Unboxing and Disassembly Photos of the New Mac Mini

[MacRumors]

MacMiniColo.net has posted a series of unboxing and disassembly photos of the new Mac Mini just released today. The above photo, of course, is the same shot that was leaked just yesterday. The retail box image of the Mini curiously only has 9 vents while the actual product has 10. Still, all the pre-release product shots and video turned out to be quite accurate. Aside from the different ports in the back, the new Mac Mini's casing seems nearly identical to the previous model:

The outside of the Mac mini looks nearly identical. It has the same aluminum siding and the white plastic top. I guess I can't prove it, but having handled several hundred of the last generation Mac minis, the aluminum feels different. Perhaps it was manufactured differently.

Article Link: Unboxing and Disassembly Photos of the New Mac Mini

[theBigD23]

I wish it was cheaper. 120GB HD and 1G of RAM, I don't think I can justify purchasing it.

[Mr. Giver '94]

I'll say what I said in the other thread about these pics......


Reminds me of when I bought mine back in 2005.....oh wait....
THEY LOOK EXACTLY THE FREAKIN SAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Eidorian]

Rather annoying antennas there.

[Jayomat]

fake!!!!

[plumbingandtech]

Originally Posted by Jayomat

fake!!!!

Photoshop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Darkroom]

Originally Posted by Jayomat

fake!!!!

LOL!

[minik]

Originally Posted by Jayomat

fake!!!!

That's gotta be. There is no Tuesday.

[chenazhi]

599 is too high.
499 would be nice.

[O and A]

I agree these should cost 499 especially in this economy. Also it would be nice for a 999 iMac again.

[Mr Maui]

Originally Posted by theBigD23

I wish it was cheaper. 120GB HD and 1G of RAM, I don't think I can justify purchasing it.

Originally Posted by amac4me

Would have been nice to see the Mac mini entry price fall back below $500 - back to $499 given the economic backdrop.

Originally Posted by O and A

I agree these should cost 499 especially in this economy. Also it would be nice for a 999 iMac again.

You'd think people would be happy that the thing was updated (after all the complaining about that) but then there is always a complaint about price.

I've heard complaints about the price being lowered because of the tough times ... would people seriously say it was OK to raise the price when the times got better? Not a chance. Once a price is lowered, it would pretty much be stuck.

Remember, the mini is designed to be a low-end "intro" computer to get people familiar with the ease and functionality of Apple computers. It is NOT designed to be a computer to compete with low-end PCs.

[Slurpy2k8]

Originally Posted by Mr Maui

You'd think people would be happy that the thing was updated (after all the complaining about that) but then there is always a complaint about price.

I've heard complaints about the price being lowered because of the tough times ... would people seriously say it was OK to raise the price when the times got better? Not a chance. Once a price is lowered, it would pretty much be stuck.

Remember, the mini is designed to be a low-end "intro" computer to get people familiar with the ease and functionality of Apple computers. It is NOT designed to be a computer to compete with low-end PCs.

Yeah.. your apologizing for Apple is pretty sad. You want us to profusely thank apple simply because this thing was 'updated' after 1.5 years? Really? 'Complaining' when its warranted is exactly what forums are for. As most people here are fans of apple (myself included) you'd think critical analysis wouldn't be looked on so spitefully from people such as yourself. And it's to Apple's benefit to upgrade their products- you know, so they can sell them? It's not some gesture they do out of the goodness of their hearts. Stop acting as if its some favor they're doing for us, and we need to thank them for it then shutup.

The truth of the matter is that as most rational people here have realized that Apple have managed to make the mini an even worse value than before- an impressive feat. One could argue the same about the iMac and the MacPro updates.

[ChrisH3677]

Originally Posted by Slurpy2k8

Yeah.. your apologizing for Apple is pretty sad. You want us to profusely thank apple simply because this thing was 'updated' after 1.5 years? Really? 'Complaining' when its warranted is exactly what forums are for. As most people here are fans of apple (myself included) you'd think critical analysis wouldn't be looked on so spitefully from people such as yourself. And it's to Apple's benefit to upgrade their products- you know, so they can sell them? It's not some gesture they do out of the goodness of their hearts. Stop acting as if its some favor they're doing for us, and we need to thank them for it then shutup.

The truth of the matter is that as most rational people here have realized that Apple have managed to make the mini an even worse value than before- an impressive feat. One could argue the same about the iMac and the MacPro updates.

Hear, hear! Well said.

And in Australia the bottom Mac mini has gone up AU$200!! That's just a smidge under 25%. Yes the dollar's worse, but it's been a lot worse and the Mac mini has never cost as much. I hate to say it, but I'm looking at hackintoshes now.

[Yvan256]

Anyone know if this works or has already been used this to make an external SATA mod?
Xecuter HDXT PS3 Hard Drive Xtender

[macUser2007]

The Mini could make a very nice, cool-running, quiet HTPC.

Unfortunately, even with the new NVDIA chipset, I am wondering if the 2.0 CPU can run comfortably a BluRay movie. Running Vista, of course, since OS X still doesn't support BluRay playback.

