No Built-in iPod Docks in the Intel Mac mini?

MacRumors · Feb 13, 2006, 05:25 PM

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Appleinsider reports that the upcoming Mac mini will not have a built-in iPod dock that had been previously rumored in November.

Apple has reportedly scrapped such plans for a built-in iPod dock at least once before. The site speculates that the reasons include sacrificing an additional revenue stream as well as limitations in future upgrades to the dock connector.

Appleinsider expects the new Intel Mac mini to start production in the next few weeks with an introduction within a month after that. Specs are expected to be 1.67GHz Intel Core Solo processor, 512MB RAM, and Front Row.

Similar specs were predicted in November, but no confirmation of Digitial Video Recorder (DVR) software is available.

eva01 · Feb 13, 2006, 05:28 PM

I for one am glad it wont have one. Just incase a video iPod does come out and then that iPod may not fit in the connector if it has a different input.

or if it is on the elongated side while the connector is for the short side

rockthecasbah · Feb 13, 2006, 05:29 PM

im so happy about this, i don't know why Apple would flaw their own design by making some crap like an iPod dock stick out of one of their most beautiful machines..

~Shard~ · Feb 13, 2006, 05:30 PM

I think there are more important features to worry about myself, such as DVR-functionality and the like. Although a dock would be handy, it does bring up issues regarding future-proofing for new iPods. Hopefully this machine will be impressive enough that this doesn't become a major issue.

SpaceMagic · Feb 13, 2006, 05:31 PM

Just how much is gunna be released in "two months time"??

macintel4me · Feb 13, 2006, 05:32 PM

built-in iPod dock = whatever

What about the DVR?????

~Shard~ · 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockthecasbah

im so happy about this, i don't know why Apple would flaw their own design by making some crap like an iPod dock stick out of one of their most beautiful machines..

Agreed - I think a dock would most likely compromise the sleek design of the mini. Not that that's the main reason they shouldn't include it, but it is defintely something to consider when Apple relies so much on the aesthetics of their products.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpaceMagic

Just how much is gunna be released in "two months time"??

New iPods, new Mac minis, new displays, new iBooks and the remainder of the MacBook Pro line.

You asked.

Spanky Deluxe · Feb 13, 2006, 05:35 PM

I for one don't give a damn about DVR functions. Over here in the UK if you want all the channels you get satellite and the only way to record all of the channels is to use a special Sky+ box provided by the satellite network. PVR functions would be useless and would drive up the cost.

I want an Intel Mac Mini and nothing else. The same as the current one but with up-rated parts. Intel processor, 512 standard, X1300, 7200RPM drive, same looks, same everything else, bluetooth and wireless standard and most importantly, SAME PRICE. If they want to make a PVR then go and make a seperate PVR device or a Mac specifically designed for that, don't ruin and add bulk to an already existing product line.

kretzy · Feb 13, 2006, 05:36 PM

I agree, this is a good thing - the Mini would look so wrong with a big dint in the top. It is also not an important feature for the many people who don't have iPods.

MacQuest · Feb 13, 2006, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eva01

I for one am glad it wont have one. Just incase a video iPod does come out and then that iPod may not fit in the connector if it has a different input.

My thoughts exactly. I believe this to be further proof of a different form factor iPod.

GIMME MY vPOD GOSHDARNIT APPLE!

mac 2005 · Feb 13, 2006, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macintel4me

built-in iPod dock = whatever

What about the DVR?????

Couldn't agree more. With the MacMini paired with Eyegato (sp?) and the new "true video" iPod, this combination would be incredible.

MacQuest · Feb 13, 2006, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpaceMagic

Just how much is gunna be released in "two months time"??

Oh boy, do you got some reading to do here on MacRumors!

qtip919 · Feb 13, 2006, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Shard~

New iPods, new Mac minis, new displays, new iBooks and the remainder of the MacBook Pro line.

You asked.

Sweet, holding on to my apple shares is starting to make sense again

Although I still violated my rule of "always, always, always sell high"

but darnit...every time we have a set of product releases for apple, we see a 10-15 dollar increase in stock price...I doubt we'll see 86 again tho-

rockthecasbah · Feb 13, 2006, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macintel4me

built-in iPod dock = whatever

What about the DVR?????

I think the fact is that at this time, people still aren't really NEEDING or having a big desire for a DVR/computer combo, so I'd rather Apple not rush the design and release it as a separate revision after the initial Intel transition.

ibook30 · Feb 13, 2006, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac 2005

Couldn't agree more. With the MacMini paired with Eyegato (sp?) and the new "true video" iPod, this combination would be incredible.

