Apple Releases New Sandy Bridge Mac Minis and Thunderbolt Display

[jasonp99]

monitor recommendation

How can we ask Apple to have a BTO option for an anti-glare display? There doesn't seem to be a feedback page for the displays.

I'd love to grab one of these but I need the anti-glare for my work.

Can someone recommend a good display that's not glossy? Preferably mini DisplayPort, but if I have to grab a DVI adapter or something to connect to it, that's cool too. I just need a nice big display to do websites and video on.

I have a 24" HPzr24w paired with my MBP. It has DisplayPort, but not miniDisplayPort (I bought a 6' DisplayPort/miniDisplayPort cable so I can connect the monitor directly to the MBP). It has a matte screen, IPS, 4 usb ports. It is not LED-backlit. It is 94 ppi (1920x1200) so the text looks quite big compared to my 128 ppi MBP, but you get used to it. Less than $400 at Macmall. I searched quite extensively and could not find a 1920x1200 ips monitor that was anywhere near the price of this hp.

 

[polaris20]

You have a physical DVD in your workflow - explain how you accomplish that task without either a BD/DVD drive or a physical BD/DVD disc.

While that is true, I'd much rather have two HDDs/SSDs in my laptop and an external SuperDrive I pull out of the drawer once a month than an SD built-in.

Quite honestly, I've always hated optical media. It's so inefficient to fumble with disks for me. And as someone with two small kids, I detest having to keep them clean, deal with the player, etc.

Ripping them, dropping them onto my QNap, then streaming to ATV, my iPad, iPhone, or Mac is just a lot more streamlined for me.

It's not for everyone though. If you need a disk, then don't buy an Air/Mini. If you need Blu-Ray, buy a Windows PC.

 

[Alucardx03]

You have a physical DVD in your workflow - explain how you accomplish that task without either a BD/DVD drive or a physical BD/DVD disc.

When did Apple remove USB 2.0 from their products? Oh yeah, they haven't. The option still exists. It's not like Apple cleansed the world of optical drives. To top it off, they reduced the entry cost by $100. Use that $100 savings to buy the $79 Superdrive.

The Mac Mini, with it's small form factor and HDMI out, is geared (at least partially) towards the home theater market. Obviously, home theater enthusiasts aren't the only customers, but Apple is making a concerted effort to accommodate them. Now, who in the home theater market is serious enough to drop $600 at the very least on a HTPC (an already nascent market) and doesn't have already have a DVD player? No one.

The Mac Mini isn't supposed to take over every aspect of your home theater setup. Personally, I'd rather have the option to add on to the system than to have to pay $100 extra for a required optical drive that can only make things more difficult when it breaks.

 

[AidenShaw]

Perhaps you should read his post in the context of the post he was replying too. (Someone not wanting extra box and cable of a DVD drive in his entertainment center).

His post said "In my mind, I'm not sure why people are actually using physical DVDs anymore", then he described how physical DVDs are part of his entertainment workflow.

The point is that physical BD/DVDs and a BD/DVD player are part of both systems. How can you say that physical discs aren't needed, and then describe how you need them?

There's also the point about whether "ripping" means creating a bit-for-bit .ISO copy of the DVD, then playing it back without compromise - or whether it means transcoding the video and losing video/audio quality and extra features. Since he already pointed out "why people are actually using physical DVDs anymore", I didn't see the need to point out this secondary concern.

No point including ODD when you can use AirDrive or whatever Apple calls it.

When did Apple remove USB 2.0 from their products? Oh yeah, they haven't. The option still exists. It's not like Apple cleansed the world of optical drives. To top it off, they reduced the entry cost by $100. Use that $100 savings to buy the $79 Superdrive.

So, you require an ODD, and you're happy to pay extra for an add-on wart to your system because Apple says you don't need it.

Wouldn't your system be cleaner and more elegant if it were 7mm taller and could load a BD/DVD without an ugly USB external drive, power brick, and mess of cables?

 

[vastoholic]

I too am not disappointed they removed the optical drive. I only needed one before to burn all my dvd's to my hard drive and now that is done, everything I buy is downloads or swapping movies from my army buddies while on deployment. I don't care so much about the quality. Sure 720p and 1080p look great on a big screen, but right now I only have 37" tv, so it's no biggie to me. My non-HD movies and TV shows still look fine from my viewing distance.

