I'd be bummed on losing the Mini without some sort of replacement for a good TV/Media Mac. I've never seen a better Mac hook up to a TV.
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Mac Mini End Of Life?
- Thread starter Dont Hurt Me
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I believe that, in the long-term, Apple plans to add full Mac functionality toTV, probably when they introduce their line of large LCD TV sets next year - the point at which
These large, 1080p (1920×1080) flatscreen TVs with built-in computers will operate in two modes: full computer mode, operated via wireless keyboards etc and an old-style
Laptops will continue their advance, with Apple no doubt hoping that, with the Mini out of the picture, more people will opt for Macbooks - if people own a laptop, they are likely to take them out and about with them occasionally which, of course, raises Apple's profile far more than any desktop. The low-end Macbook is currently $1,100, only $300 more than the equivalent Mini but with all the added convenience and no need to buy a keyboard, mouse or monitor.
Admittedly, no Macbook can compete directly with the cheapest, least-powerful Mini at $600 but I would not be particularly surprised to see Apple abandon the low-end desktop market entirely; now, when they're riding high, is pretty much the only time they could risk such a dramatic re-positioning.
What we do need, however, is a mid-range tower for the millions of people who are willing to pay for quality hardware but simply cannot justify the cost of a Mac Pro - I know, I know, people have been asking for this forever but, surely, terminating the Mini now opens up a space for it?
Never really 'got' the idea of a mid range tower, but having recently rejected 2 top end iMac's on screen quality issues and then trying to price up an
alternative, I've come to realise this would be a fantastic option - consumer targetted processing power with a decent display - oh wait that was supposed to be the iMac, right ? 
Anyhow I'm holding out and if a decent spec mini or mid range tower is around the corner then
can have my £1,500 just cut a different way !!!
Cube 2.0?
Nothing can ever top that hovering piece of artwork that doubled as a computer. I bought one just the other day so I could mess with the innards. $90, baby.
-Clive
Nothing can ever top that hovering piece of artwork that doubled as a computer. I bought one just the other day so I could mess with the innards. $90, baby.
-Clive
I hope they innovate...
I hope that Apple chooses to innovate the Mini and move it forward rather than just drop the product line. I have a mini and use it as my media center, email and communications hub at home. It allows me to keep my new Apple iMac based editing system off-line and unencumbered by other programs and files. I used to do this at my former job as a media specialist and producer, and have found that it reallly helps with workflow. The Mini makes for an inexpensive alternative to keep the everyday files and applications off your important work-tools system. When I left my job I had to rely on a 12" Al G4 PB for everything. Now it is just the portable version of my Mini. I plan on adding an Elgato EyeTV 250 Plus to the Mini to add off-air recording to the Mini. Once that is complete, the old television and VCR/DVD are gone for good. Perhaps that is what Apple is planning with the Mini. It really would be great to have a Mac/TV as your total hub. That is basically what I will have once I complete my next step.
I hope that Apple chooses to innovate the Mini and move it forward rather than just drop the product line. I have a mini and use it as my media center, email and communications hub at home. It allows me to keep my new Apple iMac based editing system off-line and unencumbered by other programs and files. I used to do this at my former job as a media specialist and producer, and have found that it reallly helps with workflow. The Mini makes for an inexpensive alternative to keep the everyday files and applications off your important work-tools system. When I left my job I had to rely on a 12" Al G4 PB for everything. Now it is just the portable version of my Mini. I plan on adding an Elgato EyeTV 250 Plus to the Mini to add off-air recording to the Mini. Once that is complete, the old television and VCR/DVD are gone for good. Perhaps that is what Apple is planning with the Mini. It really would be great to have a Mac/TV as your total hub. That is basically what I will have once I complete my next step.
This is why the Mini will be EOL'd. No one is using it as a computer, just a media centre for which Apple developed the Apple TV. No point in having two competing products.
Wrong. I use it for all of my dektop computer needs as well as managing my home theater. It's the best of both worlds. AppleTV integration into the Mini would be the smartest move, not the other way around.