I would love to see soem DVR type ability here - If I am tempted to buy a new machine this year, it will be a mac mini to serve as media center! (And to be honest, I don't think this first version will have it all together.. might be next year before Apple gets another chunk of my hard earned... )

MacQuest · Feb 13, 2006, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockthecasbah

im so happy about this, i don't know why Apple would flaw their own design by making some crap like an iPod dock stick out of one of their most beautiful machines..

It would definately have some kind of little flip cover to cover the dock connection. I wouldn't mind giving up a little design in order to gain a lot more functionality and convenience by being able to connect two devices that need to interact with eachother.

Of course the could also be an indication of a WiFi enabled iPod or vPod as well.

Platform · Feb 13, 2006, 05:52 PM

I wonder if it will ever come out of its bag....

dornoforpyros · Feb 13, 2006, 05:53 PM

when the whole built in iPod dock rumour started I thought it was a pretty cool idea, however at that time all we had was 4g iPods and minis, now the iPod line has expanded so crazy that sticking with any one dock style is rather stupid.

zv470 · Feb 13, 2006, 05:53 PM

I've been after a DVR for a while, if the Intel Mac mini comes as DVR I'm definately buying one

and that (possibly) upcoming iPod video.

sweet.

gnasher729 · Feb 13, 2006, 05:56 PM

As I expected, no source - not even the usual "informed sources" - to corroborate the "Core Solo" chip in the Mac Mini. So I will assume that this is just either an uneducated guess or wishful thinking.

Hattig · Feb 13, 2006, 05:57 PM

I'm sure an iPod dock would break the smooth sleek lines of the next Mac Mini, and thus it would be dropped.

I hope it has Firewire though, 'cos I've got an external Firewire hard drive I want to use with my next computer purchase, which I want to be a Mac Mini.

Oh, and why not pay the extra $40 for the dual-core Yonah instead of the single core? Unless Apple are getting them for very cheap...

xejn · Feb 13, 2006, 05:58 PM

It will be very interesting to see how a 1.6 Ghz Solo compares to 1.5 Ghz G4 mini.

Unless much else is changed the machines are at near parity.

MacQuest · Feb 13, 2006, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macintel4me

built-in iPod dock = whatever

What about the DVR?????

I think that the runaway success of quality, edited television episodes being offered on iTMS [as can be witnessed by the rapidly increasing amount of channels and networks jumping on the bandwagon], is gonna make Apple hold off on DVR functionality at least for awhile.

I too would like DVR capabilities though, believe me. I've used my El Gato Eye TV USB endlessly since '02 and have always hoped that Apple would colloborate with or even acquire them in order to bring DVR to the Mac, but right now just doesn't seem right from a business perspective with so much focus on the iTMS's success for music, music video, and now tv episode sales.

bretm · Feb 13, 2006, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xejn

It will be very interesting to see how a 1.6 Ghz Solo compares to 1.5 Ghz G4 mini.

Unless much else is changed the machines are at near parity.

A solo would be slightly better than a G5, and a lot better than a G4, plus the mhz is slightly faster. So it'll be a faster snappier machine, and will most likely have faster other components as well.

rog · Feb 13, 2006, 06:08 PM

Wow that thing is going to be S L O W....
Given the heavy use of Rosetta for the forseeable future and the need for 2 cores to make it barely usable in some cases, the Mini would be better off with a 1.6Ghz G5 or even a 2Ghz G4. I hope they at least switch to a 3.5" drive.

Feb 13, 2006, 05:25 PM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	No Built-in iPod Docks in the Intel Mac mini? http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif Appleinsider reports that the upcoming Mac mini will not have a built-in iPod dock that had been previously rumored in November. Apple has reportedly scrapped such plans for a built-in iPod dock at least once before. The site speculates that the reasons include sacrificing an additional revenue stream as well as limitations in future upgrades to the dock connector. Appleinsider expects the new Intel Mac mini to start production in the next few weeks with an introduction within a month after that. Specs are expected to be 1.67GHz Intel Core Solo processor, 512MB RAM, and Front Row. Similar specs were predicted in November, but no confirmation of Digitial Video Recorder (DVR) software is available.

Feb 13, 2006, 05:28 PM	#2
eva01 macrumors 68040 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gah! Plymouth	I for one am glad it wont have one. Just incase a video iPod does come out and then that iPod may not fit in the connector if it has a different input. or if it is on the elongated side while the connector is for the short side __________________ If I go on a crazy non-sensical rant, it's the painkillers talking. If however I make perfect sense I take full credit.

