Upgraded Mac Minis Confirmed by Apple

[unity]

Check this out...

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25517

Well we know for sure a new mini is coming. Proof is in the DOCS. Scroll down to the Mac mini lines and take note of the introduction date.

 

[dan-o-mac]

THANK YOU!!!! A voice of reason rises from the mist of madness.

I think we can expect more of this behavior as the supply of G4 processors dwindles. I fail to see why it is a problem. If you need to get the extra .75MHz or whatever, wait for it to be official to buy.

I think someone mentioned earlier that it's not just a speed bump. Hard Drive/Graphic Card/Superdrive is bumped as well. I don't think most are complaining about waiting, most just find it weird. It really doesn't make any sense.

 

[jaw04005]

The Spec says 1.25 / 1.42 Ghz. You buy what you see, if your lucky you may get the newer spec. If you want the newere machine, wait until the upgrade is confirmed / specs published. Easy. Stop whinning.

When the upgrade is confirmed, people will still be whinning.

Well, I doubt you would have the same opinion if it was the PowerBook or PowerMac line that got the silent update.

Customer A walks into the Apple Store and purchases a mac mini. Then goes over to the genius bar and has the genius set it up. The genius tells them that they have a 1.5 Ghz G4 processor, 64 MB of video memory, and can burn DVDs at 8x. Customer B standing behind them has what they believe to be the same mini, but when the genius opens the box they have a 1.42Ghz G4 processor, 32MB of video memory, and can only burn DVDs at 4x.

I don't know about you, but I would wonder why Customer A got a better computer than I did for exactly the same price.

If customers don't complain, and show Apple that this type of branding is unfair, then what's to stop Apple from mixing PowerPC and Intel chips in the new PowerBook or PowerMac line? Nothing.

Consumers like to know EXACTLY what they are buying.

 

[nomad01]

I don't know about you, but I would wonder why Customer A got a better computer than I did for exactly the same price.

I guess Apple's thinking is that the individual will benefit because at worst, you're only going to get what you expect but at best, you'll get a faster machine (with more video ram and better optical drive).

However, I completely agree... I would be SO p!$$ed off if that happened and it's not just that. Friends that buy a Mac mini within a few days of each other could find one got a better deal and be equally annoyed.

You wouldn't really have a leg to stand on if you'd bought a machine with the advertised spec but it doesn't foster good feelings with customers.

 

[Neerazan]

not just one person...

as well, they were not 'newbies', so what would be the advantage?

its happening, whether we understand it or not...

Fair point. There have been a few people that have reported receiving the new specced machines. None that have reported NOT receiving them though... Hmmm...

What would be in it for 'em to fib about it? No idea. Less idea what would be it for Apple if it were true.

But why, if I am sitting on a whole buch of old inventory with all my new stock now coming in in 'upgraded' form, am I sending out the new stuff before the old? Am I entirely missing something here?

Maybe someone would care to enlighten me...

 

[ruud]

So the ibook went from Radeon 9200/32 MB to 9550/32 MB (core-image in hardware), whereas the mac mini went from the same 9200/32 MB to a 9200/64 MB (not core-image capable in hardware).
Why the different directions for each?

 

[powerbook911]

So the ibook went from Radeon 9200/32 MB to 9550/32 MB (core-image in hardware), whereas the mac mini went from the same 9200/32 MB to a 9200/64 MB (not core-image capable in hardware).
Why the different directions for each?

Could it be because Mac Minis are used to drive big 20 & 23-inch ACDs, while Powerbook users are primarily using their little iBook display, so less VRAM is necessary.

 

[Macmaniac]

I would be very angry if I did not get one of the new updated minis! The specs are a lot better, faster HDs, faster SDs, and more VRAM and Proc speed! If I was at an Apple Store and had the Genius Bar situation described I would demand the new mini model. Apple better make the updated model available to order soon, or a lot of people will be mad.

 

[VanMac]

I think you should give "most people" a bit more credit. Although not everybody reads Macrumors, it is not like everyone out there is computer illiterate.

I dont think so. Majority of people dont know the difference between processor speeds and amount of memory.

 

[balamw]

I don't know about you, but I would wonder why Customer A got a better computer than I did for exactly the same price.

Conversely, have you ever considered why two passengers in adjacent seats on the exact same flight can sometimes pay up to 10x different prices for the same service.

B

 

[lickily]

They've got a mix for a short time. I'm sure they wouldn't do that for very long, so look for it to become official shortly. Tuesday? And then ALL models will be the new ones.

So if you want a new one, wait a week or so.

This may be true if you order directly from Apple, but how are they going to change the part numbers now even when they do officially announce the update? They have already sold some upgraded models under the old part number/boxes, so they can't very well start a new part number now, it would be a nightmare for customer service. And if they do stick with the old part numbers, then even after the announcement when you pick up a box at the retail outlet or order one from an online reseller like Amazon how will you know if its an old or new model?

 

[Stella]

Well, Apple have confirmed what is happening.

I would wait until the official launch of the product, instead of playing Russian Roulette.

Quite simple.

Well, I doubt you would have the same opinion if it was the PowerBook or PowerMac line that got the silent update.