It's not impossible. I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-16 back home. They're not much bigger than that.
Sorry, I'm using mine as a computer
Yeah, my Core Duo 1.83 GHz mini is my main computer. I wouldn't think about having anything else.
The iMac was a viable option for me when there was a 17" model.
But the 20" is just too big for me and my limited space. I like the fact that I can change my monitor size anytime I want. I like the fact I can pick it up with one hand and play frisbee with it.
For me, there is no other computer as perfect as my mini.
Just be careful you don't invalidate you warranty, you are not supposed to use them like that
The mini rules for a guy like me that has absolutely no interest in dvd media or tv shows or creating my own dvd's. I want the monitor, keyboard, and mouse of my choice, and an apple computer to handle my photo editing and web-content. The dang thing takes up less space than my coffee cup practically... never makes a sound. I'll take an upgrade to the intel mini some day if the g4 ever dies - it may not, tho. My bondi iMac still runs flawlessly.
Just because you hear about people talking about their Mac mini used as a media centre doesn't mean everybody does it. You won't see me go on forums saying "hey I'm using my Mac mini as a desktop Mac" because that's what it's intended for.
please tell me that they are not going to discouniue it because i was going to by one around christmas
I think that most people who arent switching yet are not doing so because a mac starts at 1000 bucks give or take. If Apple would role out something new and exciting in a desktop package for those who cant shell out 1000 bucks for a mac, I believe they would gain tons of ground, not to mention it would be a quick way to get an at home cheap base for my mbp when I get it. Nevertheless, Apple should delve into some different aspects of the computer market (not including phones pda's blackberrys ect.)
The mini was my first mac but wont be my last. I got a 1.66ghz CoreDuo about a year and a half ago. I dont plan on upgrading anytime soon, but would be sad to see the mini gone. I just installed 2gb of ram to replace the 1gb I had and its better than ever. I dont foresee myself even needing a new computer for at least 2-3yrs. At that point Ill likely get whatever the new iMac is. I think once my applecare runs out Im going to attempt a processor upgrade and maybe extend the life of the mini even more. Surely by then the newest C2D processors will be dirt cheap.
I use my Mini constantly. As a computer.
I don't want/need a notebook.
I want a silent, low power computer. When I end up upgrading to a newer generation than my 1.42GHz PPC model, it will be a Mini, or not a Mac.
I have a beautiful 24" LCD, and a KVM. I can't use an iMac, and a Mac Pro is about 400x bigger than a Mini.
So, if Apple decides to be really dumb and discontinues the Mini line, they'll lose a customer.
They lost me for nearly 20 years when they discontinued the Apple II line. If they throw away another awesome product line, my Mini will have been another expensive lesson on what Apple thinks of continuity.
I don't want/need a notebook.
I want a silent, low power computer. When I end up upgrading to a newer generation than my 1.42GHz PPC model, it will be a Mini, or not a Mac.
I have a beautiful 24" LCD, and a KVM. I can't use an iMac, and a Mac Pro is about 400x bigger than a Mini.
So, if Apple decides to be really dumb and discontinues the Mini line, they'll lose a customer.
They lost me for nearly 20 years when they discontinued the Apple II line. If they throw away another awesome product line, my Mini will have been another expensive lesson on what Apple thinks of continuity.
Apple really needs to look over their entire product lineup, it sucks for consumers, the lack of choice is really stopping me from buying a Mac. Despite the fact I love OS X.
AppleTV sucks. It has limited support for codecs and doesn't really do much. It's not a HTPC.
The Mini as a HTPC is great because of the form factor, you can do everything AppleTv can do plus MUCH more including using it as a DVR.
They fit different markets. AppleTV is for noobs who just want to watch their iTunes videos on their TV. Mini as a HTPC is for more advanced users who want a computer in their living room for more function.
Buy one now while there is still time. Or there is always ebay when the time comes. Or maybe Ill sell you mine and get an iMac sooner rather than later
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