New Mac Mini Packaging Spy Shot

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/02/new-mac-mini-packaging-spy-shot/)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/03/02/121151-IMAGE_093_425.jpg

Earlier today, we received a product photo of what is claimed to be the new Mac Mini. Without another source, we published (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/02/latest-mac-mini-spy-shot-probably-fake/) it on Page 2 and called it a likely fake.

OneMoreThing.nl (http://www.onemorething.nl/?p=showarticle&art_id=4016), however, has received the same image and feels it's likely to be real. While some thought it was strange for Apple to feature the back of the Mini on the packaging, it follows the same format as the back of their current Mac mini retail box (image (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawno/1898639432/)).

Meanwhile, the logo depicted in the photograph represents the NVIDIA chipset:


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/03/02/135730-Picture 11.png

This would be consistent with rumors, circulating spy shots and expectations of an imminent Mac mini update.

Article Link: New Mac Mini Packaging Spy Shot (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/02/new-mac-mini-packaging-spy-shot/)

[Eidorian]

We can only hope. The 9400M G is godly compared to what Intel ships. Thank god Apple is using it.

[Jayomat]

i hope it is true just for the debate to be stopped.

[Sky Blue]

i hope it is true just for the debate to be stopped.

Yup. It'll be a relief when it's out just for the rumours to stop.

[DHagan4755]

Finally, a new Mac mini! I wonder if the pricing will be the same or whether Apple can lower it?!

Edit: This product shot probably means that it will be announced tomorrow.

[Le Big Mac]

Who can identify the ports, left to right (well, other than the 5 USB)?

[NorrisKillsKids]

If the new products release tomorrow I'm going to go to an apple store and start rubbing them on my flesh.

Then when they ask what you're doing I'll respond "Becoming".

[Sky Blue]

Who can identify the ports, left to right (well, other than the 5 USB)?

same ports as the early spy shot.

[illegallydead]

Cool. Hopefully this means soon so people will stop b*tching about the lack of updates.

I still find it hard to believe that it will have both Mini-Displayport AND Mini-DVI...

[vendettabass]

Who can identify the ports, left to right (well, other than the 5 USB)?

Power, Ethernet, FW800, Mini DVi, Mini DisplayPort, USB

[sushi]

[QUOTE=MacRumors;7192961OneMoreThing.nl (http://www.onemorething.nl/?p=showarticle&art_id=4016), however, has received the same image and feels it's likely to be real. While some thought it was strange for Apple to feature the back of the Mini on the packaging, it follows the same format as the back of their current Mac mini retail box (image (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawno/1898639432/)).
[/QUOTE]
Fake. It actually shows the Mac Mini. The old box is merely a photo/drawing.

Also, if Apple wants to reduce product packaging footprint, this box does not help that venue at all.

[jawzzy]

Hmmm...what is that port under the power button to the left of the ethernet port?

[illegallydead]

Who can identify the ports, left to right (well, other than the 5 USB)?

Top Row: Power Button, Fan Outputs, Kensington Lock Slot, Audio Line-In, Headphone Audio-Out Port
Bottom Row: Power Adapter, Ethernet, Firewire 800, Mini-DVI, Mini-Displayport, 5x USB 2.0

same ports as the early spy shot.

[gkarris]

Fake. It actually shows the Mac Mini. The old box is merely a photo/drawing.

Also, if Apple wants to reduce product packaging footprint, this box does not help that venue at all.

The height and width of the box is currently more or less the size of the Mini, so it would be the thickness...

[DanBUK]

Looks good. Nice incremental update.
Can we now put to bed the endless calls of fakery?

[Peace]

Well we'll know if it's true or not soon enough. Apple legal will send a desist order like they did with screen shots of Snow Leopard.

[SkippyThorson]

We can only dream, but I sure hope this is true. I'm switching my parents over to this thing one of these days.

Decent graphics in a Mac desktop? Can it be true? :eek:

[theheadguy]

I like how soooo many people called the OP a liar (basically). I would love for them to be proven wrong. Anyone remember when the new UI for the iPods came out? People were downright rude and obnoxious and the rumor ended up being dead on accurate.

edit: by OP I mean the person posting the original pics, not just the alleged packaging box. I'm not even sure if it's real or not, but I'm not slamming the person either way.

[Small White Car]

Hmmm...what is that port under the power button to the left of the ethernet port?

Power input, same as the current Mini.

Well we'll know if it's true or not soon enough. Apple legal will send a desist order like they did with screen shots of Snow Leopard.

I think they're getting smarter. They know that's the same thing as confirming it, so they've become smarter about not using this tool every chance they get.

[11800506]

Now all we're waiting for is Apple to actually release it...

[Eidorian]

Well we'll know if it's true or not soon enough. Apple legal will send a desist order like they did with screen shots of Snow Leopard.A strong supporter of that litmus test...

[wetrix]

Fake. I'm hoping the new mini is somewhat more inspiring. It should come in a box like iPods too, just to show off how small the NEW one is.

[vitaflo]

Not seeing the top of the computer (and thus the apple logo) is rather telling. Every other item they sell in a similar form factor (time capsule, airport, apple tv) all show the top of the system in an angled shot, not just a head on view.

[TechWhore]

The Wifi Symbol... What does it say under it, can anyone clean it up. I would be curious to see if it has a N chipset. Which the current version has a G... Assuming this is all real!

[Outsider]

A strong supporter of that litmus test...

Apple might as well confirm it's accuracy if it sends out a C&D. Why not let it ride, especially since it seems like this is going to be dropped tomorrow?

[nitramwin]

Why is there a picture of some wifi signals on the upper right of the packaging? Is wifi a BRAND NEW innovation of '09 :eek:

The power button still doesnt look apple-ly enough for me (It seems to be exactly the same as in the video showing the video 3 weeks ago.... hmmmm)

All said and done, I'd love to see the iMac come the 24th!!:D

[longball11]

I don't understand what's so great about the mac mini, it doesn't even come with a screen. Plus if it's only 2.0 ghz then it's so underspec'd. I don't see the greatness/hype about the mac mini.

[soup4you2]

If apple releases this soon, is there any sort of upgrade option for somebody who just received a new mac mini?

[dwl017]

Apple for the love of God just realease something so these rumors can stop!!! press realease something! all most two years of rumors for the Mini it must end!

[Outsider]

The Wifi Symbol... What does it say under it, can anyone clean it up. I would be curious to see if it has a N chipset. Which the current version has a G... Assuming this is all real!

I think it's safe to assume N is definitely in. All their routers, laptops and desktops have it. it would be silly for them to cripple a new mini in that manner.

[amac4me]

I'd love to see the Mac mini with Apple TV built-in ... I'd buy one for every TV in my house!

[Eidorian]

Apple might as well confirm it's accuracy if it sends out a C&D. Why not let it ride, especially since it seems like this is going to be dropped tomorrow?That's how I feel. Rumors are fun but it's more fun to just Buy Now.

[herocero]

We can only dream, but I sure hope this is true. I'm switching my parents over to this thing one of these days.

Decent graphics in a Mac desktop? Can it be true? :eek:

No kidding! Might there be people looking for a desktop/tower/shuttle size that isn't a Mac Pro but can actually DO SOMETHING? No way! </sarcasm>

[illegallydead]

I'd love to see the Mac mini with Apple TV built-in ... I'd buy one for every TV in my house!

Its called Front Row. Same thing.

[Digital Skunk]

The Wifi Symbol... What does it say under it, can anyone clean it up. I would be curious to see if it has a N chipset. Which the current version has a G... Assuming this is all real!

Just asked the guy that photoshopped the box to fix it up for you.

I will always say this about spy shots..... the morons that do them have NO CLUE about taking even a decent photos with a cell phone camera.

This shot is horrible, and just as blurry as the Powerbook G5 photos that everyone thought was just as real.

[jgbhardy]

All those who said why the hell is apple showing the back of the mini you got owned, obviously you didn't know about the current ones do research first:p

[clickgr]

I don't understand what's so great about the mac mini, it doesn't even come with a screen. Plus if it's only 2.0 ghz then it's so underspec'd. I don't see the greatness/hype about the mac mini.

Price is great!! You know.. we are in global financial crisis!

[michaelsviews]

Fake

[Mac21ND]

Why is there a picture of some wifi signals on the upper right of the packaging? Is wifi a BRAND NEW innovation of '09 :eek:



My only thought is if the Mini acts like an airport basestation; basically a wireless server. That's the only "new" features I can think of. Typically having wi-fi on a desktop machine isn't really a selling point - not like a laptop is.

[Eidorian]

Just asked the guy that photoshopped the box to fix it up for you.

I will always say this about spy shots..... the morons that do them have NO CLUE about taking even a decent photos with a cell phone camera.

This shot is horrible, and just as blurry as the Powerbook G5 photos that everyone thought was just as real.Is fake the new IT MUST BE TRUE? :D

[Beerfloat]

I don't understand what's so great about the mac mini, it doesn't even come with a screen. Plus if it's only 2.0 ghz then it's so underspec'd. I don't see the greatness/hype about the mac mini.