I plan on selling my 2008 mini when I get back from Afghanistan and hopefully there will be some refurbs out with the specs that I want. If not, I'm getting the i7 model and upgrading the RAM and HDD myself. I might eventually buy a different screen and use my TV as an actual TV along with my tv. I've been so happy with my mini since I've had it. I've been wanting to upgrade, but just wanted to wait for the i5 and i7 model to come out to keep up with my photography and Contour HD movies.

 

[!¡ V ¡!]

So, you require an ODD, and you're happy to pay extra for an add-on wart to your system because Apple says you don't need it.

Wouldn't your system be cleaner and more elegant if it were 7mm taller and could load a BD/DVD without an ugly USB external drive, power brick, and mess of cables?

If you already have a Mac before this release that has an ODD, why buy another Mac that was released recently, only to have a collection of ODD in a system might be used never or infrequenty or use an existing ODD in another Mac. Seems like less waste to me for people who already own one or more ODD that they were forced to have in they previous purchased Mac.

Since all my CD/DVD have been ripped and I have been acquiring via Amazon digital downloads the ODD has been collecting dust. I have gone ahead and removed it from my iMac all together and disabled the fan as well. My iMac runs silent and quickly with an SSD and no ODD.

No I do not need to buy the external SuperDrive as I have a PATA/SATA external device via USB if I ever need it for some purpose I cannot imagine at this time. I use USB Flash Drive more often and its faster to.

Not sure why people are complaining about, if one owned a Mac before yesterdays update then use AirDrive (or whatever its called). If you are new to the Mac scene and still need a drive pick-up a 3rd party for cheaper, why would anyone buy the external SD option is beyond me.

If you need BluRay get a dedicated player as Mac do not support native playback or read/write for that matter. Toast only does data on BD-R on Mac side of the house, so I see this as a null issue. If supported native playback, read/write then I can see the reason to want BluRay, however since they do not. What is the point of arguing a moot point.

Though I do not care if my system is thinner or lighter and I have mentioned this regarding the MacMini that I would prefer it has a 3.5" HDD instead of a 2.5" HDD, the addition in size for performance gains and lower price out weights the entire energy efficient issue, its marginal at best.

A MacMini with a 3.5" HDD would be idea for me.

 

[ctone]

is it possible to install Snow Leopard on one of the new Mac Minis?

I need to run a few apps that either require Rosetta or are not Lion ready.

 

[Alucardx03]

His post said "In my mind, I'm not sure why people are actually using physical DVDs anymore", then he described how physical DVDs are part of his entertainment workflow.

The point is that physical BD/DVDs and a BD/DVD player are part of both systems. How can you say that physical discs aren't needed, and then describe how you need them?

There's also the point about whether "ripping" means creating a bit-for-bit .ISO copy of the DVD, then playing it back without compromise - or whether it means transcoding the video and losing video/audio quality and extra features. Since he already pointed out "why people are actually using physical DVDs anymore", I didn't see the need to point out this secondary concern.






So, you require an ODD, and you're happy to pay extra for an add-on wart to your system because Apple says you don't need it.

Wouldn't your system be cleaner and more elegant if it were 7mm taller and could load a BD/DVD without an ugly USB external drive, power brick, and mess of cables?

You're COMPLETELY missing the point. Let me try to explain this as simply as possible.

I want to eliminate optical media as much as possible from everyday life. Therefore, I only need one optical drive. I use that drive to make the rest of my workflow drive-less. So, of course there's no getting around having at least one drive-- no one is disputing that fact. I just don't want a drive in every single computer I own-- it's not necessary. It adds to the cost. It is one more thing to break down.

I think the Mini with no optical drive is much more elegant than a Mini with a drive. And, I can't think of anything more elegant than watching my content wirelessly across my network (or remotely) without the need of a stupid disc, on any device I choose. That, my friend, is elegance.

 

[InuNacho]

For everyone that hates optical media:

Please send me your unwanted CDs and DVDs because they do nothing but make you mad.

Thanks!

 

[polaris20]

His post said "In my mind, I'm not sure why people are actually using physical DVDs anymore", then he described how physical DVDs are part of his entertainment workflow.

Ripping a DVD once and awhile != daily usage requiring a built-in drive. I didn't think that that was a difficult concept to absorb.

The point is that physical BD/DVDs and a BD/DVD player are part of both systems. How can you say that physical discs aren't needed, and then describe how you need them?

