Apple Quietly Updates Mac Minis

[chevyorange]

the store isn't up, but you can still oogle at this: http://www.apple.com/macmini/

It's been updated, and yes, it's the old macbook processors.

That's fine, because the mac mini is a great machine. My parents gave one to my grandmother. She hasn't mucked anything up yet, and it's just as snappy as day one. Mail also stopped her from opening a virus in two of her emails. They prolly wouldn't have had any effect anyways. It was most likely a windoze virus.

You're serious? Probably a windows virus? hahahaha

 

[MacQuest]

I think you're confusing growth rate with sales.... macs have a LONG way to go to sell 3x the number of pcs....

I stand corrected (it was very late/early).

I was referring to the growth rate, not sales, of Macs vs the pc industry overall.

Start watching at 1 minute, 5 seconds -

http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/r27842e/event/index.html?test=q1wa2sz3x

But my point is, do you really think that that amount of Mac growth that is outpacing the pc industry overall by 300% is really only because of sales to our "oh-so-minute" Mac community or to first time computer buyers?

HECK NO!

It's all about the switchers, baby.

 

[Muzzway]

It looks like Apple has replaced the "New iWork" picture with a "New Mini" picture in the US store...

http://store.apple.com/

Edit: Now iWork is back...

Here's what it looks like:

 

[gkarris]

I'm making DVDs and videos with my G4 1.43 mini. Rendering is very slow. Other than that I've had no issues. Now it's time for an upgrade. Trying to decide between a new mini or 24" iMac. The deciding factor may be the Glossy screen on the iMac. If I don't like it, I'll get another mini.

My 1.66 CD Mini does it rather fast. The new C2D Minis much faster I would imagine.

I was at the Apple Store today and the glossy screen is really a protective glass over the LCD.

I've always liked that and one of my monitors at home is a Xerox LCD with the glass over it. Nice protection for the LCD. You get used to it. The iMacs are really poised for schools now (with all the kids).

Either one you can't go wrong...

 

[Cloudane]

Will do (when it arrives). A little surprised to hear you think the 1.33 12" is that slow. I have 1.25GB RAM and a 7200rpm drive in mine and while it's not a speed demon (obviously), it does a good job keeping up with what I use it for in the lab (web, e-mail, Word, Excel, Papers, a few Java microscopy apps, various random Perl scripts and MySQL stuff). Maybe I've just got low expectations. You develop those after working in research for a while

If someone else doesn't do a WoW benchmark on the mini before I get it, I'll install it and give it a run. I think your allusion is probably correct, ie: as wretched as the GMA950 is, could it *really* be any worse than the FX5200 in the 12" PowerBook? I guess at least the FX5200 has 64MB of dedicated VRAM and the GMA950 steals some of the main system RAM. Anyway. We shall see.

Yeah; to be honest it's probably RAM. I have 768MB. I'd have thought it'd be reasonable (XP is quite happy with 512MB for example) but I've certainly heard of OS X being quite hungry in that department.

It's ok with one thing open, but with 2/3 or more (for example a word processor, dreamweaver and firefox) it can quite literally grind to a halt while it chugs for a little while when you're trying to do things - especially switching between apps.

I'd also noticed Spotlight wasn't exactly the instant search that was demo'ed when it came out.

Even still I'd be hoping for a fair performance improvement after 4 years

 

[WannaGoMac]

Yeah; to be honest it's probably RAM. I have 768MB. I'd have thought it'd be reasonable (XP is quite happy with 512MB for example) but I've certainly heard of OS X being quite hungry in that department.

It's ok with one thing open, but with 2/3 or more (for example a word processor, dreamweaver and firefox) it can quite literally grind to a halt while it chugs for a little while when you're trying to do things - especially switching between apps.

I'd also noticed Spotlight wasn't exactly the instant search that was demo'ed when it came out.

Even still I'd be hoping for a fair performance improvement after 4 years

Bump it to 2gb and you will have no problems. 768 is not enough ram.