Not having a built in screen = advantage.

Having 2 display outputs is even better. Can have identical dual monitors for that feng shui.

Wasn't long ago that a 2.0 Ghz was insanely fast, comparatively. It's plenty for me.

[macFanDave]

of an old Seinfeld episode:

ASSMAN!

As far as the veracity of this picture is concerned: "a million-to-one shot, Doc, a million-to-one."

[OriginalMacRat]

If apple releases this soon, is there any sort of upgrade option for somebody who just received a new mac mini?

Do you expect an upgrade on your car when a new model comes out?

[madrag]

photoshop is great isn't it?
I think this one is definetly a fake...

[Eric5h5]

Decent graphics in a Mac desktop? Can it be true? :eek:

What? Any of the iMacs have much better graphics than the 9400M.

--Eric

[zedsdead]

If this is true, then a media event is not necessary for either the iMac or the Mini has neither will have changed all that much outside of port allocation. I really hope these aren't true. How can Apple wait over 500 days to update the mini and not redesign the look of it (in particular the White Plastic).

[gkarris]

So is this graphic missing, or maybe just on the side of the box?

:D

(ducks...)

[fastbite]

It feels fake to me -- but I hope they release the new models soon.

[illegallydead]

If this is true, then a media event is not necessary for either the iMac or the Mini has neither will have changed all that much outside of port allocation. I really hope these aren't true. How can Apple wait over 500 days to update the mini and not redesign the look of it (in particular the White Plastic).

What would they re-design? Without super-new snazzy features, the only re-design they would do is to make it thinner, which I think we can ALL agree is completely unnecessary and stupid in a desktop product that is already tiny.

[Digital Skunk]

Is fake the new IT MUST BE TRUE? :D

Yes indeed, and in these forums, "it must be true" really means, the fans are loosing sleep over the machine, so any bone you throw them is enough to get them revved up and start flaming wars against those that say otherwise.

On another note, I'd like the mini to be updated, and having 5 USB ports seems to fit the need of the market it's aimed at.

[longball11]

Price is great!! You know.. we are in global financial crisis!

No, it isn't if you have to get a display keyboard and mouse. That would add up to be like more than the 2.0 alum macbook

[Lesser Evets]

Ok people. Down to brass tacks:

One of these "fakes" has 10 vents, the other 9 vents.

Most likely this "package" was a photoshopped image based on the recent fake-table-spin video, and then printed and put on a "package". Either that or one of these is a prototype and the other a final. I just doubt this new, blurry version has any reality behind it. Especially if they show no more of the box than one side, and they offer no unpacking pictures.

[Detektiv-Pinky]

I like how soooo many people called the OP a liar (basically). I would love for them to be proven wrong. Anyone remember when the new UI for the iPods came out? People were downright rude and obnoxious and the rumor ended up being dead on accurate.

Quite agree, and I think it is amazing how people only care for looks.

As for the picture itself. It could very well be the underside of the Mac mini box. The current one has a picture of the back-side of the mini.

[illegallydead]

So is this graphic missing, or maybe just on the side of the box?

:D

(ducks...)

lol :p

[Small White Car]

Its called Front Row. Same thing.

You don't own an Apple TV, apparently.

[shen]

Finally, a new Mac mini! I wonder if the pricing will be the same or whether Apple can lower it?!

Edit: This product shot probably means that it will be announced tomorrow.

Lower it? The mini prices? Holy hell do you want to give Mikey Dell a friggin' heart attack?

Don't even say that!

[illegallydead]

You don't own an Apple TV, apparently.

Well, you have a point there. :o

Still, it has most of the same features, and works wonderfully for most instances of media playback...

[clmason]

If the new products release tomorrow I'm going to go to an apple store and start rubbing them on my flesh.

Then when they ask what you're doing I'll respond "Becoming".

Ewwwww. I'm not going to that store to buy one, that's for sure!

[dwl017]

Its going to be halarious to see all your faces if they decide to EOL the Mini after all this hype :D I will probably end up in the ER from laughing so hard :D

[clmason]

Well we'll know if it's true or not soon enough. Apple legal will send a desist order like they did with screen shots of Snow Leopard.


Unless it really is coming out tomorrow, in which case I don't think they'd bother.

[zedsdead]

You don't own an Apple TV, apparently.

Front Row sucks compared to Apple TV interface (think its called "Backrow" or something).

The Apple TV just needs some more horsepower so the menus are quicker to navigate. That is Front Rows only advantage.

[twoodcc]

hey, maybe we'll see a new mini tomorrow?

[Eidorian]

Yes indeed, and in these forums, "it must be true" really means, the fans are loosing sleep over the machine, so any bone you throw them is enough to get them revved up and start flaming wars against those that say otherwise.

On another note, I'd like the mini to be updated, and having 5 USB ports seems to fit the need of the market it's aimed at.I'm glad you're still on the level. It's somewhat depressing to see the iMac with so few USB ports still.

[Small White Car]

Well, you have a point there. :o

Still, it has most of the same features, and works wonderfully for most instances of media playback...

If by "most of the same features" you mean "about half of the features" then yes, you'd be right. :)

Front Row is like an Apple TV in the same way an iPhone is like a Macbook. Yes, they do many of the same things, but no one would say "don't get a laptop, just get an iPhone!"

[bunty]

Why is there a picture of some wifi signals on the upper right of the packaging? Is wifi a BRAND NEW innovation of '09 :eek:

The power button still doesnt look apple-ly enough for me (It seems to be exactly the same as in the video showing the video 3 weeks ago.... hmmmm)

All said and done, I'd love to see the iMac come the 24th!!:D

The current Mac Mini's and the white iMac G5's have the exact same outward bulging convex button so I'm not sure what you mean.

[Markov]

I wouldn't go as far as calling it a fake, I mean, can anyone recall the rumors of the new macbook and macbook pro's, the ones that everyone called the designs fake? Are the new macbook and macbook pro anything like the pictured rumors? Yep, dead on... Would anyone like a link?

That being said, I hope this is a mock up. I think since they have waited this long just to update the thing, they should redesign the look of it and actually make it worth its price.

We won't know till it hits the market... but until then, everyone take a nice deep breath and just relax. It's a new COMPUTER, not the end of the world. ;)

[Peruchito]

why is it blurry? was big foot holding this in the middle of the forest?

[Beerfloat]

What? Any of the iMacs have much better graphics than the 9400M.

--Eric


Those aren't desktops.

They're upright tablets.:o

[bagelche]

What would they re-design? Without super-new snazzy features, the only re-design they would do is to make it thinner, which I think we can ALL agree is completely unnecessary and stupid in a desktop product that is already tiny.

I don't think it needs a major revamp (though I'm willing to be wowed), but I would expect a color scheme change to the chrome/black of current trends and away from the white.

I'm hoping it has some awesome fins like the danelectro pedal of tiny desktop computers. or maybe they should take their style cues from alienware. :rolleyes:

[SwiftLives]

We've seen a photograph of the product.

We've seen a video of the product.

Now we see a box of the product.

I'm just curious - how exactly would someone have faked each of these?

[speck2001]

Well,

I've been nursing my dual 1.25 GB G4 Power Mac along for a few years, watching all the PPC apps slowly disappear, and the OS become Intel optimized. I have a nice 23" HD Cinema Display that's in need of a sub-$1000 Mac to go along with it, since I can't afford a Mac Pro. An updated Mini with 802.11n and any other upgrades would be great. I have my tax refund now, so I'm itchin' to spend the cash.

[NC MacGuy]

So is this graphic missing, or maybe just on the side of the box?

:D

(ducks...)

Atom?? Let's hope not for Apples sake.

[macrockbuddy]

This whole situation is great. At first. I was impatiently waiting for the new minis. I got caught up in the photos/video. But after following the conversations about them, that's just as good for me. I do hope they get updated soon, but I'm enjoying everyone's rants so much that it's just as satisfying for the time being.

[Small White Car]

I'm just curious - how exactly would someone have faked each of these?

It's certainly possible to fake these, but I agree with you that people who aren't satisfied with these items need to stop asking for proof. This is as much as you'll get! If you don't like this (and you don't have to believe it, that's fine) then you just have to admit that you'll never be satisfied with any rumor.

[JPark]

I don't understand what's so great about the mac mini, it doesn't even come with a screen. Plus if it's only 2.0 ghz then it's so underspec'd. I don't see the greatness/hype about the mac mini.

Many people consider the lack of a screen to be a good thing (I'm one of them). I upgrade my computer much more frequently than I do the monitor. Regardless, I'd like to get a mini to use for a media center and hook it up to an LCD tv. That just doesn't work as well with an iMac.

[JPark]

No, it isn't if you have to get a display keyboard and mouse. That would add up to be like more than the 2.0 alum macbook

I can't count on one hand the number of spare keyboards, desktops, or mice I have laying around the house.

[Fonzijr1964]

so i took a quick look at the pic

I call fake, the edges are much to hard compared to the box

[zorinlynx]

I hope we can get these with 7200 RPM hard drives. Laptop drives are already slow; 5400RPM drives are sheer torture.

