ccrandall77 said:
Ya ya,
This average window user loves it, so guess what....
YOUR WRONG!
Have a nice day!
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Mac Mini Released
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Ya ya,
This average window user loves it, so guess what....
YOUR WRONG!
Have a nice day!
Virus Scanning for the Mac
I like having virus scanner on my Mac to sweep for files that may corrupt the Wintel boxes of people I share information with; its just being a nice guy to the unenlightened.
I hope that the mini Mac and iMac take a bigg chunk of M$ marker share, but is anyone else worries that with increasing popularity will come increasing numbers of viruses being written for Macs?
Gus said:
I like having virus scanner on my Mac to sweep for files that may corrupt the Wintel boxes of people I share information with; its just being a nice guy to the unenlightened.
I hope that the mini Mac and iMac take a bigg chunk of M$ marker share, but is anyone else worries that with increasing popularity will come increasing numbers of viruses being written for Macs?
ccrandall77 said:
I don't see a small 4-ports USB hub as a major cost (about 20$CAN) and that's only if the switcher doesn't already have a USB hub (granted they'll be a minority).
ccrandall77 said:
Why wouldn't people use a 15" CRT with their Mac mini? That's exactly what I'm planning to do, what's wrong with that? Granted, most people will already have a 17" CRT (instead of 15"), but the same point applies. Keep in mind that a lot of people still prefer CRTs to LCDs (better contrast, better colors, higher refresh - especially when compared to low-end LCDs).
ccrandall77 said:
That 499$ Dell system doesn't have anything close to iLife, and will likely run Windows XP Home edition. Last time I checked, simply connecting such a box to the internet was asking for trouble (viruses, trojans, spyware, etc). Yes, the Mac mini is still more expensive (as far as hardware goes) when compared to the bottom-of-the-barrel Dell system. But we're not talking about a 1000$ difference anymore. If you want to be fair in your comparison, check for similar software packages to try and equal iLife, and your Dell box will end up costing more AND still won't run OS X nor a nice package like iLife.
ccrandall77 said:
You don't know what's an average Windows user, then.
As soon as I showed the Mac mini (and the price) to my brother, he asked "can I connect my monitor, keyboard and mouse?" then asked if there was any dual-layer DVD-writer option. Sadly, there's no dual-layer options, but apart from that, his next questions were about video editing, photo management, etc. Exactly what iLife and the Mac mini are for.
I think i'm gona buy Two! (one for me and one for my sis) I get more done on my 1.33ghz PB then on my 3.06ghz 800mhz FSB P4 with 4gigs of ram!!! OSX is WAY faster then XP even on slow hardware! Windows is just.... crap. (I know I have worked on PC's for years and it is actually my job to fix them for a major company) I know windows inside and out yet I prefer Mac... need I say more?
numediaman said:
I can see no reason that a mass retailer such as Wal*Mart (GASP) couldn't wouldn't shouldn't sell a whole lot of these!
I have to say to everyone that talks about "refurbished this and that, upgrade to so and so, you have a much better deal". I think you´ve missed the point, most buyers just want something hassel free and new (and cheap). And that´s just what the Mini is. Well done Apple.
And for the new iPod; fits me perfectly, I bought my girlfriend one and wanted one myself,but coouldn´t justify the price. Well now I can
And for the new iPod; fits me perfectly, I bought my girlfriend one and wanted one myself,but coouldn´t justify the price. Well now I can
The problem Apple has faced for many years is that it has a niche product with a high price tag that many people can't afford, or decide not to pay and who therefore don't contribute to Apple's revenue stream.
The MacMini is not intended to placate us Mac users and get us interested because we already are. It's not intended to make us dash for our note pads and calculators to work out whether we can get one and configure it the way we want it for less money than we could get a G5 iMac. It's not intended to make us jump up and down in anticipation of running Halo on it, or to sneak a look at performance profiles of a G4 or Radion 9200 to see if it'll do what we want it to do.
Those are far too complex a set of issues when considering the MacMini, because Apple's intent with that device is very simple - to capture a segment of the market thay haven't yet reached, which is those who can't or won't pay a premium price for a computer and don't need a system that would reasonably command such a price.
Those consumers aren't all that interested in performance and specifications because they don't have a need that makes them consider those issues as a matter of priority (or at all). They also know that the money they want or are prepared to spend is not going to buy them anything startling in term of technological advancement (otherwise why else would most of them at present be buying Dells?!).
Apple wants a share of that market, and the MacMini is a cost-stripped way for them to get it, just as the iPod Shuffle is a cost-stripped way to get into the flash MP3 player market that previously Apple haven't been able to get hold of.
In short, there are two groups of people Apple has never made a favorable impression on: those who drive PCs and see no reason to change, and those who can't afford a Mac or won't pay the premium to own one. The MacMini removes the barrier to the latter - nothing but a brain transplant would likely remove the barrier to the former.
