 'retire' my G5 (to a render machine anyway)...then I start reading the same retarded posts about Apple not having a mid sized desktop machine, complaining that they want more hard drive bays, that they 'have' to buy an iMac as a AIO...
For god sake's wake up & smell the roses...buy the iMac, stick your existing monitor on it & have twice the desktop...Apple will never release a mid-sized tower...
Who really wants more internal drives anyway? I have no less than eight external firewire drives, I fill them up so quickly that I wouldn't want to have them internal anyway...so stop complaing and shell out for an external drive - they're much more flexible & with FW800 plenty speedy - even for HD capture.
And do we honestly need to complain about the graphics card again??? Get over it the 7600 is a fine card, after all this is a 'consumer' workstation. If you really want to stick ten drives in your machine, six video cards, 4000Gb of ram - buy a MacPro - it's what they are built for!
I realise that you can never satisfy everyone all the time, but as a loooonnnngggg time Apple user I can honestly say that Apple are providing us with plenty of options, realistically more than ever before.

PS - please stop whinging about your MB & MBP in the iMac thread, I'm sure there's more appropriate venues...

[Angrisano]

I can not believe how long it has taken me to finally bother to register here...And it has taken the release of an iMac to do it.

Ironically I've been a longtime reader myself and just registered because of this article, though for exactly the opposite reason as you. :D

And yes I realize my complaints about a mid-range tower probably seem pointless to most. But the iMac just doesn't seem to meet my needs. I'm happy with my current dual monitors (which match in size and resolution) and I'd prefer more than a 128mb graphics card.

Moreover, I've been a Mac user since 1993 and never owned a single LCD-based Mac which didn't have a dead pixel. That's about seven Macs, including my current MacBook. Bad luck, I realize but I'm just not buying an all-in-one desktop from Apple. :p

[iBookG4user]

Dude, the MBP was updated in late April of this year, why would you think it'll be updated four and a half months later??
A very slight upgrade to the processor hardly says anything about when an update will come to the MBP. But I certainly hope it comes before October.

[digitalbiker]

Ironically I've been a longtime reader myself and just registered because of this article, though for exactly the opposite reason as you. :D

And yes I realize my complaints about a mid-range tower probably seem pointless to most. But the iMac just doesn't seem to meet my needs. I'm happy with my current dual monitors (which match in size and resolution) and I'd prefer more than a 128mb graphics card.

Moreover, I've been a Mac user since 1993 and never owned a single LCD-based Mac which didn't have a dead pixel. That's about seven Macs, including my current MacBook. Bad luck, I realize but I'm just not buying an all-in-one desktop from Apple. :p

You are not alone. I think there are a lot of Apple users right now who would love to see Apple release a mac-mini pro.

It would fill the niche between the all in one iMac and the MacPro.
It would be slightly larger than a mini. It would be Conroe based with socketed CPU for future upgrades. Include a graphics card slot with a choice of built to order high-end GPU options.It would have the output connections of the MacPro. It would also have room enough for a 300 GB HDD and DL Super-Drive.

The price would range 1199 - 1899 depending on the built to order options.

All in all, a sweet mini-mini tower with power enough for most, and the elegance to act as a HD video, audio , game machine, etc mult purpose machine.

[Angrisano]

You are not alone. I think there are a lot of Apple users right now who would love to see Apple release a mac-mini pro.

Well I posted it in another thread however I just built a PC with some amazing specs for under $500. It was a P4 3ghz, 2gb ram, 250GB HD, 256MB GPU, DVDR, bluetooth, wifi. The kicker is it's a Shuttle so it's tiny, not much bigger than a mini, and it's made of aluminum. The thing is very Mac like. And being able to build it so cost effectively, really ticked me off.

Because no matter what I'd get on the Apple side it would either cost much, much more or it would be hobbled in some way (GPU, monitor, etc.). In the end you have to realize that as a Mac user you're paying more for a brand and for the ability to run OS X. That's fine, provided you can find a system which meets your needs.