[JPark]

Lower it? The mini prices? Holy hell do you want to give Mikey Dell a friggin' heart attack?

Don't even say that!

Yes. Exactly.

[JPark]

so i took a quick look at the pic

I call fake, the edges are much to hard compared to the box

I'm no expert at spotting fakes, but is that a valid comparison? If the edges you're referring to are the edges of the mini, then you're comparing the edges of a picture with the edges of a real 3-D object.

[bunty]

Ok people. Down to brass tacks:

One of these "fakes" has 10 vents, the other 9 vents.

Most likely this "package" was a photoshopped image based on the recent fake-table-spin video, and then printed and put on a "package". Either that or one of these is a prototype and the other a final. I just doubt this new, blurry version has any reality behind it. Especially if they show no more of the box than one side, and they offer no unpacking pictures.

Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Box of Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Initial Leaked Photo of new Mac Mini = 10 vents
Video of leaked New Mac Mini = 10 vents
Leaked Photo of Box of New Mac Mini = 9 vents

Someone double check my work, please :)

[bunty]

I'm no expert at spotting fakes, but is that a valid comparison? If the edges you're referring to are the edges of the mini, then you're comparing the edges of a picture with the edges of a real 3-D object.

I thought it was all about macroblocks or something.:confused:

[dmmcintyre3]

Many people consider the lack of a screen to be a good thing (I'm one of them). I upgrade my computer much more frequently than I do the monitor. Regardless, I'd like to get a mini to use for a media center and hook it up to an LCD tv. That just doesn't work as well with an iMac.

I know. I still have a monitor from 2004 that i still use with my PowerBook while my friend's iMac's screen has lines on it. So an detached monitor is a good thing. Monitors sometimes fail while some outlast the computer. Although dad still uses the PC this monitor came with.

[SwiftLives]

It's certainly possible to fake these, but I agree with you that people who aren't satisfied with these items need to stop asking for proof. This is as much as you'll get! If you don't like this (and you don't have to believe it, that's fine) then you just have to admit that you'll never be satisfied with any rumor.

No. Really. I'm curious as to how so many of the naysayers who are calling this 'fake' would have gone about faking each of these? Especially the video.

Personally, I know how I'd fake the box. Not difficult.

But the original image did not appear to be digitally altered. And in order to digitally alter something like that, it would have taken a considerable amount of time.

So did someone spend the time getting a new back panel molded out of plastic then affix it to the back of an existing Mac Mini and film it?

Do you really think someone would go through all of the time, trouble, and cost just to pull of this hoax?

Guess we'll see tomorrow. Or possibly Next Tuesday :)

[NoNameBrand]

One of these "fakes" has 10 vents, the other 9 vents.

The photo/video Minis had 10 vents, just like the current and previous Intel models. The G4 version had lots more.

I can't imagine why a Photoshop job would remove a vent hole when there's space for it in the mock up and less work to simply leave it in.

Just like everyone else, I have no idea if this is real or not, but I hope the real thing is similar to this in terms of ports (eSATA would be too much to hope for). I still think it's easy enough to have faked this and the previous "leaks", but they're plausible as well.


No. Really. I'm curious as to how so many of the naysayers who are calling this 'fake' would have gone about faking each of these? Especially the video.

You fake a physical object and then take unmodified pictures/video of it. There are lots of talented hardware hackers that could pull a case mod like that off.

[joeshell383]

We've seen a photograph of the product.

We've seen a video of the product.

Now we see a box of the product.

I'm just curious - how exactly would someone have faked each of these?

Are you the culprit?

[drakeshipway]

I don't understand why they wouldn't use black plastic.. Or glass?

[dmmcintyre3]

Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Box of Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Initial Leaked Photo of new Mac Mini = 10 vents
Video of leaked New Mac Mini = 10 vents
Leaked Photo of Box of New Mac Mini = 9 vents

Someone double check my work, please :)

That is true!

[cmichaelb]

I just find it hard to believe they wouldn't update the styling of the mini to better fit in with the rest of the Mac line.

[Fonzijr1964]

I'm no expert at spotting fakes, but is that a valid comparison? If the edges you're referring to are the edges of the mini, then you're comparing the edges of a picture with the edges of a real 3-D object.

how about this

the white over laps the last line of gray

[JPark]

Let's see if later on today we get another pic of a boxed up mini with 12 usb ports, a la http://9to5mac.com/imac-12-usb-ports

[Fonzijr1964]

Let's see if later on today we get another pic of a boxed up mini with 12 usb ports, a la http://9to5mac.com/imac-12-usb-ports

haha with no video ports

[Small White Car]

No. Really. I'm curious as to how so many of the naysayers who are calling this 'fake' would have gone about faking each of these? Especially the video.

There are folks who know how to work with plastic. Someone could have either modified a real Mini or even made an empty case entirely from scratch. That's certainly believable.

Once they have that in hand, making photos, videos, and packages showing this very real object (but not a real Mac) are all easy to do.

For the record, I am leaning towards these computer specs being real, but I certainly believe all this media would be easy to fake. It's certainly possible that one of these leaks is real and the others are not real!

[wetrix]

I don't understand what's so great about the mac mini, it doesn't even come with a screen. Plus if it's only 2.0 ghz then it's so underspec'd. I don't see the greatness/hype about the mac mini.

Lots of us use the Mac Mini as a media server and a refresh to a better job with HD video would be nice. Plus it initially existed to convert people from PCs. PC users just swap the box and they're converted. Easy!

I hope we can get these with 7200 RPM hard drives. Laptop drives are already slow; 5400RPM drives are sheer torture.

I agree this would be nice, but I doubt we'll see 7200 RPM standard. At least higher capacity drives have higher read speeds, so if 250 GB was standard, you'd see an improvement.

If it bothers you, upgrade the drive yourself. It's really quite easy and satisfying.

[Icestorm815]

Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Box of Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Initial Leaked Photo of new Mac Mini = 10 vents
Video of leaked New Mac Mini = 10 vents
Leaked Photo of Box of New Mac Mini = 9 vents

Someone double check my work, please :)

Well at least we have some sort of deductive reasoning going on here. It beats all the other posts along the lines of "It's fake because I said so!!!"

With all that aside, real or not, i'm not a big fan of the packaging. I think it would look a bit better if they had a picture of the mini on the outside instead of displaying it through plastic. It kinda reminds me of how they display cheap barbie toys.

[Mal]

In regards to the comment about the box showing the back of the computer, I just wanted to point out that Apple has been doing that on several of their products. The AppleTV, Airport Extreme, and I think the current Mac Mini even all have the back of the product on the back of the box, which appears to be what we're seeing in this picture (considering the lack of the Mac Mini moniker and the smaller logos). Just thought I'd point out that it is visually consistent with the current Apple packaging.

With that said, I expect the Mac Mini's packaging to shrink from it's current size with this revision, dramatically if (as has been suggested) they integrate the power supply, but even if not, I expect a significantly smaller box.

jW

[localoid]

This whole situation is great. At first. I was impatiently waiting for the new minis. I got caught up in the photos/video. But after following the conversations about them, that's just as good for me. I do hope they get updated soon, but I'm enjoying everyone's rants so much that it's just as satisfying for the time being.

The "high drama" debates regarding a given rumor are often more entertaining than the rumor itself...

A Consumer’s Guide to Apple Rumors (http://technologizer.com/2009/02/10/applerumors/)

As the quality of Apple scuttlebutt has nosedived, I’ve become more interested in the culture of Apple rumors than in most of the rumors themselves.

[wetrix]

No. Really. I'm curious as to how so many of the naysayers who are calling this 'fake' would have gone about faking each of these? Especially the video.

I found the video the least convincing pieve of evidence. I would have picked up the mini to show all 6 faces, but this would have made it harder to digitally paste the fake back onto it. By rotating smoothly on a table, it was much easier to anchor the fake image.

It's impressive yes, but there are many talented digital imagers out there and they like to show off (fair enough).

[acfusion29]

Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Box of Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Initial Leaked Photo of new Mac Mini = 10 vents
Video of leaked New Mac Mini = 10 vents
Leaked Photo of Box of New Mac Mini = 9 vents

Someone double check my work, please :)

It could be that the video of the leaked new Mac Mini was still a concept, and the final product only has 9 vents.

[rickdollar]

Why would they wrap the computer in plastic? Looks cheap. Apple likes to design their packaging as much as their products. Well, maybe a little less so in recent years.
You know Apple is on it's way to "Billions Sold" when they start packaging their computers like common commodities.

[Eidorian]

The "high drama" debates regarding a given rumor are often more entertaining than the rumor itself...

A Consumer’s Guide to Apple Rumors (http://technologizer.com/2009/02/10/applerumors/)Nice article on rumors now for humor (http://www.misterbg.org/AppleProductCycle/). :D

[Beerfloat]

Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Box of Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Initial Leaked Photo of new Mac Mini = 10 vents
Video of leaked New Mac Mini = 10 vents
Leaked Photo of Box of New Mac Mini = 9 vents

Someone double check my work, please :)

Whatever that means, that is well spotted.

