Revised Mac mini now shipping?

[nels0360]

Can you explain in more detail where in the serial number the build date is? Also, good point about warranty parts.. That would be pretty bogus if they replaced a bad 5400 HD with a 4200 HD, or a 8x SD with a 4x SD...

Congrats though.. Most of us are still going to have to wait...

Sure. The first letters of the serial indicate the production facility. The first number is the last number of the year. So 2005 would be 5 for the first number. The next two numbers are the production week. Mine was 37...there also a mention of a 35 having the update.

 

[ack_mac]

Sure. The first letters of the serial indicate the production facility. The first number is the last number of the year. So 2005 would be 5 for the first number. The next two numbers are the production week. Mine was 37...there also a mention of a 35 having the update.

Thanks! There are several Mac stores in my area, and if I have time this weekend I may try to do a little investigating.. Not expecting much help though, customer service in the DC completely blows... Where was the production facility for your mini?

Thanks again..

 

[nels0360]

Thanks! There are several Mac stores in my area, and if I have time this weekend I may try to do a little investigating.. Not expecting much help though, customer service in the DC completely blows... Where was the production facility for your mini?

Thanks again..

http://www.tuaw.com/2005/04/14/when-was-your-mac-born/2/

That's where I got my info. Mine is YM which indicates somewhere in China I guess.

 

[Squire]

Can you explain in more detail where in the serial number the build date is? Also, good point about warranty parts.. That would be pretty bogus if they replaced a bad 5400 HD with a 4200 HD, or a 8x SD with a 4x SD...

Congrats though.. Most of us are still going to have to wait...

I highly doubt your stuff would be replaced with inferior components. In fact, I'd bet the opposite scenario is more likely: that they replace a damaged 4200 rpm drive with a 5400 rpm drive in the event of a problem. (Can anyone give an example of this happening to them? I seem to recall reading several stories about Apple being pretty good this way.)

Oh, and nels0360, I'm glad your sleuthing has paid off. Enjoy the new machine!

Squire

 

[hayesk]

I think that it should be the customer that decides on the specs. People have some funny reasons sometimes for choosing a product and we should get exactly what we order. Imagine if someone went and tested a mini in a shop to see if his device, say a bluetooth phone synched and then after the order, Apple upgrades the bluetooth to a version unsupported to the phone...Not nice!

Imagine if Apple announced the new model while he was in the store and then he couldn't order the order anyway.

Honestly, this is ridiculous. All of you who thinks a legitimate complaint is " I ordered RAM and hard disks, and drives etc. before the Mac mini" - get over yourselves. It's not a big deal. Send the stuff back and get your money back. Is that so hard? Any reputable store will take them back within a couple of weeks, no questions asked.

 

[blenderdude]

Sure. The first letters of the serial indicate the production facility. The first number is the last number of the year. So 2005 would be 5 for the first number. The next two numbers are the production week. Mine was 37...there also a mention of a 35 having the update.

Hold it... is this number on the box somewhere? Can I go to the apple store, ask for a mini, and keep asking for different ones until I see 535 or 537 in the model number?

Any info would be great. Thanks!

 

[nels0360]

Hold it... is this number on the box somewhere? Can I go to the apple store, ask for a mini, and keep asking for different ones until I see 535 or 537 in the model number?

Any info would be great. Thanks!

It's the serial number which is on the outside of the box.

You can try asking for different ones but I doubt they would be too keen about it.

 

[blenderdude]

Thanks for the info.

I'm hopefully going to the apple store on saturday... wish me luck!

 

[Squire]

Ok thats great you got a good deal on your car. What if you got an extra 500mg with in every heart pill you took with out the label showing or an extra 200 fat grams per big mac. Or perhaps you were buying a hybrid car and it came with a V12 that only got 4mpg but the label said something else? If I got a 1.5 instead or a 1.42 I would be happy too but not if im trying to buy one and got the 1.42.

Okay, this has to be right up there in the "Worst Analogies of 2005" category. You see, in the real situation, the customers' expectations are being exceeded; they're getting more than they thought they would get. Your example...well, it's the opposite. The customer is getting something worse than he/she expects. Or, at the very least, getting something negative. (I believe what you describe is illegal.)