(yeah it's late and I'm cranky) :P

[~Shard~]

PS - please stop whinging about your MB & MBP in the iMac thread, I'm sure there's more appropriate venues...

Please stop whinging about iMacs, AIOs, minitowers, etc. in the Mac mini thread. :p :cool:

[AidenShaw]

Please stop whinging about iMacs, AIOs, minitowers, etc. in the Mac mini thread. :p :cool:
...but we know that the mini-tower is inevitable....:)

[aafuss1]

Is the 160GB BTO HD perpendicular?

[~Shard~]

...but we know that the mini-tower is inevitable....:)

Well of course, but that still doesn't excuse his hypocritical post. :D :cool:

[budugu]

Is the 160GB BTO HD perpendicular?
yup!

[Silentwave]

...but we know that the mini-tower is inevitable....:)

For your sake, Aiden, I hope it does come out ;)

[tortoise]

Now that iMac is Core 2 Duo, the Academic $899 17" iMac is a mini killer config.

Except that I want to use my 24" monitor...

[KevanDual2.5]

What do you mean by "G5"??? PowerPC is long gone from Macs.


As other people have recognised..... the reference to G5 is in relation to the design not the chipset inside.

[KevanDual2.5]

You are alone on this one - the end of the G5 iMac has already happened, in fact it happened a long time ago when Apple introduced the first Intel iMacs. Hate to break it to ya, but G5 iMacs haven't been around for a long time, nor does a 24" G5 iMac even exist. :p :cool:

As for this new incarnation of the Intel iMac though, it totally depends on Apple's strategy. If they want to leave it as a desktop computer, yeah, it probably doesn't make sense to get much bigger. However, if they want to eventually incorporate a TV tuner and make it even more media-centric, and have it evolve into something else, then this may just be the beginning, not the end. :cool:



As other people have recognised..... the reference to G5 is in relation to the exterior, not the chipset.

I don't know whether you're right or wrong about a possible design change in the near future, but your terminology is wrong.
The G5 iMac is not a model. The G5 is a CPU. The iMac has not been a "G5" (or, to be more correct, has not had a G5) since January.
It's just "iMac." A G5 with a Core 2 Duo chip is like spouting off how you have a great "Intel Pentium Athlon machine made by AMD." People will see right through the ignorance.

Some people have recognised that the reference to G5 relates to the exterior design, not the chips inside.

[ZoomZoomZoom]

Dude, the MBP was updated in late April of this year, why would you think it'll be updated four and a half months later??

Because Apple is no longer in a hardware reality distortion field.
Because the MBP is a part of a Pro line, and the consumer iMacs have merom.
Because merom easily swaps in place of yonah at the same price.

I'm hopeful for the new MBP rev. They could have introduced C2D MBPs today - why didn't they? Maybe they're doing more than just a processor change, which might be why the iMacs got their update first. (Apart from the 24'' iMac, the rest of the iMac line is largely untouched.)

[kadajawi]

Well I posted it in another thread however I just built a PC with some amazing specs for under $500. It was a P4 3ghz, 2gb ram, 250GB HD, 256MB GPU, DVDR, bluetooth, wifi. The kicker is it's a Shuttle so it's tiny, not much bigger than a mini, and it's made of aluminum. The thing is very Mac like. And being able to build it so cost effectively, really ticked me off.

Because no matter what I'd get on the Apple side it would either cost much, much more or it would be hobbled in some way (GPU, monitor, etc.). In the end you have to realize that as a Mac user you're paying more for a brand and for the ability to run OS X. That's fine, provided you can find a system which meets your needs.

(yeah it's late and I'm cranky) :P
Yes, I was about to build one with a Athlon 64 3000+ (doesn't eat up electricity like the P4... and with RM Clock or so you can reduce power consumption quite a bit additionally. The default voltages are usually far above whats needed, both AMDs I've built run perfectly with 1.1V (standard is 1.4 to 1.45), unfortunately it isn't possible to lover the voltage further), 512 MB RAM, 160 GB HD, onboard graphics, DVDR, in a 9x27.5x35 cm enclosure. Price with Windows: around 400 €. Bluetooth and WiFi is lacking, but shouldn't add too much. In comparison the Mac Mini Core Solo was 600 € at that time. I'd consider both systems comparable... Mini has front row, BT and WiFi, PC has better connectivity (especially on the display side), 100 gig more HD, DVD writer, card reader. Quite a price difference to me.
Lack of OS X + iLife, the upgrade to Core Duo, student discount and the printer promo made me chose the Mac Mini.

