Mac Mini Update Specs?

[Multimedia]

SAVE Page Mini Churn • What Was The Price For The 1.66GHz CD 1GB RAM 100GB HD mini?

Apple Store Refurbs.

A few days ago all the Mini refurbs disappeared from the Apple Store refurb list. After the Think Secret announcement, not only did they come back, but they added PPC models and a 1.66 Core Duo with 1GB RAM & 100GB HDD. Today, there is only one PPC model listed and that's it. Might be just coincidence, but that's a lot of activity.

Anyone know - Do current models usually disappear right before a speed bump and then reappear at a reduced price when new models are available?

SAVE page prices don''t go down when new models appear. They are already reduced from original prices. For example, PowerBook G4's are still at the same price they were last year as are the Quad G5 since February. I wouldn't go for a Solo at Fry's at any price. But if the CD with 1GB RAM and 100GB HD were $599 on the SAVE page, it almost might be a steal if the MacBooks weren't $949. But then you could put a 2.33GHz Merom in there and pray.

Oh I see. You buy the Core Solo at Fry's for $499 and then put Merom C2D 2.33GHz in immediately and pray. I am hesitant to immediately void a new mini warranty when a 1.83GHz model is soon. A 2.33 Merom will cost over $600 I think. Probably worth waiting for the 1.66GHz DC for $599 next week or so.

There should be a lot of churn in that secton of the SAVE page listings. IE more will come back every few days as the overstock and demos come in for inspection and then offerings. Do you remember what the price was for the 1.66GHz CD 1GB RAM 100GB HD? Will be interesting to see how much that config will cost when the new models ship.

Is this all Fry's stores, or just the one you're referring to. If it's store-wide, I might actually have to make a trip down to my local Burbank Fry's store after work tonight.

Check you LA Times insert or copy of it online. Or phone them first. Sometimes offerings up here aren't made down there and vice versa.

 

[roland.g]

$100 off from $949 down to $849
IMO, not worth it.

 

[mrgreen4242]

Do you remember what the price was for the 1.66GHz CD 1GB RAM 100GB HD?

I think it was $849. I can't recall for sure, but I'm 90% sure it listed as 11% off original price, which is $849. Well, that had a SD in it not a CD.

 

[kadajawi]

Your prices really hurt. A very basic Core Solo is around $750 here.

Anyway I need to get a new computer for my parents really soon... can't really afford to wait for an upgrade (which would be nice, although not neccessary). How likely is the upgrade? Or maybe I should build them a PC... hm. Would be cheaper, as fast as the Mac, much better equipped and not that much bigger.

What I would love to see though wouldn't be a Mac not that Mini, but something in a real case, without compromising for size. Put in the cheapest Intel CPU that is up to date, so you can toss in any faster CPU. Or better let the customer decide. Basic version would have a cheap CPU, maybe even a Celeron. Onboard graphics (but PCIx slot!). Accept ordinary disc drives, maybe even deliver without. Minimum amount of RAM... as low as 256 MB? Do anything to keep prices low, but give the machine a good case, size something around Mac Pro, maybe a bit smaller. Midi Tower size. Can be white plastic for example, should be stylish. Important are only the casing and the board, so the user can upgrade. That would really be something for switchers... they could simply plug in their old hardware (please at least driver support for all ATI and nVidia cards, the most important sound cards (Creative and VIA Envy24* I guess)). Ok, I think that will only stay a dream

 

[isgoed]

Anyway I need to get a new computer for my parents really soon...
[…]
What I would love to see though wouldn't be a Mac not that Mini, but something in a real case, without compromising for size. Put in the cheapest Intel CPU that is up to date, so you can toss in any faster CPU. Or better let the customer decide. Basic version would have a cheap CPU, maybe even a Celeron. Onboard graphics (but PCIx slot!). Accept ordinary disc drives, maybe even deliver without. Minimum amount of RAM... as low as 256 MB? Do anything to keep prices low, but give the machine a good case, size something around Mac Pro, maybe a bit smaller. Midi Tower size. Can be white plastic for example, should be stylish. Important are only the casing and the board, so the user can upgrade. That would really be something for switchers... they could simply plug in their old hardware (please at least driver support for all ATI and nVidia cards, the most important sound cards (Creative and VIA Envy24* I guess)). Ok, I think that will only stay a dream

Are you looking for a Mac for you or your parents?

 

[mrgreen4242]

SAVE page prices don''t go down when new models appear. They are already reduced from original prices. For example, PowerBook G4's are still at the same price they were last year as are the Quad G5 since February.

I don't think that is always the case. In this case, specifically, we are likely looking at the high end mini bumping down to the low end price range, and the high end being a new machine. That would meant that the high end mini is basically getting a price drop, which would push the refurb price down: the refurb Core Duo mini is currently MORE than a new Core Solo. I'd definitely expect to see Duos get a price drop in the refurb store if the new mini line up is 1.66 duo and 1.83 duo.

