Here's an idea to throw out there... Take the Apple TV and Mac Mini combine them into this pint-size media center! And simply name it Apple Media Hub 
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Mac Mini End Of Life?
- Thread starter Dont Hurt Me
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
- Status
If Apple releases a new Mini, or a new product to replace it that fits, I will be giving this Mini to my folks for just that reason.
Why should Apple be ashamed that the mini is out-spec'd by a Windows laptop at Walmart (that is admittedly a good bargain)? Without even addressing the issue of why I would always pay more to not shop at Walmart, it must be said that laptop and desktop prices are two different animals. I realize those are laptop parts inside the mini, but the differences in form and use render such a comparision meaningless. Furthermore, many mini buyers already have a display, keyboards are cheap and a trackpad and battery don't figure for a desktop customer.
I can't argue with the posters who point out that the mini is overpriced when compared with a low-end beige box, but that's been true to some extent for a majority of Apple computers over the years, and yet they persist in existing...
Only if the Lexus was built like a Lexus instead of a Yugo in Lexus body. Otherwise, I'll take the Hyundai.
Exactly
That's exactly what I think they're going to do. I think they want to compete against something like HP's Pavilion Slimline series on the media desktop front. But I also think they want to compete against the XBox 360 and Playstation 3, to make sure they don't win the living room market.
Here's an idea to throw out there... Take the Apple TV and Mac Mini combine them into this pint-size media center! And simply name it Apple Media Hub
That's exactly what I think they're going to do. I think they want to compete against something like HP's Pavilion Slimline series on the media desktop front. But I also think they want to compete against the XBox 360 and Playstation 3, to make sure they don't win the living room market.
Mac MiNi HD
The Mac mini could be redesigned to be a BR/HDVD player. Like
Tv, but with disc functionality. There could be an BTO for either drive format, OR NOT. BR and sony would bring more to the table than HDDVD by providing web content linked to the disc. this could be the next big thing. they have tried to do it with cd's for many years. With the expense of the HD discs , and the expectations of bonus materials by the consumer, web linked content and management seem to be a good invesstment Thoughts?
The Mac mini could be redesigned to be a BR/HDVD player. Like
Tv, but with disc functionality. There could be an BTO for either drive format, OR NOT. BR and sony would bring more to the table than HDDVD by providing web content linked to the disc. this could be the next big thing. they have tried to do it with cd's for many years. With the expense of the HD discs , and the expectations of bonus materials by the consumer, web linked content and management seem to be a good invesstment Thoughts?
Interesting idea, and one with some merit. However, I wouldn't expect this before the other Macs get these drives, given the way Apple updates its hardware.The Mac mini could be redesigned to be a BR/HDVD player. Like
The Multimedia Mac Mini is the way to go. For roughly the price of a PS3 you get a machine that integrates with your home theater to play high definition movies with built in HD/BR combo drive or download from iTunes with integrated AppleTV and if Apple would offer gaming ports it can be toted as a direct competitor to the console market coveted by Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo, but first they will have to upgrade the GMU for higher graphics processing and to offer all of this at an affordable price point is going to be a challenge which is why they cut corners on the Mac Mini in precisely the areas it needs to focus on in order to market it as the NEW affordable Mac Media.
No nextgen disc on Mini
I don't think Apple would offer a Blu-ray or HD-DVD option, simply because I think they would want people to buy or rent movies through iTunes. Plus - even IF they decide to offer an advanced drive, it will probably be found on their MacPro, MacBook Pro or iMac lines first.
I think there will be a DVD drive to differentiate it from an Apple TV, and still have the Mini operate as a desktop computer, but I doubt we'll see Blu-Ray or HD-DVD.
I don't think Apple would offer a Blu-ray or HD-DVD option, simply because I think they would want people to buy or rent movies through iTunes. Plus - even IF they decide to offer an advanced drive, it will probably be found on their MacPro, MacBook Pro or iMac lines first.
I think there will be a DVD drive to differentiate it from an Apple TV, and still have the Mini operate as a desktop computer, but I doubt we'll see Blu-Ray or HD-DVD.
Yea, a SuperBlu Muti Drive (HD DVD and Blu-ray) as a slimline drive for the Mini would add about $1,000.
All macs still come with CD drives, and Apple is 3rd in music sales
it's not likey the will offer a BR/HD burner in the mac mini, as a DVD burner is still not standard. But a BR/HD player that would serve as a Media/connectivity center would fit into apples plans to dominate your living room. It could play discs and download rentals. could give a new market to the "previews" at the begining of movies.
I think a combo of both the Apple TV and the Mac mini could work, but I'd still like to see the Mac mini be the low end option. It's pricey when compared to the hoards of cheapo Windows boxes out there, but it's how it works and what it runs that makes it appealing.
My mini 1.42ghz G4 runs 24/7 and even with the cost of the new models, I'd buy another one if I needed to replace mine. It's been one of my most reliable computers that I've owned. That says a lot for as long as I've been using personal computers.
My mini 1.42ghz G4 runs 24/7 and even with the cost of the new models, I'd buy another one if I needed to replace mine. It's been one of my most reliable computers that I've owned. That says a lot for as long as I've been using personal computers.
Go ahead and laugh but the cheapest price Windows box is still just that, a plain old Windows box still running the age old boring Windows. Buy a Mac Mini or any other Mac and you get a computer with the best OS in the world!
You can buy the cheapest Windows box or the highest price Windows box its still the same old boring Windows OS.