See above.

There's also the point about whether "ripping" means creating a bit-for-bit .ISO copy of the DVD, then playing it back without compromise - or whether it means transcoding the video and losing video/audio quality and extra features. Since he already pointed out "why people are actually using physical DVDs anymore", I didn't see the need to point out this secondary concern.

I think you're having a trouble understanding what the poster you're quoting is meaning.

So, you require an ODD, and you're happy to pay extra for an add-on wart to your system because Apple says you don't need it.

Wouldn't your system be cleaner and more elegant if it were 7mm taller and could load a BD/DVD without an ugly USB external drive, power brick, and mess of cables?

No, it'd be cleaner if I had a single laptop with two hard disk drives and no optical media, instead of an optical drive used once a month, and an external hard drive I have to carry with me everywhere.

YMMV. This doesn't sound like it works for you, so feel free to continue buying Windows machines that suit your needs.

For everyone that hates optical media:

Please send me your unwanted CDs and DVDs because they do nothing but make you mad.

Thanks!

You should probably re-read posts pertaining to this, so as to better understand peoples' positions on optical media.

 

[Man9z0r]

I do not at all understand how people compare the removal of the ODD to the 1.44 FDD?!?! When they removed that it was old media and it was only being used by software so it was easy to move on. The software that used it was becoming to big for that little amount of size. The ODD gets used TO THIS DAY with Software, Movies, and CD's! Not to mention being a student I get school books all the time that have CD-ROMS in the back that I need to use. You say ohh just buy and external but I shouldn't have to. I am already paying $600 for this machine they should at least provide me an option to have a ODD. They are okay with adding a TB port which who knows how long it is going to be before that is widely used but get rid of the port that some people tend to use all the time.

It would all be fine if they just gave some sort of options!!

 

[polaris20]

I do not at all understand how people compare the removal of the ODD to the 1.44 FDD?!?! When they removed that it was old media and it was only being used by software so it was easy to move on. The software that used it was becoming to big for that little amount of size. The ODD gets used TO THIS DAY with Software, Movies, and CD's! Not to mention being a student I get school books all the time that have CD-ROMS in the back that I need to use. You say ohh just buy and external but I shouldn't have to. I am already paying $600 for this machine they should at least provide me an option to have a ODD. They are okay with adding a TB port which who knows how long it is going to be before that is widely used but get rid of the port that some people tend to use all the time.

It would all be fine if they just gave some sort of options!!

Sounds like a Windows machine would make you happier.

 

[diamond.g]

is it possible to install Snow Leopard on one of the new Mac Minis?

I need to run a few apps that either require Rosetta or are not Lion ready.

You will probably need to find drivers for the new wireless/Bluetooth card. Other than that, maybe, lol. Ironically you may be able to make it happen using OSX86...

 

[!¡ V ¡!]

For everyone that hates optical media:

Please send me your unwanted CDs and DVDs because they do nothing but make you mad.

Thanks!

I would gladly tie you my blank CD/DVD, all I require is a shipping address and a payment for shipping+handling. If interested PM me.


It's pointless debating the omission of ODD may it be CD/DVD/BD-R. iTMS has replaced CD/DVD (if the video quality is par or sub-par doesn't seem to phase the masses). DVD for data and back-up have been phased out by external HDD and NAS (considering you can purchase a 3TB for about $150). BD-R, why even bother to bring this up, has never supported it natively within Mac OS X for playback/read/write so what is the point of having one, so you can burn and back-up your data via 3rd party BluRay support. If you buy BluRay moves then get a sub $100 BluRay player, if you require to bak-up GB of data get a 1TB or higher 2.5" portable HDD for around $70 dollars. Want to distribute large family videos or photos, either get an external portable drive or use a link to your NAS.

Bandwidth usage depends on your ISP and monthly plan. I have unlimited bandwidth and it does not restrict me to provide a link to my relatives to access my NAS.

All this comes across as fear mongering, the same story when the original Bondi Blue iMac omitted the floppy drive. People complained till they were blue in the face and eventually purchases a USB floppy/Zip/Jazz Drive until they adopted Optical media. Yes, I used Zip and Jazz drives back in the day.

is it possible to install Snow Leopard on one of the new Mac Minis?

I need to run a few apps that either require Rosetta or are not Lion ready.