 

[timswim78]

I don't think that is always the case. In this case, specifically, we are likely looking at the high end mini bumping down to the low end price range, and the high end being a new machine. That would meant that the high end mini is basically getting a price drop, which would push the refurb price down: the refurb Core Duo mini is currently MORE than a new Core Solo. I'd definitely expect to see Duos get a price drop in the refurb store if the new mini line up is 1.66 duo and 1.83 duo.

It will be interesting to see how Apple stocks and prices the refurb store once the new chips are in the Intel machines. I have noticed less and less PPC refurbs for iMacs and Minis. I guess that Apple is holding onto them in order to replace PPC machines that go bad while under warranty.

 

[k8to]

Grah. I hope this rumour proves incorrect. A processor that can't do x86-64 is planned obsolescence. I don't want to buy a computer that will be unable to run software in a few years!

 

[ezekielrage_99]

I can see that dropping the Core Solo happening because for a little extra you can get a Core Duo.

 

[Multimedia]

Yes Old SAVE Page Mac Prices Should Go Down • But They Don't

I don't think that is always the case. In this case, specifically, we are likely looking at the high end mini bumping down to the low end price range, and the high end being a new machine. That would meant that the high end mini is basically getting a price drop, which would push the refurb price down: the refurb Core Duo mini is currently MORE than a new Core Solo. I'd definitely expect to see Duos get a price drop in the refurb store if the new mini line up is 1.66 duo and 1.83 duo.

Yes I agree that is what you would expect as would I. But it doesn't work that way. They are more than likely to stay just where they are.

Look at how old some of that stuff is from 2005 - a few even from 2004 - there and how they are still priced as if they hadn't long ago been replaced by more powerful models. Makes no sense. But there it is to study and see.

They're still selling Quad G5's for $2799 which is rediculous.

 

[kadajawi]

Are you looking for a Mac for you or your parents?

Eh... both? They need a simple computer... -> Mac Mini. I would love to get a Mac too, but can't be bothered with machines that can't be upgraded (ok, you CAN upgrade a Mac Mini and iMac, but not that much). And a Mac Pro would just be way to expensive. I think there are quite a few users who think the same and would like to see a downgraded Mac Pro for switchers who can then keep some of their hardware.

 

[AidenShaw]

I think there are quite a few users who think the same and would like to see a downgraded Mac Pro for switchers who can then keep some of their hardware.

And Intel makes a chip just for that market segment - the Conroe.

 

[kadajawi]

Aye, now we only need the rest of the computer. Basically, just build a Mac Mini in a mini/midi tower, with a mainboard that allows you to install new hardware. And try to keep the price low.

 

[Dont Hurt Me]

Mini is just fine all it needs is a better graphics chip, its what really holds this machine down in my view and yes I own 1.

 

[Evangelion]

Grah. I hope this rumour proves incorrect. A processor that can't do x86-64 is planned obsolescence. I don't want to buy a computer that will be unable to run software in a few years!

What makes you think that it "can't run software"? Current 32bit CPU's will be usable for years to come.

 

[mrgreen4242]

Yes I agree that is what you would expect as would I. But it doesn't work that way. They are more than likely to stay just where they are.

Look at how old some of that stuff is from 2005 - a few even from 2004 - there and how they are still priced as if they hadn't long ago been replaced by more powerful models. Makes no sense. But there it is to study and see.

They're still selling Quad G5's for $2799 which is rediculous.

Er... The quad G5 isn't available new anymore, so it costs what it costs (there's nothing in the regular store to compare it to - the Mac Pro is NOT a one for one replacement)... IF this rumor is true, then the current lineup is just getting shuffled down with a new top end added, then they would have to drop refurb prices or it wouldn't make any sense.

Now if they just shuffle the CPU down (so the base mini still has a Combo drive and 60gb HDD, but gets a 1.66 Core Duo) they will STILL have to drop the refurb price... A new regular price Solo with SD and 80gb HDD is currently $699, which is the current Core Duo refurb price.

If they completely revamp the lineup then they may keep the same pricing, but seems highly unlikey as noone would buy them and keeping uneeded inventory on hand is bad business.

 

[AidenShaw]

...but the software moves on

What makes you think that it "can't run software"? Current 32bit CPU's will be usable for years to come.

The worry is that in a few years interesting software applications will only come in x64 - companies will drop the fat binaries due to the expenses associated with multiple versions of the software.

This is already happening on the Windows side - several major apps will only be x64 in their next versions.

So, not only can the 64-bit chip be significantly faster when in 64-bit mode - it is more future-proof.

 

[Multimedia]

SAVE Prices On Old Macs Are Irrational

Er... The quad G5 isn't available new anymore, so it costs what it costs (there's nothing in the regular store to compare it to - the Mac Pro is NOT a one for one replacement)... IF this rumor is true, then the current lineup is just getting shuffled down with a new top end added, then they would have to drop refurb prices or it wouldn't make any sense.

