New 2014 Mac Mini Has Soldered RAM, Not User Replaceable

[ZZ Bottom]

It's just a matter of time before Apple removes all RAM upgrade capabilities from their computers.

The 27" iMac and the Mac Pro are the only ones left. And I'd surmise we'll see those go away in 2 years and only offer soldered RAM.

Great, give the PC wonks something else to hate on.

This is true. The "Pro" designation obviously didn't prevent the MBP from receiving soldered RAM. The Mac Pro will likely suffer the same fate on its next redesign (which is likely years off).

 

[MyopicPaideia]

If you will do 'heavy' Photoshop usage(photoshoping is not a true word, does it?), you will NEED way more then 16GB. Just check Bearfeats for Photoshop users and see how much the performance drops after you run out of memory. I do a LOT of graphics(i have a graphics business, and i have fortune 500 clients if you need to ask) and i can BARELY manage to do it with 32GB. So i don't now how 'heavy' you workflow is, but sure not at a pro level. So quit this 'i can do it with 8GB, so you sure don't need it'. Because it's YOUR usage scenario, doesn't mean others can't have a different, more resource consuming. And i don't now how 'many VM's' are you running with your 8Gb AND 'heavy' Photoshop, since the OS alone requires a minimum of 4GB just to function.
And speaking of mini, you could have a decent machine for smaller Photoshop/Illustrator projects and at a decent price. But to pay Apple 200$ for 8GB of RAM????? What is this, 1990 prices on RAM? In EU that $200 becomes 200EU, about freaking 300$, for 8GB of RAM!!!!! Have all at Apple gone mad??? It looks like Apple did not upgraded because quad core was much more popular than they think it will be. So they try now to force users into buying higher end iMacs or nMP. Same as with 21,5" iMAc, no user upgradable RAM. This is a very-very bad business model.....

So what are you doing messing about with the mini in the first place?? You soud as though you are a pro user, who uses the machine as a business tool. You should at least have a maxed out 27" iMac, if not an at least mid-range Mac Pro. The mini was never meant for you. It is definitely aimed at more like what the guy your responding to is doing with his machine,mand that probably should be classified on the heavy side of the scale for a Mac mini...

 

[MisakixMikasa]

You don't have to install the updates. Just letting ya know.





To be fair, I had no idea who that was until this news bit.

But when you need restore your phone, you are forced to the update. What should you do then?

 

[Mr. McMac]

Sorry Apple, but my mid 2011 Mac Mini still works great. That being said, I think I'll pass your updated model. Why? because you had to go and solder in the ram. It's sad because I really love OSX, but I'm not interested in all in ones, or your ridiculously overpriced Mac Pro.
All I can say is I hope my 2011 Mini keeps working for years to come. After it dies I guess I'll be building a new PC...

 

[fa8362]

So what are you doing messing about with the mini in the first place?? You soud as though you are a pro user, who uses the machine as a business tool. You should at least have a maxed out 27" iMac, if not an at least mid-range Mac Pro. The mini was never meant for you. It is definitely aimed at more like what the guy your responding to is doing with his machine,mand that probably should be classified on the heavy side of the scale for a Mac mini...

I'm a pro user and use a quad i7 Mini with 16 GB a RAM. Spending more than double on an iMac would be stupid, given that the Mini gets the job done...and quickly.

 

[Count Blah]

Bingo. The outrage is reminding me of the "Apple is done" rantings when the iTunes app icon changed. We lived. Most people who claim they cannot survive without a quad core probably can.

The ones using the mini to code are usually the some ones utlilizing the quad to also perform media processing, which greatly takes advantage of the quad core.

But keep on painting your happy picture, and we'll keep on painting the reality of a lot of people.

 

[J. Jizzle]

I'll be sticking with my 2012 Mac Mini, thank you. I don't know why Apple chose to make the RAM non-removeable in the new Mac Mini. After all, isn't that what made the Mac Mini so wonderful in the first place? The next Mac I'm going to buy is most likely going to be a 27" iMac.

 

[loon3y]

It's just a matter of time before Apple removes all RAM upgrade capabilities from their computers.

The 27" iMac and the Mac Pro are the only ones left. And I'd surmise we'll see those go away in 2 years and only offer soldered RAM.

Great, give the PC wonks something else to hate on.

No way on the Mac Pro, it'll discourage all companies using Mac Pros/Mac Pros Servers to just never use it as a server again.

Not to mention even when it was upgradable, i've seen more often then not throw away their mac Pros and seen dell servers outlast them.


What if a Database accumulates over 500,000-1 million different products in inventory?