I think Apple kind of missed the boat on this one, both in terms of software and hardware. Too bad, really, since the first Intel Mac Minis (back when) were really a good buy, IMO. But times have changed.

[Eidorian]

Originally Posted by macUser2007

The Mini could make a very nice, cool-running, quiet HTPC.

Unfortunately, even with the new NVDIA chipset, I am wondering if the 2.0 CPU can run comfortably a BluRay movie. Running Vista, of course, since OS X still doesn't support BluRay playback.

I think Apple kind of missed the boat on this one, both in terms of software and hardware. Too bad, really, since the first Intel Mac Minis (back when) were really a good buy, IMO. But times have changed.

I think you'd be more interested in looking at the 9400M's decoding performance on the Windows side anyways.

[dagamer34]

Originally Posted by macUser2007

The Mini could make a very nice, cool-running, quiet HTPC.

Unfortunately, even with the new NVDIA chipset, I am wondering if the 2.0 CPU can run comfortably a BluRay movie. Running Vista, of course, since OS X still doesn't support BluRay playback.

I think Apple kind of missed the boat on this one, both in terms of software and hardware. Too bad, really, since the first Intel Mac Minis (back when) were really a good buy, IMO. But times have changed.

The GeForce 9400M can decode 1080p on chip. I think you just need drivers and software that is hardware-accelerated. No need to worry about CPU speed, as even the Atom + 9400M was able to keep up with decoding 1080P video.

[Lershac]

Originally Posted by macUser2007

The Mini could make a very nice, cool-running, quiet HTPC.

It does make a great little quiet sbs 2003 server for small office use. External HD to hold the Exch DBs and another for backup... its very quiet and quite usable in performance load with 10 people on it.

I just wish I could locate a bluetooth driver for it that worked with SBS 2003.

[Mr Maui]

Originally Posted by Mr Maui

You'd think people would be happy that the thing was updated (after all the complaining about that) but then there is always a complaint about price.

I've heard complaints about the price being lowered because of the tough times ... would people seriously say it was OK to raise the price when the times got better? Not a chance. Once a price is lowered, it would pretty much be stuck.

Remember, the mini is designed to be a low-end "intro" computer to get people familiar with the ease and functionality of Apple computers. It is NOT designed to be a computer to compete with low-end PCs.

Originally Posted by Slurpy2k8

Yeah.. your apologizing for Apple is pretty sad. You want us to profusely thank apple simply because this thing was 'updated' after 1.5 years? Really? 'Complaining' when its warranted is exactly what forums are for. As most people here are fans of apple (myself included) you'd think critical analysis wouldn't be looked on so spitefully from people such as yourself. And it's to Apple's benefit to upgrade their products- you know, so they can sell them? It's not some gesture they do out of the goodness of their hearts. Stop acting as if its some favor they're doing for us, and we need to thank them for it then shutup.

The truth of the matter is that as most rational people here have realized that Apple have managed to make the mini an even worse value than before- an impressive feat. One could argue the same about the iMac and the MacPro updates.

First ... I'm not "apologizing" for Apple, nor am I "defending" them. I will however defend their right to run their business as they see fit, whether you agree with the business model or not.

Second ... I don't "want" you to do anything. The point of my reply was simple. People scream and whine that the thing has not been updated in however long. Then, once it is updated, they complain about the price, or the specs, or something else. I don't think I've ever heard a majority say that Apple actually produced a good product. All they focus on is the "shortcomings" compared to what is available for PCs. Here's my advice to those people. BUY A DAMN PC!!

Third ... I don't look at you "spitefully" or any other way. I merely voiced my opinion .. which may or may not differ from yours. My guess is I have been using Apple products much longer than you. I work in the graphics industry and work on them daily ... and I have for over 20 years. So don't talk about how you are more "anything" relative to Apple than I am. You know nothing about me. I recognize the majority of people here are Apple fans I've been posting on this site nearly 6 years longer than you have been.

Fourth ... you say it is to Apple's benefit to update their products. Of course it is ... an d they do ... on their schedule and with their business plan. It is also to Apple's benefit to maintain their profit margins ... which they do BETTER than any other computer manufacturer out there. Here's another little tidbit you may have overlooked. Apple is GAINING marketshare. Even Microsoft is OPENLY acknowledging this FACT. I guess that means people (unhappy or not about specs, price, etc.) continue to buy Apple products at whatever price Apple chooses to charge.

Fifth ... The Mac mini was designed to be an "affordable APPLE computer" ... NOT AN AFFORDABLE COMPUTER. It was not designed to compete with every low-priced piece of junk PC out there. It is the least expensive computer in the Apple lineup ... therefore IT IS an "affordable Mac" compared to other Macs. Don't spend your time comparing it to "cheaper PCs". Those computers are cheaper for a reason ... they ARE NOT a Mac.

Finally ... As for your "most rational people" comment ... I'm willing to bet that these new Apple computers of "worse value than before" will outsell the previous (implied) "better value" computers by a long shot, that they will continue to convert PC users to the Mac, will continue to improve Apple sales and bottom lines, and will continue to inspire ridiculous responses like yours in the future.