Give me a Mac Mini any day over some cheap Dell $300 plain Jane box. Why should Apple drop the price of the Mini or any other headless unit they might come out with just to compete with some Windows trash box. When you buy an Apple box you are buying a computer capable of running the best OS ever made! bottom line I would rather pay more for a Mac any day of the week. Base line Dell boxes should be cheap, you get nothing, oh wait a minute if you buy a base line $300 Dell you can race home and play solitaire.
Y'all still talking about this! My 1.42 ppc mini has never, I repeat never crashed in two and a half years... I never shut it down unless I'm going on vacation or a software installation requires restart... edits photos very snappily... plays dvds flawlessly... mac OS X keeps me stable on the web and even under attack from malware online or in mail, never slowed me down for one minute. Spreadsheets, finances, printing and processing... what's up! I have not settled for less; you have a $600 pee cee box that can do that?! Yeah, mhmm, right.
I'll upgrade to a faster chip in the Intel mini one day, if this one ever breaks.
I'll upgrade to a faster chip in the Intel mini one day, if this one ever breaks.
All macs still come with CD drives, and Apple is 3rd in music sales
it's not likey the will offer a BR/HD burner in the mac mini, as a DVD burner is still not standard. But a BR/HD player that would serve as a Media/connectivity center would fit into apples plans to dominate your living room. It could play discs and download rentals. could give a new market to the "previews" at the begining of movies.
That drive would have to play both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray discs, because I doubt that Apple would want to pick a side in the Disc Wars right now (although I think they're in the Blu-Ray camp, if I remember correctly.) The major downside is that disc player is pretty pricey - about the price of the Mini itself - so unless they get a REALLY good deal, I just don't see them putting one in.
I agree though - it would be the ultimate media PC for the living room, and the BR/HD drive used in a very high-end product. I can see Apple providing multiple Mini media computers with different configurations based on graphics chip, hard drive capacity, processor speed, and choice of optical media drive. But that price range would probably be from $599 to $1199 (or even higher.)
The Mini truly is an underrated machine. For years I barely gave it a glance thinking it was only an entry level solution for switchers who just wanted to learn the Mac OS. Boy was I wrong. I swear by my Mac Mini. It's the best damn little box out there. This thing simply just kicks ass.
Here comes sony
True, now is not the time to pick sides. Having a "mac" that plays only one Hd format is a limitation in the mind of the buyer, even though there would presumably be few players that played all formats.
SONY,PSn. This is going to be fun to watch. There could be some real developement in their online integration with the PS and BR platforms. Web enabled players, Marketplace, content distribution, retro gaming...rentals? There is a market for new, high priced gadgetery, iPhone... apple could offer something for the price you described. The PS3 is much cheaper than a comparable Mac Mini type system would be though. The SONY PS3 has huge potential. as do all other sony products, so long as Sony can get to the center of integrating their products/services.
sony ericsson phones ROCK
True, now is not the time to pick sides. Having a "mac" that plays only one Hd format is a limitation in the mind of the buyer, even though there would presumably be few players that played all formats.
SONY,PSn
. This is going to be fun to watch. There could be some real developement in their online integration with the PS and BR platforms. Web enabled players, Marketplace, content distribution, retro gaming...rentals? There is a market for new, high priced gadgetery, iPhone... apple could offer something for the price you described. The PS3 is much cheaper than a comparable Mac Mini type system would be though. The SONY PS3 has huge potential. as do all other sony products, so long as Sony can get to the center of integrating their products/services.sony ericsson phones ROCK
I just purchased the base mini for $599. Haven't even taken it out of the box yet.
Should I take it back and return it? I've got 2 weeks to decide I think...
Should I take it back and return it? I've got 2 weeks to decide I think...
I bought one last week, and it does exactly what I intended for it to do. I have no desire to return it, even if EOL is imminent. If Apple is scrapping the Mini concept altogether (in which case they're idiots), I consider myself lucky having bought one of the last... and if something better comes along, then I'll get that eventually and use the Mini for something else. It's peanut money anyway and I'll always find some use for it, due to its tiny form factor. It can be my kitchen or bathroom computer or something stupid like that.
I really like the mini's design and hope that Apple keeps some version of it.
That said, I do think Apple needs to come out with a consumer level desktop. Essentially something with iMac components but with a MOBO that can handle some expansion.
I want something with a single Core 2 Duo CPU, a couple gigs of Ram, one decent sized HDD, a higher-end graphics card, and a couple apple displays.
...I'd buy one!
That said, I do think Apple needs to come out with a consumer level desktop. Essentially something with iMac components but with a MOBO that can handle some expansion.
I want something with a single Core 2 Duo CPU, a couple gigs of Ram, one decent sized HDD, a higher-end graphics card, and a couple apple displays.
...I'd buy one!
The only logic I can think you might be following with this is that you will be able to get one cheaper on closeout if they are officially EOL'ed...and that's far from a sure thing. Unless the Mini is not what you want for some other reason, I can't imagine why you wouldn't want to open it up and check it out.
People have been hyping the mini's death for a long time, and speculating about a new headless Mac with better specs for even longer...IMO neither of these things are likely enough to wait for. And since you already bought one, it obviously isn't the price that's keeping you away
.
I have two Mini's and plan to buy a third! Its a Mac! forget the word "Mini" regardless of the price you are buiying a computer that will run the best OS in the world!
Have you ever looked inside of a PowerMac G5 ? half of the box is completely empty! a huge box might look impressive to all your friends but a huge massive box doesnt always mean its better.
Have you ever looked inside of a PowerMac G5 ? half of the box is completely empty! a huge box might look impressive to all your friends but a huge massive box doesnt always mean its better.
- Status