Intel Mac mini To Evolve Into Digital Hub?

[MacRumors]

Think Secret claims an Intel-based Mac mini will make an appearance at MacWorld San Francisco in January. Expected to be included in the update, other than the move to Intel processor:

• Front Row 2.0
• "TiVo-Killer" DVR application
• Built-In iPod Dock
• Possible move to 3.5" hard drive

Whether the DVR capability comes standard on the mini or as an add-on module is unknown. According to Think Secret, the built-in iPod dock was expected on the first mini, but later scrapped. The inclusion of a larger 3.5" hard drive would indicate the form factor for the mini would increase in size to accomodate it.

 

[Lacero]

Yes! Robert Cringely seems to think so as well.

http://www.pbs.org/cringely/pulpit/pulpit20050120.html

The mac mini makes the perfect 'TiVo' like device. Coupled with iTunes and iLife and Front Row, it makes the next Mac mini a very viable consumer friendly device.

 

[macbaseball]

I would buy one the second it came out. Then I'd sell the EyeTV 500, and wireless connect it to my PowerMac for TV show storage. That would be great.

 

[Nermal]

Front Row 2? 1 just came out! On the other hand, look at how long iTunes 5 lasted

Edit: After reading the article, I now see the Front Row iMac as a "beta test" before releasing a TV-connectible Mini

 

[switchr92]

Oh Yeah!

If it stays under 1000, and the speed isn't bad, that sounds like something i'd buy.

 

[w_parietti22]

Front Row 2? 1 just came out! On the other hand, look at how long iTunes 5 lasted

Yeah... but 1 seems to have lots of problems. Plus, it needs to include a tivo symbol.

 

[Freg3000]

Retaining the Mac mini name would indicate that it will remain in the same price range.

"Awesome new product...but higher prices" is kinda wet towel IMO.

 

[bbyrdhouse]

This is great news because I am looking a buying 3 or 4 new Macs in the next month or so for the offices. I think 3 IMacs and a new Mac mini will do the trick.
I really hope that they release Pages 2.0 soon.

 

[SAukland]

ok... so now we have reports of intel ibooks, powerbooks, imacs, and mac minis. this is seeming sort of "nostradamus" sounding.

 

[mduser63]

ThinkSecret seems to not be as reliable as they used to be lately, and I wonder whether to believe this prediction. Anyway, if the prediction is true and a true media center mini is released (Intel or not), I will buy one as soon as I have the cash in my bank account.

 

[Koodauw]

ill see your Intel Mac Mini rumor, and raise you two Intel PB rumors, and 3.0 Ghz G5 Rumor.

 

[p0intblank]

The upgrades sound nice, but wait a minute! A 3.5" hard drive? No, this is not required in my opinion. This would just make the Mac mini a larger system and I don't want that. Its size is perfect how it is. I realize it wouldn't be that much larger, but still... anyone agree with me on this? There are 7200RPM notebook drives out there; so utilize them! As for the built-in iPod dock, that sounds very nice. I don't want it to mess up the style of the mini, though. I hope Apple implements it with stealth in mind. Maybe an "eject" button of some sort reveals the Dock whenever you want it showing. That'd be pretty nice. And FrontRow 2.0 would be excellent! The Mac mini is the perfect HTPC. And with FrontRow included, that would be perfect. Oh please be true... I'm just a little concerned about increasing the size of the system.

 

[syklee26]

3.5 HD is fine with me

I will take a bit of sacrifice on size for a chance to have 500gb hard drive. the biggest problem I have with Mini is the fact that I cannot store all my music (over 120gb) in the hard drive.

increase the height about half an inch and I am cool with it.

but the question is, isn't intel processor cool enough to be able to offset bigger hard drive with less cooling?

 

[macbaseball]

For the iPod dock, I'm thinking something that pops out of the back, so you can just place your iPod down, and it would appear just to be sitting right behind the edge. I think that would be much better than to mess up the top. Perhaps there will be an all new form factor.