Your take: What if I ordered a large Coke and McDonald's and they gave me a medium?

The real situation: What if you ordered a medium and they gave you a large?

Here's a possible dialogue:

A: "Excuse me, I just ordered a medium. This is a large."
B: "Yes, we realize that, sir. But we ran out of medium cups so we gave you a large one at no extra cost."

What do you say?

(a) This is unacceptable! I wanted a medium, dammit! Let me talk to your manager.

OR

(b) Oh. Okay. Cool, thanks.

Really, what would you say? Would anyone here truly be pissed off?

Squire

 

[screensaver400]

Okay, this has to be right up there in the "Worst Analogies of 2005" category. You see, in the real situation, the customers' expectations are being exceeded; they're getting more than they thought they would get. Your example...well, it's the opposite. The customer is getting something worse than he/she expects. Or, at the very least, getting something negative. (I believe what you describe is illegal.)


Your take: What if I ordered a large Coke and McDonald's and they gave me a medium?

The real situation: What if you ordered a medium and they gave you a large?

Here's a possible dialogue:

A: "Excuse me, I just ordered a medium. This is a large."
B: "Yes, we realize that, sir. But we ran out of medium cups so we gave you a large one at no extra cost."

What do you say?

(a) This is unacceptable! I wanted a medium, dammit! Let me talk to your manager.

OR

(b) Oh. Okay. Cool, thanks.

Really, what would you say? Would anyone here truly be pissed off?

Squire

I'd be pissed off if I had already special ordered a medium lid.

 

[oskar]

I'd be pissed off if I had already special ordered a medium lid.

LOL!

But the large coke comes with a large lid anyways.. and it works better.

 

[oskar]

What? Sorry, but that makes no sense to me at all. What does me physically receiving the computer have to do with buying accessories? I mean is it somehow different for me to read online that the computer comes with USB ports than to actually see the USB ports in front of my face? Somehow I shouldn't order any USB peripherals until I can really confirm this? No, in most cases you can order in advance without problem. Its only in this 'special' instance where you might get burned.

You answered your own question, but you're right, I didn't make myself clear.
I was referring to getting something that was not made exclusively for the product. For example if you bought a laptop case which says fits 15" laptops only to realize it's too big or that it's too small for you laptop. Having your laptop first wouldv'e been better. The thing is, this is a very rare situation and
getting something better simply is NOT a problem, there's no way it can be.

 

[~Shard~]

<snip>

Thanks Squire - excellent example. Like I said, I think one of the explanations here is that some people aren't happy unless they have something to complain about. They'll even go so far as complain when their expectations are exceeded.

As I said before, I don't agree with how Apple has handled this, but what's worse is hearing all this whining. I think this gets the award for "Most Absurd Mac-Related Complaint of the Year".

 

[Squire]

I'd be pissed off if I had already special ordered a medium lid.

I was waiting for this...

LOL!

But the large coke comes with a large lid anyways.. and it works better.

...and this.

Thanks Squire - excellent example. Like I said, I think one of the explanations here is that some people aren't happy unless they have something to complain about. They'll even go so far as complain when their expectations are exceeded.

As I said before, I don't agree with how Apple has handled this, but what's worse is hearing all this whining. I think this gets the award for "Most Absurd Mac-Related Complaint of the Year".

You're welcome.
Really, I don't think this situation is much different from ordering just before an update. Unfortunate for some (but not absolutely the end of the world) and a nice surprise for others.

Squire

 

[c2104338]

left nut

Those shopping for a mini KNOW that there will be updates. I would give my left nut to know that there was definately a PB update in the next week or two.

 

[LimeiBook86]

Thanks Squire - excellent example. Like I said, I think one of the explanations here is that some people aren't happy unless they have something to complain about. They'll even go so far as complain when their expectations are exceeded.

As I said before, I don't agree with how Apple has handled this, but what's worse is hearing all this whining. I think this gets the award for "Most Absurd Mac-Related Complaint of the Year".