In the end, talking about the 9200 video chip as inadequate, or bemoaning the lack of something or other in the Mini is missing the vital fact that if Apple were to provide the sort of options people have been talking about here, Apple would have needed to tool up a range of production lines and the cost would have risen. They've picked a set of components that compare reasonably well with current laptops, so clearly the Mini isn't an inferior product that is crippled in any meaningful way, and they've put it on the market at a price that encourages those who could not previously afford a Mac to look at one. Many of those who look will buy.
As to the display, keyboard and mouse - it's nonsense to be critical that Apple don't provide them because the whole point here is that buyers who are cost-conscious need the option to exercise choice (thus control) over what they are paying. Thus as much as a 20" cinema display might be rather nice, a MacMini buyer is far more likely to want to hook up a cheap 15" LCD, or 17" CRT monitor because it meets their needs and fits their budget rather better. And since Apple pricing structure allows you to buy a Mini complete with keyboard and mouse if you were to so wish (which personally I wouldn't because I think they're rubbish) then you can do exactly that - the option is clearly listed.
Think of the kid doing a newspaper round who saves up all year for a computer, and at Christmas has only enough to buy a Dell. Now he'll be able to buy a Mac instead. THAT is Apple's market, and I say they hit it real well.
The MacMini is not intended to placate us Mac users and get us interested because we already are. It's not intended to make us dash for our note pads and calculators to work out whether we can get one and configure it the way we want it for less money than we could get a G5 iMac. It's not intended to make us jump up and down in anticipation of running Halo on it, or to sneak a look at performance profiles of a G4 or Radion 9200 to see if it'll do what we want it to do.
Those are far too complex a set of issues when considering the MacMini, because Apple's intent with that device is very simple - to capture a segment of the market thay haven't yet reached, which is those who can't or won't pay a premium price for a computer and don't need a system that would reasonably command such a price.
Those consumers aren't all that interested in performance and specifications because they don't have a need that makes them consider those issues as a matter of priority (or at all). They also know that the money they want or are prepared to spend is not going to buy them anything startling in term of technological advancement (otherwise why else would most of them at present be buying Dells?!).
Apple wants a share of that market, and the MacMini is a cost-stripped way for them to get it, just as the iPod Shuffle is a cost-stripped way to get into the flash MP3 player market that previously Apple haven't been able to get hold of.
In short, there are two groups of people Apple has never made a favorable impression on: those who drive PCs and see no reason to change, and those who can't afford a Mac or won't pay the premium to own one. The MacMini removes the barrier to the latter - nothing but a brain transplant would likely remove the barrier to the former.
In the end, talking about the 9200 video chip as inadequate, or bemoaning the lack of something or other in the Mini is missing the vital fact that if Apple were to provide the sort of options people have been talking about here, Apple would have needed to tool up a range of production lines and the cost would have risen. They've picked a set of components that compare reasonably well with current laptops, so clearly the Mini isn't an inferior product that is crippled in any meaningful way, and they've put it on the market at a price that encourages those who could not previously afford a Mac to look at one. Many of those who look will buy.
As to the display, keyboard and mouse - it's nonsense to be critical that Apple don't provide them because the whole point here is that buyers who are cost-conscious need the option to exercise choice (thus control) over what they are paying. Thus as much as a 20" cinema display might be rather nice, a MacMini buyer is far more likely to want to hook up a cheap 15" LCD, or 17" CRT monitor because it meets their needs and fits their budget rather better. And since Apple pricing structure allows you to buy a Mini complete with keyboard and mouse if you were to so wish (which personally I wouldn't because I think they're rubbish) then you can do exactly that - the option is clearly listed.
Think of the kid doing a newspaper round who saves up all year for a computer, and at Christmas has only enough to buy a Dell. Now he'll be able to buy a Mac instead. THAT is Apple's market, and I say they hit it real well.
za9ra22 said:
You're forgetting a little point about the first group: they see a reason to change (viruses, spyware, trojans) but up until now didn't have a choice because a PC was the only real choice as far as money is concerned.
Unless, of course, they switched to Linux. And I'm not going into that minefield of discussion.
ccrandall77 said:"The server is too busy at the moment. Please try again later."
I keep getting this message when I try to post or view. Are they running this site on a Mac mini?
Yah MR is getting about as thrashed as the Apple Store. Time for a bandwidth and server uppgrade.
BillHarrison said:
Somehow I doubt that someone who posts on a geek-site like this would qualify as an average computer user let alone an average windows user.
Yvan256 said:
OK, and Apple is going to advertise the features of iLife so that the average Windows user knows about it and its capabilities... No.
And yes, I do know the average user since my parents, sister, friends, and many co-workers who's PC I have to admin, fix, etc. are average windows users.
