Feb 28th Products: Intel Mac mini and iPod Hi-Fi?

[Yvan256]

There is no such thing as "not enough price difference".

If Apple can shave a single cent from each unit, and get away with it, they'd probably save millions a year. Think about it. Why would they deliver more to you out of their own pockets? No way!

Because of the marketing they can get out of it? "All Apple computers have two processors" is a very strong marketing point that Dell will be hard pressed to match.

Apple could've put a Radeon 7500/16MB in the Mac mini, but they didn't (not that a Radeon 9200/32MB was good, but their other computers had GPUs that were so weak and the VRAM so low, they couldn't push the Mac mini higher).

But now that we got MacBook Pro and Core Duo iMacs with decent GPUs/VRAM, the bar is high enough for Apple to put something decent in the new Mac mini.

 

[reyesmac]

What about a remote?

Wasn't there a rumor not too long ago that Apple was creating a universal remote control? Wouldn't this be the one more thing nobody was expecting? It would control the boombox, mini, and front row on any mac plus allow you to control the rest of your entertainment center. That way you could turn on the surround sound at the same time you play a movie. They could announce deals with TV companies that would allow tighter integration between the tv and the mac. That way you could control all the settings through a computer interface instead of through each component. I better stop dreaming now, they will just come out with the same products they already have just upgraded and a little better than before.

 

[iHeartTheApple]

I just did a quick look into how much an Intel mini with the specs above would cost approximately:

T2300 (1.66Ghz Core Duo) + Chipset + Pro Wireless (AE) - $306
Radeon X1600 128MB - $99
Slimline Combo Drive - $37
160GB 3.5" HDD - $80
512MB RAM - $77
Apple Remote - $30

Total = $629.

But bear in mind that all of those prices apart from the cost of the T2300, chipset and wireless are all for pre existing stand alone products and are before any bulk discounts are factored in.
I would guesstimate that the Radeon X1600 would cost Apple $40. The Combo Drive would cost Apple $25, the hard drive $60, the ram $60 and the remote $5 (hell they make them and its just a bit of white plastic, a few buttons, a teeny bit of circuitry and a infra-red LED). I also reckon they get a decent discount on the Core Duos.

Using those costs the above specs would cost Apple about $500.

Very nicely done, Spanky! I didn't think to price everything out like that...I was starting to think that everyone was right about not *ever* seeing a Core Duo in a mini. While I do agree that a 1.83 or 2.0 would be unlikely due to competition with the new iMac Duos, I think that a 1.67GHz would be more than adequate and fit the mac mini just fine. You're right, the model you just outlined could very well take the place as the middle of the line Mini with a Core Solo bringing up the rear ($~499ish) and a beefier model (still with a 1.67Duo) with a few more accessories (DL-SD, FW800? maybe...) for around $699.

I would be completely satisfied with that. I realize the mini is the entry level mac, but that doesn't mean we *can't* have an option to kick it up a notch. You know...nippin' at the heels of the iMacs, but still headless and down to earth.

You can do it Steve! Here's to hoping...

 

[barstard]

Nooo

Has anyone thought of this movement of the brand, now that SJ is at Disney?

Good mock up. But if Apple brings out ANYTHING branded like that with Disney, then I will have to buy a windows PC! ... Shudder... OK maybe not, but no co-branding PLEASE. Just like when the U2 iPod came out. I really liked the black, but didn't want the signature engraving or the songs (or premium price) so I didn't buy one. All of those, the engraving and songs, should have been an EXTRA upgrade at purchase time if wanted.

Sorry. Very off topic.

barstard.

 

[Yvan256]

[...] I realize the mini is the entry level mac, but that doesn't mean we can have an option to kick it up a notch. [...]

Well, Apple didn't really cut on the features for the first Mac mini (GPU/VRAM aside). I mean, a 2.5" drive isn't exactly cheap, nor is a slot-load drive. Not exactly sure if the DVI output is more expensive than standard VGA, but the Mac mini has both.

