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Apple Acknowledges Mac Mini Update?
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I still don't think they will get full sized mac pro video cards to be mini dp only ati / nvidia have control there and a new mini port in a desktop that needs a $30 dongle to work? It better be free or apple will take heat like they did for dropping firewire.
The $800 one should get 9400m + 9600 if the $600 ones just has 9400M or 9400 with 128-256 of it's own ram.
You guys crack me up, ...
Keep firewire? Add HDMI? You mean Apple giving people what they want?
Surely you jest.
Apple will release the mini and it will be MORE restrictive, not less, than the Macbook. HA HA, I can't believe that some here still think Apple cares about what we want. Hahaha.
Apple will release the mini with no firewire, no HDMI, and a very bare system and won't come close to what they could do, firewire, dvr, blue ray, no, it will be a machine that is very basic, very limited and if you want it to run with 1394, it will have to be a macbook pro.
You watch and see.
Apple never EVER has released what the people want, EVER! Its always a stripped down version, if you want to use it really you need the pro system type of mentality. You watch.
Keep firewire? Add HDMI? You mean Apple giving people what they want?
Surely you jest.
Apple will release the mini and it will be MORE restrictive, not less, than the Macbook. HA HA, I can't believe that some here still think Apple cares about what we want. Hahaha.
Apple will release the mini with no firewire, no HDMI, and a very bare system and won't come close to what they could do, firewire, dvr, blue ray, no, it will be a machine that is very basic, very limited and if you want it to run with 1394, it will have to be a macbook pro.
You watch and see.
Apple never EVER has released what the people want, EVER! Its always a stripped down version, if you want to use it really you need the pro system type of mentality. You watch.
If you have any other old computer that can drive a third screen, this will allow you to add a third (or even more screens) to an iMac or a MB(P). Works fine for mostly static applications.
http://www.screenrecycler.com/home.html
Apple does give people what they want, based upon statistically-significant survey results and so long as it fits their business model. It's really that simple.
I suspect it will be just like the MacBook, if it is released.
Steve's already inferred we won't be getting HDMI since it is proprietary technology (unlike DisplayPort). Let's also hope he doesn't abandon FW, unless the reports of Apple's new implementation of USB2 really is as fast as the claims. Then I wouldn't care if there's FW on a revised Mini.
It's pretty much saturated if we want to keep the current form factor.
Yeah, no Blu-ray at the moment. He's already said that, too. And while I want Blu-ray, I understand his apprehension in adding it considering the studios' positions and the software baggage that comes with the Blu-ray spec.
Apple and third-party manufacturers already offer drivers for tons of peripherals like printers, keyboards, webcams, etc, etc, etc . . . Apple could easily make it possible to add a video card, leave it up to the manufacturers to come up with the drivers. ATI and NVIDIA already know how to make Mac-compatible drivers . . .
Really? Please. Getting rid of firewire has nothing to do with old tech.
The first macbooks all the way up to Leopard, could NEVER play games, but the less than 1% of the market, the PRO user, COULD RUN motion so what did Apple do? The released the X300 and that crippled the system for PROS.
Now, the new macbooks can play games wonderfully - however, with the abdoning of FIREWIRE, no PRO can use it for audio or video. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OLD TECHNOLOGY but everything to DO WITH up selling to a PRO UNIT. This is why firewire is gone.
In fact, iMacs use cheap firewire, not TEXAS INSTRUMENT firewire that is in MAC PRO and MACBOOK PRO and many complain of audio problems, there is NO MATTE version of the iMAC, there used to be, as the machines are TO POWERFUL and designers could use a cheap iMAC, but can't due to glossy screens.
THE MINI WILL NOT HAVE FIREWIRE. APPLE WANTS TO MAKE sure you cannot run PRO APPS on the machine PERIOD. THEY LOVE STICKING IT TO THE PRO USER THAT MADE THEM WHO THEY ARE.
Get your head out of the cloud, then maybe you will see the truth and why Apple charges RETAIL for everthings, $500 for $30 RAM, $300 for a $50 graphic card, why their ECC seating for MAC PROS aren't normal RAM as you could then buy 4GB for less than $120.
Get out of the cloud dude.
Wow, so would a half-rack Mini with 2 FW800 ports, 4 USB2 ports, 8GB ram, an upgradable HD and a decent GFX card, but I'm not holding my breath.
Hmmm, a Mini Xserve?
Where did I say fw is old technology? Answer: I didn't. Apple apparently has information that suggests that FW is unnecessary on their new (consumer) MacBooks.
The MacBook isn't directed at people who use Final Cut Studio and neither is the Mac Mini (which is the topic of this thread, btw).
I guess that depends on the game. In addition, the majority of Mac owners aren't gamers. If you want a game box, there are better alternatives.
Once again, and despite the fact that this thread isn't about MacBooks, the MacBook isn't aimed at "pros". It's aimed at internet users, text editing, spreadsheets, families - in other words, the consumer.
I guess we'll have to wait and see. Either way, it doesn't matter to me (nor the great majority of people) so long as their USB2 implementation is improved.