[MvdM]

There's still an intel CPU inside. Why not show that on this box? It is on the old box. Showing that wireless symbol is stupid.
By the way....slightly off topic and not visible on the box, but let me tell you a little secret : the new mini has a black top, made of glass. Not sure about the black remote, mouse and keyboard, I heard some rumors.

[samwise]

Why would they wrap the computer in plastic? Looks cheap. Apple likes to design their packaging as much as their products. Well, maybe a little less so in recent years.
You know Apple is on it's way to "Billions Sold" when they start packaging their computers like common commodities.

I'm confused - are you implying that the back of the Mac Mini shown in the picture is the actual back of the computer? As far as I can tell, it's just an image of the back of the computer as part of the packaging detail, in the same way as the Nvidia and WiFi logos.

[Lesser Evets]

Initial Leaked Photo of new Mac Mini = 10 vents
Video of leaked New Mac Mini = 10 vents
Leaked Photo of Box of New Mac Mini = 9 vents


THANK YOU!

I was wondering if ANYONE was intelligent enough to notice my post.
This new picture is most likely modified, because it doesn't fit in to all the other versions/pictures.

PLUS, this photo is just one side of a flat image that can be photo manip'd and printed out to slap on any box in arm's reach.

[bunty]

Going by the full size image posted on another site it looks like under the graphics logo (comparing it to typing the same thing and blurring it right next to it in an image editor) it _could_ read:

Advanced NVIDIA
Integrated Graphics

I can't make out the WI-FI text other than 802 something

There is a finger (or two) or part of a hand in the lower right corner.

There is illegible printed text of 9 or 10 worlds near the hand but it's vertical.

[polaris20]

There are two distinct possibilities here:

A. This is real, and the Mini will be out soon, or
B. The people/person who faked this, the video, and the still image are huge losers with too much time on their hands. LOL

[Adokimus]

Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Box of Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Initial Leaked Photo of new Mac Mini = 10 vents
Video of leaked New Mac Mini = 10 vents
Leaked Photo of Box of New Mac Mini = 9 vents

Someone double check my work, please :)

Good find!

[campdogg]

i have no idea why i did this..

http://mattcampy.com/images/mini2009.jpg

[kenned]

I must say, the flaw with the vents calls for a fake. Though i've been quite positive about this one, till now. :cool:

[bunty]

Good find!

"Lesser Evets" first spotted the discrepancy in vents, not me. I just looked for myself to see if it was true.

[macnvrbck]

FAKE:rolleyes:

[Peruchito]

There are two distinct possibilities here:

A. This is real, and the Mini will be out soon, or
B. The people/person who faked this, the video, and the still image are huge losers with too much time on their hands. LOL

so its a win-win situation for us

[davidbrummy]

Many people consider the lack of a screen to be a good thing (I'm one of them). I upgrade my computer much more frequently than I do the monitor. Regardless, I'd like to get a mini to use for a media center and hook it up to an LCD tv. That just doesn't work as well with an iMac.

ditto. It is the same reason I have a G5 instead of an iMac. As a developer I use dual monitors for work so having a screen included is a drawback to me. If they release a new Mac Pro I plan on getting a good deal on the current model as I am not that into Graphics. I would like to switch to intel so I can run VMWare, JDK 1.6 and use my Dual Monitors rather than have to rely on my MacBook Pro for certain projects.

I did get an Apple Tv recently as Front Row does not support iTunes purchases. My wife likes to watch things off iTunes as we have dumped DirectTV. I like it although having to use iSquint all the time is a pain compare to just sending it my Mac Mini which is hooked up to the TV and using VLC.

I will not upgrade my Mac Mini until they finally give us BluRay and even then my old one is great as a media machine.

[eiprol]

i have no idea why i did this..

http://mattcampy.com/images/mini2009.jpg


Wtf!

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9502/dibujocnv.jpg

[SwiftLives]

I suppose the next question is why would someone spend the time and money on such an elaborate hoax...of the Mac Mini? I mean, this is the bastard stepchild of the Apple lineup. :)

I'm still not convinced the lack of a vent disqualifies this.

If I'm wrong, I will certainly admit it and give everyone the chance to laugh at me.

But so help me if I'm right, I will create a thread, post a picture of Nelson Muntz, and list every single naysayer who claimed it was a fake.

[funkyp56]

Wtf!

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9502/dibujocnv.jpg

Who cares how many vents there are!

What are all the "Fake" people gonna say when this really comes out?

I'll be laughing all the way to the Apple Store.

[Jayomat]

Wtf!



wow... :D

[wetrix]

Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Box of Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Initial Leaked Photo of new Mac Mini = 10 vents
Video of leaked New Mac Mini = 10 vents
Leaked Photo of Box of New Mac Mini = 9 vents

Someone double check my work, please :)

The photo/video Minis had 10 vents, just like the current and previous Intel models. The G4 version had lots more.

I can't imagine why a Photoshop job would remove a vent hole when there's space for it in the mock up and less work to simply leave it in.

It could be that the video of the leaked new Mac Mini was still a concept, and the final product only has 9 vents.

"Lesser Evets" first spotted the discrepancy in vents, not me. I just looked for myself to see if it was true.

I must say, the flaw with the vents calls for a fake. Though i've been quite positive about this one, till now. :cool:

Wtf!http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9502/dibujocnv.jpg

LOL I was going to YES you're DAMNED retarded but you edited before I could post!

(eiprol originaly said something like "Am I retarded? Look", but changed to "wtf")

[rickdollar]

I'm confused - are you implying that the back of the Mac Mini shown in the picture is the actual back of the computer? As far as I can tell, it's just an image of the back of the computer as part of the packaging detail, in the same way as the Nvidia and WiFi logos.

No, I'm not saying that is the actual computer. I've just never seen an Apple computer packaged in a box wrapped in plastic like a piece of software. Have they changed recently? The mini my parents bought a few years ago was in a nice sturdy corrugated box and was cool looking. The packaging shown in the picture is not unlike that of a $29 Linksys router. Cheap. Not the packaging you would expect an "Apple Computer" :angels sing: to be shipped in.

[wetrix]

I've just never seen an Apple computer packaged in a box wrapped in plastic like a piece of software. Have they changed recently?

My mini came shrink wrapped like in the photo...two years ago.

Previous "fake" photos had the same vent configuration as the current mini. This new "fake" has bothered to change the vents despite no rumors suggesting a vent change. Perhaps this reflects a cooler running mini due to nVIDIA graphics and dare I say it...an Atom?

I'm starting to think that this is real. The non-tilted photo (shows top of mini in current boxes but not in this new one) is consistent with recent product boxes (e.g. MBA), which show off thinness.

[bunty]

No, I'm not saying that is the actual computer. I've just never seen an Apple computer packaged in a box wrapped in plastic like a piece of software. Have they changed recently? The mini my parents bought a few years ago was in a nice sturdy corrugated box and was cool looking. The packaging shown in the picture is not unlike that of a $29 Linksys router. Cheap. Not the packaging you would expect an "Apple Computer" :angels sing: to be shipped in.

Apple seems to be going green like everyone else and prides itself on it's reduction in packaging in the last few keynotes and touts how green their laptops are in commercials, so I don't see how wrapping it in plastic (if that's Apple's intention, if this is real, if the graphic designer messed up the box art) is somehow greener unless it's corn-based plastic or something. Especially, if they've never wrapped a Mac Mini box in plastic before.

If this is real, and the vents on the box don't match those of the actual Mini, then that graphic designer will never work in that town again.

[e-coli]

No, I'm not saying that is the actual computer. I've just never seen an Apple computer packaged in a box wrapped in plastic like a piece of software. Have they changed recently? The mini my parents bought a few years ago was in a nice sturdy corrugated box and was cool looking. The packaging shown in the picture is not unlike that of a $29 Linksys router. Cheap. Not the packaging you would expect an "Apple Computer" :angels sing: to be shipped in.

The :apple:TV comes wrapped in plastic, so it's not out of the question.

[Burke]

"It's the MIIINI...wrraaaaaapped in plaaaastic..."

[jackjason]

soo fake..

this guy or gal printed the photo into a A4 and faked it into a box.
well, it's not a box, it's a paper behind a plastic paper.

[Outsider]

My mini came shrink wrapped like in the photo...two years ago.

Previous "fake" photos had the same vent configuration as the current mini. This new "fake" has bothered to change the vents despite no rumors suggesting a vent change. Perhaps this reflects a cooler running mini due to nVIDIA graphics and dare I say it...an Atom?

I'm starting to think that this is real. The non-tilted photo (shows top of mini in current boxes but not in this new one) is consistent with recent product boxes (e.g. MBA), which show off thinness.

Could be some component in the way that would make having a vent there useless. DDR3 RAM is said to be cooler and use less power and the new NVIDIA chip, like previously said, could use considerably less lower. But like someone said before, why photoshop the vent OUT? It could be that the previous video and image were prototypes, with the extra vent.

[pinapplex]

I´ll vote for fake box.

Apple would not "brand" a chipset like that, have a look at any other box they have made.

And the Wifi symbol... Even my toaster has Wifi today, almost. It´s never made a point of like that.