[artifex]

Okay, I need to upgrade to this one.
Anyone know a good market value to ask for my current Rev. A Mini 1.42, with 3rd party upgrade to 1GB ram? This is my first Apple, so obviously my first experience in trying to sell off my old one to help pay for a new one...

[tny]

Some people have recognised that the reference to G5 relates to the exterior design, not the chips inside.

Other people have figured out that the reference to "G5" is a mistaken label for the exterior design, you mean. "G5" refers to the processor, not the design. This design is going to be around for quite a while, I think; the most likely change will be to get rid of the "chin" when they are able to do so.

[UnreaL]

Well I ordered the new lower model Mac Mini, this will be my first Mac (and its not even for me! For sister..)

1) CPU being Core Duo not really a problem, sims & firefox etc are not going to strain it!
2) 512mb memory is a let down, but im not waiting or paying the amount extra for 1GB as again she wont use it.
3) No superdrive is a let down, I would have spent the amount extra to upgrade if it was there, but I'm not buying the model with better GPU and slightly bigger harddrive and anyway she doesnt use DVD's.

Basically Bootcamp caused me to convert, without it I would have kept her on PC

Well we'll have to see.

Got it for £360 from the Apple higher education store, cant wait :D

[cmegens]

Has anybody noticed that the memory upgrade has become cheaper? And has anybody noticed that apple left out the SO-Dimm information? Do you guys think they just left it out on the website, and will there be the SO-dimms in there as we are used too, or could they have changed to normal memory?

[ezekielrage_99]

Still cant see any sign of MBPs.*weeps*

Maybe next tuesday...

But remember the iMac and Mac had the first Intel chips, so I think the MacBook and MacBook Pro will get Merom in the next few weeks.... well I hope so

[Passante]

Poop. And I was hoping for a $100 price drop.

I see why Apple came out with a 24-inch iMac the same day... we can't complain! :p

Did I miss something or did the top end mini model go from $799 to $599. Ok. it has a smaller drive and no superdrive. BUt who uses DVDs anymore?

[mikolia]

I checked around at comp usa, best buy and even the apple store to see if the mini's they had in stock would be reduced in price because of the new ones that came out.

Best buy and Comp USA had no clue that new models were released and would not budge in price. I dont know what the apple store policy is.

Shouldnt comp usa and best buy reduce the price of the core solo minis they have left?

[CyberB0b]

BUt who uses DVDs anymore?

Only people who watch movies.

[7on]

I checked around at comp usa, best buy and even the apple store to see if the mini's they had in stock would be reduced in price because of the new ones that came out.

Best buy and Comp USA had no clue that new models were released and would not budge in price. I dont know what the apple store policy is.

Shouldnt comp usa and best buy reduce the price of the core solo minis they have left?

you can get them refurbed off the Apple site for less. 479 USD for the old lowend, 649 USD for the old high end.

[Leesure]

Only people who watch movies.

Combo drive still playes movies.

[OldSkoolNJ]

The prices in CompUSa will be dropped on Friday for what they may actually have in stock. They have been constraining them for the past couple weeks. All I have is the display core duo and one box stock core solo. Alot of the apple employees who work in the CompUSAs had extra days off this week due to the holiday (much needed) so they may not have been back into CUSA to let the staff know.

Kevin

I checked around at comp usa, best buy and even the apple store to see if the mini's they had in stock would be reduced in price because of the new ones that came out.

Best buy and Comp USA had no clue that new models were released and would not budge in price. I dont know what the apple store policy is.

Shouldnt comp usa and best buy reduce the price of the core solo minis they have left?