Who uses FW for audio? Sheesh, that's why Apple has digital optical on all their computers.
Well, we agree on one thing.
Is it a social requirement of all Bostonians to yell and scream?
I live at 7200 feet. I have a hard time keeping my head out of the clouds.
Who buys RAM from Apple? I sure don't.
You have a habit of repeating yourself. They make meds for that now.
The new mac mini:
Atom Processor at 1.6 GHz,
1 GB 667 DDR2
120 GB SATA (still laptop size)
Maybe GMA X3100 (most likely still 950)
Super Drive
No FireWire
New black and brushed metal enclosure
And all this for $999!!!!
No, I'm not kidding.
Well, maybe a little...
Not really...
Atom Processor at 1.6 GHz,
1 GB 667 DDR2
120 GB SATA (still laptop size)
Maybe GMA X3100 (most likely still 950)
Super Drive
No FireWire
New black and brushed metal enclosure
And all this for $999!!!!
No, I'm not kidding.
Well, maybe a little...
Not really...
why don't we tell apple they need to put everything that a mac pro has into the Mini case and sell it for $450
... IT's NOT GONA HAPPEN ... it's a mini an entry level internet email basic iphoto blah box ... yes it would be cool if it it had more power and all the ports that a pro user could use but it's just not gona happen!
i don't understand why everyone expects the entry level low end things to do everything that the top line stuff does ... next you will complain that the shuffle does not play videos... *hint* that's not what they intended it to be
... IT's NOT GONA HAPPEN ... it's a mini an entry level internet email basic iphoto blah box ... yes it would be cool if it it had more power and all the ports that a pro user could use but it's just not gona happen!
i don't understand why everyone expects the entry level low end things to do everything that the top line stuff does ... next you will complain that the shuffle does not play videos... *hint* that's not what they intended it to be
Keep dreaming. Never going to happen. They would sell 9400m + 9600 for 1200+. I was starting to warm up to this company but I think they will never release a reasonable headless mac with decent graphics. I don't want a computer attached to a monitor and the mini hasn't been updated in a long time. That's like going to buy a new car and they tell you they didn't build a new one this year but you can buy last years model at the same price. No other company gets away with this but some how Apple can.
I was hoping that they could produce something that would make me switch but I'll probably just build a computer instead. Maybe a Macbook later on down the road.
This just confirms my statement that the NEW CUBE is coming. You may thank me later for the scoop...
One can hope.
Even if this were a remote possibility, let's just pray it isn't underpowered and overpriced like the last Cube.
I agree. It'll never happen, unless they cripple it somehow. it doesn't make sense that they would cannibalize Pro sales by making such a move. Now a Pro at a lower price point, maybe...
I agree with your post 100% but for some reason everyone thinks if they post there dream machine here on MR Apple will build it
what a joke. I thought Jobs made it very clear in his last statement when he said we only cater to a certain market! everything else is just the scraps left over at the end of a run at which point they throw something together for the common man and leave it on the shelf for 2 years without a upgrade. Well that tells me if all I can afford is the machine made from scraps then I am not one of the people they "market" to my point is how can you complain when you know all you are buying is the left overs Even if you do not agree with me the Mini is a starter box made from left over parts and is not intended for the serious Apple "market" buyer. You dont update left overs every six months.
In my opinion the Mini is just like table scraps you throw to the dog under the table after dinner. The problem we have now is the all those dogs that tasted the Mini but cannot afford the Pro want more scraps to be thrown under the table.
I can run the whole Adobe Creative Suite Design Standard collection and Corel Painter. Also ArtRage. These aren't pro apps, right? Anyway, i don't see myself as a real pro (however, i have a graduted graphic design degree, but who cares?)... only an half.
I don't have any eye-candy office, nor do i wear design-glasses and design clothess. I have a small car (a Renault Clio). I do also not live in a big city. I live in a small town. A town? Heh, yes, a small town. It has 4500 souls in it. I like it. As i like my Mac mini.
And that is, why I would like, that the Mac mini stays in "business". So I can buy a new one, if my current Mac mini dies.
I don't have 2500 € (the actual price for the base Mac Pro model, that I can buy here in Slovenia) for a computer. Also, i don't need that much power. Who will pay my electrical bills?
So Apple, please, please, i beg you, refresh the Mini line a bit, so that it will still keep up with the current line of Mac, give it the current MacBook specs and most users will be happy.
Thank you.
I agree with your post 100% but for some reason everyone thinks if they post there dream machine here on MR Apple will build it
Even if you do not agree with me the Mini is a starter box made from left over parts and is not intended for the serious Apple "market" buyer. You dont update left overs every six months.
In my opinion the Mini is just like table scraps you throw to the dog under the table after dinner. The problem we have now is the all those dogs that tasted the Mini but cannot afford the Pro want more scraps to be thrown under the table.
A very clever, yet concise analysis. I could not agree more.
And...this is why Apple makes loads of money and sells 3x more than the industry rate... why the hell do I or 99% of the market need to know whether there is a difference between the Gigabyte X#$#$34545 and the Gigabyte X453dsfsf34$%(%?