 

[age234]

I guess I just don't see a Mac Mini / DVR all-in-one. I don't think many people are to the point of watching their TV and movies at their desks or computing from their couch. They're still very different things. If you have one system that does both things, people will use one aspect more than the other, wasting the cost and innovation of the other. Basically, it'll cost way too much for what people end up using it for.

So, what could it be? Here's what I think:

A) New Airport Express with Video (Streaming content to your TV via Airport, probably with a FrontRow UI showing up on the TV. Call it read-only TiVo. Stuff plays on your TV, but is streamed from your Mac. Maybe with the ability to buy stuff from ITMS from your TV as well, via your Mac.) #2 choice in my book.

B) Standalone DVR appliance (Records TV shows and everything TiVo can do, maybe with a fee, maybe not. FrontRow UI. Buy stuff from ITMS from your TV, but behind-the-scenes it's going thru your Mac, saves a copy on your Mac and your DVR. This gives you a full DVR and keeps the Mini at the price point it's designed for.) #1 choice in my book.

C) Mac Mini with DVR functionality (An updated Mac Mini crossed with a DVR. I think it's pointless, because most people would only use it for the DVR, and all the computing stuff would just make it more expensive. Doesn't seem like something Apple would do.)

D) Unrelated, iPod with PDA functionality, starting a new line, not replacing the current iPod (for the same reasons as in C above). This is what I personally really want.

 

[DrNeroCF]

What if Apple and ATI get hardware h.264 encoding working perfectly? Hello HD with decent filesizes... would be perfect on a media center mini

 

[oober_freak]

All these features people are wanting or expecting in the new Mini would probably push its price up comparable to that of the iMac. I'd just like to see a nice cheap entry level Intel Mac - just what the Mini is designed to be.

The most sensible post I've seen so far. The mini was designed to be a low-end computer for the consumer. Let it stay that way. Simple and Cheap

 

[osfjvdfspkvjsdf]

does anyone use boomboxs anymore? and ya im really gonna carry around this big huge thing just to be able to listen to music. ive heard some really bizare things but this has to be the craziest thing i have ever heard of are you people for real? and just b/c some stupid website says the new ibooks are not going to be released this tuseday doesn't mean they aren't and where did this site get this info anyway? and ya im really gonna believe something is true just b/c thinksecret said so. you people have lost your minds.

 

[Yvan256]

[...] Here's what I think:

A) New Airport Express with Video (Streaming content to your TV via Airport, probably with a FrontRow UI showing up on the TV. Call it read-only TiVo. Stuff plays on your TV, but is streamed from your Mac. Maybe with the ability to buy stuff from ITMS from your TV as well, via your Mac.) #2 choice in my book.

B) Standalone DVR appliance (Records TV shows and everything TiVo can do, maybe with a fee, maybe not. FrontRow UI. Buy stuff from ITMS from your TV, but behind-the-scenes it's going thru your Mac, saves a copy on your Mac and your DVR.) #1 choice in my book.

C) Mac Mini with DVR functionality (An updated Mac Mini crossed with a DVR. I think it's pointless, because most people would only use it for the DVR, and all the computing stuff would just make it more expensive. Doesn't seem like something Apple would do.)

D) Unrelated, iPod with PDA functionality, starting a new line, not replacing the current iPod (for the same reasons as in C above). This is what I personally really want.

A. Replace "from your Mac" with "from your computer" (let's face it, Macs are only about 5% of the market). Apple needs to be able to sell a "Video Airport Xpress" to everyone that can run iTunes, OS X or Windows.

B. Same thing as above, i.e. works with "a computer" + iTunes.

C. It makes sense if it can all be run from a television. Perhaps two resolutions (standard and high definition) and two video modes (4:3 and 16:9). Email and the web, from your living room? Imagine the new marketshare with Macs in the living room... It also makes sense as a desktop computer, because you can watch television in a window while doing other things.