[generik]

So I guess Minis will get Core 2 in 2007?

[Passante]

I checked around at comp usa, best buy and even the apple store to see if the mini's they had in stock would be reduced in price because of the new ones that came out.

Best buy and Comp USA had no clue that new models were released and would not budge in price. I dont know what the apple store policy is.

Shouldnt comp usa and best buy reduce the price of the core solo minis they have left?
At the apple store today. There were core solos there yesterday for $499 ( I think)
Refurbished Mac mini 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo $649
512MB memory (667MHz DDR2 SDRAM)
80GB Serial ATA hard drive
Double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0
Apple Remote
Learn More

[Spica]

I just bought a brand new core solo from a reseller 4 days ago!!! Is there any remedy for me?

This sucks.

[syklee26]

order it from newegg! $20 cheaper

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832110004

or get the family pack. only $45 more than what apple wants for the cheap single license haha

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832110003


i don't think buying family pack for .Mac gives you 5 licenses. i think it's more like spliting one .mac account to 5.

[rmhop81]

i don't think buying family pack for .Mac gives you 5 licenses. i think it's more like spliting one .mac account to 5.
here's a direct quote from apple.com store


"You'll get one main .Mac subscriber account with 1GB of storage space and four additional .Mac accounts with 250MB of storage space each"

so still a decent deal compared to apple price

[syklee26]

I checked around at comp usa, best buy and even the apple store to see if the mini's they had in stock would be reduced in price because of the new ones that came out.

Best buy and Comp USA had no clue that new models were released and would not budge in price. I dont know what the apple store policy is.

Shouldnt comp usa and best buy reduce the price of the core solo minis they have left?

technically they are NOT the same system because previously 1.66 Duo had superdrive but the new system has combo drive in it. and i think for 1.66 system Hard drive shrunk to 60gb.

[syklee26]

here's a direct quote from apple.com store


"You'll get one main .Mac subscriber account with 1GB of storage space and four additional .Mac accounts with 250MB of storage space each"

so still a decent deal compared to apple price

well the problem is that sub accounts cannot exist without the main account and main account has to be renewed every year. so this essentially means i cannot use family pack by myself for 5 years.

[Multimedia]

Now that iMac is Core 2 Duo, the Academic $899 17" iMac is a mini killer config.Except that I want to use my 24" monitor...Exactly. And because the 17" iMac Supports External up to 1920 x 1200 24" Second Monitor Spanning you not only can, you gain the benefit of an additional 1440 x 900 desktop space almost for FREE @ $899. It's still only Intel 950 IG, but it's cheap and doable like from the mini & MacBooks only with 3.5" SATA HD inside etc etc. It's a miracle. :eek:

[Multimedia]

Did I miss something or did the top end mini model go from $799 to $599. Ok. it has a smaller drive and no superdrive. BUt who uses DVDs anymore?I do. That's how I archive all my HDTV and SDTV recordings. I burn Disk Images with Toast then rip those images to mp4 files with Handbrake to take what starts out as a 6GB HD master and winds up a 351MB mp4 file that looks almost as good as the original - just a little softer is all. So I can get 12 one hour prime time HDTV shows on one 4.38GB DVD or two on a 702.8MB CD.

For me this is the future of TV show recording and storage. I've got it down to a science that is as good as is possible with today's technology to get something that is very big to be very small and still deliver a decent viewing-listening experience on a HD Screen while remaining iPod compatible at the same time.

Only drawback is computing power. Even the 3GHz Mac Pro is too slow to do this in rapid time. So it takes a more time than the programs lengths to do right now that should in future take only a few minutes each. I'm hoping that amount of power will be with us by 2008 or 2009. It's a fundamental challenge that needs to get solved before what I am doing can have mass appeal. It's almost tlike a full itme job - no it is a full time job. Except I'm not getting paid to do it. :eek:

[~Shard~]

As other people have recognised..... the reference to G5 is in relation to the exterior, not the chipset.