The confusion that the list above brings to mind is astounding...no, thanks; I will stay with the genius strategy devised by SJ and his team. A simple and streamlined line-up that just works.
And...this is why Apple makes loads of money and sells 3x more than the industry rate... why the hell do I or 99% of the market need to know whether there is a difference between the Gigabyte X#$#$34545 and the Gigabyte X453dsfsf34$%(%?
The confusion that the list above brings to mind is astounding...no, thanks; I will stay with the genius strategy devised by SJ and his team. A simple and streamlined line-up that just works.
The confusion is really minimal, maybe you just are capable of comprehending something as simple as model numbers.
The line-up doesn't work. I'm a 20+ year Mac user and I am now for the first time considering going with a hackintosh and efi-x because Apple simply doesn't offer what I need. I don't want to spend nearly $3,000 on a Mac Pro, I don't want to buy an iMac because I do not need a built-in screen, and the Mac mini is incredibly underpowered for what I need. How does this desktop line-up just work?
I don't really give two hoots about firewire or displayport issues - these are really just examples of progress. What does get my goat as a prospective mini purchaser is that apple wants to charge me over the odds for memory and disk space by charging 1.5 (or 2.5!) year old prices. just last week I replaced my MBP 160gb hard drive with a 320GB one for only £60 after my 6 year old dropped it (so much for the accelerometer!), and I notice that crucial prices for ram are way iunder apple prices. In both cases I can't see the advantage of the apple premium in terms of quality so why aren't these available as standard?
I also can't understand how so many other hardware (motherboard) manufacturers can churn out new stuff on an almost monthly basis whereas apple, with its probably larger market share and only 6 different versions to cover, can only provide revisions at best yearly. Surely they have the resources (and cash) to work on more than one thing at once!
Lastly, I can't see how their marketing strategy helps them any. It reminds me of a few years ago when the UK car industry was hamstrung by the fact that new registrations came out every summer and as a result they could only ever really sell significant product in August every year. Does apple really want to skewer itself with a market that only wants to buy in June or January every year when major product announcements are made? Or would they be much better off with a more steady flow of updates and a more even sales market?
I also can't understand how so many other hardware (motherboard) manufacturers can churn out new stuff on an almost monthly basis whereas apple, with its probably larger market share and only 6 different versions to cover, can only provide revisions at best yearly. Surely they have the resources (and cash) to work on more than one thing at once!
Lastly, I can't see how their marketing strategy helps them any. It reminds me of a few years ago when the UK car industry was hamstrung by the fact that new registrations came out every summer and as a result they could only ever really sell significant product in August every year. Does apple really want to skewer itself with a market that only wants to buy in June or January every year when major product announcements are made? Or would they be much better off with a more steady flow of updates and a more even sales market?
That was quite elegantly phrased. I tip my hat to you sir, for remaining rational on this site (which is sometimes quite hard to do).
First, I'm not slamming the person with GET out of the clouds as much as I was trying to make a generalization toward everyone that begs to differ.
The point it, the Macbook and Pro are now from the same unibody, therefore, the cost to manufacture the PRO is the same as the MB and the prices don't reflect that change, Apple still price gouges for whatever they can. Ram from Apple, sure, its dumb, but really, everything in the store is RETAIL price, only a moron would buy from Apple (3rd party). But why doesn't APPLE reduce prices on the PRO (MB) now that it's cheaper to make?
While the MB may not be PRO it is PRO ready. My point was the 2nd, 3rd gen could run PRO apps fine until apple crippled and adding NEW GPU meant for sure the PRO apps would run, therefore, they had to remove the FIREWIRE. Why? Do you know how many musicians, studio, bedroom bought the MB for audio? Numerous and now they are left wanting.
Apple could add firewire, as well as release a mini that ROCKED, but they won't - they are too greedy and feel that you must buy the PRO if you want to do anything serious in audio, video and to some extent, that is a monopoly.
I may look into the EFI-X now, why not, especially if I can build a MAC PRO performing machine for a fraction of the cost.
Can't wait for the day Jobs leaves. He doesn't do anything anyway except act paranoid. Anyone see the key note and UNI BODY? He acted like someone was going to steal them. Give me a break. Please.
Maybe Ives will bring Apple to the place they need to go. They could release a mini that rocks, a 4 core MBP and 16 core MAC PRO and if priced correct, they could be at 30%+ in less than a year.
Easy, go into an Apple store, as your needs dictate, you will find yourself thinking, oh, just a few more hundered I get this, then a few more hundered I get this.... Its marketing that Apple does and FWIW, its not working. The MB isn't selling as well as they had hoped plus there are many DOA machines plus trackpad problems.
They could build it, take a huge chunk of the market share but instead, they focus on iPods and iPhones.
With regard to FIREWIRE, they pushed it with iLife over and over and over and now consumers are stuck having to buy new cameras simply due to the fact Apple is afraid the PRO would buy "in" cheap instead of the PRO.
What they fail to realize is the PRO would buy both, one as their main rig, the 2nd as a backup.