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Mac Mini Still Alive? New Model Coming?

mjteix said:
Probably a not much different motherboard.
Probably less engineering (no battery, no built in-display, no isight)
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My response was to the suggestion that there be two minis; one with the new MacBook-like specs and another with the old MacBook-like specs. I don't think that will happen. Too complicated.

I'll be shocked if Apple offers a mini with specs like the new MacBook for less than $899. Perhaps they'll offer such a mini with a slower 1.8Ghz processor, with less memory and a smaller hard drive for $799.
 
POssible specs

iDave said:
That would be great! Problem is, Apple probably thinks that's too much computer for those prices.
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Even if Apple did put these specs, I think they should consider the following:

1) Since both the MacBook and MacBook Pro now allow people to upgrade the hard drives, it would be great if they considered it when refreshing the Minis.
2) Having the GeForce 9400 would be a big boost in performance, but how much video memory would it share? The Intel chipset had a dedicated 64MB video RAM, it would be wise if they put in dedicated video RAM for the GeForce in the Mini.
3) The body is already in aluminum, and having it as a unibody might not work out well since it's not a mobile computer that works on the go - you still need a mouse, keyboard and monitor.
4) If they choose to add DisplayPort, then it would best serve as a port to extend the desktop since the DVI (which I hope they keep) will still allow people to connect their monitors.
5) Keeping the Apple remote

I think the following specs for the mini would be feasible, considering the falling prices in hardware components (These would be the starting specs):

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz with 4MB L2 Cache
160 GB 5400rpm SATA Hard drive (User upgradeable)
8x SuperDrive w/ DL burning (SATA interface).
GeForce 9400 (128/256 MB RAM Dedicated- May be partially shared)
2 GB DDR2-800MHz RAM (User upgradeable)
800MHz frontside bus
4x USB 2.0
1x FireWire 400
1x FireWire 800
mini DisplayPort
DVI port
10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
Airport Extreme wireless + Bluetooth 2.1

I think these would be good starting requirements if they refresh it.
 
bezerk3r86 said:
Even if Apple did put these specs, I think they should consider the following:
(These would be the starting specs):

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz with 4MB L2 Cache
160 GB 5400rpm SATA Hard drive (User upgradeable)
8x SuperDrive w/ DL burning (SATA interface).
GeForce 9400 (128/256 MB RAM Dedicated- May be partially shared)
2 GB DDR2-800MHz RAM (User upgradeable)
800MHz frontside bus
4x USB 2.0
1x FireWire 400
1x FireWire 800
mini DisplayPort
DVI port
10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
Airport Extreme wireless + Bluetooth 2.1

I think these would be good starting requirements if they refresh it.
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two problems, i think apple would keep the RAM at the newer 1066mhz, and the DVI port wouldnt be there if the miniport was there...
 
DoFoT9 said:
two problems, i think apple would keep the RAM at the newer 1066mhz, and the DVI port wouldnt be there if the miniport was there...
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Drop the firewire 400 port and have 2 800 1 on front and 1 on back.

2 front usb + 2 back usb

maybe a e-sata port.

mini DP with a free mini DP to DP and mini DP to DVI DL.
 
Cave Man said:
Screw FW800. If it's built on the NVidia chipset I want eSATA.



Screw Mini DisplayPort. It can pull out too easily. I want bonafide DisplayPort so I can screw the cable into the Mini.
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ok then. Apple will need to give you a DP to mini DP and DP to DVI DL then.
 
Every Mac product Apple makes from now on will have mini DisplayPort. End of story.

IMO, Firewire will be gone if the mini is upgraded. eSATA will still be a hack.
 
iDave said:
Every Mac product Apple makes from now on will have mini DisplayPort. End of story.

IMO, Firewire will be gone if the mini is upgraded. eSATA will still be a hack.
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I don't think that the mac pro will have it. It may have DP + DVI with a DP to mini DP.
 
with regards to DisplayPort, they would have to bundle an adapter for those who don't have supported hardware.

Even if they chose to go with 1066MHz for the RAM, I think they would slightly raise the price.

They should be more focused on making this very affordable and as powerful as the MacBook or MacBook Pro.

I don't think they should even consider having shared VRAM, or avoid users from upgrading the hard drives.
 
No new mini before January :(

Apple announced today-no more Macs before next year :(

Still really want a mini but must admit to loving my 2.4 Alum MB!

If I could only afford the new Cinema Display-Imagine the reduction in cables one could achieve :)
 
done waiting

Just ordered a windoze netbook and will use my 2006 MacBook in closed-lid mode for my htpc. A year and a half is too long for Apple to wait on upgrading a Mac that had year-old specs the last time they updated it. :confused:
 
iDave said:
Just ordered a windoze netbook and will use my 2006 MacBook in closed-lid mode for my htpc. A year and a half is too long for Apple to wait on upgrading a Mac that had year-old specs the last time they updated it. :confused:
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Yep, I waited for a while for a new Mac Mini for HTPC purposes. Finally gave up a built a really nice Vista box for about $700 (already had an extra Vista Home Premium license). Really nice ($220) Lian Li HTPC case, cheap Intel Dual Core processor (45 nm), HDMI w/ integrated audio--NetFlix, Hulu 480p all look awesome on it. Completely silent up close and definitely silent from the couch.