[jkerr45]

This may have been mentioned already but I don't get why they would put 5 USB ports on the back. It just doesn't make sense to me.

[8CoreWhore]

If the new products release tomorrow I'm going to go to an apple store and start rubbing them on my flesh.

Then when they ask what you're doing I'll respond "Becoming".

They might hear "becoming" as two words. :D

[rickdollar]

I'm confused - are you implying that the back of the Mac Mini shown in the picture is the actual back of the computer? As far as I can tell, it's just an image of the back of the computer as part of the packaging detail, in the same way as the Nvidia and WiFi logos.

The :apple:TV comes wrapped in plastic, so it's not out of the question.

Yeah, you never know. That's a great avatar, by the way. I was waiting for something to appear:D

[wijzewillem]

"It's the MIIINI...wrraaaaaapped in plaaaastic..."

Twin peaks quote in mac-mini rumor thread? interesting! :)

[boylovesgirl]

dear apple, send us all a sample from the fake macmini so we can test whether it is a real fake or not.

[manu chao]

http://www.hardmac.com/news/2009-03-02/#9671

[snberk103]

Just for fun, lets assume the photo is of a real Mini.

Why 5 USB ports?

One port for the keyboard/mouse.
One for a printer.
One for a camera/scanner or other image capture device.
One for an external HD.
One left over.

Except, it makes more sense for Apple to eliminate a port or three, and download the cost of hub to the buyer. So, why 5?

It makes sense for devices for which it doesn't make sense to use with a hub, including reasons that have an aesthetic design.

I don't have all the answers, so I will start just to get the ball rolling.

Apple is going to introduce devices with the same footprint as the Mini, and that are meant to be stacked under/over - similar to the NewerTech drives. The design consideration is that the cord that connected the two would be neater if it was short and bypassed a USB hub. So, what kind of device? Time Capsule perhaps, or an external HD meant to work as a media server? Would a USB connection be adequate?

With that many USB hubs, you could stack a couple or three together.

Another possibility are Apple devices that require more power than an unpowered hub can provide. Again, design aesthetics might be that Apple wanted to minimize cord clutter, and so built the Mini to power a number of devices. Again, any ideas?

How about if the Mini can be used as a smart USB hub? Have we got an sense of size yet? What if it actually grew slightly so that it stacked on an Airport Extreme Base station? Connect the two with a short USB cord, and you lose the USB port on the AEB, but get 4 more on the Mini. Is there something in the media server area that would make sense to do this? I don't know why a smart USB hub might be needed - any ideas?

What if one or two of the USB ports were USB 3, and the rest USB 2. Then you could use old/slow devices on the USB 2 ports, and still get full speed on the USB 3 ports. It would very feasible that early product packaging and prototypes might not have the USB 2/3 distinguishing marks.

Personally, I find the mock ups so far less than compelling. But for fun I thought I might start speculating.

Cheers

Sympathies to my American cousins in the NE.

[wetrix]

I'm switching teams and I'm going to believe this one. I've been watching the entire X-Files series and Mulder makes me want to believe.

I don't think the 10th vent was photoshopped out.

That's enough evidence for me.

The truth is out there.

[SwiftLives]

http://www.hardmac.com/news/2009-03-02/#9671

Those model numbers are quite obviously fake. Do you see how the "B" and the "4" overlap? Secondly, didn't previous model numbers have 10 vents? :D

[petteri]

I think the only 'fake' image here is on the one on the back of the box. The picture there is just an Apple mock-up of the real product. I'm betting they just either added a vent port on the real mini or just goofed on the image.

[SwiftLives]

Just for fun, lets assume the photo is of a real Mini.

Why 5 USB ports?

One port for the keyboard/mouse.
One for a printer.
One for a camera/scanner or other image capture device.
One for an external HD.
One left over.



Or one for an iPod/iPhone.

[bendodson]

Personally I'll be very upset if it only comes with 5 USB ports - the latest mockup to sneak out of Apple HQ shows 20 of them....

http://flickr.com/photos/linusil/3320793116/in/pool-mac_mini

:D

[wijzewillem]

Personally I'll be very upset if it only comes with 5 USB ports - the latest mockup to sneak out of Apple HQ shows 20 of them....

http://flickr.com/photos/linusil/3320793116/in/pool-mac_mini

:D

Cool! Also quite nifty that it has 2 power buttons! :D

[clickgr]

Does anyone has ever thought that Apple itself could be the one who gives out all those fake product pictures & videos? Apple might want to confuse competitors and customers by doing so and increase secrecy for the real new product. Then when a totally new in design mac mini comes out that nobody is expecting to see, all of us will be so amazingly happy and crazy to buy it.

[TheHoffmeister]

I dont care if its fake or not, just give me a date!!

I am sat waiting to buy my first iMac for photo stuff!!!

Went to the Apple store in Manchester, UK at the weekend. They knew nothing (suprise!) He said if I buy one and a new one comes out, I have 14 days to return it,they will refund and then I buy the new one!

[wetrix]

Why 5 USB ports?

One port for the keyboard/mouse.
One for a printer.
One for a camera/scanner or other image capture device.
One for an external HD.
One left over.



People converting from PC probably have a keyboard without built-in usb ports so the keyboard and mouse take up two ports?


Another possibility are Apple devices that require more power than an unpowered hub can provide. Again, design aesthetics might be that Apple wanted to minimize cord clutter, and so built the Mini to power a number of devices. Again, any ideas?


Non-nerds/family computer people tend to have whorey 7-port USB hubs hanging out the back of their computer for the kids' digital camera cords, ipods, zune (black sheep), and the two printers (can't imagine throwing the old one away). I think Apple doesn't want to loose sales to these people who just love wires.

Also, hanging everything out the back maintains the aesthetics (pretty much). The cables can cover up the huge power brick that sits behind the mini, but is never shown in photos.


What if one or two of the USB ports were USB 3, and the rest USB 2. Then you could use old/slow devices on the USB 2 ports, and still get full speed on the USB 3 ports. It would very feasible that early product packaging and prototypes might not have the USB 2/3 distinguishing marks.

USB 3 won't be here for another year.


Having said all that, Apple does seem to think that 3, or even one USB port is enough, which I just can't agree with.

[Tallest Skil]

Does anyone has ever thought that Apple itself could be the one who gives out all those fake product pictures & videos? Apple might want to confuse competitors and customers by doing so and increase secrecy for the real new product. Then when a totally new in design mac mini comes out that nobody is expecting to see, all of us will be so amazingly happy and crazy to buy it.

One recent theory stated that monthy was, in fact, Steve Jobs, posting the first picture of this Mac Mini mockup and the subsequent video.

Obviously, Steve wasn't the one turning it in the video, since that wasn't his hand.

Heck, if I ever have to take a leave of absence as Apple's C.E.O., this is EXACTLY the kind of crap that I'll be doing.

[wetrix]

Does anyone has ever thought that Apple itself could be the one who gives out all those fake product pictures & videos? Apple might want to confuse competitors and customers by doing so and increase secrecy for the real new product. Then when a totally new in design mac mini comes out that nobody is expecting to see, all of us will be so amazingly happy and crazy to buy it.

Apple have been known to spread fake rumors within the company, but I'm not sure about them releasing things to the public.

[boylovesgirl]

Or one for an iPod/iPhone.

or one for your digital piano, so you can use that ilife teaching while playing. a mini fits easy on/next to a dig. piano.

[powers74]

Why are the pics aaalways soooo jankey?


Weirdnesses I see:

9 vents. Wha?

Wifi. Um... Duh?

How come these people only have time to take and send one crappy image?

We've see better fakes...

I was sorta hoping for a new form factor, but that's not really a weirdness.

[powers74]

Just for fun, lets assume the photo is of a real Mini.

Why 5 USB ports?

One port for the keyboard/mouse.
One for a printer.
One for a camera/scanner or other image capture device.
One for an external HD.
One left over.



Or one for an iPod/iPhone.

People converting from PC probably have a keyboard without built-in usb ports so the keyboard and mouse take up two ports?

or one for your digital piano, so you can use that ilife teaching while playing. a mini fits easy on/next to a dig. piano.


One for a Wacom; the list goes on..

[lukepuuk]

Original story updated with specs Mac mini & iMac: http://www.onemorething.nl/?p=showarticle&art_id=4016

[jackjason]

ho;y sh;t

if hardmac got it. then we will have it tomorrow..


still cannot believe the mini will be the same desing. (outside)

and imac has four models????

cool
haha

[heesey1010]

These rumors/spyshots are just giving me ulcers every time I see them. The whole 10 vent vs. 9 vent thing especially is now driving me insane. I say Apple just talk about the darn product already before some really mad fanatic goes crazy

[marbles]

Well , all I can say is I'm off to the Apple store tomorrow(or whenever this baby hits the shops)


I don't understand what's so great about the mac mini, it doesn't even come with a screen. Plus if it's only 2.0 ghz then it's so underspec'd. I don't see the greatness/hype about the mac mini.
Your not buying the extra screen/ keyboard that comes with the iMac , and they are small / sexy and can run most apps just fine

No, it isn't if you have to get a display keyboard and mouse. That would add up to be like more than the 2.0 alum macbook
yes but the Mini is for folks who already have screens etc

We've seen a photograph of the product.

