Mac Mini Released

[aricher]

In my office several of our PC-based IT guys said that they would be placing orders for the new Mac - these are guys who are always slamming Apple and everything Mac. I have also had 4 PC-based friends call to ask me about the new Mac - they'll all be buying them.

Whatever the drawbacks of these machines may be the intended effect of switching PC users and gain of market share is working - way to go Apple!!

 

[Thomas Veil]

And then these name discussions we had. xMac, cMac, uMac, iMac....

You forgot the "sometimes y-Mac".

Just checked ClubMac, and for those who are concerned about selling the MacMini without a keyboard and mouse, they are offering "Free keyboard and mouse!"

(Sorry if anyone else already mentioned this, but 14 pages is a lot to read through!)

 

[gekko513]

The problem with this as I see it is the need for a usb hub. Before anyone starts on that mac keyboards have two usb ports - most people do not have a mac and hence do not have a mac keyboard. They either have to spend extra getting one or they will have to buy a hub. The two usb ports would be taken up by the mouse and keyboard, what about a printer? Or a scanner? Or plugging in an ipod or ipod shuffle thing?

What's to be confused about. Get a hub or get a mac keyboard. You gave the solution yourself.

 

[MikeTheC]

You have feel bad for this guy: http://billpalmer.net/

Of course, when you read the current version of his article, he proves just how ignorant he truly is. He complains about the unit not having a keyboard or mouse, and strongly implies a "bait and switch" style tactic of sucking a potential customer in to buy a cheap computer just so they can sell him an expensive monitor.

Well, first, his logic on this is crap. It isn't just flawed, it's crap. The target market for this is someone who wants a second computer, therefore they already have gear that can be attached. Only the heir to the throne of idiots would ever go into a store to buy a computer-in-a-form-fitting-box and then get "duped" by not having a keyboard and mouse included with it.

Apple makes no bones about the fact that there are no included accessories. This is a switcher computer. Duh. Apple has done nothing to show it's using "underhanded tactics" for selling this unit.

Does anyone here have a spare clue that they can loan Bill? He obviously is in desperate need of one.

 

[Photorun]

The good: Everything about it except one thing...

The bad: WTF?!? That video card would hardly power Tetris, are they nuts? The upper one they should throw in the rather crummy MX or FX5200 as at least it's 64 VRAM and vaguely passible. And hell, retail price of that, at least for peecee lusers, is $30-50, so wholesale it'd cost Apple, what, $15 tops? Basically Apple must have gotten a real REAL cheap deal on the 9200, like a buck a pop, or free, they were throwing them out. Again, Apple is friggin' clueless about the gaming community. And more laughable is they show it playing Halo in one of the pics of it (cough)... yeah... right... Halo. Halo would absolutely CHOKE on 32 MB of VRAM unless you turned off EVERYTHING and ran it at 640 X 480. What a joke.

 

[Raid]

I think the iMac mini is a great concept and will bring in more switches which is a good thing. Lower end users who don't need a powerfull machine and don't want the extra expense of replacing a perfectly good monitor will love it. But like many who have posted before I'm concerned about the lackluster video card. I'm just hoping in a couple of months there will be a brave soul that will do a 'hardware hack' and put in a better card. Right now it's a perfect 'Mom' computer, but add in a better card and it'd be a real toy!

 

[Lancetx]

Obviously the Mac mini isn't for everyone. It's not for power users, it's not for Mac vets as their main system and it's definitely not for Bill Palmer. However, this is the perfect system for those that have been sitting on the fence when it comes to switching and for those that only use a computer for basic tasks like net surfing, digital music and photos. In less than 24 hours, I already know 2 people that will likely be switching within the next month that wouldn't be otherwise.

The key to this system in my mind is to get people hooked on OS X. Once these people have actually used it everyday for several months they'll be hooked and they'll never go back to Windows. Then when they're ready to step up to something better in a couple of years, they'll buy that iMac G5, iBook or whatever knowing that they already love OS X and Macs from personal experience. Then they'll be more than willing to spend $1,000 or more. That's the only "bait and switch" that Apple is playing here.

 

[Lancetx]

The good: Everything about it except one thing...

The bad: WTF?!? That video card would hardly power Tetris, are they nuts? The upper one they should throw in the rather crummy MX or FX5200 as at least it's 64 VRAM and vaguely passible. And hell, retail price of that, at least for peecee lusers, is $30-50, so wholesale it'd cost Apple, what, $15 tops? Basically Apple must have gotten a real REAL cheap deal on the 9200, like a buck a pop, or free, they were throwing them out. Again, Apple is friggin' clueless about the gaming community. And more laughable is they show it playing Halo in one of the pics of it (cough)... yeah... right... Halo. Halo would absolutely CHOKE on 32 MB of VRAM unless you turned off EVERYTHING and ran it at 640 X 480. What a joke.

I don't quite think this system is being marketed to those that want to play Halo anyway, so I don't think most will see the graphics as being a problem. It is only $499 after all...

