2014 Mac Mini Teardown Highlights Increased Difficulty For User Upgradability

[boulderarch]

Those iMac specs are essentially what a lot of Mac Mini users were hoping for...minus the display.

Or the 27" iMac with NVIDIA graphics...again MINUS the screen.

It is really a sweet spot for a lot of design professionals, could easily be offered in the $1000-3000 range (depending on cpu, memory, graphics, and drive options) and Apple for some reason just refuses to offer it. This has been an issue for a long time now. For my architecture firm it is becoming THE issue as we can't and won't update all our machines to $3000+ Mac Pro's. We certainly are not upgrading our Mini server to a Mac Pro or iMac.

For those who are going to respond with "buy an iMac" WE DO NOT WANT THE DISPLAY ATTACHED! We are not switching to iMac's. We do own a Mac Pro and it works great for multicore 3D renderings, but we can't afford every machine to be a Mac Pro. Even if we did there would be much better specs at $3000 as none of our software will access two GPU's. For a lot of people the Mac Pro is overkill.

If you need quad core computing, don't want the iMac, and can't afford the Mac Pro - now you have no option. The older quad core Mini provided that option and it was priced $800-1400 if memory serves me correct (depending on memory and storage options). The soldered RAM and difficulty accessing the unit to upgrade the drive in the new Mac Mini is yet another problem. We could probably deal with that, even though Apple RAM prices are ridiculous. But we don't even have the choice because the lack of quad core desktops options in the $1000-3000 range.

If this isn't addressed in 2015 or 2016 at the latest for sure we are done with Apple. We have no choice.

If they want to us to buy displays...how about offering some choices other than one, outdated $1000 27" option. Didn't they used to have 20,23,30" displays at more reasonable prices? Of course you can buy a "low end" Mac Mini and "high end" Mac Pro and have your choice of display. But mid range - no ONLY the iMac.

 

[Oracle1729]

How in depth were the specs you found? If you look at engineering specs, they are usually very difficult for the common person to understand and it's very difficult to get the exact same thing. It really gets more in-depth when you are looking at the engineering specs, which I have never seen Apple publish.

Just give it up. You're either a paid shill for Apple or a fool.

If you're that paranoid, crucial has a memory selector too, you tell them your Mini model, they show you their memory guaranteed to work with that model. And they back their guarantees. Or are you saying they don't know the engineering specs of the memory they design.

Anyway that doesn't even matter, the mini, electronically, is an Intel reference design PC. It works with a huge range of memories just like any other PC with the same CPU.

 

[rGiskard]

I would assume none of your macs we're purchased within the last 2 years?
Apple has been removing the ability for there customers to upgrade their componets and its simple to see why, if I can invest 100$ into a new CPU that will bring new life to my product, thats 499$ im not spending on a new mac mini. Its just smart business tatics.

Right, none in the past two years.

I doubt enough people upgrade the CPU on Macs for it affect Apple's profits. Most Macs no longer have CPU sockets anyways.

RAM, I can understand soldering it on a low end machine. The internal drive situation with the Mini is annoying but USB 3.0 speeds are good enough to keep it a minor annoyance.

What bothers me is that Apple downgraded the CPU options compared to last year, and they apparently don't offer a PCIe SSD. Inexcusable for 2014.

----------

Those iMac specs are essentially what a lot of Mac Mini users were hoping for...minus the display.

Or the 27" iMac with NVIDIA graphics...again MINUS the screen.

It is really a sweet spot for a lot of design professionals, could easily be offered in the $1000-3000 range (depending on cpu, memory, graphics, and drive options) and Apple for some reason just refuses to offer it. This has been an issue for a long time now. For my architecture firm it is becoming THE issue as we can't and won't update all our machines to $3000+ Mac Pro's. We certainly are not upgrading our Mini server to a Mac Pro or iMac.

For those who are going to respond with "buy an iMac" WE DO NOT WANT THE DISPLAY ATTACHED! We are not switching to iMac's. We do own a Mac Pro and it works great for multicore 3D renderings, but we can't afford every machine to be a Mac Pro. Even if we did there would be much better specs at $3000 as none of our software will access two GPU's. For a lot of people the Mac Pro is overkill.