We've seen a video of the product.

Now we see a box of the product.

I'm just curious - how exactly would someone have faked each of these?
Easy really but I believe the Mini is coming :)

Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Box of Current Latest Mac Mini = 10 vents
Initial Leaked Photo of new Mac Mini = 10 vents
Video of leaked New Mac Mini = 10 vents
Leaked Photo of Box of New Mac Mini = 9 vents

Someone double check my work, please :)

Your right ,it's just someone messing around trying to confuse matters for a bit of fun


I must say, the flaw with the vents calls for a fake. Though i've been quite positive about this one, till now. :cool:
Just some one messing to confuse matters a little bit

Does anyone has ever thought that Apple itself could be the one who gives out all those fake product pictures & videos? .
Yes

One recent theory stated that monthy was, in fact, Steve Jobs, posting the first picture of this Mac Mini mockup and the subsequent video.

Obviously, Steve wasn't the one turning it in the video, since that wasn't his hand.

Heck, if I ever have to take a leave of absence as Apple's C.E.O., this is EXACTLY the kind of crap that I'll be doing.
I think that was me , and ye I'd be doing that too....he could have used make up ;)



Anyway, yee haaa new Mini's:D , this is it :cool: .

This is following the usual pattern of 'leaks', they start the rumour mill up a gear or two, release a new rumour and then another, then a few more tit bits here n there, then simply release said product without spending a penny on advertising and make a lot of money, makes total sense , Apple I applaud you, just hurry up and get this thing on the shelves and I hope you've made a lot of em because these will sell by the truck load...as long as you guys are not being too greedy with pricing.

[hiimamac]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/02/new-mac-mini-packaging-spy-shot/)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/03/02/121151-IMAGE_093_425.jpg

Earlier today, we received a product photo of what is claimed to be the new Mac Mini. Without another source, we published (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/02/latest-mac-mini-spy-shot-probably-fake/) it on Page 2 and called it a likely fake.

OneMoreThing.nl (http://www.onemorething.nl/?p=showarticle&art_id=4016), however, has received the same image and feels it's likely to be real. While some thought it was strange for Apple to feature the back of the Mini on the packaging, it follows the same format as the back of their current Mac mini retail box (image (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawno/1898639432/)).

Meanwhile, the logo depicted in the photograph represents the NVIDIA chipset:


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/03/02/135730-Picture 11.png

This would be consistent with rumors, circulating spy shots and expectations of an imminent Mac mini update.

Article Link: New Mac Mini Packaging Spy Shot (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/02/new-mac-mini-packaging-spy-shot/)


WOW! :eek:

If this is true and it has Nvidia with FIREWIRE, this means these machines will run some of the PRO APPLICATIONS but more importantly, help support the thousands of musicians that need a small, low profile FIREWIRE based AUDIO SYSTEM. When Apple dumped firewire from the macbook, not only did those that used target drive suffer, consumers with camcorders (firewire) but thousands of musicians suffered as most PRO audio devices are firewire.

Are there 800 to 400 adapters? Most PRO AUDIO devices are 400 speed firewire.

Again, if this is true, this is really good news unless there ends up being a SNAFU somewhere. Hope that they bring FIREWIRE back to the MACBOOK but if they don't, then Apple must not feel threatened buy offering the MINI with both dedicated GPU and FIREWIRE as it's a departure for them as they never wanted to release a machine that could run Pro App's and come in at a lower price point - wonder what it is about the MINI whereas they feel having a mobile device with DEDICATED and FIREWIRE is a threat and the MINI is not, portability?

[hiimamac]

Finally, a new Mac mini! I wonder if the pricing will be the same or whether Apple can lower it?!

Edit: This product shot probably means that it will be announced tomorrow.

I posted on another forum, a friend of mine at Apple retail, told me last night they are getting ready THIS WEEK, to re-do the store. He is head of VISUALS.

[marbles]

^ should be careful , him could get in trouble !!

I just noticed that on the pic to the left side is what appears to be some kind of packaging, a little like polystyrene,...or something, which is giving me more hope this is true

[eiprol]

Yeah, new Mac mini is cool... but i want an iMac renewal too!!! PLEASE...

[APPLENEWBIE]

I can see a major marketing campaign focused on the Mini. Think about it, all the other macs are over $1,000, some WAY over. We are in a bit of a recession, or so I've heard.

So, Apple puts forth major ad campaign trumpeting the new improved, lower priced Mac Mini. Maybe apple even throws in a freebie, like built-in EyeTV, or a full copy of iWork, or a free year of mobileME.

That way, Apple can keep on selling macs that are sellable until the economy improves. In the meantime, the factories keep rollin', and the cash flow keeps flowing, although no doubt at smaller margins, until the economy picks up.

[Kebabselector]

Got my bonus last month. More than enough for a mini. I'll just wait for John Lewis to get them in.

I don't really care about vent numbers, happy with 5 USB, more than happy with FW800 and happy it's the same form factor (why people insist it has to be a light unibody construction on a desktop???? Do they also want a Mac Pro etched out of a block of aluminium?)

oh one more thing - would it (as in current Alu-Macbook power) be able to run Half Life 2 in boot camp?

[vendettabass]

@arn (http://www.twitter.com/arnoldkim) just tweet'd "seems increasingly likely all rumors are true. (imacs and mac minis tomorrow)"

muy interesante

[Full of Win]

I´ll vote for fake box.

Apple would not "brand" a chipset like that, have a look at any other box they have made.

And the Wifi symbol... Even my toaster has Wifi today, almost. It´s never made a point of like that.

Oh... but the genus of Apple is that they know that we know that it would not be normal for them to put these logos on their boxes. Since they think we will think its a fake if we see these logos, then type put them on them on the boxes, as a way to fool us. However, it they think that we think that they think that we think they might do this, then they might not include them after all.
:confused:

[iMcLovin]

it´s so funny that every spy-photo are of such a bad quality. :D

[dXTC]

WOW! :eek:

If this is true and it has Nvidia with FIREWIRE, this means these machines will run some of the PRO APPLICATIONS but more importantly, help support the thousands of musicians that need a small, low profile FIREWIRE based AUDIO SYSTEM. When Apple dumped firewire from the macbook, not only did those that used target drive suffer, consumers with camcorders (firewire) but thousands of musicians suffered as most PRO audio devices are firewire.

Are there 800 to 400 adapters? Most PRO AUDIO devices are 400 speed firewire.

Again, if this is true, this is really good news unless there ends up being a SNAFU somewhere. Hope that they bring FIREWIRE back to the MACBOOK but if they don't, then Apple must not feel threatened buy offering the MINI with both dedicated GPU and FIREWIRE as it's a departure for them as they never wanted to release a machine that could run Pro App's and come in at a lower price point - wonder what it is about the MINI whereas they feel having a mobile device with DEDICATED and FIREWIRE is a threat and the MINI is not, portability?

Yes, there are adapters/cables that will connect a FW800 (9-pin) to a FW400 (6-pin). FW800 is backwards-compatible, although connecting one to a FW400 makes all connected devices in that FireWire chain fall back to FW400 speeds. It's still better than USB2, though.

[eiprol]

@arn (http://www.twitter.com/arnoldkim) just tweet'd "seems increasingly likely all rumors are true. (imacs and mac minis tomorrow)"

muy interesante
Pues si, muy interesante xD

[macFanDave]

it´s so funny that every spy-photo are of such a bad quality. :D

Probably taken with an iPhone. ;) and :(

[Outsider]

WOW! :eek:

If this is true and it has Nvidia with FIREWIRE, this means these machines will run some of the PRO APPLICATIONS but more importantly, help support the thousands of musicians that need a small, low profile FIREWIRE based AUDIO SYSTEM. When Apple dumped firewire from the macbook, not only did those that used target drive suffer, consumers with camcorders (firewire) but thousands of musicians suffered as most PRO audio devices are firewire.

Are there 800 to 400 adapters? Most PRO AUDIO devices are 400 speed firewire.

Again, if this is true, this is really good news unless there ends up being a SNAFU somewhere. Hope that they bring FIREWIRE back to the MACBOOK but if they don't, then Apple must not feel threatened buy offering the MINI with both dedicated GPU and FIREWIRE as it's a departure for them as they never wanted to release a machine that could run Pro App's and come in at a lower price point - wonder what it is about the MINI whereas they feel having a mobile device with DEDICATED and FIREWIRE is a threat and the MINI is not, portability?

Better yet, there are 800 > 400 cables so you don't need a flakey adapter.

[QCassidy352]

http://www.hardmac.com/news/2009-03-02/#9671

@arn (http://www.twitter.com/arnoldkim) just tweet'd "seems increasingly likely all rumors are true. (imacs and mac minis tomorrow)"

muy interesante

Game over man, game over!

:D

[iMacmatician]

http://www.hardmac.com/news/2009-03-02/#9671They say a release tomorrow…interesting. Not the first source to say March 3.

