The new Mac mini is almost certainly coming

[mikas]

^Apple tells us like this today:

"When you install macOS High Sierra on the Mac volume of a solid-state drive (SSD) or other all-flash storage device, that volume is automatically converted to APFS. Fusion Drives, traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), and non-Mac volumes aren't converted."

and

"Disk Utility in macOS High Sierra can format most storage devices using either file system. If you need to manually reformat, consider these points: "
...dot no 3: APFS is optimized for solid-state drives (SSDs) and other all-flash storage devices.

So I guess it's (at least kind of) supported, just not optimized for other than all-flash or pure-ssd types of devices.

 

[The_Interloper]

You said a mouthful! And spot on as far as I am concerned. No one has had the balls to tell the emperor he has no clothes in a long while.

It is a good thing that we all know there is one thing that balances out all the negatives you mentioned. Yup. You guessed it. WATCH BANDS! With all the new and exciting watch bands coming online, we really have nothing to worry about. See my sig 🙂

Well, I'm just angry...frustrated, disappointed but mostly angry. I've been using Macs since 1993; to see models languishing like this with such shoddy specs breaks my heart. There's NOTHING current for any desktop user that doesn't want a new screen.

And just after your comment was posted, what appeared on the front page of MacRumors? New watch bands, iPhone cases and reversible emoji. 😡 You couldn't make this stuff up.

 

[iMi]

Well, I'm just angry...frustrated, disappointed but mostly angry. I've been using Macs since 1993; to see models languishing like this with such shoddy specs breaks my heart. There's NOTHING current for any desktop user that doesn't want a new screen.

And just after your comment was posted, what appeared on the front page of MacRumors? New watch bands, iPhone cases and reversible emoji. 😡 You couldn't make this stuff up.

I am totally with you... While I am happy with the new iMac and don't mind buying it along with the screen, I would much prefer to buy an Apple branded 5K display and a separate modular Mac to go along with it.

Apple, we need a standalone desktop (aside from Mac Pro) and a new Mini and a proper, high quality display that can be purchased separately. It's not rocket science.

 

[Trusteft]

Where did you hear that?

Where did I hear what?

 

[Synchro3]

I think Apple hates to release a new Mac Mini because it must support 4K monitors (no older chip sets from Intel available), and of course would reduce iMac sales with ease.

Because this is what many people want: Just a Mac with a freely selected (4K)-display.

Same with an iPhone SE with an edge-to-edge display, would reduce iPhoneX sales... Apple: Not gonna happen.

 

[masterbaron]

"Devil's advocate" - Let's suppose Apple has a moment and actually delivers on the "headless" front - just suppose ... we take the dive and 5-years hence they drop us like flies again... do you really think the moment will last. So - its 2023 ... where will computing be then ... what will your needs be?

Planning for the future may mean taking a long hard look at "your" end-game in which case computing at the desk with an expansive series of monitors may no longer be relative ... in which case it might be wise to begin grooming for that now ...

Somehow I think by 2023 AI will disrupt current processes and perhaps change the world in much the same way the smartphone has changed the world.

 

[Trusteft]

"Devil's advocate" - Let's suppose Apple has a moment and actually delivers on the "headless" front - just suppose ... we take the dive and 5-years hence they drop us like flies again... do you really think the moment will last. So - its 2023 ... where will computing be then ... what will your needs be?

Planning for the future may mean taking a long hard look at "your" end-game in which case computing at the desk with an expansive series of monitors may no longer be relative ... in which case it might be wise to begin grooming for that now ...

Somehow I think by 2023 AI will disrupt current processes and perhaps change the world in much the same way the smartphone has changed the world.

Since we are many years away from a sentient AI, I have a feeling any AI presence in 5 years will hardly be revolutionary. Also, unless we go for technology which projects into the brain, I am pretty sure we are going to need monitors in some form in 5 years from now.
But that's just me.

 

[DesertSurfer]

Where did I hear what?

Trusteft said: ↑
Last I heard there are no issues with fusion drives as mechanical drives are not supported yet. Not saying it doesn't suck they are not supported yet for those who have them.