Its just going to make it crawl at some point, and then they have to buy another Server? rather then a simple ram upgrade? (if it was a memory issue)


iMacs i can see that, even though i see it as a mistake.

but i really cant see the Pro going in that direction.

i do hope you're wrong for all our sakes.

 

[mungo2k]

Two reasons I'm not convinced by this story.

1. On the Apple procurement website (for educational purchases), the specifications for a custom build Mac mini list "2x4GB" and "2x8GB" for the 8 and 16GB options. This isn't the case with the rMBP, for example.

2. The configuration options on the rMBP have a warning that you can't upgrade the RAM after purchase. No such warning exists on the Mac mini page.

Also, there are 3 memory options for the base model. Seems quite a lot for soldered boards.

Finally, Apple made a point of changing the design of the Mm in 2011(ish) to include an easily removed base in order to access the RAM. Are they now going to glue the base on?

I could be wrong, but I'll wait for the teardown.

 

[subsonix]

The ones using the mini to code are usually the some ones utlilizing the quad to also perform media processing, which greatly takes advantage of the quad core.

Really, can you be a bit more specific? What kind of code and media processing, sounds awfully vague.

 

[Quu]

I think people are upset as they cannot make perfectly acceptable hardware upgrades after they have purchased the computer.

I understand and appreciate Apple's decision to solder RAM on MacBook's and iMac's, but there is simply not excuse at all to take this action on the Mini when it's been so user-upgradable friendly in the past.

I don't like this idea of 'disposable computers/devices'. Why shouldn't a user be able to upgrade and prolong the life of a machine? Apple bang on about how environmentally friendly their products are, but how many end up in landfills years before their time due to the fact that people cannot upgrade a simple thing like RAM?

I agree with you 100%.

The problem is, what we as customers want and what Apple want are at odds with each other. This is the kind of event that makes people consider switching to alternative platforms.

I love my iPhone and my iPad. I also love my MacBook Pro. But the iMac, Mac Pro and Mac Mini I can't love those. The hardware and case choices available in the PC space are just too huge and priced too aggressively to even consider an Apple option.

People who've waited for a refreshed Mac Mini have every right to be angry.

 

[sirozha]

I realize everyone is upset, and I am too. However, the 98% of general populace out there wouldn't be able to tell Intel i5 from Intel i7, have no idea about CPU speed, and definitely don't know how many CPU cores they need.

Apple put a better graphics card in the 2014 Mac Mini than any other Mac Mini before this release, and the mid-range Mac Mini with 8 GB of RAM and Fusion Drive is $899, which is still the best desktop in this class you can get (perhaps not due to the components only, but definitely due to the combination of components, OS, and ecosystem).

A lot of us in this forum are power users. The overwhelming majority of Apple's customers are not. Apple makes most of their money off non-techies.

The 2014 Mac Mini mid-range with 2.6 GHz i5 dual core, 8 GB of RAM, and Fusion Drive will blow most PCs out of the water. It will smoke its competition with Yosemite and the beauty of Apple's ecosystem, including iCloud. It will do everything you throw at it - as long as you don't throw heavy stuff at it. If you want something to do professional-grade computing, then you will have to cough up a few grand - at least.

The times of Apple packing in quad-core compute power in budget computers is over. Apple is after high margins, and as a shareholder, I have no problem with that. If Apple loses a few thousand enthusiasts to Hackintosh over this decision, it's not going to have a comparable effect on its bottom line as the effect of improving the margins and targeting millions of Wintel refugees with the line of 2014 Mac Minis.

What we all have learned in the past year is that Desktop Computer is not dead. I predicted this when iPad 2 came out. The market may be switching from laptops to a combination of desktops and tablets. The Desktop is for content creation and tablet is for content consumption. Those who don't need to create anything and just want to consume don't even need a computer anymore; they can do everything on a tablet. In fact, in a few years, laptops may be relegated to professional use at work and to engineering students; the rest may just switch to the "desktop and tablet" paradigm. I have switched to this paradigm and have been using enjoying it for two years now.

There's no accident Apple invested so much R&D into Handoff and Continuity in Yosemite. Apple is seeing a trend of people using desktops and tablets and moving tasks from one to the other and back.

Apple also realizes that Microsoft can't get their act together. Windows 8 is an believable gift that Microsoft gave to Apple. I know a lot of people who are saying they can't stand what Microsoft did with Windows 8 and they are switching to OS X just because of how hopeless Windows is. So, these switchers already have keyboards, mice, monitors, etc. All they need is a Mac computer, and most of them are non-techies. So, there you go, Apple has just created an affordable and very capable platform for Wintel refugees and was able to improve its margins in the process.

