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Mac Mini Still Alive? New Model Coming?

sapota said:
Plus, from 80% consumer standpoint, an iMac is very comparable to Mac mini pricing. Mac mini + display + webcam + keyboard + mouse > iMac 20" pricing. Now dont tell me that u already have a monitor etc etc...Apple squeezes more margin out of an iMac than from Mac mini...which allows them to give out a better product.
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Somehow you've justified Apple discontinuing the mini in favour of an iMac - a bigger margin does not equal a better product. In fact, what? A better product than what? You're not comparing anything here.

I already have a monitor, a 20" one I've had for a while which I paid £80 for. And a mouse and keyboard I paid £20 for. I don't need a webcam and I can use that screen with my Xbox 360, DVD player and other computer. That doesn't make it close to iMac pricing at all.
 
Now that Apple's on the green bandwagon, I wonder...

Have they ever estimated just how many dead iMacs have been discarded because 1) the screen died but the computer still works or 2) the computer died but the screen still works? Not very environmentally friendly, is it?

Putting all of the components together in the iMac increases the likelihood of something going wrong, and the consumer pitching the whole kit when it does. The same could be said about laptops but with laptops, it's a necessary evil; it all has to be included so you can take it with you.
 
iDave said:
Now that Apple's on the green bandwagon, I wonder...

Have they ever estimated just how many dead iMacs have been discarded because 1) the screen died but the computer still works or 2) the computer died but the screen still works? Not very environmentally friendly, is it?

Putting all of the components together in the iMac increases the likelihood of something going wrong, and the consumer pitching the whole kit when it does. The same could be said about laptops but with laptops, it's a necessary evil; it all has to be included so you can take it with you.
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Which is why we don't order iMacs.
 
iDave said:
Now that Apple's on the green bandwagon, I wonder...

Have they ever estimated just how many dead iMacs have been discarded because 1) the screen died but the computer still works or 2) the computer died but the screen still works? Not very environmentally friendly, is it?

Putting all of the components together in the iMac increases the likelihood of something going wrong, and the consumer pitching the whole kit when it does. The same could be said about laptops but with laptops, it's a necessary evil; it all has to be included so you can take it with you.
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Not to mention that in the higher end users that Apple has forced upon, it has a much shorter useable lifespan than a conventional desktop.
 
iDave said:
Among a half dozen other reasons. :D
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This makes owners or buyers think something's wrong when there isn't. All electronics have a failure rate. It's like watching YouTube. Everyone with problems films the problem but not many with working machines film them working.

So does everyone here rock a Hackintosh or Mac Pro? I kind of like the Mini but I don't like the specs. I don't have a monitor or keyboard. The iMac is the better purchase for those in that situation.

The Mini needs an update.
 
rollsroyce442 said:
Apple really should come out with a desktop model that is significantly expandable and not thousands of dollars.
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I will really be surprised if this happens. It has been an ongoing debate/discussion for years now. I really think the mid-range Apple tower is a pipe dream.
 
Drag'nGT said:
This makes owners or buyers think something's wrong when there isn't. All electronics have a failure rate. It's like watching YouTube. Everyone with problems films the problem but not many with working machines film them working.

So does everyone here rock a Hackintosh or Mac Pro? I kind of like the Mini but I don't like the specs. I don't have a monitor or keyboard. The iMac is the better purchase for those in that situation.

The Mini needs an update.
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The problem with the Mac mini is that Apple hasn't updated it since 2006. Yes, really. That's still the lovable Merom and 945GM platform in there.

I've found Mac minis to be extremely reliable for an office environment and less of a hassle to manage then an iMac.
 
iDave said:
Now that Apple's on the green bandwagon, I wonder...

Have they ever estimated just how many dead iMacs have been discarded because 1) the screen died but the computer still works or 2) the computer died but the screen still works? Not very environmentally friendly, is it?

Putting all of the components together in the iMac increases the likelihood of something going wrong, and the consumer pitching the whole kit when it does. The same could be said about laptops but with laptops, it's a necessary evil; it all has to be included so you can take it with you.
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WOW..you voiced my thoughts exactly on Apple's "green" claim.

As far as I am concerned Apple should make their iMacs a bit more "modular" with access to hardware. If they want to squeeze some bucks they should offer cpu upgrade only via Apple store. Drives, RAM, Vid card
should be upgradable. In a sense they are selling monitor + guts. All can be upgraded. I know that newer technologies come out but at least let people have the option to max out what that system can handle.

As far as firewire going away .. a pity. I would suggest that Apple include in ALL of their systems an express card slot. From laptop/mac mini to even the Mac Pro. Go ahead and drop firewire. If people want it they can change them for a firewire express card. At least the system can be now be based on user needs not what Apple tells you that you need.

I have been very critical of the Mac Mini as a media player. I would very much like to see the Mac Mini stay in the Apple line up. Whether it is morphed into a mini tower or stays as is but with a respectable upgrade to video/RAM/CPU. It wouldn't hurt to have a larger drive and again - express card slot.

The problem with the Mac Mini beyond hardware is positioning in the market. Its a nice entrance to the MAC world from PCs but limited and it shows quickly. It is a better media center than ATV (save for HD movies from iTunes). I mentioned elsewhere it might be rebranded as an ATV+ of sorts and let it have all the benefits of OSX and also ATV. In this you get the original turn key LOW priced ATV and the Computer Media Box at a premium that can serve as a computer with ATV services. The huge price difference is what would set them apart so they don't seem to compete but just be an upper and lower model based on price and features.

If Apple does away with the Mac Mini, I am tempted to get one thru the chain and upgrade the processor and max the RAM. For me, I want it for Plex as my media center.