 

[Altis]

"Devil's advocate" - Let's suppose Apple has a moment and actually delivers on the "headless" front - just suppose ... we take the dive and 5-years hence they drop us like flies again... do you really think the moment will last. So - its 2023 ... where will computing be then ... what will your needs be?

Planning for the future may mean taking a long hard look at "your" end-game in which case computing at the desk with an expansive series of monitors may no longer be relative ... in which case it might be wise to begin grooming for that now ...

Somehow I think by 2023 AI will disrupt current processes and perhaps change the world in much the same way the smartphone has changed the world.

Is AI going to watch YouTube videos for me, play games for me, and write my office documents for me?

 

[masterbaron]

Wasn't referring to consumption but instead production ... entry of information may transform the last bottle-neck as in "keyboard". Also.. alluding to a growing disdain for technology and its effects on human evolution which has me decreasing my footprint and spending less time glued to a monitor. As I look forward ... supplementing the loss of contact (tactile and sanguine) will become more relevant as time goes on.

Where I currently work essentially all communications and meetings are facilitated with collaboration and screen sharing - virtually all training is done this way even if the instructor sits next to you. You can expand on this trend and envision a " collective or hive" type mentality minus the human element.

Sort of turning me off...

 

[triptolemus]

"AI" has got to be the most overused and misused term in tech today... with "VR" coming a very close second. If by "AI" you mean advanced algorithm, then okay, but "AI" means artificial intelligence, most often the sentient variety, as indicated above.

We are nowhere near AI -- not in our 30-40-somthing lifetimes. Think about it. As generations grow older, they think the world is going to flourish into this technological utopia. Fact is, we're not doing much different today than we were 40 years ago... still pounding on keyboards, banging bits into RAM and seeing it all on a monitor.

As for VR, you can have it.

The new Mac mini is almost certainly coming.

 

[masterbaron]

But we are very different ... in the store the clerk has no sense because you know everything about one thing - people walking into manholes - texting (sexting) while driving - everyone in the elevator has their face lit - your kids aren't outside? - believe it - more changes than enough and I mean really you go out to dinner with folks to look at your smartphone ... (and the "you" in this may be all of us at some point or another!)

 

[Trusteft]

Trusteft said: ↑
Last I heard there are no issues with fusion drives as mechanical drives are not supported yet. Not saying it doesn't suck they are not supported yet for those who have them.

I am not sure what confuses you. There are no issues with mechanical drives, which are fusion drives. There is no support yet for the APFS, but otherwise there are no issues. Have you got a different experience?

 

[DesertSurfer]

I am not sure what confuses you. There are no issues with mechanical drives, which are fusion drives. There is no support yet for the APFS, but otherwise there are no issues. Have you got a different experience?

I’m not confused. I wondered where you ‘heard’ that there are no issues so that I could check it out myself.

 

[Trusteft]

I’m not confused. I wondered where you ‘heard’ that there are no issues so that I could check it out myself.

That makes no sense. If you have any proof there are problems with mechanical drives, please share.

 

[Micky Do]

'Twas 4 years ago today....

Hi,

i work in an Apple Reseller and like many of you i'm waiting for the mini 2013 refresh.

From monday the two major Apple suppliers in Italy are suddenly and completely out of stock of minis. I know that this happen from time to time, but the timing is no coincidence.

Trust me, a new mini is coming next week, or at least we have solid evidence to believe it.

 

[jasnw]

A date which will live in infamy.

 

[98winds]

The head of the team which created & developed the mini left/resigned/... a few years ago. Was the team dismantled?

I had the 2005 - 2007 - 2009 minis, my "fun" computers, the price was right. In 2017, I would buy a new one to plug in the 4K-TV. I can wait, since I'm using the 2011 11" MBA... works nicely.

We are in the IOS era. It built the "spaceship".

Where's Apple pride. Its aura, prestige, was built on the mac OS. It's a laggard. What about refocusing & leading again. This neglect shows something rotten within.

 

[Crosscreek]

'Twas 4 years ago today....

This should have been taken as a bad hint of the future of the Mini's.....unfortunate demise.

 

[Miat]

Maybe the OP is one of the greatest trolls ever.