 

[numediaman]

I do PhotoShop and video editing on my G4 Powerbook -- it's 500 MHz with a 10 gig hard drive. So, what's so bad about 1.2 Ghz, 40 gig HD?

(Obviously, I have many external components including hard drives, a DVD burner, etc.)

Sure, I'm still in the market for a G5 PowerMac -- and as soon as Apple releases gen2 versions I may go ahead and spend $6 grand for a whole new set up.

In the meantime, the MacMini may be the equivalent of a no-brainer, disposable alternative. After four years of not making an Apple computer purchase, I may break down and buy one or two.

 

[krieg]

happy and sad at the same time

( sorry for the english )
So im both happy and sad about this new little monster .
this little monster is very interesting both by desing and price but im disapointed because im afraid that this mini mac will be a nightmare to upgrade at best .....

Apple should have do the same thing as the first rumor was use the xserver as a base add a videocard ...... a very easy way to add ram and hd ....

This little monster will be very fun to use, but they could have done better with less ..........

and thx to the fellas that gave the tigerdirect link for the ps2/usb adapter

And for all those who complaint that thios little critter is underpower and a piece of junk .... remember that no everybody in life need a G5 there some low-end user that will be very happy with that machine ,a machine without a lcd is not the end of the world too

mac mini at 629$can ( maybe 512 meg of ram )
add later a usb hub ( with own power supplies)
add later a external 200gig Hd with the firewire 400
use the old monitor
use the old mouse and keyboard with a tiger direct adapter

this will be a hell of a nice machine


krieg
where that beer again

 

[brywalker]

I don't quite think this system is being marketed to those that want to play Halo anyway, so I don't think most will see the graphics as being a problem. It is only $499 after all...

From the hype:

Lock the Target
Or one 3D game. Go ahead, just try to play Halo on a budget PC. Most say they’re good for 2D games only. That’s because an “integrated Intel graphics” chip steals power from the CPU and siphons off memory from system-level RAM. You’d have to buy an extra card to get the graphics performance of Mac mini, and some cheaper PCs don’t even have an open slot to let you add one.

Well, one arguement is that this Mac mini doesn't have an extra slot either, but that is neither here nor there. The fact of the matter is that if you are a gamer then you don't buy a Mac to play games. You get a Mac for everything else, and then it is nice to have a game or 2 to pass the time.

It is disappointing that it can't run Tiger the way it should. Personally, I am going to wait for the next one - which should be BUNDLED with Tiger anyway.

Not that this should discourage anyone from getting it now, these purchases are going to make sure that the line is continued and a better one comes out.

I am a PC user that is 99.9% sold for myself. However, this will be my mom's next computer.

 

[iriejedi]

My Guess - we all have "that drawer

Also - I do not know about all you but over the years - the collection of spare parts includes multiple keyboards and mice - chances are MANY users will NOT need to buy these things - any switcher/upgrader or geek (Like myself) will NOT see the lack of a keyboard as an issue!

What's to be confused about. Get a hub or get a mac keyboard. You gave the solution yourself.

 

[Sir_Giggles]

Anybody notice the power connector. Looks like you could hook this mini to a soon to be released docking station/lcd display, or even to a soon to be released media center dock.

 

[mcfudd]

cheapo

Again, Apple is friggin' clueless about the gaming community.

I think Apple already has a computer for people like you ... It is called the PowerMac G5, dual 2.5 GHz, with an excellent selection of graphics cards.

Please don't confuse Apple's product line-up with the fact you are too cheap to get the system you need.

The Mac mini is NOT for gamers.

And, once again, Apple uses these types of graphics cards to balance performance with profit margins. Unfortunately, a fact of life for Cupertino.

 

[mcfudd]

a

Anybody notice the power connector. Looks like you could hook this mini to a soon to be released docking station/lcd display, or even to a soon to be released media center dock.

Keeping those rumors alive. Amazing skill you have.

 

[Sir_Giggles]

I think Apple already has a computer for people like you ... It is called the PowerMac G5, dual 2.5 GHz, with an excellent selection of graphics cards.

Please don't confuse Apple's product line-up with the fact you are too cheap to get the system you need.

The Mac mini is NOT for gamers.

And, once again, Apple uses these types of graphics cards to balance performance with profit margins. Unfortunately, a fact of life for Cupertino.

Graphics card is plenty powerful for 2D apps. Although the Mac mini video card wont be able to handle core image functions in Tiger. Pity though. Perhaps another update in 6 months?

 

[macridah]

no monitor i understand, but no keyboard or mouse? It's cool to me, but I wonder how other potential switchers feel about it.

 

[scb]

Moac MINI doesn't d optical audio out?

If so, this puts a dampener on things. Though I suppose you could get an Airport express and wirelessly connect you surround sound speakers.

Yeah, i would have liked digital audio out too - bearing in mind you can connect it to your tv (and they're pushing that feature) it's gonna be right by your home theatre set-up so optical out would have been perfect for tunes... ah well.

still an awesome little thing.