- Phrehdd
 
Hmmm...

I think the Mac Mini is a pretty sweet computer. Very cheap and you get a great mac!. I think if they will take the mac mini they should make a UMPC. Or Just a BIG update for the Mac Mini. Or they should make a iMac Lite or something like that. (low price kinda iMac). Or Idk but they need a update.
 
Alvi said:
I think the Mac Mini is a pretty sweet computer. Very cheap and you get a great mac!. I think if they will take the mac mini they should make a UMPC. Or Just a BIG update for the Mac Mini. Or they should make a iMac Lite or something like that. (low price kinda iMac). Or Idk but they need a update.
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I admit the Mac Mini footprint is great. The concept is great. The antiquated hardware is NOT great for the price.

Some of us will just wait and see what Apple decides to offer us. Either no new Mini or hopefully a parallel to their laptop series upgrade. The latter would be worth the present price. Mini is pass due for that overhaul/upgrade. I would gladly welcome a new Mac Mini or as some folks mentioned, a mini mac tower. For my needs its going to be a Media Center.
 
gkarris said:
Apple probably had to wait for the integrated nVidia graphics chipset and implementing the new Mini Display Port before updating the Mini. We will know within the next 2 weeks!
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Let us hope they'll decide to use that instead of some leftovers and that the price won't exceed $799. Now that the MacBooks have been upgraded, I have a strong feeling we'll see some mini action very soon. :D
 
wizard said:
I have no doubt that a new machine is coming the question is this: will the box be the same? Frankly the current mini form factor passes up a lot of opportunity for innovation. An even marginally larger Mini offers up hope of a duality like the MB and MBP. That is an integrated graphics model and a more featur full model with better GPU resources and other goodies. Or Apple could ditch the optical drive and go even smaller

Given all of that I would be surprised if there is tie in to the new monitor Apple has.

With respect to the two disk rumor that actually would be real nice feature to have. But hear is my thinking Apple uses one conventional disk interface an adds a Mini PCI Express slot that can be usdled for I/O or to put in place a SSD with a mPCI-E interface. MPCI-E disk drive are of growing interest in the embedded world. Apple could have good success with this move as there is really no need for a chassis for SSD.


Dave
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Apple has chosen on this round to abandon firewire on some of its offerings related to laptops. You and I* are totally in agreement that Apple should be considering express card slots. In fact, it should be on all of their offerings. Let people decide what they need (firewire 400 or 800, esata etc.) and custom their system. I have no problem if Apple wants to squeeze a few extra bucks on top for the express card slot addition...I would pay it within reason no questions asked.

Elsewhere I have said similar about the express slot. It simply makes good sense.

Cheers

- Phrehdd
 
iDave said:
If it has the specs of the new MacBook, I'm predicting $899 but hoping for $799. Say goodbye to the low-end $599 version. :(
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yea here in australia its currently at $849, going off the price of the MacBooks and MBP's it will go to at least $1,500.. which is a complete rip off, hardly worth it. i might have to use my hackintosh instead.
 
Couldn't Apple take what they have learned with the Macbook line and do the same thing with the Mac Mini. The result could be a computer that is half as tall but much more powerful. Think of it as a notebook without a screen.

Here is my idea of the models:
2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 GB RAM DDR3, expandable to 4 GB
160 GB SATA HDD
8X Superdrive
NVidia 9400m graphics
Mini Display Port
Magsafe power
$599

2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 GB RAM DDR3, expandable to 4 GB
250 GB SATA HDD
8X Superdrive
Nvidia 9400m graphics
Mini Display Port
Magsafe Power
$799
 
CaryMacGuy said:
Couldn't Apple take what they have learned with the Macbook line and do the same thing with the Mac Mini. The result could be a computer that is half as tall but much more powerful. Think of it as a notebook without a screen.

Here is my idea of the models:
2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 GB RAM DDR3, expandable to 4 GB
160 GB SATA HDD
8X Superdrive
NVidia 9400m graphics
Mini Display Port
Magsafe power
$599

2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2 GB RAM DDR3, expandable to 4 GB
250 GB SATA HDD
8X Superdrive
Nvidia 9400m graphics
Mini Display Port
Magsafe Power
$799
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That would be great! Problem is, Apple probably thinks that's too much computer for those prices.
 
Maybe they can make the specs similar to the white macbook for the low end $599 model and the $799 model gets the features of the $1299 macbook.

I just think that they should stop building the Mac Mini as a desktop computer (even though that is what people will use it for) and build it as a notebook w/o the screen. That includes using the aluminum unibody technique.
 
CaryMacGuy said:
Maybe they can make the specs similar to the white macbook for the low end $599 model and the $799 model gets the features of the $1299 macbook.
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Not sure but I think that would require two different motherboards and a whole bunch of extra engineering.
I just think that they should stop building the Mac Mini as a desktop computer (even though that is what people will use it for) and build it as a notebook w/o the screen. That includes using the aluminum unibody technique.
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Many would argue that's what the mini already is; a notebook without a screen, battery, keyboard or trackpad. If the unibody is made for strength, the mini doesn't really need it, or the expense.
 
iDave said:
Not sure but I think that would require two different motherboards and a whole bunch of extra engineering.
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Probably a not much different motherboard.
Probably less engineering (no battery, no built in-display, no isight)

Originally Posted by CaryMacGuy
The result could be a computer that is half as tall but much more powerful
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How could it be half as tall if it uses about the same components as the current one? The biggest components in the Mac mini are the optical drive and the HDD...

But the rest of your predictions are correct, IMO. Exactly the same specs as the new MacBook, same prices as the current Mac mini, slightly different enclosure. If ever updated.
 
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