Just 7 posts, including the thread starter, and gets 11213 replies in 4 years, with no end in sight.

 

[Boyd01]

and gets 11213 replies in 4 years, with no end in sight.

The end of the new Mac Mini is almost certainly coming thread is almost certainly coming.

 

[DesertSurfer]

That makes no sense. If you have any proof there are problems with mechanical drives, please share.

Thanks! In over 11,000 posts this was by far the most helpful!,

 

[Apple fanboy]

"Devil's advocate" - Let's suppose Apple has a moment and actually delivers on the "headless" front - just suppose ... we take the dive and 5-years hence they drop us like flies again... do you really think the moment will last. So - its 2023 ... where will computing be then ... what will your needs be?

Planning for the future may mean taking a long hard look at "your" end-game in which case computing at the desk with an expansive series of monitors may no longer be relative ... in which case it might be wise to begin grooming for that now ...

Somehow I think by 2023 AI will disrupt current processes and perhaps change the world in much the same way the smartphone has changed the world.

As a photographer I'll always need a desk with high end monitors.

 

[wbeasley]

So? Update? Happening? When? "Important to us"... blah blah blah.

What happened to the nimble Apple? Who listen? Who focus on "just works"?

What do all those people do in Apple Park? I can't believe it takes that many people to make these products. It's not like they make them... just DESIGNED by Apple.

No one is screaming for you to change the physical box. As chips get smaller and more efficient there would probably more room inside and less heat to deal with. Make the processor up to date. No one sees it. Surely this could be delegated to a junior team member.

I can almost hear the "available Q1 2018" only to be followed by "we need a little more time".

Apple show no love to their niche products. If you can't spare a few minutes to update them, why bother to have them at all? The days of iPod updates seem over. But there are times I'd rather a separate device. But a 4" screen limits the usefulness.

If Apple bothered to use and leverage what they have... make an iPod 5.5" with snap on joystick and throw onto a screen with AirPlay. They would have Nintendo and Sony quaking. The App store showed what could happen if you opened the door. The Average Joe/Josephine developer can't release Sony or Nintendo games. But they could do iPod ones. Huge opportunity not taken up.

When I finally bought an Apple Watch, I have been surprised how good it is. So easy to set alarms. My sleep app (which I bought) is really helpful - why wasn't that a standard feature? I love the activity reminders. But I miss the Steps feature my FitBit had. I'm even happy with battery life since I charge it while sitting at my iMac. No hassle to top up which I thought it would be. I still can't see a use case for an Apple TV. I have a Chromecast which works fine for Netflix. Is there anything really worthwhile I'm missing? I don't buy/rent movies on iTunes. If I could access all my own music easily I might be tempted but it wouldn't fit on 64G so I'd need a remote disc access. Too much hassle? Maybe. I'd also like to play FLACs to my stereo/home theater. There's an integrated system waiting to happen for my media. Just not sure what the definitive solution is... something I need to devote some time to maybe and get sorted.

Software wise, no one seems to want to know about the High Sierra bug with files over 2g and unable to copy to external USBes. Nothing. Used to work before High Sierra. Obviously the new file system isn't quiet equivalent in all functions.

iTunes... grrr. Used to be simple.

iBooks: why can't they spend a little effort and reduce the HUGE white space around the text? Or let us choose the margin settings. Can it really be that hard? If you change the text size ePubs get reflowed. Surely changing margins would just trigger the same reflow mechanism...

/off soapbox now 😉

 

[masterbaron]

Most of us I presume want a "strengthened" and strong infrastructure and core functionality across devices ... once upon a time you could build upon the Apple system with that mentality, though counter-culture, industries like entertainment, arts, schools and music embolden us to believe we made sound decisions that were glorified by fluid software/hardware and it just worked.

One cannot be strong without a plan or trajectory - Apple no longer offers this and represents a significant risk to investment - especially if they offer something and lag behind again.

To be "strong" or "strengthened" today means the "show goes on" irrespective of who's hosting the solution - bold and a pipe-dream in many ways but none the less my goal is to be less dependent somehow ... whether through some Windows machination or simply scaling my computing across devices down.