D. I'm hoping for that too ("Palm LifeDrive" killer). Or "The PDA, done right. From Apple."

 

[Bosunsfate]

Couch Potato

Here's the thing,

We sit 6 to 12 feet from our TV, yet we sit 2 feet in front of our computer.

Front Row in the iMac and notebooks is great for the college student and the road warrior (like me), but I don't see those products as very usuable for home. Especially since I have a very nice 40" HiDef TV.

Now, give me a MacMini with Front Row so I can watch my vBlogs, videos, you name it on my TV. Yeah, yeah, some won't look that great based on the resolution, but hey, that's only for some things, not all.

Problem, that's all the MacMini would be, just used for FrontRow. I can't email with it, etc, etc. So, just a MacMini is not where its at, even if was only $500.

Second problem, I only want one iTunes with one set of subscriptions. Right now having different computers (work/home) is enough, having more than one at home, that's not cool.

Anyway, I think Apple is aware of these kinds of problems and I expect Tuesday to bring me one step closer to a seriously better time at home.

 

[Bosunsfate]

A. Remplace "from your Mac" with "from your computer" (let's face it, Macs are only about 5% of the market, Apple needs to be able to sell a "Video Airport Xpress" to everyone that can run iTunes, OS X or Windows.

B. Same thing as above, i.e. works with "a computer" + iTunes.

C. It makes sense if it can all be run from a television. Perhaps two resolutions (standard and high definition) and two video modes (4:3 and 16:9). Email and the web, from your living room? Imagine the new marketshare with Macs in the living room.

Hadn't seen this before my post, but this is right in line with what I'm thinking. The end is not a "Mac" as we know it.

 

[age234]

A. Remplace "from your Mac" with "from your computer" (let's face it, Macs are only about 5% of the market). Apple needs to be able to sell a "Video Airport Xpress" to everyone that can run iTunes, OS X or Windows.

Good point. I agree.

 

[u2mr2os2]

Mac mini

Based on how the Intel Mac rollout is going, I fully expect the Intel Mac mini to be pretty much the same. but with an Intel chip, an improved video card, and Front Row capability (sans camera).

Given that the mini is about low-cost, a Core Solo is highly likely. Even with that, it should be twice as fast as the previous model, which will be quite capable. If the video card provides H.264 hardware assist, then it will be very nice. Plug it into an HD screen and enjoy.

As for the name, I don't expect it to change. It already has "Mac" in it just like "iMac" did.

 

[Neb154]

.Mac rumors of massive storage...
+
Wireless streaming of video in new airport
+
DVR to record shows...

Sounds like some good addition to me...

 

[dicklacara]

B) ...Buy stuff from ITMS from your TV, but behind-the-scenes it's going thru your Mac, saves a copy on your Mac and your DVR....

This is the Trojan Horse: Buy [all kinds of] stuff on TV thru the iTMS!

Dick

 

[beatle888]

The most sensible post I've seen so far. The mini was designed to be a low-end computer for the consumer. Let it stay that way. Simple and Cheap

but we are talking about a special event with invite only. i doubt its for a low end intel mini.

 

[u2mr2os2]

iTunes box

I have been thinking that Apple might be able to sell an "iTunes box" that takes the place of a computer to use the iPod with. It has the iTunes interface, connects to the music store and your iPod. It is for those without a computer or those whose Windows computer is in such a mess that using their iPod with it is impossible or a terrible experience.

Of course, this "box" would be pretty much a Mac mini inside, but not selling it as a "Mac" skirts the compatibility worries that many people would have if it were sold as a computer. It's just sold as an iTunes appliance, which it is perfect for. Because of network ability, you music is not trapped in it forever either. Later, of course, they can discover that it can do their e-mail, photos and other things just fine if they like.

 

[zap2]

chip in the Mac Mini? if its Core Duo, sign me up!

 

[colinmack]

Origami = Microsoft Tablet/PDA

It NOT a Mac mini !!!