If you need quad core computing, don't want the iMac, and can't afford the Mac Pro - now you have no option. The older quad core Mini provided that option and it was priced $800-1400 if memory serves me correct (depending on memory and storage options). The soldered RAM and difficulty accessing the unit to upgrade the drive in the new Mac Mini is yet another problem. We could probably deal with that, even though Apple RAM prices are ridiculous. But we don't even have the choice because the lack of quad core desktops options in the $1000-3000 range.

If this isn't addressed in 2015 or 2016 at the latest for sure we are done with Apple. We have no choice.

If they want to us to buy displays...how about offering some choices other than one, outdated $1000 27" option. Didn't they used to have 20,23,30" displays at more reasonable prices? Of course you can buy a "low end" Mac Mini and "high end" Mac Pro and have your choice of display. But mid range - no ONLY the iMac.

This sums up the problem elegantly. Thanks.

 

[AnalyzeThis]

Well, we don't know what the Support calls are like? We don't have the metrics to analyze this, but Apple does. They track every support call, they do analysis on what are the most common problems. That's why they got rid of internal optical drives. They had too many problems. to cut costs and make the product more reliable, they are deciding to use surface mount soldered RAM. Even the most experienced people can install ram modules and the ram doesn't always seat perfectly.

Did you ever experienced HP ProBook laptop? You do not even need a screwdriver to open it up - just push same battery release latches in opposite direction and off back cover goes and you have access to 70% of hardware. I do not see HP soldering all their cr@p to the PCB. I am for support of using wrist straps, but even without - it is very rare to cause any issue. Besides, if it would be Apple intention (according to you), they should have share some benefits with customers and not to charge crazy prices for memory upgrades as they supposedly saving mountains of cash on it. Both sides should see value in it, but it is not the case here and those angry threads are very proof of Apple over played its hand.

 

[UpperQuadrant]

PC electronics have been designed to take ESD for the past few years, having to wear a wrist strap to protect your componets is no longer required but if it helps you sleep at night I suggest you keep one on when you service your equipment.

Whatever. I just recommend them because you have to be careful about static electricity.

Just for what it's worth, you know that pink stuff they use for antistatic spray? I know the guy that holds the patent on it. I used to work for an electronics mfg where static issues can screw things up. I don't think they have eliminated problems associated with ESD. Static still exists and electronic components are still susceptible to it. I don't care what you've been told. It's still a problem when handling RAM modules.

I just say wear a wrist strap, because they are cheap and the traditional method. If you want to play McGuyer, go right a head, it's your computer. I am just suggesting the commonly known and commonly used method. There are plenty of sites that discuss ESD for people to read about how to take precautions, but most people don't take the time, they just don't read the fine print.

Every RAM module I've ever bought was packaged in an antistatic bag. If they figured out a way to eliminate that problem completely, then they would have to put it in a anti static bag or carrier. Seriously, I think you've been misinformed.

Most factories that make this stuff have concrete floors, they wear anti static clothing, gloves, etc. But most people in their homes are far from that environment. Heck, even these factories have Hepa filtration systems to make the air cleaner than a freakin hospital.

 

[boulderarch]

How in depth were the specs you found? If you look at engineering specs, they are usually very difficult for the common person to understand and it's very difficult to get the exact same thing. It really gets more in-depth when you are looking at the engineering specs, which I have never seen Apple publish.

Do you have a site that shows the specs of memory that Apple specs out from their engineering department?

They normally give people more generic specs and that sometimes works and sometimes it doesn't. I've dealt with a lot of memory suppliers over the years and found Kingston (brand specific) to be about the best when it comes to Apple memory. They are actually a certified Apple 3rd party. Not all of them are.

I've compared what Apple uses to what some of these 3rd parties sell and many times the 3rd party will use less density chips on the module and what happens is they require more power, they end up generating more heat and then become flaky.

The problem if your system is covered under warranty or AppleCare, they typically have to start troubleshooting the system to make sure it passes the AHT and if you have 3rd party components, then you have to swap them out to Apple parts and it ends up being a hassle just to save a couple of bucks.

