Unboxing and Disassembly Photos of the New Mac Mini

[ddTaylor]

They may not give you what you want but I ran out to buy this new mini on release day as it is exactly what I need

I am happy for YOU but for me and several thousand other users it is NOT enough. It is woefully low in specifications and performance at a PREMIUM for size and noise-level. Makes no sense to many.

D

 

[Henrik85]

Well, then let me be the first to expand your horizons. I had complaints about the size, noise and power consumption of my old PC. So those were all major decision factors when I bought my Mac Mini. I wanted a computer I could leave on 24x7 without seeing my electrical bill skyrocket. I wanted something that didn't sound like a vacuum cleaner when in use. I wanted a size that fit on a small desk instead of constantly being kicked on the floor.

The Mini fits all of those needs perfectly.

OK, you've pretty much convinced me to go ahead with my purchase of the new Mini This is exactly what I've been looking for as well. As a matter of fact, I'm going to sell my old, large, and noisy PC, and replace it with the Mini.

I have one concern though - how well will the Mini perform with just 1 GB of ram? I have a 2006 MacBook with 2 GB's of ram, and it's having troubles keeping up at times (while doing pretty hard work, for a laptop, I might add)

I'd love to hear some statements from people who've already bought it

 

[bluefido]

Enjoy your first Mac experience. You'll never go back!

Not really...long time Mac user now going back to Windows when Windows 7 arrives. The "Apple Tax" has finally pissed me off enough to switch back.

 

[KnightWRX]

Wow - I give up. You do not get it - really. No one I know wants a super-small and super quiet and over-priced Mini. Simple as that. Since that is what Apple is pimping as there 'entry level' desktop - that is what I as a user have to compare it with. Get it, now?

D

I get it. I get that you don't want a Mac Mini or a Dell Studio Hybrid. I get Apple isn't even interested in making a product for the segment that is interesting to you, the low-end Desktop. I have "gotten" it since your first message, but you seem to still think the Mini is a competitor to the Inspiron 5300, which it isn't. Get it ?

You didn't even answer any of my questions, nor did you even bother to check the Small form factor, lower power option I gave you, the Dell Studio Hybrid.

Many people have answered you in this very thread that they want the small form factor and the lower power consumptions. The fact that you don't know anybody doesn't mean no one wants those features.

I guess I'll do the exercise for you, since I'm getting a bit annoyed at your comments that have no basis in reality. So here is a 549$ Dell Studio Hybrid :

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T6400 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic Service Pack 1
1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
No Monitor (System includes DVI and HDMI ports. VGA is not supported)
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz (2 DIMM)
160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Slot Load CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive)
Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Integrated Stereo Audio with 5.1ch digital output (S/P DIF)
Dell USB Multimedia Keyboard & Optical Mouse
Dell 7 in 1 Media Card Reader
Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet

Seems familiar right ? It's basically very close to a Mac Mini. Things that the Mini has extra :

1 extra MB of L2 cache
1066MHz frontside bus
DDR3 1066 mhz RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (the Intel graphics are really sub par)
Duallink DVI, VGA support
Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking (based on 802.11n draft specification); IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible
Built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
Built-in speaker (the Dell has this to say : No Speakers (Speakers are required to hear audio from your system))

You lose :

1 GB of RAM
40 GB of HD.
The card reader thingie.

All for 50$ more on the Mac Mini side. Still think the Mac Mini is overpriced ? I think it's pretty much priced where it needs to be vs what the competition offers in this market segment, the Small Form Factor, lower power computer.

 

[bluefido]

I get it. I get that you don't want a Mac Mini or a Dell Studio Hybrid. I get Apple isn't even interested in making a product for the segment that is interesting to you, the low-end Desktop. I have "gotten" it since your first message, but you seem to still think the Mini is a competitor to the Inspiron 5300, which it isn't. Get it ?