Given Apple's announcement of no new products, I am very glad I gave up on waiting for a new Mini.
 
iDave said:
Just ordered a windoze netbook and will use my 2006 MacBook in closed-lid mode for my htpc. A year and a half is too long for Apple to wait on upgrading a Mac that had year-old specs the last time they updated it. :confused:
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How reliable is a close-lid Macbook? I mean, I'd think it doesn't work, due to heat problems. Never tried, though.
 
It's fine. It senses heat if temp raises and turns fans up. Also the display is off so a lower current is drawn from the battery, reducing heat in that respect too.
 
Enigmafan420 said:
Apple announced today-no more Macs before next year :(

Still really want a mini but must admit to loving my 2.4 Alum MB!
Click to expand...

In my case I think I'm going to have to start looking for alternatives to the Mac, which is a shame as my trusty-yet-aging iBook G4 has definitely been one of the better computers I've owned over the years.

But it needs replacing. And this time I'm after something that does not have a built-in screen. Period.
I've been pricing things up since Christmas (yes, that long...), ready to buy something this Easter (space considerations). And the Santa-Rosa-ing of the rest of the lineup meant i simply could not justify the aging specs of the Mini.

And now it's going to be over a year between me deciding on the Mini and even learning its fate?
I'm probably going to go back to Plan A and just go back to Linux. Especially now that OpenOffice.org 3 supports features from MS Word documents that finally release me from needing a platform to run Word-proper.

It's a shame. I like Apple stuff. But this is just beyond a joke now.
 
TiggsPanther said:
In my case I think I'm going to have to start looking for alternatives to the Mac, which is a shame as my trusty-yet-aging iBook G4 has definitely been one of the better computers I've owned over the years.

But it needs replacing. And this time I'm after something that does not have a built-in screen. Period.
I've been pricing things up since Christmas (yes, that long...), ready to buy something this Easter (space considerations). And the Santa-Rosa-ing of the rest of the lineup meant i simply could not justify the aging specs of the Mini.

And now it's going to be over a year between me deciding on the Mini and even learning its fate?
I'm probably going to go back to Plan A and just go back to Linux. Especially now that OpenOffice.org 3 supports features from MS Word documents that finally release me from needing a platform to run Word-proper.

It's a shame. I like Apple stuff. But this is just beyond a joke now.
Click to expand...

Apple computers have great design but they are totally screwing over their customers. Everything I need to run doesn't work with OSX and the hardware is too expensive to justify buying a windows license to run my software.
 
specialbuddy said:
Apple computers have great design but they are totally screwing over their customers. Everything I need to run doesn't work with OSX and the hardware is too expensive to justify buying a windows license to run my software.
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Hold on... Apple are screwing their customers because OSX won't run Windows software?

I can think of many reasons why Apple customers are currently SOL (no updated mini, phasing out of Firewire on non-pro hardware, etc), but software compatibility is not one of them.

Now, them being too expensive if you need OSX software, that's a different (and currently valid) problem.
 
Apple's bone-headed decisions of late are really turning me off. I never bought a windoze computer before but ordered one last night.

I've used Macs since 1989 and have always liked them, but Macs are changing. Having to buy all new software for a new OS every few years, the mini fiasco and lack of a mid-Mac, glossy screens, loss of Firewire, mini-DisplayPort with no adapter...I finally snapped and decided to look elsewhere. For $500 I've ordered a nice netbook with a matte screen, three USB ports and a memory card reader, at less than three pounds to replace my MacBook and can hardly wait for it to arrive.

Sure, windoze is a drag, but I can compromise, save a bundle and get along just fine.
 
Arnaud said:
How reliable is a close-lid Macbook? I mean, I'd think it doesn't work, due to heat problems. Never tried, though.
Click to expand...

I have been running my Santa Rosa MBP in close-lid mode as a desktop since last June and it runs great. I have a Dell 2007WFP monitor and a wireless keyboard/mouse to use it like a desktop. Temps never get higher than 55C unless I am encoding video and even then they are safe.

This setup gives me the best of both worlds - a desktop and a portable in one machine - the best of both worlds.
 
iDave said:
I finally snapped and decided to look elsewhere. For $500 I've ordered a nice netbook with a matte screen, three USB ports and a memory card reader, at less than three pounds to replace my MacBook and can hardly wait for it to arrive.
Click to expand...

I tried the netbook way and was extremely disappointed. I could get by with the small screen, but resolution was too low to be usable for me. You will still need to buy new software, so the savings may not be as great as you think.

Not a hater, just giving my experience.
 
iDave said:
Apple's bone-headed decisions of late are really turning me off. I never bought a windoze computer before but ordered one last night. I've used Macs since 1989 and have always liked them, but Macs are changing. Having to buy all new software for a new OS every few years, the mini fiasco and lack of a mid-Mac, glossy screens, loss of Firewire, mini-DisplayPort with no adapter...I finally snapped and decided to look elsewhere. Sure, windoze is a drag, but I can compromise, save a bundle and get along just fine.
Click to expand...

Amen, brother. Amen.
 
emaja said:
I tried the netbook way and was extremely disappointed. I could get by with the small screen, but resolution was too low to be usable for me. You will still need to buy new software, so the savings may not be as great as you think.
Click to expand...
Understood. All I'll be using it for is internet access on the couch and on the road, much like I've been using my MacBook. Since it's not my main computer, no new software will be required, except anti-virus. :eek:

The MacBook will be relegated to HTPC duties, as I expected a new mini to do, if I could ever buy a new mini. :rolleyes:
 
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