Bottom line, your 3rd party memory might work, but if it doesn't, it's a more of a hassle in the long run. I just learned to pay the money, get AppleCare and then it's a LOT less hassle. I have NEVER, in over 35 years of using an Apple computer ever had RAM issues when i used Apple labeled memory. They test it and spec it to work, not all 3rd parties do that.

Saving a buck doesn't mean it's better. It just means you haven't experienced what you will probably experience at some future time. I've got battle scars over the use of 3rd party memory and i won't go there anymore. lesson learned.

Seriously you HAVE to work for Apple. I have installed 3rd party RAM on every Mac I have ever owned. No wrist straps, so easy a monkey could do it, and I have never had a single issue. Never paid for Apple Care. My brother bought it once and thought it was a complete rip off. Though I can't say I have much experience with Apple Care.

Just a few years ago the MacBook's could be opened with a quarter to replace the RAM and Hard Drive. EAch upgrade was utterly simple, fast, and very user friendly. Apple has done a complete 180.

 

[rGiskard]

Supposedly. I have had problem with their memory, I've got friends that have had problems with their memory, I've known certain large accounts that had problems and I have also read their user blogs and have seen comments by others when they were sending out incompatible RAM to MacMini customers, specifically.

Dude, ALL memory suppliers occasionally send out bad RAM. Just buy the cheapest you can find and test it.

You do test your RAM overnight after installing an upgrade, don't you? Or do you just buy the most expensive RAM you can find and hope for the best?

Edit: wanted to add that I've bought a few used Macs for cheap because their owners thought they were buggered. Every one has had a bad RAM module, Apple branded.

 

[AnalyzeThis]

Dude, ALL memory suppliers occasionally send out bad RAM. Just buy the cheapest you can find and test it.

You do test your RAM overnight after installing an upgrade, don't you? Or do you just buy the most expensive RAM you can find and hope for the best?

Edit: wanted to add that I've bought a few used Macs for cheap because their owners thought they were buggered. Every one has had a bad RAM module, Apple branded.

+2c
The only bad memory module I ever experienced was a new ones, just received. Newer any issue even with used one from ebay. I never had any issue with memory once it is installed and checked through Memtest a few times at least. I could not say anything about Apple installed RAM as I have replaced their tiny modules with 3rd party right away in every mac I ever owned, figures...

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Seriously you HAVE to work for Apple. I have installed 3rd party RAM on every Mac I have ever owned. No wrist straps, so easy a monkey could do it, and I have never had a single issue. Never paid for Apple Care. My brother bought it once and thought it was a complete rip off. Though I can't say I have much experience with Apple Care.

Just a few years ago the MacBook's could be opened with a quarter to replace the RAM and Hard Drive. EAch upgrade was utterly simple, fast, and very user friendly. Apple has done a complete 180.

When there is no wrist strap, just touch anything grounded with hands and do not move much in your closes, preferable stand/sit still until it is installed.

 

[UpperQuadrant]

Just give it up. You're either a paid shill for Apple or a fool.

If you're that paranoid, crucial has a memory selector too, you tell them your Mini model, they show you their memory guaranteed to work with that model. And they back their guarantees. Or are you saying they don't know the engineering specs of the memory they design.

Anyway that doesn't even matter, the mini, electronically, is an Intel reference design PC. It works with a huge range of memories just like any other PC with the same CPU.

No, I just have industry experience you don't have.

Yeah and they've sent to customer incompatible memory and ADMITTED that they had a batch that weren't compatible, so it wasn't an isolated case, many customers were effected.. Maybe you're paid by Crucial, ever think of that? If a company ships incompatible memory, then they are obviously shipping you something different than what Apple uses. I've compared Apple modules to non-Apple modules from various 3rd party, some are similar and some aren't. It's basically a crap shoot. Get over it.

I know they have these guarantees with memory for the 3rd party, but that guarantee only means something they back it up. They give you these LIFETIME warranties to give you the warm and fuzzies to suck you in. Ever see that movie TommyBoy? I've been suckered by the cheap prices of RAM years ago when I was naive about the goings on and I've been stung too many times and have learned to play by the rules or at least know what you are getting into ahead of time.