Customer A walks into the Apple Store and purchases a mac mini. Then goes over to the genius bar and has the genius set it up. The genius tells them that they have a 1.5 Ghz G4 processor, 64 MB of video memory, and can burn DVDs at 8x. Customer B standing behind them has what they believe to be the same mini, but when the genius opens the box they have a 1.42Ghz G4 processor, 32MB of video memory, and can only burn DVDs at 4x.

I don't know about you, but I would wonder why Customer A got a better computer than I did for exactly the same price.

If customers don't complain, and show Apple that this type of branding is unfair, then what's to stop Apple from mixing PowerPC and Intel chips in the new PowerBook or PowerMac line? Nothing.

Consumers like to know EXACTLY what they are buying.

 

[lickily]

steve jobs: momma always said apple mac mini is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.

I like to call the update the mac mini shuffle. Life is random.

 

[Chundles]

Could it be because Mac Minis are used to drive big 20 & 23-inch ACDs, while Powerbook users are primarily using their little iBook display, so less VRAM is necessary.

Yup, this makes sense. The majority of mini buyers aren't going to utilise the power of CoreImage but will definitely notice a choppy UI when they plug their 32MB graphics card into a 23" ACD.

iBooks don't need 64MB to drive a 12" display - it would be nice of course but in terms of the target market they really don't need 64MB.

 

[lickily]

Yup, this makes sense. The majority of mini buyers aren't going to utilise the power of CoreImage but will definitely notice a choppy UI when they plug their 32MB graphics card into a 23" ACD.

iBooks don't need 64MB to drive a 12" display - it would be nice of course but in terms of the target market they really don't need 64MB.

I wonder why they are only putting 64Mb in the mid and upper range models and not the low-end one. Can they be saving that much?

 

[Squire]

I like to call the update the mac mini shuffle. Life is random.

Nice. Maybe they're just clearing stuff out until the mac nano comes out.

Seriously, though, I'm sure a salesperson can smell the customer who doesn't know squat about computers/macs coming a mile away. They are the poor suckers in all of this.

Oh well. Information is power.

Squire

 

[~Shard~]

Great, a new thread for all the complainers to flock to...

This is great news. People who absolutely need a Mini now can buy one, and they may even get a newer model as a bonus! As for people who have been contemplating buying one, they now know official updates are imminent, and can wait a couple more weeks. I agree it's odd of Apple, but I don't see anything wrong with this approach.

I feel sorry for the people interested in purchasing PowerBooks and PowerMacs in the near future - it would be nice if Apple gave them notice like this that updates were definitely coming soon! How come the prospective Mini buyers get special treatment!

 

[deputy_doofy]

I dont think so. Majority of people dont know the difference between processor speeds and amount of memory.

And, most people don't know the difference between memory and hard drive space.

 

[unity]

Lets face it....

The Mac mini, as some have said, was rather high in inventory stock. Apple needs to push the machine that *maybe* is not selling to well, so....

Generate publicity about the product!!!

 

[wdlove]

The Mac mini, as some have said, was rather high in inventory stock. Apple needs to push the machine that *maybe* is not selling to well, so....

Generate publicity about the product!!!

That sounds like a logical explanation.

Still just don't think it's the best way to treat customers.

 

[Superhob]

100 GB Hard Drive Upgrade now available for Mac Mini!

BREAKING NEWS!

There is now a 100gb Hard Drive option available for the mac mini. It is an option on all three configurations. This was not there yesterday (I'm checking daily to see when the updated minis arrive). Also, it is not listed as an option on the Tech Specs section for the mac mini. Just thought I'd let you all know...

 

[wordmunger]

I suspect with low-end machines from all manufacturers, there's all kinds of manipulation this way. Manufacturers are out there looking for the best deals on components, so they tend to be very vague on specs, figuring customers don't really care and are looking for the best deal.

Cmon, this is the mini -- it's not like they're substituting a dual 2.7 for a single 1.8 G5 PowerMac.

 

[~Shard~]

Still just don't think it's the best way to treat customers.

I appreciate that it may case some confusion for certain customers, but consider this:

Customers who absolutely need a Mini now and are intent on buying one will get the system with the promised specs for the promised price. And there is a chance the system they recieve will exceed the promised specs for the same promised price. Problems?

On the flip side, customers who are debating purchasing a new Mini now know that updates are imminent, so if they hold off, they will receive the new systems shortly once Apple makes the offical announcement, etc. If anything, potential Mini customers are receiving preferential treatment here - I am sure there are many customers itching to buy a PowerBook who would killl to have that type of info ahead of time. Instead, they have no idea whatsoever when updates are coming and have no such information to base their purchasing decision from.

 

[~Shard~]

BREAKING NEWS!

There is now a 100gb Hard Drive option available for the mac mini. It is an option on all three configurations. This was not there yesterday (I'm checking daily to see when the updated minis arrive). Also, it is not listed as an option on the Tech Specs section for the mac mini. Just thought I'd let you all know...

Good catch!

 

[ack_mac]

Good catch!

Hmm.. Does not list the HD speed (4200 vs. 5400)...