I'm happy to see that both of us find this situation hilarious. It seems people love to complain when they get something unexpected too. Hey if I found $20 on the ground or go some freebie or some extra upgrade/add-on you wouldn't find me complaining at all. Actually I think I would be quite happy

Customer: Um sir I believe there is something wrong with my Mac Mini
Apple Genius: What seems to be the problem?
Customer: The computer is clocked at about 80mhz faster than I expected
Apple Genius: Your problem being?
Customer: I wasn't ready! Take it back I need the 1.42ghz model now!
Apple Genius:...*akward pause*...oookkk

Oh and yeah you know there is that one person out there who'd do that

 

[gravitysux]

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/0,39020330,39223876,00.htm

These guys make a living from this stuff, lets hear what they have to say...

I'd say we're 'confounded' too, not 'complaining'.

 

[~Shard~]

You're welcome.
Really, I don't think this situation is much different from ordering just before an update. Unfortunate for some (but not absolutely the end of the world) and a nice surprise for others.

Agreed.

Those shopping for a mini KNOW that there will be updates. I would give my left nut to know that there was definately a PB update in the next week or two.

And I'm sure there are many more in your position. Yet, where is the PowerBook crowd on this issue, and how come they aren't profusely complaining? "Those lucky Mac Mini purchasers know updates are coming very soon. What about us PowerBook users, we have no idea when updates are coming!" I haven't heard any whining along these lines though. Perhaps since the PowerBooks are part of the Pro line, their user base handles themselves more professionally than some of the Mac Mini user base we've been hearing from. Not only do we now know a Mac Mini update is inevitable in the very near future, we know what the exact specs are and what is being upgraded. What more do you people want?

Oh and yeah you know there is that one person out there who'd do that

There's always at least one...

 

[ack_mac]

Hold on a sec..

While I don't agree with the majority of the complainers (at least the analogies they are using), I do think that Apple should make the situation right by discounting the remaing 1.42's and start offering the 1.5's immediately.

Why? Well, I am going to buy a 1.5 as soon as they officially make them available.. I thought about this last night, and here is the scenario that somewhat disturbs me:
"I go down to my local Apple Store or order a brand new mini (I did not see the rumor boards or Zdnet and had no clue that there was an updated mini out there to be had). I get the $699 model with the superdrive. Two weeks later Apple announces that they have upgraded the processor, hard drive, video card, superdrive, and bluetooth card free of charge "

What does that do to the price and value of my two week old mini that I paid $699 for? I am guessing that it is now worth about $500-$550. Everybody is going to want the better mini... Not only that, I then find out that when I purchased my mini the 1.5's were already out but Apple did not announce it and some lucky buyers were getting them and some were not.. I am a now somewhat bitter first time Apple user.. Probably not the best way to get introduced into the Mac family. Would I switch back to Windows? Who knows, I have been known to be pretty stubborn and Vista looks pretty promising (even though I think that they are totally stealing most of the ideas from Apple).....

Luckily, I had a co-worker mention the rumor last Friday right before I ordered my mini and I am going to wait. But I can see where some people might be a little jaded....

 

[cr2sh]

What does that do to the price and value of my two week old mini that I paid $699 for? I am guessing that it is now worth about $500-$550.

Well... to be frank though.

You might have to suck it up and get used to it.

This is the way Apple has worked for a long time. This happens to thousands (I'm guessing) of Mac users a year. They pull back the curtain and shove a new product out, and the machine you bought two weeks ago isn't the best anymore.

Get used to it.

That's why this it's fine with me. We know the update is coming. Those who are smart enough to research possible, upcoming updates will know they're coming. We're in a better position then we've ever been.

 

[~Shard~]

"I go down to my local Apple Store or order a brand new mini (I did not see the rumor boards or Zdnet and had no clue that there was an updated mini out there to be had). I get the $699 model with the superdrive. Two weeks later Apple announces that they have upgraded the processor, hard drive, video card, superdrive, and bluetooth card free of charge "

How is this different from any other update?!? When the new PowerBooks, PowerMacs, you name it, are updated, the exact same scenario will happen: You buy a brand new <whatever>, 2 weeks later Apple announces their upgraded model. And of course the upgrades are "free of charge" - but you're looking at it the wrong way - it's an update, of course components are going to get upgraded, and as long as Apple doesn't change the price point, which it doesn't normally do, the price will remain the same for more/enhanced features.