But what's even more interesting is this:

The entry level model should come with a 20" display, while the three other models will feature a 24" panel.I guess the 28" iMac rumor wasn't that far off after all.

Original story updated with specs Mac mini & iMac: http://www.onemorething.nl/?p=showarticle&art_id=4016And over here they say just Core 2 Duo. No quad-core and no speed bump on the high-end. ****. :mad: :rolleyes:

So we can forget quad-core until what? 2010? :rolleyes:

P.S. I think the leaked stuff are all real.

[marbles]

So where in the world will see tomorrow first ?

[Peace]

They say a release tomorrow…interesting. Not the first source to say March 3.

But what's even more interesting is this:

I guess the 28" iMac rumor wasn't that far off after all.

And over here they say just Core 2 Duo. No quad-core and no speed bump on the high-end. ****. :mad: :rolleyes:

So we can forget quad-core until what? 2010? :rolleyes:

P.S. I think the leaked stuff are all real.

If the high end iMac takes 8 GB RAM it has a faster bus and different chipset. That's not just a speed bump. It's a major update.

[iMacmatician]

If the high end iMac takes 8 GB RAM it has a faster bus and different chipset. That's not just a speed bump. It's a major update.Oh I hope it is. I'm waiting to see the GPUs.

[heesey1010]

So where in the world will see tomorrow first ?

I'm not 100% sure but I always thought it was just released in "normal" PST (pacific standard time) (in normal hours in other words). But that's just me.

[marbles]

I'm not 100% sure but I always thought it was just released in "normal" PST (pacific standard time) (in normal hours in other words). But that's just me.

Not sure my self , maybe someone else could clarify for us ?.......STEVE :D


edit > I'm going to bed now because I just I can't take much more of this.

Hopefully when I get up in the morning I'll be able to order a nice new Mini or 3 :D

[mudenza]

Looks like monthy is one step closer to being proved a...

[bunty]

WOW! :eek:

If this is true and it has Nvidia with FIREWIRE, this means these machines will run some of the PRO APPLICATIONS but more importantly, help support the thousands of musicians that need a small, low profile FIREWIRE based AUDIO SYSTEM. When Apple dumped firewire from the macbook, not only did those that used target drive suffer, consumers with camcorders (firewire) but thousands of musicians suffered as most PRO audio devices are firewire.

Are there 800 to 400 adapters? Most PRO AUDIO devices are 400 speed firewire.

Again, if this is true, this is really good news unless there ends up being a SNAFU somewhere. Hope that they bring FIREWIRE back to the MACBOOK but if they don't, then Apple must not feel threatened buy offering the MINI with both dedicated GPU and FIREWIRE as it's a departure for them as they never wanted to release a machine that could run Pro App's and come in at a lower price point - wonder what it is about the MINI whereas they feel having a mobile device with DEDICATED and FIREWIRE is a threat and the MINI is not, portability?

There are 800 to 400 cables sure, but they're 6pin FW400, when most cameras use 4pin FW400 and I've never seen an FW800 to FW400 4pin cable. I guess in theory you could plug two cables into one another to make one but it sounds risky.

[MvdM]

What's that vertical line 1 cm from the left side of the box? The white is different there.

[illegallydead]

So where in the world will see tomorrow first ?

I think they usually release it at a set time Pacific time, and wherever that falls for the rest of the world is when they will see it, too...

[t0mat0]

It's not too elaborate to have faked - the thing about showing the back of the mini - is that normal? Sounds like a change from the previous one. Would the box for other products show the rear? Having said that, it's useful to show the ports, if real.

[dernhelm]

Man if this is real, it is the absolute wierdest mac mini ever. miniDVI AND display port? That all but an admission that display port was a mistake. miniDVI and not HDMI? FW 800 available here, but not on the mac book? Why not 400? Not that I would mind, I suppose. And then those 5 USB ports.

I dunno.

I hope Apple TV is being updated as well...

[VoR]

miniDVI and not HDMI?

I hope Apple TV is being updated as well...

Display port and hdmi would be great, display port and minidvi is very irritating.

Not sure (and don't care) about the atv - An hdmi port, the atv front end (or similar), a super low price tag and (therefore?) tonnes of sales would be a better move I would have thought.

[DoFoT9]

ok im starting to believe it now. looks real imo

[svalentine]

It needs more USB ports!! :p

[DoFoT9]

It needs more USB ports!! :p

hub hub hub hub hub hub lol

[gypsymoth]

im sure it has been mentioned, but anyone who has ordered an apple product online can tell you that the packaging includes those little foam corners that you see in the background.

[champ01]

check the photo again
http://images.appleinsider.com/macmini_full_size_090302.jpg

look at the bottom right there's an address
can anybody see what is writen?

[Slurpy2k8]

The reason I always refused to believe this was real is the inclusion of BOTH miniDVI and miniDP. I could never see Apple doing that. Its starting to seem that this could in fact be real- and it blows my mind. They're completely redundant in fucntionality- something not Apple is known for. The only 'reason' to keep in miniDVI is because Apple in concerned about those with older adapters- I know, lol-worthy, right? Seems a completely counter-productive move, when they're stripping their other products of the ports, and they're trying to push miniDP. I would understand and WELCOME an HDMI connector- because it actually has an advantage over miniDP, which is lack of needing an adapter, universality, and the transmission of video AND audio. But having these 2 ports is absolutely ridiculous, and I dont see how anyone here would disagree.

[Roessnakhan]

What's that vertical line 1 cm from the left side of the box? The white is different there.

Really? Really? :rolleyes:

Give it up, its real.

[sushi]

check the photo again
http://images.appleinsider.com/macmini_full_size_090302.jpg
The Mac Mini may have this configuration but I highly doubt it would be packaged this way. One, it takes too much space. And two, the Mac Mini is exposed and can easily be damaged.

The dual display ports is questionable. Do not see why Apple would have two different display ports.

[sharma911]

this took me 5 mins to do using M$ Paint brush, plus I could've also gone on the Apple website, took their iLife logo, NVIDIA chipset logo and WiFi logo, printed it and put on any box for that matter and used my 'Nokia 7210' to take a gey ass shot!

Enjoy, another mac mini fake!


Also, anyone who follows apple enough would know 1 simple fact, Apple never likes to cofuse its consumers with too many port or too many options. Can you imagine your parents trying to figure out which port to plug a monitor into with the 'fake' mac mini... I think not! If anything Apple would just use their new MiniDisplay Port and call it a day.

Plus, they would not be using the same design, they would use a unibody!

AND FYI for all people waiting for an update, it coming in June when WWDC is on. There you go, set a date and wait! (Until i get proven wrong, lol!)

[petermcphee]

AND FYI for all people waiting for an update, it coming in June when WWDC is on. There you go, set a date and wait! (Until i get proven wrong, lol!)

I think you'll have an opportunity to be proven wrong even sooner than you think. Nice mock-up though.

[OllyW]

There are 800 to 400 cables sure, but they're 6pin FW400, when most cameras use 4pin FW400 and I've never seen an FW800 to FW400 4pin cable. I guess in theory you could plug two cables into one another to make one but it sounds risky.

Have you actually ever looked for one though?

1st hit on Google (http://store.apple.com/us/product/TU942LL/A?cid=AOS-US-SHOP-Froogle) :p

[pwn247]

Something that caught my eye in the photo:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o217/pwn247/minispyphotolabel.jpg

...It's the label on the shipping packaging located in the lower right.

When Apple retails their items, the label is laid out like so (using my iLife '09 packaging as an example, word for word, line for line):

MB966Z/A
ILIFE '09 V9.0 RETAIL
Designed by Apple in California
1 Infinite Loop Cupertino CA 95014 USA
PRODUCT OF USA

Now I would assume the Mac Mini label would appear like this:

MB463x/x
MAC MINI Vx.x RETAIL
Designed by...
Address...
PRODUCT OF USA

And judging by the picture, it matches up well, except: I only see 4 lines, when on most Apple retail labeling there's 5. Also, the address line is fairly long, but doesn't protrude from the right place in the label. Perhaps it's in a different language, in which case it's understandable.



I also brightened up the left side of the photo, and corrected most of the colors. Maybe you guys can spot something unusual that I might've missed.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o217/pwn247/minispyphotobkg.jpg

[bunty]

Have you actually ever looked for one though?

1st hit on Google (http://store.apple.com/us/product/TU942LL/A?cid=AOS-US-SHOP-Froogle) :p

Nope, just said I've never seen one because I've never needed one. Other places are $10, $14 or more below Apple's price though, by looking around. :eek:

Guess I'll have to get a few when (if) these new Mini's show up.

[spacepower7]

Man if this is real, it is the absolute wierdest mac mini ever. miniDVI AND display port? That all but an admission that display port was a mistake. miniDVI and not HDMI?


Well the Unibody MacBooks are connected to their built-in screen via a DVI connection. So using the same NV9400 GPU, it makes total sense. Also, more people are going to connect to monitors via DVI/VGA than home theaters via HDMI. And both DVI and DisplayPort can connect to a HDTV via a HMDI connector/adaptor.