I just adhere to what the mfg of the computer says about their product and pay for what I feel I'm going to need. If I can't afford it, then I either have to wait, or go with a lower configuration that still can meet my needs and budget. I don't have the need for an i7, so I didn't get one. I saved money on that because I wouldn't see the benefit of it. Same thing with video memory, I had no need to upgrade the video memory, so I didn't buy into having more.

I just would rather do things the way the mfg of the computer warrants and supports the product and alleviate any need for 3rd party RAM and internal storage. If I need more storage, I go Thunderbolt, then I can take it with me to the next computer.

Either way, Apple isn't going to pull back the new MacMinis and change the internal design just to suit a crop of people that want to use 3rd party memory. They have their reasons for doing it and that's what you have to work with. Arguing about it isn't going to change this current design.

If you feel strongly about it, then send Apple a complaint at www.apple.com/feedback and quite arguing about it. Maybe they'll change on upcoming models, but i highly doubt it. Not for the MacMini, it's a low end entry level product and they have to cut costs to make it affordable.

They aren't going to change this existing model during it's lifespan.

 

[D.T.]

Those iMac specs are essentially what a lot of Mac Mini users were hoping for...minus the display.

Or the 27" iMac with NVIDIA graphics...again MINUS the screen.

It is really a sweet spot for a lot of design professionals, could easily be offered in the $1000-3000 range (depending on cpu, memory, graphics, and drive options) and Apple for some reason just refuses to offer it. This has been an issue for a long time now. For my architecture firm it is becoming THE issue as we can't and won't update all our machines to $3000+ Mac Pro's. We certainly are not upgrading our Mini server to a Mac Pro or iMac.

If you need quad core computing, don't want the iMac, and can't afford the Mac Pro - now you have no option.

[...]

Yeah, this once again points to the [in]famous xMac.

You know, if Apple is going to solder the RAM in the Mini: go ahead solder the flash storage, make it even smaller (external power supply?), just have a couple of ports. Make it an “appliance”, heck make it in black or white plastic, drop the price even further (with a remote, it would make a slick $299 AppleTV replacement[?])

... but then

Make a slick, slightly bigger machine (maybe the same aluminum style as the current mini, but finished all around, include a slick stand for vertical orientation), keep the RAM socketed, allow for 32GB, 1 SATA, and 1 Apple PCIe SSD interface, 3X USB, 2XTB, and possibly even (I know this is crazy), offer a single display card slot. Like someone said, make it about the performance of a 21.5” iMac, use consumer spec CPU/RAM, but a desktop class GPU. $1500-ish?

 

[fewlio]

First they came for the MacBook Pro, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a mobile user.

Then they came for the Mac Mini, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a lower end user.

Then they came for the iMac, and I did not speak out—
Because I use a Mac Pro.

Then they came for my Mac Pro—and there was no one left to speak for me.

 

[Renzatic]

Linux is only meant more for computer geeks that spend most of their time playing with their computer rather than using it as a productivity tool. Seriously, Linux isn't a good solution for the majority of the computer using society.

It's great to use to design a custom, specific application. But for general use by the masses? Yeah right. The average consumer would be lost using Linux. It's more of a hobbyist OS when you look at general purpose OSs.

If you use a version of Linux that you get phone support, like Red Hat, you have to pay $300 a year for the license and support contract. Plus they can't run a lot of mainstream apps.

Linux just isn't a mainstream consumer based OS platform. It's great for servers, and speciality applications where you have a supported version of Linux, but they charge BUCKS for that. $300 a year isn't cheap.

That's still the case somewhat, but things have been improving considerably over in Linux land. I've been dipping my toe in and out of that scene for a few years now, and each time I come back, things are a little more polished, and a little more user friendly. In time, I could see it eventually becoming user friendly enough that the average person could use it.

That said, I don't think it'll ever catch on with the mom 'n pop crowd. But it's growing into a gaming/pro OS with surprising speed.

 

[AndyJapan]

[...]

Every RAM module I've ever bought was packaged in an antistatic bag. If they figured out a way to eliminate that problem completely, then they would have to put it in a anti static bag or carrier. Seriously, I think you've been misinformed.