If you don't see how brilliant this move is, you are definitely not an investor.

P.S. If anyone reading this is considering the 2014 Mac Mini, definitely upgrade to Fusion Drive. You will see a HUGE improvement that is definitely worth the premium Apple charges for Fusion Drive. The lower-end 2014 Mac Mini is not worth its price, in my opinion, unless you want to use it as an HTPC (home-theater PC). With the Intel 5000 integrated graphics, the lower-end 2014 Mac Mini is a very capable HTPC to be used with a 1080p TV even with its 4 GB RAM option; however, don't try it with a 4K-resolution TV. Besides being an HTPC, this lowest-end configuration is not good for anything. You would have to upgrade it to 8 GB of RAM and Fusion Drive to get decent performance out of it as a desktop. Such an upgrade brings up the price to $849, in which case, you should definitely go with a better CPU and better graphics card from the mid-range Mac Mini for just extra $50.

As for the upper-range 2014 Mac Mini, the upgrade to i7 dual-core CPU and 16 GB of RAM would only make sense for those who do semi-professional video work or run Windows/Linux in a VM using Parallels or VMware. If all you want is to do amateur-level music/photo/video editing and regular home tasks on a Mac Mini, you don't need to cough up extra cash for the i7 dual-core CPU or 16 GB of RAM. At its highest spec upgrade, Mac Mini 2014 is overpriced.

 

[prowlmedia]

Really, Apple just looks worse because they're better at getting more money. If Dell did this, nobody would buy it, but they'd do it if they could get away with it like Apple can.

They did for a while. Their tiny machines about 5 years ago had soldered ram. Nobody bought it as it was rubbish.

I'd have got all irate about it 5 years ago but machines today such as the mini is more than enough for lots of people... and it's cheap enough now to be replaceable in 3-4 years.

I played with the 1.4 - 4gb stock one in store today and loaded it up with 4hd videos playing at the same time - didn't miss a beat. and few games that were on it... played fine. Sure it's not going to be an xbox beater in anyway but seemed fine.

I have 2 mac minis and guess what... never added more ram! And I do 3d animation... they are render slaves - probably should have done but they work fine.

The only people that care about this really is the geeks. Machines are tools and appliances - this is more of an appliance.

Work it for 3-5 years get a new one.

But do agree the cost is unacceptable. $200 for 8 > 16gb bump is insane. $100 would have been fine.

 

[Ckar]

Apple should only sell 1 model with the macmini,

PRICE: that is the $499 version only

RAM: soldered
upgrades: pay more for higher amount of soldered RAM

STORAGE: 128GB should be standard. SSDs should be soldered.
256GB and 512 SSD upgrades to those who are willing to pay.


no quad core CPUs needed. if anyone needs more power than the $499 mac mini they can go buy an iMac. The mac mini is never meant to be a high end machine.

The 2014 mac mini that is just released is what the true mac mini should be and is therefore ideal.

 

[fa8362]

Really, can you be a bit more specific? What kind of code and media processing, sounds awfully vague.

Photo editing, graphic creation and processing, video editing, animation, special effects rendering, audio creation, processing, and editing = media processing

 

[MyopicPaideia]

its really pathetic watching people on this forum blindly defend apple on this issue.

apple told us the soldered-in ram in the rMBP was for reducing the overall thickness of the device.

there is no excuse or justification WHATSOEVER to have soldered-in RAM on the latest mini.

and to top off the ridiculousness of the latest mini, they removed the quad core option.

then there's people on here talking like this is a good thing! "well if you dont like it just spend another $2000 to get what you want"

what the hell is wrong with you people?

steve jobs wanted to make things thin. tim cook wants to....make money. i'm done with apple now. i sold my rMBP and ipad air a month ago. replaced it with a surface pro 3.

i had to laugh at the latest ipad announcement.

this modern skeleton of apple cant even give us a touch screen on a laptop, and wont give us OSX on a hybrid tablet.

the innovation is not happening at apple anymore.

if you think a higher res screen is innovation, no wonder you are cheerleading for apple without thinking critically.

if you think soldered-in ram on a non-portable device is a good thing, just stop pretending to be a computer enthusiast for any meaning of the term.

It's really hard to objectively find fault with anything you've said here.

 

[prowlmedia]

What's even more insane is you can spec one up to $2,199 / £1,759 !!!