 

[swissmann]

Agreed. I just priced out iMacs with edu pricing, and they come in only $200-300 more than a Mac Mini with a high-end (aka "all there is") Apple display. The current iMac and the Mac Mini really are both great values, for different buyers.

I love your "both great values, for different buyers" comment. I'm glad to see that Apple is targeting that different buyer of the low price market.

 

[swissmann]

All-in-ones lack flexibility that is all. The Mac mini lacks expandability and is flexible.

Expandable and Flexible 2 very different things.

What do you mean by flexible. Does that mean you can put it on top of your TV and then move it to your office and then hide it in a desk drawer and then take it to your friends house and use his monitor and keyboard? I agree that it is much easier to be flexible with this than a much larger, heavier iMac. However a laptop would be better than the Mac Mini - granted more expensive too.

 

[SeanMcg]

Elightenment please...

I have slogged through the entire thread (waiting for my pre iPod-compatible Volvo to be serviced) and I have a question.

Graphics card is plenty powerful for 2D apps. Although the Mac mini video card wont be able to handle core image functions in Tiger. Pity though. Perhaps another update in 6 months?

Tiger has not yet been released, other than developer versions. My thoughts were that support for this graphics card would be added in future builds. So my questions are
1) can this actually be done?
2) Are there technical reasons why it cannot be done?

It seems odd to me that they would hype the new OS alongside the introduction of a new product if that product was unable to take full advantage of it.

 

[rdowns]

use the old mouse and keyboard with a tiger direct adapter

Hmm, how many Mac users will be upgrading from macs with ADB keyboards and mice? Are there ADB --> USB adapters.

The way I see it, this machine targets 3 specific markets;

Switchers
Leagacy Mac/OS 9 users
Mac heads who will buy almost anything Jobs announces. Can't wait for iPoop in February followed by ProPoop in march.

 

[KREX725]

Now I'm no Bill Palmer, but I think the Mac Mini has some good potential.

First off, I'm glad I sold my G4 Mirror Door when I did. For those who didn't need the expansion of the MD tower, how would they have justified the $1000 price I just got for the G4 on Ebay in November?

As stated above, many people have extra keyboards and mice (and monitors) laying about. I have one or more of each of those things that are doing nothing but taking up space. I really don't think it's that big of deal. Besides, many of the resellers are going to offer a free keyboard and mouse (as stated above). Also, do you remember when the bondi blue iMac 233 came out? People at first scoffed at the lack of 3.5 floppy drive. At first, the resellers gave out free external matching floppy drives. Then, years later (much later than needed), PC companies finally ditched the 3.5 drives too.

Also, as far as the lack of keyboard and mice go, I don't think Apple was being cheap. Look at it this way, the box alone would have to be larger, which means higher shipping charges, extra storage space in warehouses, etc.

Considering what it's really meant to do, I think the Bill Palmers out there are over exagerating the flaws of this Mac. It's not a gaming machine, it's not a "super computer," it's not a G5. Did you really expect it to be for $500?

Heck, I've got a great G5 that does everything for me, but I'm already scoping out the rest of my place to see where the Mini could go. As silly as it might sound, I already have an extra monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc. gathering dust. Why not spend $500 and have another Mac for surfing the web from bed or something. Say, I like that idea...

 

[dicklacara]

no monitor i understand, but no keyboard or mouse? It's cool to me, but I wonder how other potential switchers feel about it.

Mmmm...

I could use a version of this without a CD/CVD drive.

maybe put in a 2 Gig RAM DIMM

maybe add a bigger HDD

Then you have a pretty good server

Lotsa' ways to go with this concept!

 

[Tiptonium]

Hello Everyone... this is my first post.

I'm familiar with the product but never switched. I've taken classes where Macs are used, I've worked with designers that use Macs, and I've even got a few friends that have them. Now my world is about to change...

Here I sit waiting for my first Apple computer to be delivered, an iBook G4 "14 that I puchased on January 10, 2005. I've been a proud IPOD supporter since the beginning but I never really considered moving off the Windows platform until a few weeks ago. The last straw for me was when my 5 month old laptop went dead (still under warranty). WHo know when that'll come back. I realized that what I was doing on that thing mas a purfect match for what the iBook had to offer. iTunes, iPhoto, Fireware feeds from my Sony MiniDV, Images from my Canon digital camera, watching DVDs, etc. Soooo.... I did some research and pulled the trigger. The iBook should be here sometime this afternoon, the extra 1GIG ram will be here tomorrow.

I stayed up late last night to watch the Steve Job's feed. I was blown away. Its nothing like the stuff I've been to relating to Microsoft. I find myself getting somewhat bored at those events these days.

Here I've got an iPod Photo and iPod mini and i'm contemplating buying an iPod Shuttle! And here's the kicker:

Now I'm considering buying a iMac Mini! Who would of thunk it!

Color me impressed.
Cheers,
Larry