PC Keyboard layout different
Has Apple thought about the fact that PC keyboard layout is different and does not include the command/Apple key.
I noticed this 2 years ago when I bought a cheap 2nd hand PowerMac to see if I wanted to switch first, I used my PC monitor, keyboard and scroll wheel mouse.
What I noticed was that the keyboard layout did not match my Microsoft UK keyboard (@ and " reversed for a start), and the command key was not labelled as such.
I am quite technically minded and installed the Logitech UK keyboard layout driver and worked out where the command key should be, all was OK, and now have 2 new Macs and sold the PC
Anyway has Apple thought this out, so that new users are not confused ie. a Wizzard or printed documentation?
I know that Logitech after market keyboards are mac compatible, so have command key labelled and of course the keyboard layout driver available, but most supplied and after market keyboard don't.
Also why does Apple not put the # key on UK Apple Keyboard, it took me 2 weeks to find out how to get it - alt 3.
Has Apple thought about the fact that PC keyboard layout is different and does not include the command/Apple key.
I noticed this 2 years ago when I bought a cheap 2nd hand PowerMac to see if I wanted to switch first, I used my PC monitor, keyboard and scroll wheel mouse.
What I noticed was that the keyboard layout did not match my Microsoft UK keyboard (@ and " reversed for a start), and the command key was not labelled as such.
I am quite technically minded and installed the Logitech UK keyboard layout driver and worked out where the command key should be, all was OK, and now have 2 new Macs and sold the PC
Anyway has Apple thought this out, so that new users are not confused ie. a Wizzard or printed documentation?
I know that Logitech after market keyboards are mac compatible, so have command key labelled and of course the keyboard layout driver available, but most supplied and after market keyboard don't.
Also why does Apple not put the # key on UK Apple Keyboard, it took me 2 weeks to find out how to get it - alt 3.
Yvan256 said:
You are missing my point. The average user who knows nothing about iLife, OS X, etc. is not going to switch to OS X and buy a $499 system that's underpowered when they can get a familiar platform in a Dell with monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. for the SAME PRICE. A few will switch, but 99% won't.
Apple earnings Quadruple. Shares Jump 13%
http://channels.netscape.com/ns/pf/...050112165900&w=RTR&coview=&TickerSymbols=AAPL
http://channels.netscape.com/ns/pf/...050112165900&w=RTR&coview=&TickerSymbols=AAPL
Apple!Freak said:I am making the switch!
Now I'm not sure which to get. I think I will go with the iMac G5 but I'm not sure. It's between the iMac G5 20" and the Mac Mini 1.42Ghz.
iMac G5 20" 1.8GHz SuperDrive
Part Number: Z096
SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW)
512MB DDR400 SDRAM - 1 DIMM
Bluetooth Module + Apple Wireless Keyboard & Mouse + Mac OS X - U.S. English
Accessory kit
Power Supply
None - Bluetooth Module
160GB Serial ATA drive
$1,955 - Free Shipping W/Student Discount
OR
Mac mini 1.42GHz
Part Number: Z0B8
Accessory kit
Internal Bluetooth
80GB Ultra ATA drive
Combo Drive
56K v.92 Modem
512MB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 DIMM
Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Set
Mac OS X - U.S. English
$1,789 - Free Shipping W/Student Discount
What do you guys think? I will end up using the Apple Credit Account so I can afford a new Mac. I'm very happy to finally be giving up the PC. I know the Mac will suit me much better as I have used them a lot just never owned one due to the price but now I'm biting the bullet on the price as my PC has pissed me off one too many times.
(Full) Heeellloooooooo to the Apple world! (I had an iPod since Christmas so it's a Full hello now, heh.)
Get the G5, it'll last longer, my gf has the 17" model its great! Save some money and get that one.
Mac mini Media Center
Was thinking the same thing, especially as planning to get Plasma/LCD TV soon therefore can use DVI/HDMI for video, over the S-Video adapter.
What I thought was a USB 5.1 audio card ie.
http://www.maudio.co.uk/products/en_gb/Transit-main-1.html
http://www.maudio.co.uk/products/en_gb/Sonica-main.html
Although concered about user problems with above USB audio reported on http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/
This would look so good next to satellite box, and give me my iTunes, iPhoto and movies all in one box.
All we'd need is someone to write some nice media center software.
Deefuzz said:bummer its not a G5, but who cares!?!? That is VERY awesome, and at that price how could it NOT attract more switchers??
Anyone have any thoughts on if this would be a decent media center solution to hook up to a TV? Its small and affordable and would look great on top of my cable box!
Was thinking the same thing, especially as planning to get Plasma/LCD TV soon therefore can use DVI/HDMI for video, over the S-Video adapter.
