Apple Expo Paris 2006

[boncellis]

...A new mini-tower with a Conroe just makes too much sense

I think you just sealed it...and not in the affirmative.

The reasons you listed are definitely there, I've found myself thinking those things more than once. I don't want to try and read Apple's mind here, but they probably already see the iMac as filling the "void" between the Mini and the PowerMac. Has Apple ever really offered an intermediate system before?

Like you say, it just makes too much sense for it to happen.

 

[AidenShaw]

Has Apple ever really offered an intermediate system before?

Yes. PowerMac 7300 and PowerMac 8600 were both released in Feb 1997.

Through much of the '90s Apple had both desktops (horizontal under-monitor) and full towers.

http://www.apple-history.com



Ummm.... Beige....

.

 

[~Shard~]

I would think that Apple already has a lot of customer feedback of nature of "I need more than a Mini - but the PowerMac is so *huge*"....

What I see is:

- Apple needs low end ("entry", if you will) towers
- The PMG5 is a maxi-tower that puts some people off because of its size
- Conroe will be the new low-end desktop
- Woodcrest will cost a lot more than Conroe
- Woodcrest in the current towers would be Huge and Expensive

A new mini-tower with a Conroe just makes too much sense

It definitely makes sense, and there would be a lot of demand for such a machine IMO. For many people, the Mini is not enough, and although the iMac is very good value, there's the whole non-upgradability factor and the fact that you're stuck with the screen. What's left? An expensive PowerMac, which, honestly, is overkill for many non-pro users out there?

I know if there was a "mini tower" I would seriously consider it for my next Mac.

 

[kainjow]

You guys might be on to something.

Apple has been listening to their customers a lot more. The Mac mini is a direct result of that. So maybe there will be a mini tower that suits those who don't need a full blown PowerMac but want upgradability and more power than the Mac mini.

 

[Eldentistfuturo]

But wouldn't this practically kill iMac sales? To get a computer with a built in screen would be crazy.

 

[AidenShaw]

But wouldn't this practically kill iMac sales? To get a computer with a built in screen would be crazy.

You mean that giving your customers what they want is a *bad* thing?