 

[noel4r]

Yeah, come on Apple..... I should have $500 by then.... If you got the goods, I'll have the cash....

 

[BlueRevolution]

I was expecting tv tuners to be in the next release of the iMac, but I guess it would work in the mini too. I'm wondering if we'll get built in s video and composite out, without an adapter required... that would be very nice for the whole media center concept. I don't like the built in dock idea though, it would damage the sleek line of the thing.

all of that, of course, assuming reliable sources. I'd say this is a borderline-page 2 rumour.

 

[barneygumble]

THat will replace my current dvr when it comes out.


On a side note how the hell does lacero manage to get first post in everything, i am beginning to think he is a compendium of the moderators to take their post frustration out through

 

[feffer37]

I'll buy it.

Wow.

If they pull this off, and I have no doubt of Apple being able to do it, it could be the earthshattering-knockout punch to Window's Media Center before it really has a chance to take root.

Imagine the simplicity of your Mac, in leauge with your TV. Plug in your iPod and download your shows for on the go.

No question, I would replace my iPod earlier than intended, and pick up the mini as my media center.

But, ThinkSecret has been wrong before....but allow me to dream a little longer....my bluetooth keyboard and mouse, checking an email without needing to snag my poor&worn PB12inch. Oh, got to fly out east? Well, then I'll just take my 4 hours of Stargate SG1 & Atlantis with me! Sounds like a perfect time to catch up on Simpsons & Adult Swim!

 

[darwen]

Down with TiVo!

HOLY MOLEY! DVR? WTF!

I may be buying my third apple computer soon! I am looking at getting a TiVo this christmas and the membership cost is killing me! This will be amazing if the mini can replace TiVo! No more Monopolies! Yay!

 

[balamw]

Sold!

I'd buy one the very instant such a thing was announced. I already have a PC in the living room as a games machine for the kids. If this could also function as a Digital Hub for DVD content and iPhoto & iTunes I'd be a very happy man, and my wife would also be happy to see the behemoth PC go out the window.

I should add that I already own two DirecTivo's, and if DirectTV hadn't crippled them, I'd already be using them as a digital hub.

B

 

[Chundles]

The upgrades sound nice, but wait a minute! A 3.5" hard drive? No, this is not required in my opinion. This would just make the Mac mini a larger system and I don't want that. Its size is perfect how it is. I realize it wouldn't be that much larger, but still... anyone agree with me on this? There are 7200RPM notebook drives out there; so utilize them!

Yeah, but how many 2.5" 500GB hard drives are there out there? None.

They'll have to switch to a larger form factor just so they can put in a big hard drive that can deal with the massive storage requirements of a media centre.

I doubt it will replace the Mac mini though, it's going to be more expensive and in a totally different form-factor. ThinkSecret have a habit of doing this - they get the gist of the rumour right but they run a little too far to the side. This will most likely be a new product (Mac midi??) that looks similar to a Mac mini but larger in size.

 

[BlueRevolution]

HOLY MOLEY! DVR? WTF!

I may be buying my third apple computer soon! I am looking at getting a TiVo this christmas and the membership cost is killing me! This will be amazing if the mini can replace TiVo! No more Monopolies! Yay!

you mean like the iPod replaced the diskman? no more monopolies? hehe, you mean better monopolies

 

[Aldaris]

Bring It On!

I hope this is going to happen, it'll be nice to see Apple's take on the home theatre... right now my take is a nice G4 Cube and some big speakers!
I predict pricing to stay at 499, 599, and 699;

 

[Bastich]

If it's going to have an iPod dock built in, it HAS to be bigger, just to accommodate the extra depth a recessed dock would require.

Personally, I'd only get a Mac Mini Home edition if I could record in high definition. Could this be the culmination of what Steve originally hinted at with his "Year of HD" announcement?

B)

 

[LagunaSol]

For the love of all that's holy, include HD recording!

Give this thing HD recording capability and iTunes streaming control (from my Power Mac via Airport Express), and I'm in. Like Flint.

Goodbye TiVo, with your monthly subscription fees and your pathetic Mac support!