Use a SL image and restore to a USB Drive, everything else should work.

 

[AidenShaw]

I would gladly tie you my blank CD/DVD, all I require is a shipping address and a payment for shipping+handling. If interested PM me.

Nice that you say "blank CD/DVD", since if you sent him the music and movie discs you would legally have to delete your ripped copies.

 

[Pecorino]

The only reason, and solely the only reason, why Apple drops physical media in any form (DVD discs) and don't adopt new media (Blu-Ray) is that they won't benefit from it.

Sure buddy, but WE benefit from it. And this is what's matter most of all.
And when we are not satisfied, we simply do not buy the Apple's overpriced "things".
Mobile Radeon with 256mb memory on board (shared 1GB probably, slow downing the whole system)? Hm... and this for 799$? No chance for me. At all... .
Apple Monitor with thunder...those thing ? No. I prefer those marvelous EIZO. They are much,much better. Better price too.

 

[polaris20]

Sure buddy, but WE benefit from it. And this is what's matter most of all.
And when we are not satisfied, we simply do not buy the Apple's overpriced "things".
Mobile Radeon with 256mb memory on board (shared 1GB probably, slow downing the whole system)? Hm... and this for 799$? No chance for me. At all... .
Apple Monitor with thunder...those thing ? No. I prefer those marvelous EIZO. They are much,much better. Better price too.

And that's super. Vote with your dollar. As soon as the people that drove Apple to another record quarter agree with you, then Apple will change their ways.

I'm not being an apologist, I'm just saying that what a bunch of people think on an Internet forum is pretty irrelevant to Apple, as shown by no Blu-Ray, no "Mac Pro Mini/Headless iMac", no optical drive Mini, no expandable memory on iPad, etc.

 

[repoman27]

It's interesting...

How many people have commented on Apple's decisions to not include certain features or meet certain minimum specs... in the machine that is also their LEAST expensive Mac offering while also being crammed into their TINIEST enclosure. Sure 4 GB of RAM is cheap, but it's the easiest thing by far for the user to upgrade, and when you're trying to squeeze every last penny to make a $599 price point, $10 is $10, and several percent of the cost of that machine.

Aside from watching movies, the number one thing people seem to use their ODD's for is ripping CD's and/or DVD's... to convert them to a less inconvenient format which they then utilize. I also did a quick look around my house and counted 17 CD/DVD players (not counting all the dead ones) lurking in various devices. Unless you're the GG Allin, don't like having more possessions than will fit in a brown paper bag cause it'll just slow you down type, I'm sure you've bought enough optical drives to last a lifetime at this point. To quote Dre: "Now you wanna run around talkin bout [DVD burners] like I ain't got none--what you think I sold 'em all?"

Also, referring to the mini as a "desktop" computer is ludicrous. It's form factor makes it more of a "glove-box of a hot-hatch", "set-top", "embedded POS", or "kiosk" PC. Show me one other PC that is more powerful while being the same or smaller physical dimensions. (cue crickets) The diminutive form factor is a complete folly and severely limits the system overall, but Apple likes to go for niches where they can make the killer device.

You also all realize that the power supply is actually inside that computer? It maxes out at 85 W. A single 3.5" HDD uses about 10% of that during activity and almost 30% at startup. I don't think heat limits this design nearly as much as physical size and the power supply itself does.

 

[pjo]

not a media box not a san node.

I guess I'm in the minority of people who was hoping for a mac with a blue-ray drive to use in my home theater setup.

Also I guess that means it's not likely that Lion (or anything after) will have support for playing blueray movie playback.

I also wish the server model had an extra gig-e port (usb -> ethernet is usually only 100mbps). Xsan built into Lion would make it interesting as a SAN node.

 

[Pecorino]

And that's super. Vote with your dollar. As soon as the people that drove Apple to another record quarter agree with you, then Apple will change their ways.

I'm not being an apologist, I'm just saying that what a bunch of people think on an Internet forum is pretty irrelevant to Apple, as shown by no Blu-Ray, no "Mac Pro Mini/Headless iMac", no optical drive Mini, no expandable memory on iPad, etc.