Most factories that make this stuff have concrete floors, they wear anti static clothing, gloves, etc. But most people in their homes are far from that environment. Heck, even these factories have Hepa filtration systems to make the air cleaner than a freakin hospital.

You must be kidding or you are paid by Apple. Do you honestly think that Apple is soldering RAM onto the mainboard in order to avoid any technical issues? Why don't they do that with the Mac Pro? Why didn't they do that in the old Mac Mini? It's pure cost-saving and Apple doesn't want customers to buy 3rd party RAM (which is always cheaper), but charge a premium for RAM upgrades. I wouldn't have a problem with soldered RAM if Apple offered RAM upgrades for reasonable prices, but the prices they charge are ludicrous, typically more than double of the market price. And no, the RAM modules Apple uses in their computers is not any different to RAM modules that one can buy from retailers. The last time I removed RAM from a Mac Mini I found Hynix RAM modules. Pretty standard stuff.

 

[AnalyzeThis]

You must be kidding or you are paid by Apple. Do you honestly think that Apple is soldering RAM onto the mainboard in order to avoid any technical issues? Why don't they do that with the Mac Pro? Why didn't they do that in the old Mac Mini? It's pure cost-saving and Apple doesn't want customers to buy 3rd party RAM (which is always cheaper), but charge a premium for RAM upgrades. I wouldn't have a problem with soldered RAM if Apple offered RAM upgrades for reasonable prices, but the prices they charge are ludicrous, typically more than double of the market price. And no, the RAM modules Apple uses in their computers is not any different to RAM modules that one can buy from retailers. The last time I removed RAM from a Mac Mini I found Hynix RAM modules. Pretty standard stuff.

I think the main reason Apple charges those obnoxious prices for memory upgrades for the mini - they can not mass produce those minis, as a result - when customer upgrades RAM and select other options - those mini' order goes to the factory in China, custom built there and then shipped to you separately. It is expensive arrangement and guess what - you are the one paying for this mess.

 

[UpperQuadrant]

The problem with the cheap memory is not necessarily that it may not work the first day, it's whether or not it's going to work a year or so from now.

RAM can get flaky if it's the cheap stuff. I've had this happen and seen others with this problem. It's over time, especially if the system is where there is a lot of heat issues. Some people live in hot climate and the internal cooling system doesn't work as well when the ambient temperature goes up. Laptops especially if you use it outdoors in 90+ degree weather. Over time, heat takes it's toll. That's why some people have problems. yeah, some companies don't always ship out compatible memory, that happens and some supplier are more prone to doing this.

I figure it's less costly in the long run to go with Apple memory, then you don't have to bother with excessive amounts of researching swapping memory out and waiting for the supplier to ship you better memory. Some of these modules will pass a test when you test it once or twice, but run the test 100 times and it might fail. With regards to Memtest, that's not a top end method of testing RAM, that's a cheap and dirty method. It's better than some of the others I've seen, but the best RAM testers cost $1 Million or more and that's what the big boys use and they have ways to program the testing criteria to be more or less stringent on what is acceptable and what isn't. There are lower cost RAM test hardware one can buy, but they still aren't as good as the $1 Million testers.

----------

I think the main reason Apple charges those obnoxious prices for memory upgrades for the mini - they can not mass produce those minis, as a result - they custom build every mini' CBO order on the factory and ship it to you separately. It is expensive arrangement and guess what - you are to pay for this mess.

It's because they have certain costs and margins they have to meet in order to keep on selling them. They have to maintain a certain margin, otherwise, they'll risk ending up like the PC mfg. and making no profit. It's called properly running the business you are in.

They are adding thunderbolt which also makes them more costly. The PC mugs aren't using Thunderbolt on their cheap models.

 

[AnalyzeThis]

It's because they have certain costs and margins they have to meet in order to keep on selling them. They have to maintain a certain margin, otherwise, they'll risk ending up like the PC mfg. and making no profit. It's called properly running the business you are in.

They are adding thunderbolt which also makes them more costly. The PC mugs aren't using Thunderbolt on their cheap models.

There were nothing wrong with the way mini was built and sold for over decade. So now you argue that custom produced is better economically vs. mass produced one? Besides, no one was begging Apple to add Thunderbolt 2 - the least item mac-mini owner would ever care.