What does that do to the price and value of my two week old mini that I paid $699 for? I am guessing that it is now worth about $500-$550.

What does that do for the value of your Mini?!? Of course it goes down. The cost of any new purchase goes down once you buy it. Welcome to the world of technology! I can see where people would be frustrated if an update came out just after a purchase, but in this scenario, people who are smart enough to do research before they make a major purchase know that an update is imminent, so it's not like they have no idea!

And I'm not trying to tear a strip off you personally, just responding to your comments in general. I realize you're not one of the complainers we've seen here already.

 

[ack_mac]

How is this different from any other update?!? When the new PowerBooks, PowerMacs, you name it, are updated, the exact same scenario will happen: You buy a brand new <whatever>, 2 weeks later Apple announces their upgraded model. And of course the upgrades are "free of charge" - but you're looking at it the wrong way - it's an update, of course components are going to get upgraded, and as long as Apple doesn't change the price point, which it doesn't normally do, the price will remain the same for more/enhanced features.



What does that do for the value of your Mini?!? Of course it goes down. The cost of any new purchase goes down once you buy it. Welcome to the world of technology! I can see where people would be frustrated if an update came out just after a purchase, but in this scenario, people who are smart enough to do research before they make a major purchase know that an update is imminent, so it's not like they have no idea!

And I'm not trying to tear a strip off you personally, just responding to your comments in general. I realize you're not one of the complainers we've seen here already.

I agree with you on most of the points, but just wanted to play a little devil's advocate here.. Luckily I do research things to death, and I am waiting for the official release like most of the sane people of the world.

But I do think that Apple got their hand caught in the cookie jar.. I could understand wanting to reduce inventory of the 1.42's before the updated 1.5's are released, but they appear to be mixing the new systems with the old systems (including the old boxes) and this is going to confuse many consumers. The right thing to do is to now come forward, reduce the price of the remaining 1.42's and start selling the 1.5's. I work for one of the largest software/tech companies in the world, and we do not release products in this manner. We always lower the cost of older software/hardware when we have a more updated product available..

 

[danp]

I could understand wanting to reduce inventory of the 1.42's before the updated 1.5's are released, but they appear to be mixing the new systems with the old systems. The right thing to do is to now come forward, reduce the price of the remaining 1.42's and start selling the 1.5's. I work for one of the largest software/tech companies in the world, and we do not release products in this manner. We always lower the cost of older software/hardware when we have a more updated product available..

Quite right, and I think this is the key point behind all the comments made so far.

I don't know of any companies that do release updates in this manner, let alone one whose cloak and dagger approach to product roadmaps engenders such intense scrutiny.

 

[~Shard~]

But I do think that Apple got their hand caught in the cookie jar.. I could understand wanting to reduce inventory of the 1.42's before the updated 1.5's are released, but they appear to be mixing the new systems with the old systems (including the old boxes) and this is going to confuse many consumers. The right thing to do is to now come forward, reduce the price of the remaining 1.42's and start selling the 1.5's. I work for one of the largest software/tech companies in the world, and we do not release products in this manner. We always lower the cost of older software/hardware when we have a more updated product available..

I understand where you're coming from. And yes, I believe you when you say you do not release products in this manner, because I'm not sure if anyone does at all, or had at all up until Apple pulled this little stunt!

As I said before, I don't agree with this apporach myself, but what I don't agree with even more are some people's whiny irrational reactions to this. At least you and me (along with others here of course) can engage in a sensible discussion the matter, regardless of our opinions. As for others...

 

[gravitysux]

Yesterday I googled 'new mac mini' on Google Australia and a feature ad - probably old - for the Aus. Apple store came up saying "Latest mac mini at the Applestore online". I tried again a few hours later and it had been taken down.... wish I took a screenshot of that. heheh