You didn't even answer any of my questions, nor did you even bother to check the Small form factor, lower power option I gave you, the Dell Studio Hybrid.

Many people have answered you in this very thread that they want the small form factor and the lower power consumptions. The fact that you don't know anybody doesn't mean no one wants those features.

I guess I'll do the exercise for you, since I'm getting a bit annoyed at your comments that have no basis in reality. So here is a 549$ Dell Studio Hybrid :

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T6400 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic Service Pack 1
1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
No Monitor (System includes DVI and HDMI ports. VGA is not supported)
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz (2 DIMM)
160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Slot Load CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive)
Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Integrated Stereo Audio with 5.1ch digital output (S/P DIF)
Dell USB Multimedia Keyboard & Optical Mouse
Dell 7 in 1 Media Card Reader
Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet

Seems familiar right ? It's basically very close to a Mac Mini. Things that the Mini has extra :

1 extra MB of L2 cache
1066MHz frontside bus
DDR3 1066 mhz RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (the Intel graphics are really sub par)
Duallink DVI, VGA support
Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking (based on 802.11n draft specification); IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible
Built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
Built-in speaker (the Dell has this to say : No Speakers (Speakers are required to hear audio from your system))

You lose :

1 GB of RAM
40 GB of HD.
The card reader thingie.

All for 50$ more on the Mac Mini side. Still think the Mac Mini is overpriced ? I think it's pretty much priced where it needs to be vs what the competition offers in this market segment, the Small Form Factor, lower power computer.

Add $150 more for a keyboard/mouse and an extra gig of RAM. It's more like a $200 difference plus the Dell has HDMI (so for anyone remotely interested in turning it into a home media center, it's a lot better). The Dell also has a media card reader, which is really convenient to have. On top of that, Dell provides infinitely more affordable options with better value and options for desktops. Face it...to only offer the MacMini as the entry level Mac is pathetic on Apple's part.

 

[WLS]

They may not give you what you want but I ran out to buy this new mini on release day as it is exactly what I need

Really? REAllY? That sounds more like fanboy reflex syndrone to me. I have been waiting for this upgrade to the Mini too. Apple had to upgrade it or put it out of its misery and I was hoping for the upgrade.
I approve of all of the changes but I am still holding on to my money before I feel it is a good buy. Specifically Snow Lepard is due out "soon now". I really question why one would not wait for the new OS to be installed for free on it before buying. That has to be another $200 down the drain otherwise.
Also can someone explain the meaning of the 2.25ghz option for this mentioned on Apples tech page for the mini? Does that extra $200 for the deluxe model also buy you the faster processor??

 

[Beerfloat]

we are trying out ESX on an older server. But our 16 Core rig is running Hyper-V.

Kinda seems the wrong way around

 

[KnightWRX]

Add $150 more for a keyboard/mouse and an extra gig of RAM.

No one is forcing you to purchase an Apple mouse/keyboard at 100$. The Dell keyboard is about 10x cheaper than the Alu keyboard apple offers and so you need to consider lower cost options if you're going to compare. Same for the mouse, don't expect more than a 10$ mouse included with the Dell.

Is the extra gig of ram really needed ? Depends what you'll be doing I guess, you can always get aftermarket options for cheaper or give apple 50$. On the other hand, you can't upgrade the Dell's video card, FSB or change the DDR2 RAM for DDR3.

Oh and HDMI is 8$ for the Mac Mini :

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10419&cs_id=1041912&p_id=4852&seq=1&format=2

EDIT : Actually, the Mac Mini has the potential for 2 HDMI ports it seems :

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10428&cs_id=1042802&p_id=5311&seq=1&format=2

Competitive doesn't always mean cheaper. It can mean better value. I think the Mac Mini has plenty of value compared to a Dell Studio Hybrid, and both options would have to be weighted against your needs before you make a choice.