What I thought was a USB 5.1 audio card ie.
http://www.maudio.co.uk/products/en_gb/Transit-main-1.html
http://www.maudio.co.uk/products/en_gb/Sonica-main.html
Although concered about user problems with above USB audio reported on http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/
This would look so good next to satellite box, and give me my iTunes, iPhoto and movies all in one box.
All we'd need is someone to write some nice media center software.
Give give give
Give me a G5 processor and I will give you an order. Questions about processor and graphics card are an issue for serious macers. You know I think the market for one of these things might be fairly large amongst mac users like myself who have a powerbook and would be looking for an economical G5 without going power PC.
Give me a G5 processor and I will give you an order. Questions about processor and graphics card are an issue for serious macers. You know I think the market for one of these things might be fairly large amongst mac users like myself who have a powerbook and would be looking for an economical G5 without going power PC.
ccrandall77 said:
The average user that walks into BestBuy with $1000 to spend is now going to have a choice now. Those "average" Joes that have used a Mac at school in the past or are intrigued by the platform (there are a lot of smart users out there) will be buying this machine.
Apple is not after customers who dont know they exists.
Hard drive details
The 2.5" hard drive is 9.5mm thick. Its speed is 4.200 tpm and it has silent bearings.
from http://www.hardmac.com/niouzcontenu.php?date=2005-01-12#3492
The 2.5" hard drive is 9.5mm thick. Its speed is 4.200 tpm and it has silent bearings.
from http://www.hardmac.com/niouzcontenu.php?date=2005-01-12#3492
my .02
Do people actually think that Windows' users are actually gonna dump their PC's and switch over to Macs just because it's cheaper. I think that Apple's low end machine move is about 5 years too late. People are going to continue to use the machine that they are familar with. Apple will grab a few new users, but they are not gonna see the increase they expect in the near future. I say it'll take 2-5 years for them to see any real increase in market share.
I bet dell comes out with a $399.00 machine, with keyboard, mouse, and monitor in about a month or so.
Do people actually think that Windows' users are actually gonna dump their PC's and switch over to Macs just because it's cheaper. I think that Apple's low end machine move is about 5 years too late. People are going to continue to use the machine that they are familar with. Apple will grab a few new users, but they are not gonna see the increase they expect in the near future. I say it'll take 2-5 years for them to see any real increase in market share.
I bet dell comes out with a $399.00 machine, with keyboard, mouse, and monitor in about a month or so.
The only thing worse than an Apple cheerleader, is an Apple whiner. So you think no one will buy a mini? Great. I guess we will see in about six months.
For me, I won't predict whether the mini will succeed -- frankly I could care less. My last Apple desktop was an 8600. It's sales were not that great. But guess what? That 8600 worked great for about six or seven years before it became completely obsolete. Now I almost exclusively use my PowerBook. (I still do Quark work on the old machine.)
But I'm probably going to buy a mini to replace that ol' 8600 and use it until Apple introduces new G5 PowerMacs. And whether any Windows users switch to a Mac has no influence on my buying decision.
For me, I won't predict whether the mini will succeed -- frankly I could care less. My last Apple desktop was an 8600. It's sales were not that great. But guess what? That 8600 worked great for about six or seven years before it became completely obsolete. Now I almost exclusively use my PowerBook. (I still do Quark work on the old machine.)
But I'm probably going to buy a mini to replace that ol' 8600 and use it until Apple introduces new G5 PowerMacs. And whether any Windows users switch to a Mac has no influence on my buying decision.
za9ra22 said:
That's assuming the kid already has the monitor, speakers, keyboard, and mouse. Even going low end on these items it's still going to cost $150-$200 more.
And all this other talk about buying USB hubs, and adapters, etc. etc. It completely defeats the purpose of having such a compact system and defeats the purpose of having something simple.
Yes, there are people who'd be willing to switch from Windows to OS X, but are they going to do it for a bare bones system like this when there's complete systems for the same price?
The few of us at my workplace that have Macs have showed off OS X, iLife, and all the other cool things that we run on our machines. It gets a lot of oooohs and aaaahs, but in the end they'd rather deal with virii, ad-ware, crappy patches, etc. And then the next day they'll still laugh that you use an Apple instead of a Wintel piece of garbage.
Look, this is a cool little machine. I may even get one just to use as a webserver/iTunes server/SliMP3 server. But don't expect it to raise Apple's marketshare significantly. It's hard to get people to switch and even an affordable, nicely designed, but barebones system isn't going to switch 99% of them
ender78 said:
Those that would by an Apple are probably not your average Joe... they're probably a heck of a lot smarter!
Cluster?
If you were to buy 4 of these miniMacs, you could build a iCluster with them for the price of a G5.
But what could you do with it?
If you were to buy 4 of these miniMacs, you could build a iCluster with them for the price of a G5.
But what could you do with it?