"G5" is processor branding which refers to the 970 chipset, not the design of the machine itself, so you are using that terminology incorrectly. Do people go around saying, "Gee, that new Pentium Dell sure is nice!" :p :D It's the equivalent of saying that you like the design of the V10 BMW when in fact you mean the M5. If the current iMac design only housed G5 chips, and was changed when the Intel transition occurred, then fine, that model could be associated with the G5 chip, however this is obviously not the case.

No worries, just pointing out how you are in error. :cool:

[chillywilly]

The prices in CompUSa will be dropped on Friday for what they may actually have in stock. They have been constraining them for the past couple weeks. All I have is the display core duo and one box stock core solo. Alot of the apple employees who work in the CompUSAs had extra days off this week due to the holiday (much needed) so they may not have been back into CUSA to let the staff know.

Kevin
I think getting a cheaper older model of Mac mini would be great, if the prices were right. It would be a great starter machine for someone that really doesn't care about having the lastest and greatest.

[UnreaL]

So who else apart from me has bought one? :D

[kingtj]

I thought this was a great idea too, except when I mull it over - I'm not so sure Apple will really go there. With the larger variety of Intel iMacs available now, it looks like Apple's really trying to build one for every possible home-user or small office user's need. I agree that it'd be nice to have an expandable, upgradable Mac with no display built-in that doesn't carry the price tag of the Mac Pro line -- but think about users like us who say that. We're in the minority of "power users" or "more advanced users". Apple has made it pretty clear that if you're in that category, they want you to invest in one of their "Pro" systems. Otherwise, they cater to folks who see their computer as an appliance or tool and just want something they can pretty much plug in and use. These customers are not interested or comfortable doing things like opening up a system and upgrading video cards.

The Mini is Apple's answer to any remaining "casual users" who throw a fit because they just want a new computer to plug into their existing keyboard, mouse, monitor, and maybe USB hub they bought before.....

The "void" you talk about in Apple's product line is one I *think* Apple leaves there willfully.


cmon apple. get a clue.

these little mini's are nice but not great. there is a real void in your product lineup.

we need something with like a intel conroe chip, larger case, the ability to put in a better graphics card, and the basics like more ram, bigger hard drive and stuff.

give us a bigger mid sized tower type computer.

we all don't want to buy something with a screen. nor do we want some tiny puny non-upgradeable thing like the mac mini.

give us better options.

[guez]

I have been a Mac user since 1986. I'm not a superuser or a gamer, but the one thing I have learned is to avoid models with too much built-in obsolescence (e.g. my old firewire-less, low-resolution clamshell iBook and the late-model CD-burner-less white iBook G3 that replaced it, not to mention the Powerbook 150 [agh!], Mac Classic [aaagggh!], etc.). Except for the lack of built-in DVD capability, the lampshade 700 MHZ G4 iMac has been a great investment.

So here is my question. Are the $599 mini and $999 iMac going to become obsolete much faster than the $1199 iMac? Do the dedicated video RAM and Core 2 Duo (iMacs) make much of difference? I already have an external DVD burner and plan to buy 2GB RAM.

[UnreaL]

I have been a Mac user since 1986. I'm not a superuser or a gamer, but the one thing I have learned is to avoid models with too much built-in obsolescence (e.g. my old firewire-less, low-resolution clamshell iBook and the late-model CD-burner-less white iBook G3 that replaced it, not to mention the Powerbook 150 [agh!], Mac Classic [aaagggh!], etc.). Except for the lack of built-in DVD capability, the lampshade 700 MHZ G4 iMac has been a great investment.

So here is my question. Are the $599 mini and $999 iMac going to become obsolete much faster than the $1199 iMac? Do the dedicated video RAM and Core 2 Duo (iMacs) make much of difference? I already have an external DVD burner and plan to buy 2GB RAM.

Actually the move to Intel has opened Apple to fast depreciation - and that isnt going away.

Many here seem to 'bitch' that Mac is now in competition with the PC in the hardware stakes and sadly that damages your resale value however the benefits are immense, I am sure Apple will be able to secure lower unit costs aswell as faster processors and newer technology. Its great for apple and for us buying, just bad if you sell hardware before it looses all value completely. It also means we will see these refreshes more often and so we will be buying more up to date hardware which as a PC user is great...