 

[KnightWRX]

Also can someone explain the meaning of the 2.25ghz option for this mentioned on Apples tech page for the mini? Does that extra $200 for the deluxe model also buy you the faster processor??

The 2.26 ghz option is a BTO option. The 200$ higher end mini just has more RAM and a bigger hard disk. You can get a BTO baseline Mac Mini with the 2.26 ghz but without the extra RAM or HDD.

 

[Beerfloat]

Really? REAllY? That sounds more like fanboy reflex syndrone to me.

It's actually my first Mac in 5 years, but I'll admit to being an Nvidia fan - this release hit the sweet spot!

 

[bluefido]

Oh and HDMI is 8$ for the Mac Mini :

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10419&cs_id=1041912&p_id=4852&seq=1&format=2

which

QUOTE]


Which makes it all the more pathetic that Apple can't provide HDMI. The main problem I am having with other posters on this forum is that Apple fanboys can't even allow other Apple fans a chance to vent legitmate grips about Apple's pricing and the value of its products. Fanboys are annoyingly so loyal that they appear blind to most reasonable third parties. Go to any CNET or other technology forum, and every one that's not blindly Apple sees the same thing.

 

[InkMaster]

...plus the Dell has HDMI (so for anyone remotely interested in turning it into a home media center, it's a lot better)...

I'm sorry, maybe I'm missing something here so please ignore my ignorance... but why the hell is everyone making such a huge deal out of HDMI? Are people seriously too stupid to realize that you connect DVI directly to HDMI? Same goes for DisplayPort...

Years ago I bought a DVI to HDMI cable for my MBP. It cost all of 5 bucks from eBay. Works perfect. Why the hell would I want some additional crappy port which offers nothing (except audio in addition to video) and wastes space which can be used for an extra port of some kind...

 

[WLS]

The 2.26 ghz option is a BTO option. The 200$ higher end mini just has more RAM and a bigger hard disk. You can get a BTO baseline Mac Mini with the 2.26 ghz but without the extra RAM or HDD.

BTO= Build To Order? OK so what is the cost of that option? I did not see it.
What do you want to bet in 4 months Apple quietly bumps the mini up to that speed.

 

[KnightWRX]

Which makes it all the more pathetic that Apple can't provide HDMI. The main problem I am having with other posters on this forum is that Apple fanboys can't even allow other Apple fans a chance to vent legitmate grips about Apple's pricing and the value of its products. Fanboys are annoyingly so loyal that they appear blind to most reasonable third parties. Go to any CNET or other technology forum, and every one that's not blindly Apple sees the same thing.

You see it negatively, but I see it positively. If Apple had offered HDMI on the Mac Mini, it wouldn't have the dual monitor options it has now, requiring at least one to be HDMI. Using miniDVI and miniDisplayPort offers a wider range of adapters for anything you would want.

And what is fanboyish about what I posted ? The only thing I'll ever be a fanboy of in terms of computer hardware is Sun boxes. The fact is, your "legitimate" gripe about the Mac Mini pricing and value is based on comparison with things it's not even in the same market with. This is far from Apple fans citing gripes, and it's much closer to "haters".

 

[KnightWRX]

BTO= Build To Order? OK so what is the cost of that option? I did not see it.
What do you want to bet in 4 months Apple quietly bumps the mini up to that speed.

Built to Order yep. And it's the first option on the page when you select to purchase the mini :

Processor

Enjoy incredible performance from the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which features two processor cores on a single chip. Choose the speed you want.
Learn more

Processor

* 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo [Add $150.00]

 

[bluefido]

You see it negatively, but I see it positively. If Apple had offered HDMI on the Mac Mini, it wouldn't have the dual monitor options it has now, requiring at least one to be HDMI. Using miniDVI and miniDisplayPort offers a wider range of adapters for anything you would want.

And what is fanboyish about what I posted ? The only thing I'll ever be a fanboy of in terms of computer hardware is Sun boxes. The fact is, your "legitimate" gripe about the Mac Mini pricing and value is based on comparison with things it's not even in the same market with. This is far from Apple fans citing gripes, and it's much closer to "haters".

