Revised Mac mini now shipping?

[iMeowbot]

For what it's worth, the details in the screen shot above match what Think Secret are reporting (same source?).

 

[macnews]

I can confirm this. I ordered a mac mini two weeks ago. The date slipped with no explanation. Got the mac a few minutes ago, opened the box (which still lists the 1.42Ghz speed) and after setup confirmed the processor is listed at 1.5Ghz with a 64MB video card.

Still checking out the other details.

 

[daustin]

why would they bother to upgrade the specs if they won't even change the lettering / numbering on the boxes

Actually, when I bought my iBook the specs were printed on a sticker and stuck to the box. You can't see through it, so I don't know what it says.... (My iMac wasn't that way though so I don't know if it's common or not.)

 

[macnews]

Here are some screen shots from the computer and you will just have to take my word for now that the box label says the same. I will see if I can't get a pic of the label tomorrow. (I'm at work and really need to head home!)

 

[LimeiBook86]

If this is true I may seriously consider purchasing one of these, then when the intel version comes out I'll give it to my dad

 

[true777]

Here are some screen shots from the computer...

Starting to look legit.
I think the wrong label thing is entirely possible.

 

[nagromme]

A nice evolution, if true. And my first Mac ever came with a bigger HD than stated on the order and on the box. So you never know...

PS, just to be clear: contrary to popular misunderstanding, ALL Macs support Core Image.

Core Image will leverage whatever hardware resources you have available: if you have AltiVec (G4/G5), it will use it. If you have multiple CPUs, it will use them. If you have a programmable GPU that will do the job better than the CPU, it will use that.

But you do not NEED a GPU with that capability. Core Image is an ingenious software technique that reduces multiple image-processing steps down to one step--and anyone can benefit from that, whether using the CPU or GPU.

Details here: http://arstechnica.com/reviews/os/macosx-10.4.ars/15

And Apple says the same thing:

"For computers without a programmable GPU, Core Image dynamically optimizes for the CPU, automatically tuning for Velocity Engine and multiple processors as appropriate."

From: http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/coreimage/

So to set the record straight: an individual app can demand stricter requirements of its own choosing--it can demand a G5, a programmable GPU, etc. But Core Image itself does NOT need a programmable GPU.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Hey! a 1.5GHz CPU and 64MB VRAM! Now you can play Doom 3 on the Mac Mini!



Seriously though, this is a nice little update, and really improves the Mini's already great value. My only nitpick is that I wish they'd swapped out the Radeon 9200 for a 9600 or at least a GeForce 5200...maybe next time.

 

[MacTruck]

I don't see what good this update does for anyone. What does 64mb vram do that 32mb does not? and 80mhz speed bump is not noticable at all. Lets see faster hard drives, a radeon 9600 card and at least 1.67ghz speed. The biggest problem with the mini is the dang hard drives 4200 rpm speed.

 

[RobHague]

They are starting to tempt me now and i dont know why i would even need one.

If Apple could get out a suped up 'higher-end switcher' mini going along at 1.7ghz with a 9600 pro and normal sized hard drives (id sacrifice a few more inchs to have a ton of extra hard disk space) i would prolly think about why i would need one after i ordered it.

Actually its funny when you think about it. Apple advertised the last update as 'NEW' and when they do update something thats worth talking about they dont tell anyone lol.

 

[devilot]

I've never heard of Apple shipping a different processor than the label shows. Has anyone?

I'm still new to all this Mac world stuff... but awhile back, wasn't Apple shipping some PBs w/ slightly different speed HDs? Could this be slightly similar to that situation?

 

[lickily]

It's nice to receive a pleasant surprise for those who thought they were ordering a 1.25 or 1.42 Ghz machine, but shouldn't Apple at least get the specs right on their web page and packaging? I mean what if someone had gone and purchased an external 7200rpm firewire drive in advance to attach to what they thought was going to be a crippled mini with a 4200rpm drive.

 

[lickily]

I'm the one who submitted the rumor. Posted at macnn.com forums as well. The box lists the machine as a 1.42 Ghz, so this is either a *very* quite rollout or a fortunate screw-up for my co-worker. This machine was actually received last week, but I wasn't able to set it up until today. Here are the screens:

Would you be able to check if the HD specs. I'm interested in seeing if this is a 2Mb or 8Mb cache 5400rpm drive.

 

[aswitcher]

PS, just to be clear: contrary to popular misunderstanding, ALL Macs support Core Image.

Good to know.

Could you expand a little on what this means for Apple use - or point me to a linky that might answer my thoughts on whether "ripple" effect with Widgets will now work on a mini?

 

[KittenKrusher]

So no one recently ordered a PB, lol.

 

[risc]

...whether "ripple" effect with Widgets will now work on a mini?

No. As is no you wont see any ripples with a 32MB/64MB 9200.

 

[Kobushi]

Actually, is where this rumor first popped up. (thought it sounded familiar). If you follow the thread, you'll get some screen shots, some skeptical comments and the responses to them. Still seems fishy to me...but hey, if there are more people claiming the same thing now, apple just may have performed one of the most silent upgrades in history.

 

[Kobushi]

So no one recently ordered a PB, lol.

I just ordered an ibook. It'd be nice if it shows up with 64MB of VRAM, but I'm not going to hold my breath. If it does, I'll let you guys know and you'll see lots of these:

 

[1984]

PS, just to be clear: contrary to popular misunderstanding, ALL Macs support Core Image.

Yes, but the Mac mini is the only Mac currently shipping that doesn't have a GPU capable of accelerating Core Image. This means the CPU has to do things the GPU could have been doing, resulting in a slower user experience. At least the extra video memory will help with higher resolution displays.

I'm still getting one but under protest.

 

[BobMcBob]

Core Image: Not Supported

PS, just to be clear: contrary to popular misunderstanding, ALL Macs support Core Image.

Uh, look at the screenshot where it says "Core Image: Not Supported".

 

[0098386]

I wouldn't mind one of these new Mac minis. pretty good specs.

 

[Wonder Boy]

No. As is no you wont see any ripples with a 32MB/64MB 9200.

so besides the ripples and the gpu elviating the cpu from providing graphic support, are there any other features of core image? id like to get a mini to hold me over to rev b intel imac but if this core image issue is such a big sticking point, i would like to know why!

 

[andiwm2003]

so if i order a powermac dual g5 2.3 ghz will i get then a powermac dual dual core g5 2.5 ghz with blue ray, bluetooth 2.0, airport and a x800xt standard?

now that apple ships better machines than it says on the box?

my guess is that someone get's so fired in their production facility..........

 

[carlos700]

Uh, look at the screenshot where it says "Core Image: Not Supported".

If you look at it with more detail, it is relating to the graphics processor —not the overall system.

Anyway, I hope there is a ATI RADEON 9550/9600 option or standard on a "high-end" configuration.

 

[sebaz]

Here are some screen shots from the computer and you will just have to take my word for now that the box label says the same. I will see if I can't get a pic of the label tomorrow. (I'm at work and really need to head home!)

You may want to hide the serial, call me paranoid but you never know.