To me the move to intel has made Mac a viable option, especially given Bootcamp.

[guez]

Actually the move to Intel has opened Apple to fast depreciation - and that isnt going away.

Many here seem to 'bitch' that Mac is now in competition with the PC in the hardware stakes and sadly that damages your resale value however the benefits are immense, I am sure Apple will be able to secure lower unit costs aswell as faster processors and newer technology. Its great for apple and for us buying, just bad if you sell hardware before it looses all value completely. It also means we will see these refreshes more often and so we will be buying more up to date hardware which as a PC user is great...

This raises an interesting question. I'm not so much interested in depreciation as obsolescence. My experience has been that if you buy the right Mac (this is key), it can last 4 years, or more, and system updates/upgrades will not seriously degrade performance (sometimes there can even be an improvement, as with Panther). This is NOT my experience with Wintel. Is this going to change with Intel? Perhaps the readership of this blog does not fall in this category, but Macs have historically appealed to those who want to spend a little more money for more value (including a longer useful life)-the same people who drive a Honda Civic into the ground rather than buying a Chevy Malibu every three years (sorry, I couldn't think of another example).

Are we entering the age of the Walmart-ifation of Macs: less value, but cheaper?

[rmhop81]

well the problem is that sub accounts cannot exist without the main account and main account has to be renewed every year. so this essentially means i cannot use family pack by myself for 5 years.
i never said that u could go 5 years off one family pack. i simply posted those bc people were complaining about apple's price....newegg is cheaper so order from there for the exact same product....

[digitalbiker]

"G5" is processor branding which refers to the 970 chipset, not the design of the machine itself, so you are using that terminology incorrectly. Do people go around saying, "Gee, that new Pentium Dell sure is nice!" :p :D It's the equivalent of saying that you like the design of the V10 BMW when in fact you mean the M5. If the current iMac design only housed G5 chips, and was changed when the Intel transition occurred, then fine, that model could be associated with the G5 chip, however this is obviously not the case.

No worries, just pointing out how you are in error. :cool:

Most of the time when people refer to the 5th Generation of a model here on MacRumors they refer to their Machine as 5G or Gen5. The main reason for this shortcut is to avoid the confusion with the PPC chip G4, G5, etc.

For Example, as Shard points out above, referring to the new iMac as G5 is just wrong and confusing because of the obsolete PPC G5 chip. However it is much clearer if you refer to the new iMac as 5thGen or 5G.

[~Shard~]

Most of the time when people refer to the 5th Generation of a model here on MacRumors they refer to their Machine as 5G or Gen5. The main reason for this shortcut is to avoid the confusion with the PPC chip G4, G5, etc.

For Example, as Shard points out above, referring to the new iMac as G5 is just wrong and confusing because of the obsolete PPC G5 chip. However it is much clearer if you refer to the new iMac as 5thGen or 5G.

Thanks for the additional insight digitalbiker, you're right on the money. :cool:

[generik]

Number of posts in this thread seem to indicate that this update has been underwhelming

[evilgEEk]

Number of posts in this thread seem to indicate that this update has been underwhelming
Well, the update certainly wasn't jaw-dropping, it was just a normal product cycle update. So in comparison to the new CPU's in the iMac, oh, and the whole 24" screen business, the mini update kind of pales in comparison.

That said, I did buy one today from CompUSA! :D I was very surprised that they had them in already, they even got some of the new low end iMacs yesterday, no 24 inchers yet.

So now my office will be pleasantly furnished with a new Mac mini, wireless keyboard and Mighty Mouse. Everyone else in the building runs Windows (although a few have ACD's), but it shouldn't be too difficult to convert them once they see my little powerhouse of a mini. My boss was already blown away when I showed it to him, he called in three other people to look at it.

