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Mac Mini Prediction
- Thread starter robrose20
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It would be nice, I love my mine but it is getting a little old / slow these days (1.5 core solo / 1 gb).
I don't really want/need anything more than a mini for the job it does but a having an upgrade option would be good (the current models don't seem much of an upgrade really (being essentially the same machine with a different cpu)).
I really hope they do update it, its a really nice form factor and it would be a shame to have it disappear.
I don't really want/need anything more than a mini for the job it does but a having an upgrade option would be good (the current models don't seem much of an upgrade really (being essentially the same machine with a different cpu)).
I really hope they do update it, its a really nice form factor and it would be a shame to have it disappear.
I don't think Apple makes much on the Minis. They'll keep on bumping the speeds up, but for the market they're aimed at, as long as it says 'Core 2 Duo' on it, there's no need to invest too much on architecture.
As soon as it slips to an unprofitable stage, it'll be axed I expect. I bet it'll be the last Mac to see architecture changes.
I wouldn't be surprised to see it unchanged until August/September.
As soon as it slips to an unprofitable stage, it'll be axed I expect. I bet it'll be the last Mac to see architecture changes.
I wouldn't be surprised to see it unchanged until August/September.
Sales figures and profit margins on the mini would be interesting. That said, Apple quietly probably makes a nice profit on the mini's (otherwise they long ago would have been "retired")
They have no advertising budget for the mini. The mini essentially uses spare Macbook parts. Since the architecture has changed only slightly since the first mini, development costs are not an issue (again, see Macbook parts sharing).
The above, plus the fact that Mini's disappear from the refurb store quicker than most other items (even the old overpriced ones), makes me think that Apple sells more Mini's than people think.
ymwv
They have no advertising budget for the mini. The mini essentially uses spare Macbook parts. Since the architecture has changed only slightly since the first mini, development costs are not an issue (again, see Macbook parts sharing).
The above, plus the fact that Mini's disappear from the refurb store quicker than most other items (even the old overpriced ones), makes me think that Apple sells more Mini's than people think.
ymwv
The new Mini, IMHO, will be:
Use a MacBook adapter instead of the "brick"
Be thinner
802.11n
No more optical drive
No more ethernet port
Micro DVI-port and use same video adapters as MB Air
Same specs as MacBook SR.
Mac Mini "Air"...
Let's not start that long-drawn out ethernet port/internal optical drive arguement again. Get external USB ones.
BTW - if they do the above stuff, I can see them lowering the price back down to $499...
Use a MacBook adapter instead of the "brick"
Be thinner
802.11n
No more optical drive
No more ethernet port
Micro DVI-port and use same video adapters as MB Air
Same specs as MacBook SR.
Mac Mini "Air"...
Let's not start that long-drawn out ethernet port/internal optical drive arguement again. Get external USB ones.
BTW - if they do the above stuff, I can see them lowering the price back down to $499...
The new Mini, IMHO, will be:
Use a MacBook adapter instead of the "brick"
Be thinner
802.11n
No more optical drive
No more ethernet port
Micro DVI-port and use same video adapters as MB Air
Same specs as MacBook SR.
Mac Mini "Air"...
Let's not start that long-drawn out ethernet port/internal optical drive arguement again. Get external USB ones.
BTW - if they do the above stuff, I can see them lowering the price back down to $499...
Wouldn't that be an
TV? Except the TV has HDMI, ethernet.I could see them shrinking it with the MBA processor OR just phasing it out, using the MBA C2D in the
tv and throwing an optical in.
The new Mini, IMHO, will be:
Use a MacBook adapter instead of the "brick"
Be thinner
802.11n
No more optical drive
No more ethernet port
Micro DVI-port and use same video adapters as MB Air
Same specs as MacBook SR.
Mac Mini "Air"...
Let's not start that long-drawn out ethernet port/internal optical drive arguement again. Get external USB ones.
BTW - if they do the above stuff, I can see them lowering the price back down to $499...
Remember the target audience--windows/pc converters. I can't see targetting that audience with no optical drive and no ethernet port.
Also, there's no way it will be so thin that it can't fit an ethernet port--even apple tv and timecapsule have room for an ethernet port. After that, there's no cost to including one (unlike, say, FW).
Making the Mini smaller wouldn't seem to serve much purpose, as it's primarily meant to be a "desktop" computer. As such, eliminating the optical drive would also seem counter-productive (and for no apparent reason--again, why go smaller with a desktop?).
