No Built-in iPod Docks in the Intel Mac mini?

[MacRumors]

Appleinsider reports that the upcoming Mac mini will not have a built-in iPod dock that had been previously rumored in November.

Apple has reportedly scrapped such plans for a built-in iPod dock at least once before. The site speculates that the reasons include sacrificing an additional revenue stream as well as limitations in future upgrades to the dock connector.

Appleinsider expects the new Intel Mac mini to start production in the next few weeks with an introduction within a month after that. Specs are expected to be 1.67GHz Intel Core Solo processor, 512MB RAM, and Front Row.

Similar specs were predicted in November, but no confirmation of Digitial Video Recorder (DVR) software is available.

 

[eva01]

I for one am glad it wont have one. Just incase a video iPod does come out and then that iPod may not fit in the connector if it has a different input.

or if it is on the elongated side while the connector is for the short side

 

[rockthecasbah]

im so happy about this, i don't know why Apple would flaw their own design by making some crap like an iPod dock stick out of one of their most beautiful machines..

 

[~Shard~]

I think there are more important features to worry about myself, such as DVR-functionality and the like. Although a dock would be handy, it does bring up issues regarding future-proofing for new iPods. Hopefully this machine will be impressive enough that this doesn't become a major issue.

 

[SpaceMagic]

Just how much is gunna be released in "two months time"??

 

[macintel4me]

built-in iPod dock = whatever

What about the DVR?????

 

[~Shard~]

im so happy about this, i don't know why Apple would flaw their own design by making some crap like an iPod dock stick out of one of their most beautiful machines..

Agreed - I think a dock would most likely compromise the sleek design of the mini. Not that that's the main reason they shouldn't include it, but it is defintely something to consider when Apple relies so much on the aesthetics of their products.

Just how much is gunna be released in "two months time"??

New iPods, new Mac minis, new displays, new iBooks and the remainder of the MacBook Pro line.

You asked.

 

[Spanky Deluxe]

I for one don't give a damn about DVR functions. Over here in the UK if you want all the channels you get satellite and the only way to record all of the channels is to use a special Sky+ box provided by the satellite network. PVR functions would be useless and would drive up the cost.

I want an Intel Mac Mini and nothing else. The same as the current one but with up-rated parts. Intel processor, 512 standard, X1300, 7200RPM drive, same looks, same everything else, bluetooth and wireless standard and most importantly, SAME PRICE. If they want to make a PVR then go and make a seperate PVR device or a Mac specifically designed for that, don't ruin and add bulk to an already existing product line.

 

[kretzy]

I agree, this is a good thing - the Mini would look so wrong with a big dint in the top. It is also not an important feature for the many people who don't have iPods.

 

[MacQuest]

I for one am glad it wont have one. Just incase a video iPod does come out and then that iPod may not fit in the connector if it has a different input.

My thoughts exactly. I believe this to be further proof of a different form factor iPod.

GIMME MY vPOD GOSHDARNIT APPLE!

 

[mac 2005]

built-in iPod dock = whatever

What about the DVR?????

Couldn't agree more. With the MacMini paired with Eyegato (sp?) and the new "true video" iPod, this combination would be incredible.

 

[MacQuest]

Just how much is gunna be released in "two months time"??

Oh boy, do you got some reading to do here on MacRumors!

 

[qtip919]

New iPods, new Mac minis, new displays, new iBooks and the remainder of the MacBook Pro line.

You asked.

Sweet, holding on to my apple shares is starting to make sense again

Although I still violated my rule of "always, always, always sell high"

but darnit...every time we have a set of product releases for apple, we see a 10-15 dollar increase in stock price...I doubt we'll see 86 again tho-

 

[rockthecasbah]

built-in iPod dock = whatever

What about the DVR?????

I think the fact is that at this time, people still aren't really NEEDING or having a big desire for a DVR/computer combo, so I'd rather Apple not rush the design and release it as a separate revision after the initial Intel transition.

 

[ibook30]

Couldn't agree more. With the MacMini paired with Eyegato (sp?) and the new "true video" iPod, this combination would be incredible.

I would love to see soem DVR type ability here - If I am tempted to buy a new machine this year, it will be a mac mini to serve as media center! (And to be honest, I don't think this first version will have it all together.. might be next year before Apple gets another chunk of my hard earned... )

 

[MacQuest]

im so happy about this, i don't know why Apple would flaw their own design by making some crap like an iPod dock stick out of one of their most beautiful machines..

It would definately have some kind of little flip cover to cover the dock connection. I wouldn't mind giving up a little design in order to gain a lot more functionality and convenience by being able to connect two devices that need to interact with eachother.

Of course the could also be an indication of a WiFi enabled iPod or vPod as well.

 

[Platform]

I wonder if it will ever come out of its bag....

 

[dornoforpyros]

when the whole built in iPod dock rumour started I thought it was a pretty cool idea, however at that time all we had was 4g iPods and minis, now the iPod line has expanded so crazy that sticking with any one dock style is rather stupid.

 

[zv470]

I've been after a DVR for a while, if the Intel Mac mini comes as DVR I'm definately buying one and that (possibly) upcoming iPod video. sweet.

 

[gnasher729]

As I expected, no source - not even the usual "informed sources" - to corroborate the "Core Solo" chip in the Mac Mini. So I will assume that this is just either an uneducated guess or wishful thinking.

 

[Hattig]

I'm sure an iPod dock would break the smooth sleek lines of the next Mac Mini, and thus it would be dropped.

I hope it has Firewire though, 'cos I've got an external Firewire hard drive I want to use with my next computer purchase, which I want to be a Mac Mini.

Oh, and why not pay the extra $40 for the dual-core Yonah instead of the single core? Unless Apple are getting them for very cheap...

 

[xejn]

1.6 Ghz?

It will be very interesting to see how a 1.6 Ghz Solo compares to 1.5 Ghz G4 mini.

Unless much else is changed the machines are at near parity.

 

[MacQuest]

built-in iPod dock = whatever

What about the DVR?????

I think that the runaway success of quality, edited television episodes being offered on iTMS [as can be witnessed by the rapidly increasing amount of channels and networks jumping on the bandwagon], is gonna make Apple hold off on DVR functionality at least for awhile.

I too would like DVR capabilities though, believe me. I've used my El Gato Eye TV USB endlessly since '02 and have always hoped that Apple would colloborate with or even acquire them in order to bring DVR to the Mac, but right now just doesn't seem right from a business perspective with so much focus on the iTMS's success for music, music video, and now tv episode sales.

 

[bretm]

It will be very interesting to see how a 1.6 Ghz Solo compares to 1.5 Ghz G4 mini.

Unless much else is changed the machines are at near parity.

A solo would be slightly better than a G5, and a lot better than a G4, plus the mhz is slightly faster. So it'll be a faster snappier machine, and will most likely have faster other components as well.

 

[rog]

Wow that thing is going to be S L O W....
Given the heavy use of Rosetta for the forseeable future and the need for 2 cores to make it barely usable in some cases, the Mini would be better off with a 1.6Ghz G5 or even a 2Ghz G4. I hope they at least switch to a 3.5" drive.