I certainly agree that all the changes you'd like to see won't happen on the Mini/Mini-type platform. I would love to see a 3.5 inch hard drive, 802.11n, and a processor bump up to C2D. Unless they go for a much more midrange computer, I see the next update/redesign having specs like that (except maybe not the 3.5 inch HD) and like what Evangelion mentioned.
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Mac Mini To Be Discontinued?
- Thread starter Planner Dude
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I certainly agree that all the changes you'd like to see won't happen on the Mini/Mini-type platform. I would love to see a 3.5 inch hard drive, 802.11n, and a processor bump up to C2D. Unless they go for a much more midrange computer, I see the next update/redesign having specs like that (except maybe not the 3.5 inch HD) and like what Evangelion mentioned.
Just because your university has money to waste doesn't mean that home users do the same.
It really is cheaper to get a display and a Mac mini. People don't replace their monitors every 3 years.
If all you're going to do is wipe out OS X, wouldn't you be better off buying a Mini-ITX computer? It could end up cheaper and more silent if you pick a fanless model.
Well, because it's a Mac!
Seriously, I like the form factor of the Mac mini, and there's really nothing a PC case would bring to the table for me. Yes, it's true, I'd have a regular 3.5" HDD instead of a notebook HDD, and that is something to consider, but I'm also not doing anything big-iron with it. It's a small-time web server sitting in my home. I'd just as soon keep it small and stylish.
Now, if I were to have another Linux box in the house, it would be a workstation and I'd build it in a larger case (Mid ATX-ish, probably). Dunno exactly, but I'm not in a position to do that just now, and really don't need another computer. I'm already very pleased with what I've got.
I agree. Our Mini is sitting under the TV in our living room, serving as a PVR with the addition of EyeTV and a Miglia TVMax box, a DVD player and music centre. It's also our home shopping terminal, thanks to a broadband connection, which it shares via Airport with the other computers in the house.
I've read descriptions of the
TV as a "stealth product" -- a means of getting a traditionally geeky product into a non-geeky environment. Well, I'm telling you that there is no other computer on the market that my wife would have let me put in our living room, and certainly no other computer that she would annouce (unprompted) that she "loves".I can't help but wonder if all the speculation about the Mini's sales performance is just that - speculation. I mean - why there are quite so many Mini-shaped hard drives and other add-ons if there's no market for them? BenQ have recently knocked out a flat panel monitor that even has a Mini-shaped depression in the stand ...
Cheers
Jim
Well, because it's a Mac!
Seriously, I like the form factor of the Mac mini, and there's really nothing a PC case would bring to the table for me. Yes, it's true, I'd have a regular 3.5" HDD instead of a notebook HDD, and that is something to consider, but I'm also not doing anything big-iron with it. It's a small-time web server sitting in my home. I'd just as soon keep it small and stylish.
IMHO, a Mac without Mac OS X is not a Mac. So if all you want is a small, low-power unix web server, a Mini-ITX computer would cost less and still be as small or at least extremely close in size to the Mac mini. There isn't that many versions of Mini-ITX boards and there is even Linux Distros with support for the VIA boards.
On the other hand, if you can get your hands on a refurb G4/1.25GHz, it might end up cheaper than a Mini-ITX anyway.
They'll be replaced by something new and better most likely. But if not, you'll be able to get refurbs and closeouts for a while from Apple and other vendors. Only when that supply is exhausted would I go to ebay, craigslist, etc.
Tell that to my Mac Classic!!!
I was referring to MikeTheC's idea of using a Mac mini with Linux instead of OS X.
Except that PC users who want to switch already have a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
And everybody who switched to Mac OS X with a Mac mini still has his/her monitor, keyboard and mouse. Do you really think they'll drop all that and get an iMac? Or an expensive Mac Pro?
If Apple drop the Mac mini they have to offer a new headless upgrade path that's not a Mac Pro.