First, I have long been an Apple fan so don't assume I am hating. I have bought plenty of Mac products to consider myself well versed with Apple.

Second, the "market" that MacMini is also trying to target is entry-level computer which it fails miserably at. Price anything on Dell or HP and the specs are embarrassingly not up to snuff. You cite the Dell Hybrid. No one buys the Dell Hybrid because Dell provides other better, more affordable options. The small size? It's nice, but again, most people who are pissed at this upgrade, are looking beyond the size and more at the overall value. Again, it's a legitimate gripe that you somehow fail to see.

Third, the HDMI is also a sore point because it's on the AppleTV. There is no purpose to having an AppleTV when you have a MacMini. Apple purposely just makes it less convenient to make your MacMini a media center because it still sells the AppleTV, which is extremely annoying because now both products (AppleTV and MacMini) are overpriced and pieces of junk.

 

[vansouza]

Oh and HDMI is 8$ for the Mac Mini :

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10419&cs_id=1041912&p_id=4852&seq=1&format=2

which

QUOTE]


Which makes it all the more pathetic that Apple can't provide HDMI. The main problem I am having with other posters on this forum is that Apple fanboys can't even allow other Apple fans a chance to vent legitmate grips about Apple's pricing and the value of its products. Fanboys are annoyingly so loyal that they appear blind to most reasonable third parties. Go to any CNET or other technology forum, and every one that's not blindly Apple sees the same thing.

Alright already... Don't buy one, Apple won't go broke because you don't see the fit in your life. If others do that does not make them less intelligent then you or that they don't see your point of view... and it does not make them a fanboy... it just means Apple got it right for them. Go get your Dell or what ever if it fits your needs better. Be happy.

 

[diamond.g]

Kinda seems the wrong way around

Originally ESX was planned to be used, till we realized that Hyper-V allows for multiple snapshots. Which is great for testing changes. So far ESX only allows for one(AFAIK).

 

[bluefido]

I'm sorry, maybe I'm missing something here so please ignore my ignorance... but why the hell is everyone making such a huge deal out of HDMI? Are people seriously too stupid to realize that you connect DVI directly to HDMI? Same goes for DisplayPort...

Years ago I bought a DVI to HDMI cable for my MBP. It cost all of 5 bucks from eBay. Works perfect. Why the hell would I want some additional crappy port which offers nothing (except audio in addition to video) and wastes space which can be used for an extra port of some kind...

See above. It's present in the AppleTV which is essentially a stripped down MacMini. Another way Apple strips functionality so it can bleed more money out of fanboys.

 

[dmmcintyre3]

How are the new mac minis worse value than before? the price is the same. They include the mini dvi to dvi adapter so you do not have to buy that.

 

[KnightWRX]

First, I have long been an Apple fan so don't assume I am hating. I have bought plenty of Mac products to consider myself well versed with Apple.

Second, the "market" that MacMini is also trying to target is entry-level computer which it fails miserably at. Price anything on Dell or HP and the specs are embarrassingly not up to snuff. You cite the Dell Hybrid. No one buys the Dell Hybrid because Dell provides other better, more affordable options. The small size? It's nice, but again, most people who are pissed at this upgrade, are looking beyond the size and more at the overall value. Again, it's a legitimate gripe that you somehow fail to see.

Third, the HDMI is also a sore point because it's on the AppleTV. There is no purpose to having an AppleTV when you have a MacMini. Apple purposely just makes it less convenient to make your MacMini a media center because it still sells the AppleTV, which is extremely annoying because now both products (AppleTV and MacMini) are overpriced and pieces of junk.