Now if they just shuffle the CPU down (so the base mini still has a Combo drive and 60gb HDD, but gets a 1.66 Core Duo) they will STILL have to drop the refurb price... A new regular price Solo with SD and 80gb HDD is currently $699, which is the current Core Duo refurb price.

If they completely revamp the lineup then they may keep the same pricing, but seems highly unlikey as noone would buy them and keeping uneeded inventory on hand is bad business.

I agree with you. But for some reason who ever is in charge of that page does not. Mac Pro is certainly a replacement for the Quad G5 and much faster for less money. $2799 for a G5 Quad is not a fair market price.$1999 would be more reasonable.

That's why I am trying to get someone to do benchmarks between the Quad G5 and the 2GHz Mac Pro. My hunch is the 2GHz Mac Pro is faster than the 2.5GHz Quad G5. And a 2GHz Mac Pro is $2124 plus RAM.

 

[Goldfinger]

http://www.hardmac.com/news/2006-08-31/#5869

What about this ?

 

[miloblithe]

http://www.hardmac.com/news/2006-08-31/#5869

What about this ?

Makes me hope that they bring back three levels:

$499 Core Duo 1.66, 60/80GB HD, Combo drive
$599 1.66, 100GB HD, Super Drive
$699 1.83, 100GB/120GB, Super Drive

 

[Multimedia]

$599 1.66GHz Core Duo 100GB HD Superdrive • The End Of Combo Drives

What about this report of a silent mini update already in the pipeline on the French HardMac website?

"I have ordered a Mac mini Core solo with 1GB of RAM last Saturday to use it as a server, and what a surprise when I received the box!

My Mac mini has been upgraded:
- Core Duo 1.66GHz instead of Core Solo 1.5GHz
- HD 100GB instead of 60GB
- and a SuperDrive instead of a Combo!

Thanks Apple !

On the box, the specifications are those of a Mac mini Core Solo..."

Wow! Fantastic for $599. Awesome! Exactly what I was hoping for - esp the 100GB HD. Looking great. I wonder why the Apple Website Store hasn't been updated to reflect this change? Surely all in the pipeline that were 1.5 solo are now 1.66 duo. Perhaps Apple doesn't want Joe Blow to know so the rest of the solos can GO with the Blows?

That's gotta be the biggest increase in power in recent Apple history for no additional cost - twice the cores running faster than the previous one. Maybe back in the G4 days something like this happened. But it wasn't at the bottom of the line for $599. And it CERTAINLY wasn't unannounced and not even on the packaging!

I'm very excited for all the mini buyers out there. Congrats if you get one like this before Apple admits they are in the pipeline.

 

[Goldfinger]

Makes me hope that they bring back three levels:

$499 Core Duo 1.66, 60/80GB HD, Combo drive
$599 1.66, 100GB HD, Super Drive
$699 1.83, 100GB/120GB, Super Drive

Indeed, that's what I'm hoping for ! a 499$ one for me but with a superdrive. Don't care about those 20gigs.

 

[miloblithe]

If the $499 model has a superdrive too, what's the incentive to get the $599 version? Larger HD isn't enough, and I don't see Apple either dropping the higher-priced model or putting anything faster than 1.83 in the mini.

And I'm basing this on the guy in on the link above having his $599 current core solo replaced with what I put for the $599 model.

So maybe:

$599: Core Duo 1.66, 100GB, Superdrive, 512MB
$799: Core Duo 1.83, 120GM, Superdrive, 1GB

 

[Goldfinger]

What I mean is that I would get the $499 model but BTO it with a superdrive. A $549 model so to speak.

We'll see. If the low end becomes a dual 1.66 I'm getting one.

 

[Multimedia]

There Is No IF In NOW • All Macs Now Ship With At Least Two Cores

What I mean is that I would get the $499 model but BTO it with a superdrive. A $549 model so to speak.

We'll see. If the low end becomes a dual 1.66 I'm getting one.

You know what the difference in cost is between a Combo Drive and a Superdrive?

About $5

I am confused why you use the word IF? This report confirms it has already happened - unless you think Apple made a mistake fulfilling his order for a 1.5GHz CS by putting a 1.66GHz CD BTO in a CS box? That is next to impossably unlikely.

All we need is one more report like above to corroborate this is a fact. I wonder how long before the rumor sites put it out as a fact.

WE HAVE CONFIRMATION (NOT):

I posted this on the mini specs forum, but thought it would be needed here as well.
Are they already shipping then?

http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2010

Oops. It's the same reported source not confirmation.

They have obviously run out of their last shipment of Core Solo Yonahs and received their new supply of 1.66GHz CDs for that part of the mini assembly lines. I guess marketing is behind the curve on this one. Perhaps so as many Solo Units can get flushed off the shelves before they ADMIT THIS CHANGE. That wouold explain why Fry's is now ADVERTISING 1.5GHz Core Solo minis for $499. IE the buyers have been notified already and told to dump all the Core Solos ASAP since the replacement 1.66GHz Core Duos are in transit to the srores.