Fish in a barrel, my friends. ;)

[Multimedia]

Number of posts in this thread seem to indicate that this update has been underwhelmingWhen it goes C2D that will be a bigger deal. But it's still hard to get exceted about a Mac with this little power costing even $599 w/o a Superdrive. Seems like the 17" iMac @ $899 academic is a mini killer to me. At least that way you have the potential of two screens.

If the mini had two DVI ports that would make it much more attractive. It's the only Mac that can't run two screens.

[Multimedia]

Well, the update certainly wasn't jaw-dropping, it was just a normal product cycle update. So in comparison to the new CPU's in the iMac, oh, and the whole 24" screen business, the mini update kind of pales in comparison.

That said, I did buy one today from CompUSA! :D I was very surprised that they had them in already, they even got some of the new low end iMacs yesterday, no 24 inchers yet.

So now my office will be pleasantly furnished with a new Mac mini, wireless keyboard and Mighty Mouse. Everyone else in the building runs Windows (although a few have ACD's), but it shouldn't be too difficult to convert them once they see my little powerhouse of a mini. My boss was already blown away when I showed it to him, he called in three other people to look at it.

Fish in a barrel, my friends. ;)

Mine: Dual 2.0 G5 PowerMac - survived lightning strike
Wife: 1Ghz G4 iBook
30gig iPod Video w/ IS
Airport Express - didn't survive lightning Did you buy the 1.66 or 1.83 model? Would You Mind Comparative Testing It Against Your Dual 2 G5 Please? I need to know if it is in fact faster even at these slower speeds. I have a spare Dual 2 G5 here now I got at Fry's for $864.26 a few weeks ago. I need to know how it stacks up to a mini in performance.

When I was at Fry's yesterday, I tried a few things on a 1.83 MacBook and found it to be much slower than I expected - I think slower than the dual 2 G5. What do you think? Can you put them side by side and run some comparisons?

[generik]

Did you buy the 1.66 or 1.83 model? Would You Mind Comparative Testing It Against Your Dual 2 G5 Please? I need to know if it is in fact faster even at these slower speeds. I have a spare Dual 2 G5 here now I got at Fry's for $864.26 a few weeks ago. I need to know how it stacks up to a mini in performance.

When I was at Fry's yesterday, I tried a few things on a 1.83 MacBook and found it to be much slower than I expected - I think slower than the dual 2 G5. What do you think? Can you put them side by side and run some comparisons?

I wouldn't do the comparison like that, the Dual G5 does offer you drive bays and expansion capabilities that you do not get with the Mini. I will take the G5 over the Mini at that price you got it for.

[Multimedia]

I wouldn't do the comparison like that, the Dual G5 does offer you drive bays and expansion capabilities that you do not get with the Mini. I will take the G5 over the Mini at that price you got it for.Thanks. But I am mainly with the Quad and need to know the actual performance difference between the D 2 G5 and one of the CD or C2D models. Thanks. Please?

I can't perform these tests in the stores because all the G5's are gone.

[evilgEEk]

Can you put them side by side and run some comparisons?
Since I'm home for the evening and didn't see your post until now, I can't give you any specific side-by-side tests, but I can give you a rough estimate of the speeds.

Overall, the Dual G5 is faster, not by a landslide by any means, but it is faster. Of course the G5 has 1.5 gigs of RAM vs. the mini's 512K, and the G5 has a 1Ghz BUS speed vs. the 667Mhz of the mini. If I were to slap in 2 gigs of RAM in to the mini then I'm sure I would see a little more performance, but I think the G5 would still be faster.

But the mini is still very zippy, no beachballs or waiting on Apps, very fast and clean for average use. Now if I were to do some Photoshop or, say, FCP comparisons, I'm sure the G5 would clean up in those areas.

I'm really happy with the purchase though, it's perfect for what I need it to do.

Oh, I installed Windows XP via BootCamp and after having to burn an illegal copy of my legal disc (the retail disc was bad) I got it running with no problems. I must say, this mini is the fastest Windows machine I've ever had.

[pjo]

Except that I want to use my 24" monitor...

well... nothing stops you from connecting it to your iMac and spanning across both monitors ;)

Edit: well.. Multimedia said it first - and better.