Also, using the Macbook Air chip in the Mini would also seem counterproductive: why unnecessarily outfit an entry level desktop computer with specialized "subnotebook" component that come at a price pemium?
ymwv
Also, using the Macbook Air chip in the Mini would also seem counterproductive: why unnecessarily outfit an entry level desktop computer with specialized "subnotebook" component that come at a price pemium?
ymwv
Maybe they'll make a slim version without optical drive, but have the ability to use the MBA external drive.
Note: price, $499 without the optical drive. $598 for one with external superdrive.
Nice for those with a MacBook Air as their secondary. They can get a Mini as their desktop.
Also, using the Macbook Air chip in the Mini would also seem counterproductive: why unnecessarily outfit an entry level desktop computer with specialized "subnotebook" component that come at a price pemium?
ymwv
It would still borrow from the MacBook as far as components.
I believe Apple realizes that a lot of people use mini's (even though not intended to) as a HTPC or a carputer, requiring the optical drive for DVD movies. I don't see them cutting out the drive.
I also don't see any modifications to the case design -- just a SR update. X3100, 2.0,2.2,2.4 as a BTO. 4gb RAM max, 802.11n, etc etc
I also don't see any modifications to the case design -- just a SR update. X3100, 2.0,2.2,2.4 as a BTO. 4gb RAM max, 802.11n, etc etc
Wouldn't that be an
I could see them shrinking it with the MBA processor OR just phasing it out, using the MBA C2D in the
I'm afraid you may be on to something here. Now with the MBA sporting the slowest processor in the Apple lineup, I can see the Mini following suit. I don't know why Apple hates this machine so much, but it really seems that they do, which is why even when they update it they don't say anything about it. It wasn't an immediate hit, the way they wanted, so they'll just treat it like a stepchild until they have a reason to kill it off.
You certainly seem to have a cynical (albeit accurate) statement about Apple's treatment of the Mini... but do tell: How will Apple get away with DOWNGRADING the Mac Mini to use the MBA's CPU? Unless they RDF-it with a "slimmed-down case redesign" and/or price cut, I think even the most idiotic of buyers will smell fish...
The Mini has been a sham ever since they started selling it for $600. WTF? That's well over 50% margin on those components!!! And I don't see anyone complaining that the MacMini is too big... Apple could make the "mini" a little bigger, use cheaper (but more powerful) desktop components, sell it for $549 (BYODKM) and still make a killing... What the hell is wrong with them? Why does Apple hate the Mini so much?!?!?!
-Clive
i have had my mini for almost 2 years, its mainly been connected to my Tv's, first it was a 32" LCD now its a 46" TV.
simple fact is I have no plans to upgrade it until the cpu in the latest one can stomp my core duo 1.66ghz by 2:1 in almost everything.
fact is I would upgrade every other year if apple used the latest midrange laptop Gfx card.
I just dont know with apple they bring Games companies back to the mac and give us Boot camp, yet they slap us in the face by giving us crap GPU's
all intel gfx chipsets suck donkey balls, simple fact.
I would love apple to release a Mac Mini Pro
maybe double height.
Desktop Hardrive 320GB, 500gB, 750GB
More USB's
2.4 - 2.8 CPU
nvidia mobile 8800gt (probably be a crappy ati 2600 pro)
FW 400/800
eSata?
Wireless N
Blueray Player/DVD writer (if apple released this with perfect software player I would flog my PS3 tomorrow)
not gonna happen though because apple know what i want:/
simple fact is I have no plans to upgrade it until the cpu in the latest one can stomp my core duo 1.66ghz by 2:1 in almost everything.
fact is I would upgrade every other year if apple used the latest midrange laptop Gfx card.
I just dont know with apple they bring Games companies back to the mac and give us Boot camp, yet they slap us in the face by giving us crap GPU's
all intel gfx chipsets suck donkey balls, simple fact.
I would love apple to release a Mac Mini Pro
maybe double height.
Desktop Hardrive 320GB, 500gB, 750GB
More USB's
2.4 - 2.8 CPU
nvidia mobile 8800gt (probably be a crappy ati 2600 pro)
FW 400/800
eSata?