That is my simple opinion. Time will tell if I am right. Go Apple.

Originally Posted by ChrisH3677

Hear, hear! Well said.

And in Australia the bottom Mac mini has gone up AU$200!! That's just a smidge under 25%. Yes the dollar's worse, but it's been a lot worse and the Mac mini has never cost as much. I hate to say it, but I'm looking at hackintoshes now.

I repeat the above. Please just buy a PC for $299. While I understand the desire of people to have Mac that are comparably priced to low-end PCs, Apple will never do that. If you really want your voice to be heard concerning the issue, convince 2m people per year to stop buying Macs. Then, and ONLY then will Apple hear.

Originally Posted by ddTaylor

Then why price it like one - actually why price it OVER one? You can get a kick-ass PC (yes, I know - with Windows) and run Linux on it for WELL UNDER the cost of the Mini. I love my Apple products but with the recent rash of 'updates' and 'refreshes' I may go with X86. Works fine on my Acer netbook - yet another market Apple will not enter because they will not be able to keep the margins high enough - even though I think they would sell twice as many as the entry level MacBook.

Again ... buy the cheaper PC and run Linux on it. Apple succeed in keeping the prices high and the margins large because no matter how many people complain about the hardware, Apple knows they will continue to pay (and even overpay) for the incredible operating system. Should Apple have maintained/raised their prices? You'd think not. But people will buy ANYWAY ... and therefore justify the higher prices.

[ddTaylor]

Again ... buy the cheaper PC and run Linux on it. Apple succeed in keeping the prices high and the margins large because no matter how many people complain about the hardware, Apple knows they will continue to pay (and even overpay) for the incredible operating system. Should Apple have maintained/raised their prices? You'd think not. But people will buy ANYWAY ... and therefore justify the higher prices.[/quote]

But if you checked the latest sales numbers - that is not exactly the case and with pricing like this - it will continue the downward slide. Keep apologizing for Apple and maybe they will send you a free Mini!

D

[bluefido]

Originally Posted by Slurpy2k8

Yeah.. your apologizing for Apple is pretty sad. You want us to profusely thank apple simply because this thing was 'updated' after 1.5 years? Really? 'Complaining' when its warranted is exactly what forums are for. As most people here are fans of apple (myself included) you'd think critical analysis wouldn't be looked on so spitefully from people such as yourself. And it's to Apple's benefit to upgrade their products- you know, so they can sell them? It's not some gesture they do out of the goodness of their hearts. Stop acting as if its some favor they're doing for us, and we need to thank them for it then shutup.

The truth of the matter is that as most rational people here have realized that Apple have managed to make the mini an even worse value than before- an impressive feat. One could argue the same about the iMac and the MacPro updates.

You hit the nail on its head. -- from another disgruntled Mac user

[ddTaylor]

Originally Posted by Mr Maui

You'd think people would be happy that the thing was updated (after all the complaining about that) but then there is always a complaint about price.

I've heard complaints about the price being lowered because of the tough times ... would people seriously say it was OK to raise the price when the times got better? Not a chance. Once a price is lowered, it would pretty much be stuck.

Remember, the mini is designed to be a low-end "intro" computer to get people familiar with the ease and functionality of Apple computers. It is NOT designed to be a computer to compete with low-end PCs.

Then why price it like one - actually why price it OVER one? You can get a kick-ass PC (yes, I know - with Windows) and run Linux on it for WELL UNDER the cost of the Mini. I love my Apple products but with the recent rash of 'updates' and 'refreshes' I may go with X86. Works fine on my Acer netbook - yet another market Apple will not enter because they will not be able to keep the margins high enough - even though I think they would sell twice as many as the entry level MacBook.

D

[KnightWRX]

Originally Posted by ddTaylor

Then why price it like one - actually why price it OVER one? You can get a kick-ass PC (yes, I know - with Windows) and run Linux on it for WELL UNDER the cost of the Mini. I love my Apple products but with the recent rash of 'updates' and 'refreshes' I may go with X86. Works fine on my Acer netbook - yet another market Apple will not enter because they will not be able to keep the margins high enough - even though I think they would sell twice as many as the entry level MacBook.

D

Size, power consumption. Even the budget Inspiron 530 is a beast compared to a mini.

[ddTaylor]

Originally Posted by KnightWRX

Size, power consumption. Even the budget Inspiron 530 is a beast compared to a mini.

But is that what you want? An ultra-small 'desktop' with a silly large external power supply, no keyboard, no mouse and no display at MORE than the going rate for a much higher-end PC? I, as well as many, will pass. Bad move Apple.

D

[Kar98]

Originally Posted by Mr Maui

You'd think people would be happy that the thing was updated (after all the complaining about that) but then there is always a complaint about price.

For almost a thousand bucks I'd get a mild speed bump, a different graphics chip and one more USB port, compared to what I've got now (and counting only the features I can make use of). And the remote is now extra.