This sums it up right here. Apple needs to offer a cheap headless unit. As popular as the iMac is, many consumers would never buy an all in one, myself included. This move better be to make way for a budget midtower, what the mini really should have been in the first place.
i own 2 Mini's. a G4 1.42 (i think) 512Ram and an Intel 1.66 2GB Ram.
i love them though. admittedly i haven't used the G4 one in a long while but thats because i bought the Intel (mind you, both optical drives have gone on them. both DVD R's of one type or another, but neither likes burning any type of media very often any more). The Intel is used in the living room for surfing, music, films etc on the plasma... much like other folk here really.
I have every intention of buying another Mini when they bump them up to C2D and moving my Logic7 install over onto it for the home studio (obv maxing the Ram out). then, maybe another one as an ' tv extreme' type device (media center) for the bedroom. i have a 1.2TB NAS on my network crammed full of movies, music etc and don't always want to share it via iTunes. Frontrow is just as good, and easier to customise.
Question though: with the DVI out on the back of the Mini, can i use a DVI to HDMI lead to plug into an HD tv?
so, to summerise, don't get rid of the Mac Mini, please. It has many uses to many people, and they will want better equipment sooner or later, but at the same size. It just... fits!
i love them though. admittedly i haven't used the G4 one in a long while but thats because i bought the Intel (mind you, both optical drives have gone on them. both DVD R's of one type or another, but neither likes burning any type of media very often any more). The Intel is used in the living room for surfing, music, films etc on the plasma... much like other folk here really.
I have every intention of buying another Mini when they bump them up to C2D and moving my Logic7 install over onto it for the home studio (obv maxing the Ram out). then, maybe another one as an '
tv extreme' type device (media center) for the bedroom. i have a 1.2TB NAS on my network crammed full of movies, music etc and don't always want to share it via iTunes. Frontrow is just as good, and easier to customise.Question though: with the DVI out on the back of the Mini, can i use a DVI to HDMI lead to plug into an HD tv?
so, to summerise, don't get rid of the Mac Mini, please. It has many uses to many people, and they will want better equipment sooner or later, but at the same size. It just... fits!
hello all: love the forums and love the discussions as well as all the resources you have on the site. personally, i hope they do update the mini. although, if they don't, i'll probably get one from costco or some place. (costco had the g4 models, when apple switched to the intels, so i'm thinking they would carry minis to get rid of the invetories). i'm torn as i'm not sure if i would want an imac yet or not, but will wait and see what is announced at wwdc.
not a mac user, yet, but will be before the summer is over
not a mac user, yet, but will be before the summer is over
to my knowledge, yes. all you need as a dvi to hdmi adapter and i'm pretty sure the mini will give you full 1080p resolution if your tv can support it.
the telly we use the most only has dvi in. the one in the bedroom has hdmi but no mini yet.
cheers for the help
I connect my MacBook to my HDTV with a dvi to hdmi cable. I have to run a separate wire for audio. Works just fine.
Hey guys..
Good to know about the DVI to HDMI lead. I'm preparing to jump on a new mini as soon as we get word on whether there will be something new.
Here's another thing I've been wondering... How long a cable could I get away with? I'm wondering if can run the cable from 1 room to another?
Any ideas?
Good to know about the DVI to HDMI lead. I'm preparing to jump on a new mini as soon as we get word on whether there will be something new.
Here's another thing I've been wondering... How long a cable could I get away with? I'm wondering if can run the cable from 1 room to another?
Any ideas?
You know, talking about Mac minis, the one thing I never understood is why Apple didn't provide a USB <-> PS/2 KBD/Mouse adapter cable with them, since in my experience most people who have or would switch have PCs (even of totally modern, relatively new vintage) that still use PS/2 ports as the default choice for their OEM keyboards and mice.
Either that or stoop to the mundane and stick a PS/2 port set on the thing and be done with it. After all, one of the theories of the mini was to be "plug and switch".
Just my 2¢.
Either that or stoop to the mundane and stick a PS/2 port set on the thing and be done with it. After all, one of the theories of the mini was to be "plug and switch".
Just my 2¢.
Really? I don't know much about WinPCs but thought PS/2 was eliminated about five years ago. I guess Apple thought, much like the floppy drive, that PS/2 keyboards were obsolete. I think the Apple stores sell adapters if one is needed.
I always thought Apple should just offer a cheap-ass keyboard & mouse set for about $30 for those who need them.