Wireless N
Blueray Player/DVD writer (if apple released this with perfect software player I would flog my PS3 tomorrow)
not gonna happen though because apple know what i want:/
I'm a recent Mac convert, so I'm probably not using my Mini to it's fullest, but as a gamer, I reckon they'd get a lot more take-up if they popped in a decent graphics chipset for 3D work. It doesn't have to be earth shattering, but something that'll happily play HL2 et al, would be greatly appreciated.
A 802.11n wireless setup, 2Gb of RAM as standard and the same graphics chipset as the Macbook Pro would see an increase in PC users who want to dip their toes into Mac ownership. They don't need to buy another monitor, keyboard or mouse and a decent 'box' that does everything for under £600 would go down a storm, I reckon, especially now we have Leopard and Boot Camp
A 802.11n wireless setup, 2Gb of RAM as standard and the same graphics chipset as the Macbook Pro would see an increase in PC users who want to dip their toes into Mac ownership. They don't need to buy another monitor, keyboard or mouse and a decent 'box' that does everything for under £600 would go down a storm, I reckon, especially now we have Leopard and Boot Camp
I don't know that Apple will immediately downgrade the mini, but now that the MBA has taken over the bottom-end CPU title, I can see this happening: all other machines move to quad and eventually octo cores, while the MBA quickly catches up with the mini in terms of CPU. Once there, the two machines share the same bottom-end CPU architecture.
As I said before, I don't know why Apple hates the mini so much, but this is my prediction based on their previous actions. I really hope they prove me wrong!
Oh dear, but then how would Apple sell out of the 1.6 and 1.8 GHz subnotebook CPUs?!!! [/sarcasm]
I'm a recent Mac convert, so I'm probably not using my Mini to it's fullest, but as a gamer, I reckon they'd get a lot more take-up if they popped in a decent graphics chipset for 3D work. It doesn't have to be earth shattering, but something that'll happily play HL2 et al, would be greatly appreciated.
A 802.11n wireless setup, 2Gb of RAM as standard and the same graphics chipset as the Macbook Pro would see an increase in PC users who want to dip their toes into Mac ownership. They don't need to buy another monitor, keyboard or mouse and a decent 'box' that does everything for under £600 would go down a storm, I reckon, especially now we have Leopard and Boot Camp
I think what Apple needs to do is let the Mini be an entry-level machine, stop trying to make the iMac a Prosumer machine, and make a 1/2 Mac Pro... or damnitall, just make an xMac already.
-Clive
I'm not sure I understand the sarcasm here, Clive. Do you care to be more specific?
This seems the most feasible option. Maybe hdmi in there as well. I'd be very happy with this option. The x3100 is a decent intergrated solution, far better than the 950. I hope we'll see the update sooner rather than later. Since Apple tends to do one release after another its feasible that we may see an update in the next couple of months. Though whether its the mini or not remains to be seen. I have heard rumors of an update from good sources. Here is hoping they are true.
The new Mini, IMHO, will be:
Use a MacBook adapter instead of the "brick"
Be thinner
802.11n
No more optical drive
No more ethernet port
Micro DVI-port and use same video adapters as MB Air
Same specs as MacBook SR.
Mac Mini "Air"...
Let's not start that long-drawn out ethernet port/internal optical drive arguement again. Get external USB ones.
BTW - if they do the above stuff, I can see them lowering the price back down to $499...
This might be the worst idea I have heard today.
The MBA uses that scaled-down Core 2 CPU @ 1.6 & 1.8 GHz... How will Apple use the Mini to clear the stock of these processors without "downgrading" it?
-Clive
Clear the stock? They seem to be selling fairly well. Haven't both versions been selling fairly well on amazon? Plus macobserver has some good points. Its price point is less and its processing power better than the higher end ccompetition for its class. But then again you can't judge by amazon. And the ultra portable market has lots of low cost competition, like the asus eee.
I wasn't talking about anytime soon. It's well speculated that Apple uses the MacMini to clear out stock of components they used on previous MacBook models. Kashchei made reference to this and alluded that he thinks that the MacBook Air will fill this role in the future. I thereafter made the joke that Apple would have to downgrade the MacMini in order for it to be used to clear stock of the CPUs the MBA uses.
Get it? Wow. All that effort for a joke! Totally not worth it.
-Clive
Clive, I was very clear in my last post that Apple would allow the MBA to catch up to the mini, and then the two would sport the bottom of the line processor together. Your post is therefore a non sequitur. Rather than using the forum as a vehicle for your disagreeable nature, why don't you thoroughly read AND understand what everyone has to say before you post your snarky comments.