 

[snowfall]

Bump it to 2gb and you will have no problems. 768 is not enough ram.

I think Cloudane was talking about the 12" PB, in which case max ram is 1.25 GB. I actually find my 1.33 Ghz PB still to be fairly zippy for everything I need with 768 MB, though sometimes with lots of applications open (and always with iPhoto) I get some serious slow downs. I don't do any video work, though occasionally I mess with large image files. Though I must admit that some friends' 1.83GhZ Core Duo minis did feel rather nice in comparison.

But like you suggest, purchasing a 1 GB stick to move beyond 768MB (to 1.25 GB) is probably a worthwhile investment... and buying a mini! Really, my next computer will probably be a mini, unless some affordable replacement for the 12" powerbook comes out.

 

[k2k koos]

iMac a better deal..

I love the Mac mini but.....

Im impressed with the iMac.

Starting at $1199,-

Now take the Mac mini (base $599,-), add a 20" cinema dispaly ($599,-), add a keyboard and a mouse ($49,- each)
total: $1298,-
YOu get a nice looking system, but with inferior specs to the iMac, for more money..... (slower processor, inferior graphics card, smaller and slower harddisk, no FW 800, no "n' draft airport, need I go on?

Apple should adjust a few prices on the display, and the base Mac mini (both should go down to at least $499,-) And still you'd only be saving about $100,- and get an inferior system. (personally, I think the mini back to 499, and the display should go to 399, that would be highly competitive, and a great package for the money $996,- including keyboard and mouse..., now that is worth considering )

Of course I know that the Mac mini is designed for those switching to the Mac platform, without having to spend high end prices, but still, for those who would like to build their own system with Apple hardware, around a mini, get a bad deal..... and will have to switch to an iMac (be stupid not too)

 

[severe]

I love the Mac mini but.....

k2k,

Although I see where your coming from, I don't believe it's that cut and dry. There are many more situations that could justify the purchase of a mini.

For one, there are those buyers that already own the peripherals, of course. There are also those that just do not like the form factor of the iMac. I, for one, don't like the idea of being locked into it myself. Although it may, or may not have been, designed for those switching to the Mac platform, there are many users who do not fit into that category.

I currently run an audio business that runs on an older Mac desktop in its A room. My B room doesn't need a whole lot of CPU or i/o to run efficiently. However, I do need a current OS to run the software and I prefer Mac. A Pro is just overkill for this purpose and I've already mentioned my issue with the iMac. I'm also saving quite a bit in going this direction.

When I feel I'm in need of another updated computer for that room, I can then purchase a new one and move the mini to my living room as an HTPC ...or something.

Point is, there are many reasons one would chose a mini over an iMac and this is just one example.

 

[k2k koos]

k2k,

Although I see where your coming from, I don't believe it's that cut and dry. There are many more situations that could justify the purchase of a mini.

For one, there are those buyers that already own the peripherals, of course. There are also those that just do not like the form factor of the iMac. I, for one, don't like the idea of being locked into it myself. Although it may, or may not have been, designed for those switching to the Mac platform, there are many users who do not fit into that category.

I currently run an audio business that runs on an older Mac desktop in its A room. My B room doesn't need a whole lot of CPU or i/o to run efficiently. However, I do need a current OS to run the software and I prefer Mac. A Pro is just overkill for this purpose and I've already mentioned my issue with the iMac. I'm also saving quite a bit in going this direction.

When I feel I'm in need of another updated computer for that room, I can then purchase a new one and move the mini to my living room as an HTPC ...or something.

Point is, there are many reasons one would chose a mini over an iMac and this is just one example.

I agree, there are more reasons than just switchers, and yes if you allready own all the other gear, then the mini isn't bad , but still.
I bought the original Mac mini when it came out, and it's doing very well, so upgrading for me will be just a matter of buying the latest mini (which is cheaper than the whole deal).
My point however is, that I think that Apple should have another look at it's product pricing, adjust it a little here and there, so that there is a cheaper 'all Apple' solution available below the iMac.