[seanr]

You talk about the price but I look at it this way. shore it might not be that great for the price and the difference between the hign end mini and the low end imac is not worth the hign end mini price but the point of the mini is to get people off the windows crap.I was going to switch back when the first intel mini came out but wanted something bettter for the price I ended up getting another windows one but now that the low end mini has due core and more ram I'm looking at selling my pc and getting a mac.I have been a fan of apple and the mac for many years and can see that it is not there hardware that sells the systems but there OS. I feel vista is doomed to fail and apple will be there to pick up the pieces when leopard comes out. I think Macworld 07 will be the best yet and will put windows and the pc on the down fall for good.Apple will be king in 2007 and we need to stop complaining and know apple will keep on putting the goods out.

[generik]

Since I'm home for the evening and didn't see your post until now, I can't give you any specific side-by-side tests, but I can give you a rough estimate of the speeds.

Overall, the Dual G5 is faster, not by a landslide by any means, but it is faster. Of course the G5 has 1.5 gigs of RAM vs. the mini's 512K, and the G5 has a 1Ghz BUS speed vs. the 667Mhz of the mini. If I were to slap in 2 gigs of RAM in to the mini then I'm sure I would see a little more performance, but I think the G5 would still be faster.

But the mini is still very zippy, no beachballs or waiting on Apps, very fast and clean for average use. Now if I were to do some Photoshop or, say, FCP comparisons, I'm sure the G5 would clean up in those areas.

I'm really happy with the purchase though, it's perfect for what I need it to do.

Oh, I installed Windows XP via BootCamp and after having to burn an illegal copy of my legal disc (the retail disc was bad) I got it running with no problems. I must say, this mini is the fastest Windows machine I've ever had.

Ok, that is not being very fair to the mini... at all.

I have a Mini and did my own ram upgrades on it, the before and after results are very significantly different. The Mini is horrible at 512, and at 1GB it starts picking up, at 2GB it is actually pretty damned good.

Perhaps you should strip 1GB of ram off the PM and redo the comparison, also bus speeds can't be quantified the way you did... the PPC actually needs more bandwidth due to the risc architecture.

You talk about the price but I look at it this way. shore it might not be that great for the price and the difference between the hign end mini and the low end imac is not worth the hign end mini price but the point of the mini is to get people off the windows crap.I was going to switch back when the first intel mini came out but wanted something bettter for the price I ended up getting another windows one but now that the low end mini has due core and more ram I'm looking at selling my pc and getting a mac.I have been a fan of apple and the mac for many years and can see that it is not there hardware that sells the systems but there OS. I feel vista is doomed to fail and apple will be there to pick up the pieces when leopard comes out. I think Macworld 07 will be the best yet and will put windows and the pc on the down fall for good.Apple will be king in 2007 and we need to stop complaining and know apple will keep on putting the goods out.

Not really, the cheapest iMac is $999 which is $200 more than the top end Mini, and even at that price the Mini wins out with a DVD-writer and the remote. At the expense of those you get a faster processor (probably not huge improvement) and a 17" screen. Displays are pretty cheap nowadays so if you need a DVD writer you have to shell out extra to get the next higher up iMac model.

[kadajawi]

@generik: You're forgetting the much bigger and FASTER HD. I've gotten curious and tried OS X on my windows box too. To be honest it simply kills the Mini. Having 1 GB RAM over 512 MB and a nice, fast HD really helps alot. The box is much snappier, eventhough it has only an Athlon 64, no dual core like the Mini has. Of course anything that requires graphics card support won't run or runs slow, but other than that it boots much quicker, reacts faster, starts programs way faster, ... So I guess the iMac will be quite a bit faster than the Mini because of its HD.
Perhaps I'll try OS X on my Windows/Linux box with 512 MB to compare.

Ps: The Mini looks much better though :D And is so silent. And small. I like it :D But it's so painfully slow... I'm running Rosetta@Home though, that eats quite a lot of RAM. Without its zippier, until I manage to fill up the RAM (which is very easy though).