 

[MrGuder]

Yosemite Uses Lots of Memory!!!

Another reason why upgrading ram is so important....I just saw a you tube video showing that just running Yosemite on your Mac (with no other programs running) uses almost 7 GB of ram. They opened the activity monitor and it shows almost 7 GB of memory being used. So it appears that Yosemite is a memory hog. So if you only get a 8 GB Mini, that only leaves you with 1 GB free of memory. If you think you don't need 16 GB of ram, think again.

 

[UpperQuadrant]

I think the main reason Apple charges those obnoxious prices for memory upgrades for the mini - they can not mass produce those minis, as a result - they custom build every mini' CBO order on the factory and ship it to you separately. It is expensive arrangement and guess what - you are to pay for this mess.

It's because they have certain costs and margins they have to meet in order to keep on selling them. They have to maintain a certain margin, otherwise, they'll risk ending up like the PC mfg. and making no profit. It's called properly running the business you are in.

They are adding thunderbolt which also makes them more costly. The PC mugs aren't using Thunderbolt on their cheap models.

Apple uses expensive memory that isn't a result of chip dumping. The 3rd party guys that sell cheap memory are essentially shipping what's being dumped on the market. Some of it is well tested and some isn't. The memory Apple uses has been tested to more extreme tests than most of these other cheaper brands, plus they physically replace the RAM if need be. If you buy 3rd party, they don't have you ship your product back to have it installed. IF the RAM is user installable, Apple might ship you the memory to have you install it, or you go to an Apple Store or ship the product to Apple and THEY perform the break/fix. Its typical of large companies to charge more than the 3rd party crowd. They also many times may not have the same price protection. They order by large contracts that might be in place for an entire year and they can't change prices on a whim like the 3rd party guys do, they can change the price more quickly based on market conditions. Memory prices usually go down drastically right before a new spec memory comes out as demand for the older memory goes away and they need to dump chips. Apple typically doesn't do that because whatever they don't sell is used a service parts for which they have to pay high inventory costs to keep spare parts on the shelves for years after the product has been discontinued and then once they stop supporting a model, and they don't need the spare parts, they dump that inventory to the companies that cater to the older vintage Macs that aren't supported by Apple and that's who sells Apple labeled parts fairly cheaply.

 

[AnalyzeThis]

Another reason why upgrading ram is so important....I just saw a you tube video showing that just running Yosemite on your Mac (with no other programs running) uses almost 7 GB of ram. They opened the activity monitor and it shows almost 7 GB of memory being used. So it appears that Yosemite is a memory hog. So if you only get a 8 GB Mini, that only leaves you with 1 GB free of memory. If you think you don't need 16 GB of ram, think again.

Indeed, I have mail and chrome open and it is 7.57GB used, and cache is only 1.88GB. Not really a good sign
Imagine what owners of $499 model would think of Apple with 4GB soldered RAM - it is not even enough to use Safari to complain on MacRumors.

No problem here, I could always add another 16GB to my Hack to make it 32GB.

 

[MrGuder]

I'm going to stick with Mavericks on my late 2012 Mac Mini, it works perfectly and I just checked my activity monitor and I am running 3 tabs of Chome browser and Email open and my memory used is only 4.65 GB

I probably will eventually try Yosemite because I have enough ram (16 GB) but for now I really like Mavericks and see no reason to upgrade so quickly.

But be forewarned...if you plan to use Yosemite 8 GB will do if you are not multitasking a lot more programs, 16 GB will better serve you and now with soldered ram, well there you go.

 

[Naimfan]

You must be kidding or you are paid by Apple.

You know there's an "Ignore User" feature available, right? UpperQuadrant is now residing there, and the quality of the discussion has gone up noticeably. Might be worth a try.

 

[AndyJapan]

[...]

Apple uses expensive memory that isn't a result of chip dumping.

You must be kidding. Apple is using standard memory modules that they purchase from Hynix and the likes. They probably only use first tier memory suppliers, but the RAM modules are not any different.