I still have an old Mac pro (with black keys) keyboard, and an older mouse too, with a samsung monitor, and it doesn't realy look that good together.
I'd love to replace it all with Apple hardware, as it is sitting in a relatively visible place in our house, so it needs to look a little better.
I have no issues with the cost of the keyboard and mouse, they are great, I'd love the Mini and the 20" display to come down a little though....

 

[WannaGoMac]

I agree, there are more reasons than just switchers, and yes if you allready own all the other gear, then the mini isn't bad , but still.
I bought the original Mac mini when it came out, and it's doing very well, so upgrading for me will be just a matter of buying the latest mini (which is cheaper than the whole deal).
My point however is, that I think that Apple should have another look at it's product pricing, adjust it a little here and there, so that there is a cheaper 'all Apple' solution available below the iMac.

I still have an old Mac pro (with black keys) keyboard, and an older mouse too, with a samsung monitor, and it doesn't realy look that good together.
I'd love to replace it all with Apple hardware, as it is sitting in a relatively visible place in our house, so it needs to look a little better.
I have no issues with the cost of the keyboard and mouse, they are great, I'd love the Mini and the 20" display to come down a little though....

And don't forget the Mini is the easiest way to have 2 computers. A single KVM switch and you share peripherals.

 

[Cloudane]

I was at the Apple Store today and the glossy screen is really a protective glass over the LCD.

Kind of begging for dust in between if you ask me.

However, seeing as I have dust in between the layers of the LCD on my Powerbook (attempting to ebay would be a nightmare!) I do favour having it where it's possible to pull the glass out and blow it out.

Bump it to 2gb and you will have no problems. 768 is not enough ram.

The 12" 1.33 PB will only do 1.25gb. To be honest, rather than paying £60 ($120ish) for a 1GB stick from Crucial, I'd rather just put the money towards a Mini and try to stick to one app at a time on the PB.

I'm utterly shocked that it came with 256MB, one thing that annoys me with Apple is that they seriously underspec the RAM and then overprice the upgrade options (who says Macs aren't overpriced?) - I know any sensible person would buy minimum and buy and upgrade from Crucial, but it's extra effort just because of their greed...

Not Apple-bashing, but it's one thing that I don't like about them. Of course other things make up for it.

Although I see where your coming from, I don't believe it's that cut and dry. There are many more situations that could justify the purchase of a mini.

Agreed. Such as uh, size!

If I had the space for it, I'd unquestionably get the iMac. £300 more, for a much more powerful machine, a brilliant screen, keyboard, mouse... where do I sign up? But sometimes small is useful. (Read my earlier post for details). It can easily be eBayed to fund an iMac later on, too.

 

[WannaGoMac]

Kind of begging for dust in between if you ask me.

However, seeing as I have dust in between the layers of the LCD on my Powerbook (attempting to ebay would be a nightmare!) I do favour having it where it's possible to pull the glass out and blow it out.



The 12" 1.33 PB will only do 1.25gb. To be honest, rather than paying £60 ($120ish) for a 1GB stick from Crucial, I'd rather just put the money towards a Mini and try to stick to one app at a time on the PB.

I'm utterly shocked that it came with 256MB, one thing that annoys me with Apple is that they seriously underspec the RAM and then overprice the upgrade options (who says Macs aren't overpriced?) - I know any sensible person would buy minimum and buy and upgrade from Crucial, but it's extra effort just because of their greed...

Not Apple-bashing, but it's one thing that I don't like about them. Of course other things make up for it.



Agreed. Such as uh, size!

If I had the space for it, I'd unquestionably get the iMac. £300 more, for a much more powerful machine, a brilliant screen, keyboard, mouse... where do I sign up? But sometimes small is useful. (Read my earlier post for details). It can easily be eBayed to fund an iMac later on, too.

I misread that you still were using a non-Intel mac. In that case, let the thing die or sell it and go get an Intel.

 

[snowfall]

I misread that you still were using a non-Intel mac. In that case, let the thing die or sell it and go get an Intel.