What are your sources on the sale numbers of the Dell Studio Hybrid ? You are also ignoring the fact that Apple is not trying to compete in the low end desktop market, contrary to what you think the Mac Mini may be. Steve has said so many times already, he doesn't want apple in the Sub-500$ PC market, with the razor thin margins and cutthroat competition. That market segment is over-saturated already.

You can try to ignore the small form factor and power consumption like that other guy before you, but the fact are they are there. They offer value not available in a Dell Inspiron 5300, which is not a valid comparison to the Mac Mini. If you want a sub 500$ PC, go buy a Dell, don't whine about the Mac Mini not being what you want it to be. The form factor brings about a compromise, and as long as the Mini is as small as it is, it will never be able to compete with a full size desktop. Apple doesn't offer low-end or mid-range towers.

Again, HDMI is 8$ or 15$ away on the Mac Mini depending where you want to plug it, and offering it as an adapter rather than a port opens up more options to the owners of the machine as far as connectivity go. How is that a bad thing ? How is that a sore point that you have more options ? You'd rather be stuck with a HDMI port and lessened monitor options ?

 

[KnightWRX]

How are the new mac minis worse value than before? the price is the same. They include the mini dvi to dvi adapter so you do not have to buy that.

They don't have the apple remote anymore, it's a 20$ option. That's about the only valid gripe about it.

 

[bluefido]

What are your sources on the sale numbers of the Dell Studio Hybrid ? You are also ignoring the fact that Apple is not trying to compete in the low end desktop market, contrary to what you think the Mac Mini may be. Steve has said so many times already, he doesn't want apple in the Sub-500$ PC market, with the razor thin margins and cutthroat competition. That market segment is over-saturated already.

You can try to ignore the small form factor and power consumption like that other guy before you, but the fact are they are there. They offer value not available in a Dell Inspiron 5300, which is not a valid comparison to the Mac Mini. If you want a sub 500$ PC, go buy a Dell, don't whine about the Mac Mini not being what you want it to be. The form factor brings about a compromise, and as long as the Mini is as small as it is, it will never be able to compete with a full size desktop. Apple doesn't offer low-end or mid-range towers.

Again, HDMI is 8$ or 15$ away on the Mac Mini depending where you want to plug it, and offering it as an adapter rather than a port opens up more options to the owners of the machine as far as connectivity go. How is that a bad thing ? How is that a sore point that you have more options ? You'd rather be stuck with a HDMI port and lessened monitor options ?

I know you think Jobs is God, but you need to seriously take off the blinders. I can understand persons that buy it for small form factor, but many fans were expecting more.

But you are just probably going to respond with another proverb from the Book of Job, right?

 

[NT1440]

See above. It's present in the AppleTV which is essentially a stripped down MacMini. Another way Apple strips functionality so it can bleed more money out of fanboys.

Well lets see, HDMI is a TV standard right? Makes sense for it to be on an TV.

Why would we need HDMI when there is already the means to output the same content?

What is HDMI's maximum output currently anyway? I seem to remember someone posting how it wouldn't be able to run a 30" ACD at the proper resolution, but I dont know if thats true or not.

 

[KnightWRX]

I know you think Jobs is God, but you need to seriously take off the blinders. I can understand persons that buy it for small form factor, but many fans were expecting more.

But you are just probably going to respond with another proverb from the Book of Job, right?

I've been using PCs for about 20 years now. I'm on my first Mac. I don't care what Steve Jobs says, but when he talks about what market segments he's aiming at, there's only 1 person that can be right. His company, his product, his way.

That many fans (including yourself) were expecting the Mini to suddenly become what it never has been (a low end desktop competing in the sub-500$ PC arena) is closer to delusion than somebody actually knowing about the market and seeing the product for what Apple claims it is, a Small form factor, low power computer.

No amount of wishful thinking is going to make the Mac Mini compete in a market segment it's not designed to compete in.

And please answer my question about HDMI. How is it a sore point that you need a 8$ adapter but get more connectivity options vs having reduced options but a connector right on the box ?