[Fonzijr1964]

Something that caught my eye in the photo:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o217/pwn247/minispyphotolabel.jpg

...It's the label on the shipping packaging located in the lower right.

When Apple retails their items, the label is laid out like so (using my iLife '09 packaging as an example, word for word, line for line):

MB966Z/A
ILIFE '09 V9.0 RETAIL
Designed by Apple in California
1 Infinite Loop Cupertino CA 95014 USA
PRODUCT OF USA

Now I would assume the Mac Mini label would appear like this:

MB463x/x
MAC MINI Vx.x RETAIL
Designed by...
Address...
PRODUCT OF USA

And judging by the picture, it matches up well, except: I only see 4 lines, when on most Apple retail labeling there's 5. Also, the address line is fairly long, but doesn't protrude from the right place in the label. Perhaps it's in a different language, in which case it's understandable.



I also brightened up the left side of the photo, and corrected most of the colors. Maybe you guys can spot something unusual that I might've missed.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o217/pwn247/minispyphotobkg.jpg

looks like Styrofoam

[Sir Cecil]

If I added a Mac Mini to my Macbook Pro/24" LED Monitor combo, could both be attached to the monitor at the same time via some kind of adaptor/splitter/whatever to allow switching between the two computers? I mean, without having to unhook one before using the other?

[Tallest Skil]

If I added a Mac Mini to my Macbook Pro/24" LED Monitor combo, could both be attached to the monitor at the same time via some kind of adaptor/splitter/whatever to allow switching between the two computers? I mean, without having to unhook one before using the other?

KVM.

[motulist]

The reason I always refused to believe this was real is the inclusion of BOTH miniDVI and miniDP. I could never see Apple doing that. Its starting to seem that this could in fact be real- and it blows my mind. They're completely redundant in fucntionality- something not Apple is known for. The only 'reason' to keep in miniDVI is because Apple in concerned about those with older adapters- I know, lol-worthy, right? Seems a completely counter-productive move, when they're stripping their other products of the ports, and they're trying to push miniDP. I would understand and WELCOME an HDMI connector- because it actually has an advantage over miniDP, which is lack of needing an adapter, universality, and the transmission of video AND audio. But having these 2 ports is absolutely ridiculous, and I dont see how anyone here would disagree.


It seems entirely reasonable to me. If Apple wanted to make the Mac Mini be able to drive two displays, then why wouldn't they make one dvi and the other display port? That way the vast majority of people can use any monitor they already have, which is in keeping with the byokdm principle of the Mac Mini, and for tiny majority people using the Mini to drive 2 displays they can just buy an adaptor if each of their screens uses the same video input cable.

[macshill]

You people who say or yell "fake" as if its a stone-cold fact tick me off to the Nth degree. When you end up w/ egg on your face, do you ever to own up to being wrong? No, you just sweep it under the carpet like you never made the statement. Then some of you even go: "I knew it was real all the time."

[illegallydead]

It seems entirely reasonable to me. If Apple wanted to make the Mac Mini be able to drive two displays, then why wouldn't they make one dvi and the other display port? That way the vast majority of people can use any monitor they already have, which is in keeping with the byokdm principle of the Mac Mini, and for tiny majority people using the Mini to drive 2 displays they can just buy an adaptor if each of their screens uses the same video input cable.

Except that no monitor today has a Mini-DVI Cable (at least as the standard/only connector).

So in both instances you will NEED an adaptor of some sort, with the exception of the 24" LED Cinema Display (and presumably all future ACD's), which you could plug straight to the Mini-DP port.

His point (and mine) is that it seems silly to include both, as Mini-DVI has no advantages over Mini-DP, other than that more people already have Mini-DVI adaptors. And seeing as this is Apple, it is obvious that they don't give a flying ***** if you have to buy another adaptor or two just to make your new computer usable (here's hoping they include at least 1, but again, it is Apple :rolleyes:)

[sir Mudkip]

I've got to call fake on this one....I mean where the hell is the elevator?

[Drag'nGT]

Perfect timing if it's true. Planning on getting two and was talking to my Uncle about how I didn't want to wait 3 more months for it to show up. We'll see in the morning...

[marbles]

Still nothing in Europe :( the old Mini is still on sale as of 08:30

You people who say or yell "fake" as if its a stone-cold fact tick me off to the Nth degree. When you end up w/ egg on your face, do you ever to own up to being wrong? No, you just sweep it under the carpet like you never made the statement. Then some of you even go: "I knew it was real all the time."
By the same token IF this isn't real, I'll take a slice of humble pie, no problem. Highly doubt I'll need too though.

I hope the naysayers don't just disappear and have the character to admit their mistake



I can see a major marketing campaign focused on the Mini. Think about it, all the other macs are over $1,000, some WAY over. We are in a bit of a recession, or so I've heard.

So, Apple puts forth major ad campaign trumpeting the new improved, lower priced Mac Mini. Maybe apple even throws in a freebie, like built-in EyeTV, or a full copy of iWork, or a free year of mobileME.

.

OR , maybe the new Mini is a combination of Mini & ATV , now that would sell some units!.It could explain the extra ports and the wifi being touted on the box

[BillyBobBongo]

Still nothing in Europe :( the old Mini is still on sale as of 08:30

I'm sure that we always wait on US time before changes are made. The iPhone was an exception that rule if I'm not mistaken?!

It'll get here when it gets here (sometime this month I'd imagine)! Like you....I believe it's coming too! ;)

[MagnusVonMagnum]

I like how soooo many people called the OP a liar (basically). I would love for them to be proven wrong. Anyone remember when the new UI for the iPods came out? People were downright rude and obnoxious and the rumor ended up being dead on accurate.

edit: by OP I mean the person posting the original pics, not just the alleged packaging box. I'm not even sure if it's real or not, but I'm not slamming the person either way.

For a rumor site, people sure do take these things seriously. If it is true, I can almost guarantee the people shouting fake and liar won't stick around long enough to apologize. They'll move on to the next thread to shout fake and liar in.

[alimccarley]

If the box artwork is to be judged I'd say it's a bloody good attempt and would take someone very skilled to 'fake' (from a Graphic Designer's perspective, anyway).

[PRH33]

This is quite enjoyable speculation to behold. Vent-numbers aside, I simply think that, as a few others have mentioned, it seems HIGHLY unlikely Apple would put out a new mac mini designed with the older white plastic... vs. glass and aluminium. That alone makes me think this is a fun fake!!!

Btw, I just bought an AppleTV and will be a bit bummed if a new Mac Mini renders my recent purchase antiquated :rolleyes:

[pwn247]

Oh snap.

Apple online store is down in the USA. :eek:

:D:D:D:D

[a104375]

It was real!!!!:eek::eek::apple:

[opeter]

Of course it was real... also the video... why did someone of you think, that the 5 x USB port mini is fake?

[bunty]

Has anyone examined the macroblocks of the new images at Apple's site so make sure they're all going the same direction to rule out some elaborate url re-direct hoax? ;)

[Roofy.]

this took me 5 mins to do using M$ Paint brush, plus I could've also gone on the Apple website, took their iLife logo, NVIDIA chipset logo and WiFi logo, printed it and put on any box for that matter and used my 'Nokia 7210' to take a gey ass shot!

Enjoy, another mac mini fake!


Also, anyone who follows apple enough would know 1 simple fact, Apple never likes to cofuse its consumers with too many port or too many options. Can you imagine your parents trying to figure out which port to plug a monitor into with the 'fake' mac mini... I think not! If anything Apple would just use their new MiniDisplay Port and call it a day.

Plus, they would not be using the same design, they would use a unibody!

AND FYI for all people waiting for an update, it coming in June when WWDC is on. There you go, set a date and wait! (Until i get proven wrong, lol!)

facepalm

[baslotto]

Fake!!

[Lesser Evets]

I want to know why the box has 9 vents on the mini when the real mini has 10 vents.

[Frump]

facepalm

What kind of pie do you think they like.........;)

[kerryn]

Its amazing how many people cried fake when the alleged Mini photos and videos came out.

Now Apple proves that these leaks were 100% correct.

Unfortunately, I bet that non of those people will say, "oh my, I really know squat about this stuff. Perhaps I should stop commenting..." or words to that effect.

[furi0usbee]

Its amazing how many people cried fake when the alleged Mini photos and videos came out.

Now Apple proves that these leaks were 100% correct.

Unfortunately, I bet that non of those people will say, "oh my, I really know squat about this stuff. Perhaps I should stop commenting..." or words to that effect.

Um... the mac mini in that video was not a real production model, as the top had much rounded edges. Whatever it was, it wasn't the Mac mini that Apple released today.

[anubis]

Interesting how this thread, full of EVERYONE screaming "FAKE!!!", has suddenly gone completely silent and all of the naysayers seem to have retreated into hiding

[DoFoT9]

Interesting how this thread, full of EVERYONE screaming "FAKE!!!", has suddenly gone completely silent and all of the naysayers seem to have retreated into hiding

umm who says they are retreating?? i called a fake on the picture and im still here.. the thread is dead now though.