Unfortunately for people that like the form factor of the 12" Powerbook, there is no intel alternative... yet, any ways. The rumors I hear about its potential replacement would be at a much more expensive price point than the 12" was. Any ways, I for one hope mine does not die, if it did I'd be looking for another used one, although perhaps that slightly faster 1.5Ghz version!

 

[iDave]

got a mini myself

Gee, it took me three days to catch up with all of the posts here. The only reason I read them all is that I ordered a new mini (to use as a HTPC) just hours after they were updated and wanted to know what other people thought. So please allow me to comment:

Despite all the negative comments here, I think I'll be very happy with my purchase (low end model). This mini will be faster in most respects than the dual-core G5 Power Mac I bought new 22 months ago (which I intend to continue using for at least two more years as my main desktop machine). If my G5 died next week, the mini could easily replace it (except I'd need to do something for storage, as my G5 has a TB of disk space).

Those who say things like "the mini is fine for surfing the web, sending email and word processing" are doing a disservice to potential Mac purchasers, the Mac platform and Apple. The mini is capable of a helluva lot more than just that. It's about as fast as the fastest Mac sold just two years ago. If all you need to do is surf the web, send email and do word processing, buy a used eight-year-old blue and white Power Mac G3. I use one at work for all of that stuff and a lot more and it still runs like a champ. (I'm not seriously suggesting anyone buy such an old Mac, unless they have to.)

Until Apple gets a clue and makes the AppleTV into a real Mac, the mini is an excellent and better choice for connecting to a TV. The mini is also a great choice to be used as your main computer, especially if you already have a monitor. To potential switchers who haven't tried one yet; you'll be amazed what you can do with a Mac mini when compared to the WinPC you're probably replacing with it. With iLife (free) and iWork, the possibilities are nearly endless.

The only caveat I'll make is to the gamers. Certainly, the mini is no 3D gaming machine. You can play lots of games on it but not some of the massive resource-hogging 3D computer games sold these days. If you want to do that, buy a Wii or a PS3.

 

[mheidt]

iDave, I intend to do the same (high end model though)
I'm using a dual G5 PowerMac as OS X Server and HTPC.
But this machine is quite noisy when it comes to parallel rendering.
Not to mention the power consumption.

For me an iMac was never an option since I believe that you cannot mute the display for rendering tasks or when being in "server mode". Am I wrong?

I have an RevA G4 mac mini already, which lacks the HDTV resolution and the power for the eyeTV. But it's good for Leopard-testing

Therefore I am waiting for Leopard to be released and the new mini will be mine...and I won't need to listen to those funny comments about starting airplanes again

 

[!¡ V ¡!]

Therefore I am waiting for Leopard to be released and the new mini will be mine...and I won't need to listen to those funny comments about starting airplanes again

I am also waiting for 10.5 to be released and purchase a mini. Time Machine is not required here, so disk space is not a concern.

Will buy the top end MacMini with graded HDD and Wireless keyboard and mouse and buy an LG 24" screen. This route will cost me far less than the 24" low end new iMac option. I also do not game so GPU is not a problem.

The new iMac lost me at "glossy."

 

[Evangelion]

I love the Mac mini but.....

Im impressed with the iMac.

Starting at $1199,-

Now take the Mac mini (base $599,-), add a 20" cinema dispaly ($599,-)

I already have a display, so I don't have to add it.

add a keyboard and a mouse ($49,- each)

I already have those.

total: $1298,-

Nope, the total in my case is $599. What makes you think that I would have to keep on rebuying my peripherals every time I buy a new computer? Also, I have been thinking about pairing the Mini with my television to act as a central hub for all my digital media in the livingroom. iMac would suck at that task.

need I go on?

Please do, because as things are right now, your logic escapes me.

Of course I know that the Mac mini is designed for those switching to the Mac platform, without having to spend high end prices, but still, for those who would like to build their own system with Apple hardware, around a mini, get a bad deal.

then don't do it.

and will have to switch to an iMac (be stupid not too)

I bet Apple is REALLY sad if you decide to do that...