Feb 13, 2006, 05:29 PM	#3
rockthecasbah macrumors 68020 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Moorestown, NJ	im so happy about this, i don't know why Apple would flaw their own design by making some crap like an iPod dock stick out of one of their most beautiful machines.. __________________ 15'' 2.4ghz MacBook Pro (Matte), 2GB RAM, 200GB HD Wii code: 7876 8987 6478 7445 My Last.fm "Ignore her, she's a feminist"

Feb 13, 2006, 05:30 PM	#4
~Shard~ macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: 1123.6536.5321	I think there are more important features to worry about myself, such as DVR-functionality and the like. Although a dock would be handy, it does bring up issues regarding future-proofing for new iPods. Hopefully this machine will be impressive enough that this doesn't become a major issue. __________________ My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions, but in the fewness of my wants. - J. Brotherton

Feb 13, 2006, 05:31 PM	#5
SpaceMagic macrumors 68000 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Munich, Germany	Just how much is gunna be released in "two months time"?? __________________ MacBook 2Ghz Core2Duo, 320GB HD, 3.3GB RAM + 24" LG LCD

Feb 13, 2006, 05:32 PM	#6
macintel4me macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2006	built-in iPod dock = whatever What about the DVR?????

Feb 13, 2006, 05:35 PM	#8
Spanky Deluxe macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: London, UK	I for one don't give a damn about DVR functions. Over here in the UK if you want all the channels you get satellite and the only way to record all of the channels is to use a special Sky+ box provided by the satellite network. PVR functions would be useless and would drive up the cost. I want an Intel Mac Mini and nothing else. The same as the current one but with up-rated parts. Intel processor, 512 standard, X1300, 7200RPM drive, same looks, same everything else, bluetooth and wireless standard and most importantly, SAME PRICE. If they want to make a PVR then go and make a seperate PVR device or a Mac specifically designed for that, don't ruin and add bulk to an already existing product line.

Feb 13, 2006, 05:36 PM	#9
kretzy macrumors 601 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Canberra, Australia	I agree, this is a good thing - the Mini would look so wrong with a big dint in the top. It is also not an important feature for the many people who don't have iPods.

Feb 13, 2006, 05:52 PM	#17
Platform macrumors 68030 Join Date: Dec 2004	I wonder if it will ever come out of its bag.... __________________ Aluminium Macbook \| 20" iMac G5 (iSight)

Feb 13, 2006, 05:53 PM	#18
dornoforpyros macrumors 68040 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Calgary, AB	when the whole built in iPod dock rumour started I thought it was a pretty cool idea, however at that time all we had was 4g iPods and minis, now the iPod line has expanded so crazy that sticking with any one dock style is rather stupid. __________________ www.JasonDorn.com \| this looked better on paper

Feb 13, 2006, 05:53 PM	#19
zv470 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New Zealand	I've been after a DVR for a while, if the Intel Mac mini comes as DVR I'm definately buying one and that (possibly) upcoming iPod video. sweet.

Feb 13, 2006, 05:56 PM	#20
gnasher729 macrumors 68040 Join Date: Nov 2005	As I expected, no source - not even the usual "informed sources" - to corroborate the "Core Solo" chip in the Mac Mini. So I will assume that this is just either an uneducated guess or wishful thinking.

Feb 13, 2006, 05:57 PM	#21
Hattig macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jan 2003	I'm sure an iPod dock would break the smooth sleek lines of the next Mac Mini, and thus it would be dropped. I hope it has Firewire though, 'cos I've got an external Firewire hard drive I want to use with my next computer purchase, which I want to be a Mac Mini. Oh, and why not pay the extra $40 for the dual-core Yonah instead of the single core? Unless Apple are getting them for very cheap... __________________ iBook — 12" 1.33GHz, 1.5GB RAM, 40GB, Combodrive, 200GB Firewire Hard Drive :: iPod — 8GB Black G3 iPod nano

Feb 13, 2006, 05:58 PM	#22
xejn macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2005	1.6 Ghz? It will be very interesting to see how a 1.6 Ghz Solo compares to 1.5 Ghz G4 mini. Unless much else is changed the machines are at near parity.

Feb 13, 2006, 06:08 PM	#25
rog macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Kalapana, HI	Wow that thing is going to be S L O W.... Given the heavy use of Rosetta for the forseeable future and the need for 2 cores to make it barely usable in some cases, the Mini would be better off with a 1.6Ghz G5 or even a 2Ghz G4. I hope they at least switch to a 3.5" drive.

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