It is highly infair to:

* sold base desktops with 2gb RAM only. The phrase " RAM upgrade only at Apple Store" show high grade ignorance at least.
*the removing of the DVD/CD drive is a big error. But, if you see this by the Apple's point of view >> " More money, big profit margin" the decision is understandable- they simply cheat us with good "intentions" and capable PR department. And try to sold their external DVD drive like "the most suitable companion for your new Mac mini". Sure, but this does not work with me... .
*the new mini are not only grossly overpriced but more expensive than the previous mini. This is Apple- the "tax" became bigger and bigger with every new "product" no matter their low quality, " Made in China" unbelievable profit margin and deceptive "strategies" toward their customers..

My point of view is that this company is one of the biggest "bubble" in the market.

 

[AidenShaw]

TBolt is your friend

I guess I'm in the minority of people who was hoping for a mac with a blue-ray drive to use in my home theater setup.

Also I guess that means it's not likely that Lion (or anything after) will have support for playing blueray movie playback.

I also wish the server model had an extra gig-e port (usb -> ethernet is usually only 100mbps). Xsan built into Lion would make it interesting as a SAN node.

TBolt -> dual 4 Gbps Fibre Channel: http://blog.fosketts.net/2011/04/22/promise-sanlink-thunderbolt-preview/

TBolt -> GbE: http://www.sonnettech.com/news/pr2011/pr041111_thunderbolt.html

They don't seem to be for sale yet, but promised for this summer (NH).

 

[twoodcc]

The new minis seem really nice!

 

[polaris20]

How many people have commented on Apple's decisions to not include certain features or meet certain minimum specs... in the machine that is also their LEAST expensive Mac offering while also being crammed into their TINIEST enclosure. Sure 4 GB of RAM is cheap, but it's the easiest thing by far for the user to upgrade, and when you're trying to squeeze every last penny to make a $599 price point, $10 is $10, and several percent of the cost of that machine.

Aside from watching movies, the number one thing people seem to use their ODD's for is ripping CD's and/or DVD's... to convert them to a less inconvenient format which they then utilize. I also did a quick look around my house and counted 17 CD/DVD players (not counting all the dead ones) lurking in various devices. Unless you're the GG Allin, don't like having more possessions than will fit in a brown paper bag cause it'll just slow you down type, I'm sure you've bought enough optical drives to last a lifetime at this point. To quote Dre: "Now you wanna run around talkin bout [DVD burners] like I ain't got none--what you think I sold 'em all?"

Also, referring to the mini as a "desktop" computer is ludicrous. It's form factor makes it more of a "glove-box of a hot-hatch", "set-top", "embedded POS", or "kiosk" PC. Show me one other PC that is more powerful while being the same or smaller physical dimensions. (cue crickets) The diminutive form factor is a complete folly and severely limits the system overall, but Apple likes to go for niches where they can make the killer device.

You also all realize that the power supply is actually inside that computer? It maxes out at 85 W. A single 3.5" HDD uses about 10% of that during activity and almost 30% at startup. I don't think heat limits this design nearly as much as physical size and the power supply itself does.

It's also worth noting that 8GB is only $100 from OWC now, so upgrading the Mini is both simple and cheap.

It is highly infair to:

* sold base desktops with 2gb RAM only. The phrase " RAM upgrade only at Apple Store" show high grade ignorance at least.
*the removing of the DVD/CD drive is a big error. But, if you see this by the Apple's point of view >> " More money, big profit margin" the decision is understandable- they simply cheat us with good "intentions" and capable PR department. And try to sold their external DVD drive like "the most suitable companion for your new Mac mini". Sure, but this does not work with me... .
*the new mini are not only grossly overpriced but more expensive than the previous mini. This is Apple- the "tax" became bigger and bigger with every new "product" no matter their low quality, " Made in China" unbelievable profit margin and deceptive "strategies" toward their customers..

My point of view is that this company is one of the biggest "bubble" in the market.

The Mini is $100 cheaper now in the US than it was in the past, while including faster processors and a bigger drive. The RAM is user replaceable, and is likely THE easiest computer I've ever seen to upgrade. 8GB of RAM is only $100 from OWC. For $600, this is a great Mac.

 

[kalsta]

Still only glossy displays. It would have been nice to replace the jungle of cables, adapters and power bricks that is my current Matte Cinema Display and MacBook Pro desktop setup.

 

[Rocketman]

Still only glossy

The Mac-Mini is indeed glossy.

BTW I don't want to rip 1000 DVD's and CD's, so can I simply buy a mirror of your drives and save myself a couple of man years of ripping and Handbraking?