 

[heimo]

I'll replace my late 2009 Mac mini 2,26GHz, 8GB, 256GB SSD with the 2014 mini, 2.8GHz, 16GB, 256GB SSD. Yes, it was a little bit disappointing that there are no 4 core models, and RAM may be soldered - and I had a choice of getting the 2012 model with 4 cores - but I still chose the new model. And I'm 97% sure I'll be very happy with my new computer. If not, I'll wait for the next better one and replace again. Life doesn't end to one computer model. You have to play with the toys that are available. Mac Pro would be nice, so would the Retina 27" iMac, but I just don't have enough use for those to pay the extra. I could afford either one of those immediately, but it would just be a toy for me. Computers nowadays are just ridiculously fast, everything feels at least adequate.

Why 16GB? Virtual machines. 8GB (max '09 supports) isn't quite enough. I'm also looking forward taking advantage of Thunderbolt and USB3 - replacing my external fw disks.

 

[Padmini]

If someone were to say to me..."I'm the kind of person who wants everything for nothing"...I would quickly show them to this thread.

I've been struggling with a 2012 mini for work and have patiently been awaiting this year's Macs to decide on an upgrade...

My decision? A Retina iMac.

 

[Steve121178]

I am not disputing your friends' choices at all. But Apple does not seem to care about them anymore. They are a huge corporation now and have enough people rolling over to buy whatever they put out that they no longer need to care if they keep or lose their "enthusiast" customers - the "problem" customer syndrome.

But it's people like my friends that buy Apple computers time and time and time again. A consumer will just buy one computer and use it for 6 or 7 years until it's obsolete. The type of Apple enthusiast Apple are pissing off are those who buy a lot of Macs regularly.

I understand your point that Apple are selling a lot of computers, so on paper it all looks rosy, but you want those customers to keep buying Apple computers. You can't rely on the consumer to keep things ticking over, you do need the enthusiast/professional/education users too.

 

[anthorumor]

Entry level specs are reasonable IF only the machine was US $400.
The upgrade costs are a little extreme - why not just make 8GB the default to ease the process for the majority of users. Yosemite would certainly benefit from 8GB RAM.
Also for those thinking of using the Mini as a high level machine, well, for a quad i7, you're better off visiting the refurbished store. The mini no longer appeals to you.

Note to Intel: why make a dual core variant of the i7? Don't see the differentiating point between that and the dual core i5.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

I'm a pro user and use a quad i7 Mini with 16 GB a RAM. Spending more than double on an iMac would be stupid, given that the Mini gets the job done...and quickly.

Agreed. So if you already have that, what were you looking for in the new mini? You'd only have gotten in the best case a slight processor bump to the Haswell version of what you have, which was focused more on increasing efficiency than power. Seems like it wouldn't have been a worthwhile upgrade for you in any case.

It is super disappointing what this ugrade says about the future and direction of this product line though, I am in full agreement on that one!

 

[KPOM]

My guess is that the Mac Mini is slowly being phased out as it has served it's intended purpose. I wouldn't be surprised if very few of the quad-core models were sold. We don't know since Apple doesn't release detailed breakouts of its product sales, but I thought for several years the MacBook line has made up the majority of Apple's sales.

Remember that the Mac Mini was introduced as a low-cost Mac for "switchers" from Windows PCs back when the company primarily was a computer company that was looking to capitalize on the popularity of the iPod. Today it is primarily a mobile device company, with Macs as a steady and profitable but niche market that has stabilized. They probably get more "switchers" as a result of people who own iPhones and iPads who decide to buy into the ecosystem rather than people directly disaffected with Windows PCs. For them, their introduction to the Mac is likely to be the MacBook Air or 13" MacBook Pro with Retina display.

If Apple sees a decline in Mac sales relative to the market, they may reconsider, but my guess is that this is a permanent shift in Apple's strategy.

 

[subsonix]

Photo editing, graphic creation and processing, video editing, animation, special effects rendering, audio creation, processing, and editing = media processing

Yes I know, but you can't say that all of those application take advantage of a multi core CPU per se, but he also said that people who write code are the same people who do this media processing. I know that there are applications that take advantage of multi core CPUs.

 

[fa8362]

But it's people like my friends that buy Apple computers time and time and time again. A consumer will just buy one computer and use it for 6 or 7 years until it's obsolete. The type of Apple enthusiast Apple are pissing off are those who buy a lot of Macs regularly.

I understand your point that Apple are selling a lot of computers, so on paper it all looks rosy, but you want those customers to keep buying Apple computers. You can't rely on the consumer to keep things ticking over, you do need the enthusiast/professional/education users too.

And those enthusiasts have promoted Apple to friends and family. Long term, this is a bonehead move. But the Apple top execs don't care because they'll be fired or retired with millions by then.