Its either something to scoop the "Origami Project" ...

http://www.origamiproject.com/1/

OR Apple will buy Disney !?!?!?!?!


Probably BOTH !!!

(first-time poster, but long-time reader)

Agree 100%...this is interesting evidence that the timing next week may not be a coincidence - the Origami website is registered by Microsoft, and they're trying to be secretive about what it is (it's being launched next Thursday)...someone at a blog site tracked down the marketing firm that was doing promo work for the project: http://www.d-kitchen.com/main.html (enter, Work, Brand Theatre, Microsoft Origami, play: origami).

From the video, Origami appears to be a small wireless tablet-ish device from Microsoft that seems like...well, like a 'fun new product'...could the timing of Apple's announcement Tuesday be intended to preempt Microsoft coming out with something similar? With all the tablet patents, it would make the idea of a wireless part-tablet, part-PDA, part-iPod device more plausible.

Food for thought, anyway.

 

[ChrisBoven]

All I know is that I just got a suprise check for $1125 in the mail today from overpayed scholarships, so im ready

 

[beatle888]

I have been thinking that Apple might be able to sell an "iTunes box" that takes the place of a computer to use the iPod with. It has the iTunes interface, connects to the music store and your iPod. It is for those without a computer or those whose Windows computer is in such a mess that using their iPod with it is impossible or a terrible experience.

Of course, this "box" would be pretty much a Mac mini inside, but not selling it as a "Mac" skirts the compatibility worries that many people would have if it were sold as a computer. It's just sold as an iTunes appliance, which it is perfect for. Because of network ability, you music is not trapped in it forever either. Later, of course, they can discover that it can do their e-mail, photos and other things just fine if they like.

hehe, i almost didnt read your post because i thought your user name didnt make any sense and i couldnt be bothered

but i DID read it and thought it very interesting and original. nice post.

 

[bevo]

Very nicely done, Spanky! I didn't think to price everything out like that...I was starting to think that everyone was right about not *ever* seeing a Core Duo in a mini. While I do agree that a 1.83 or 2.0 would be unlikely due to competition with the new iMac Duos, I think that a 1.67GHz would be more than adequate and fit the mac mini just fine. You're right, the model you just outlined could very well take the place as the middle of the line Mini with a Core Solo bringing up the rear ($~499ish) and a beefier model (still with a 1.67Duo) with a few more accessories (DL-SD, FW800? maybe...) for around $699.

I would be completely satisfied with that. I realize the mini is the entry level mac, but that doesn't mean we *can't* have an option to kick it up a notch. You know...nippin' at the heels of the iMacs, but still headless and down to earth.

You can do it Steve! Here's to hoping...

I think the cost for the duo is too high.

I can't remember where I read it, but Intel just released a new intel chip Pentium D 805 (dont know speed). Around the price point of $150. I think newegg has it at 145 or so. ( Intel Pentium D 805 Smithfield 533MHz FSB 2 x 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Dual Core,EM64T Processor - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116001)

I can't imagine the mb + wireless going over $100. so I think ~250 for chip and mb is prob the price point for those parts.

I think at this point it gets teh cost of the mini down into the area of where the mini would sell.

 

[whee900]

Wasn't the Mac mini supposed to be low-end? If they revise the Mac mini and make it an entertainment center, then there'll be a hole in Apple's product line: the low-end, basic Mac. If Apple's going to change the Mac mini, they have to have some sort of a replacement product to complete the line of Apple products.

I expect the new Mac mini to be the same as before, but with Intel chips and a better video card.

 

[xterm]

Remember Steve's fake podcast at macworld? He said the next ipod would be 6pounds, and have a 10" screen.

Its possible he was eluding to the "ipod boombox", it fits perfectly, a standalone ipod, with a big screen, airport extreme, and a interface to itunes and the itunes music store.

They could even go one step further and make this product the media center that everyone has been pining after.

Steve also said "apple is working with other companies to get ipods everywhere"

not sure what to make of that one...