The 3rd party guys that sell cheap memory are essentially shipping what's being dumped on the market. Some of it is well tested and some isn't. The memory Apple uses has been tested to more extreme tests than most of these other cheaper brands, plus they physically replace the RAM if need be. If you buy 3rd party, they don't have you ship your product back to have it installed. IF the RAM is user installable, Apple might ship you the memory to have you install it, or you go to an Apple Store or ship the product to Apple and THEY perform the break/fix.

You can get memory modules with lifetime warranty from first tier memory module manufacturers that is cheaper than Apple's RAM upgrades.

Its typical of large companies to charge more than the 3rd party crowd. They also many times may not have the same price protection. They order by large contracts that might be in place for an entire year and they can't change prices on a whim like the 3rd party guys do, they can change the price more quickly based on market conditions. Memory prices usually go down drastically right before a new spec memory comes out as demand for the older memory goes away and they need to dump chips. Apple typically doesn't do that because whatever they don't sell is used a service parts for which they have to pay high inventory costs to keep spare parts on the shelves for years after the product has been discontinued and then once they stop supporting a model, and they don't need the spare parts, they dump that inventory to the companies that cater to the older vintage Macs that aren't supported by Apple and that's who sells Apple labeled parts fairly cheaply.

Why do you put so much energy in defending Apple with long-winded explanations? Your arguments are not very convincing. Are you a customer or an employee? Are you happy to pay inflated prices for standard components?

----------

You know there's an "Ignore User" feature available, right? UpperQuadrant is now residing there, and the quality of the discussion has gone up noticeably. Might be worth a try.

Thanks for the hint. I'll try that out to reduce the noise...

 

[Oracle1729]

No, I just have industry experience you don't have.

Yep, you have fictional experience that keeps shift exactly what it is. One post you're a sales person, one you're an engineer, one you're a marketing exec, one you're an industry analyst.

You're right, I don't have that wide range of experience, all I focused on was engineering.

I've compared Apple modules to non-Apple modules from various 3rd party, some are similar and some aren't. It's basically a crap shoot. Get over it.

Umm....sure, okay. You said that just so we'd laugh, right?

I just adhere to what the mfg of the computer says about their product and pay for what I feel I'm going to need. If I can't afford it, then I either have to wait, or go with a lower configuration that still can meet my needs and budget.

So out of your ignorance of technology you overpay the manufacturer rather than doing your own homework.

I just would rather do things the way the mfg of the computer warrants and supports the product and alleviate any need for 3rd party RAM and internal storage.

You know it's all commodity parts right. And Apple actually buys at the cheaper end if you do look at model numbers.

Either way, Apple isn't going to pull back the new MacMinis and change the internal design just to suit a crop of people that want to use 3rd party memory.

Great I'm switching to a PC, and, judging by the 20 threads here along these lines, it really is Apple's loss. There's always been some anti-Apple people here, but since Thursday, they've become the vast majority.

Oh, and maybe I could get over the memory issue some day, but the sluggish processors, the removed second sata port. All in the same box. Forget it.

 

[AndyJapan]

[...]
Great I'm switching to a PC, and, judging by the 20 threads here along these lines, it really is Apple's loss.

I truly hope that Apple will see sluggish sales of the Mac Mini and reverse their decision using soldered RAM in order to rip off customers. I was about to completely switch to Mac OS, but scrapped these plans due to the disappointing Mac Mini upgrade.

There's always been some anti-Apple people here, but since Thursday, they've become the vast majority.

I see a lot of disgruntled Apple users since Apple released the Mac Mini. Apple haters without any substantial arguments can be ignored, but this trend looks different.

 

[Larry-K]

Another reason why upgrading ram is so important....I just saw a you tube video showing that just running Yosemite on your Mac (with no other programs running) uses almost 7 GB of ram. They opened the activity monitor and it shows almost 7 GB of memory being used. So it appears that Yosemite is a memory hog. So if you only get a 8 GB Mini, that only leaves you with 1 GB free of memory. If you think you don't need 16 GB of ram, think again.

Sounds like a rude surprise for the base model mini users.

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First they came for the MacBook Pro, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a mobile user.

Then they came for the Mac Mini, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a lower end user.

Then they came for the iMac, and I did not speak out—
Because I use a Mac Pro.

Then they came for my Mac Pro—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Yep, same old story.