Upgraded Mac Minis Confirmed by Apple

[MacTitan]

Think of the possibility

When the updated model is officially released you could buy a discounted old boxed mini with new specifications. Maybe I'm dreaming, but buying the previous mini when the new model is advertised might be a really good deal. We'll just have to wait and see how thuroughly Apple clears the channels.

 

[ack_mac]

Now i have no idea if any one will read this being buried on page 7 or 8 in the thread but i'll give this a go anyway.

Now obviously some where in the supply chain they needed to change chips and/or were planing the change anyway. whether they were forced to or they decided to it doesn't really matter

Apple themselves don't keep a lot of inventory, build it ship it out, so once the new ones started being built they probably realized a bit too late the there are a lot of current Mac Mini's still in the retail supply chain, hmmm what to do.

The Mac Mini has been a WIDELY distributed computer compared to other apple computers. Their are a lot of the older versions out there in a LOT of stores. The profit margin on them is probably not great, so instead of screwing a LOT of retailers by forcing a price drop they decide to ride it out for a few weeks till the supply chain clears up, more retailers, more computers, longer for the supply chain to clear out.

Is apple's solution perfect... no but they avoid pissing off their re-sellers who will have a much longer memory about this, then the few consumers who care about this that will forget about once the new ones are rolling out officially anyway

Hell i feel stupid writing this since it'll be a non issue very soon i imagine.

I definitely do not disagree with you, I think you nailed it.. But, I think it is a bad situation for Apple to put the resellers, themselves, and us, the consumer in. Let's face it, Apple has a ton of cash and can afford a slight price reduction across their mini line. Giving back some of the proceeds to the resellers and the consumer would be the right thing to do versus the current grab bag state of the mini lottery... If Apple really wants to woe more Win/PC customers over to the Mac family, this is not the way to do it. If you focus on keeping your customers happy, the profits will come... Although Apple has a great OS on their hands, they do not seem to know what to do with it. Let's face it, their whole marketing budget is being spent on the iPod, and if they would have marketed the Mac mini better they might not have the supply problems they currently have.

All that said, I am still impatiently waiting

 

[cyclotron451]

When the updated model is officially released you could buy a discounted old boxed mini with new specifications. Maybe I'm dreaming, but buying the previous mini when the new model is advertised might be a really good deal. We'll just have to wait and see how thuroughly Apple clears the channels.

I have just 2 weeks ago bought the "blow-out" Mac Mini Rev.A from <http://mediaworld.it> online store in Italy. The model that they offered was the 1.25GHz 256Ram 40GB HDD for 399Euro, compared to Amazon.co.uk which is STILL SELLING this model Rev.A for an amazing 498Euro (M9686LL/A). Clearing channel Deals on the Mini are hard to find! Consumer shops are still selling the Rev.A full price whilst the Rev.C is shipping/slipping out!

<http://cancomuk.com> has the Rev.A 'new' for about 482Euro and "refurb" Rev.A's for 394Euro. (I still remember my "refurb" iMac 400 from Cancomuk which failed just after their 3 month warranty....)(Oh, I forgot to mention that Cancomuk seem to charge an extra 60 euros for 10.4 Tiger with their Mini's!!!!) (its called business!)

the current price for an Apple Store Italy min spec Rev.B (maybe Rev.C- who knows!) is 539Euro for reference purposes

 

[OCOTILLO]

What happened to the 1.5's?

I haven't heard anything recently regarding the upgraded minis. Are they still shipping? Has anyone received the 1.42's recently?

 

[~Shard~]

I haven't heard anything recently regarding the upgraded minis. Are they still shipping? Has anyone received the 1.42's recently?

I think people have been too preoccupied with all the video iPod/dual core PowerMac/PowerBook/iHome, etc. rumors regarding Wednesday''s event. Wouldn't it be funny if the big announcement on Wednesday was the new Mac Mini, and that's it?

 

[EdgeVox]

Hello Hello

Started lurking about a month and a half ago, been dying to buy a new Mac Mini and waiting til tomorrow is kicking my ass.

Couple of questions and background info (for whoever needs some time to kill while we all wait for tomorrow):
-I've already signed up with Juniper to start up an Apple Account and I already bought a monitor (an LG Flatron L1722P) which the personnel at Circuit City told me was Mac compatible. I just wanted to know if anyone knew of any compatibility issues.

-The computer I have had for a while now is a 98 Dell Dimension T600, which I've used primarily for music, mp3s, and school. I've upgraded the memory twice, right now I have two hard drives: one 13 GB (the one that was included) and a new one with 40GB. Keep in mind that everything I've learned about computers has been with this piece as training wheels. I took a summer digital filmmaking program in nyc last summer and we used Power Macs and Final Cut Pro primarily. I had never used a Mac before so it wasn't the OS nor the interface that really made an impression on me. It was just the reliability/stability. The more I began to read up on Macs the more I was intrigued with the cult of Mac, it seems that there's a huge following of people that have unfaltering faith in Apple and Steve Jobs. Sure I've had some horror stories with Windows and my old Dell, but nothing too terrible. I always wanted an iPod but wanted to wait til they got cheaper. But when my favorite band allied itself with Apple, that was enough to push me over the edge. I bought a U2 iPod for christmas and became infatuated. I am living proof of the theoretical "iPod halo effect". I've got the money to burn, but since I'm still in school I don't think I'm ready to dive in and buy a top of the line 2,000 dollar PowerMac to use for video editing. I'm more interested in the complete antithesis of my Dell Dimension tower. An alternative OS, better portability (I'm based in Texas but I've lived in NYC and Vermont, and it's cost me at least 500.00 roundtrip to send my computer, monitor etc each time), and top of the line specs for once. And if all goes well with my education, I would be all too willing to do whatever it takes to get myself a new Mac (3-5 years from now) to use for Video editing; especially having mastered the Mac OS rather than spending 10 min just to check email on Safari or whatever. I am more of a console gamer than a PC gamer, so I'm not too pissed about maybe not being able to play Doom 3 on a Mac Mini that I'll probably spend over 900 bucks on. That's fine with me, I just need a steady foundation on which to build on that will uphold my 20 GB's of mp3s, my 3 GB's of pics and whatever else Ive got scattered over CDR's, because they wouldn't fit on my old Dell. My computer geek best friend keeps trying to talk me out of getting a Mac, he says that for the money I'm going to pay he could build me a more powerful PC or put one together for me on NewEgg. Hell with it...

-Also as soon as they announce the new Minis tomorrow I plan on getting the 1.5 Ghz, 100 GB, Wired Mighty Mouse and Keyboard along with getting a modem installed as well. Is there any other heads up/ info a first time Mac buyer who's taking the plunge and making the switch, should know?

The current store specs looks like this:
Specifications
1GB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 DIMM
100GB Ultra ATA drive
4x SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Internal Bluetooth + AirPort Extreme Card
Wired Keyboard & Mighty Mouse Set - U.S. English
56K v.92 Modem
Mac OS X - U.S. English
• 1.42GHz PowerPC G4

-I had been meaning to post/register on this forum for a while now, I'm sorry that this turned out to be such a long post. I did try to be somewhat relevant to the topic being discussed, I think I just wanted to try and hit the ground running, what with everything that's going on in the Mac world. Again, it's nice to meet everyone and I'll definitely be around. Sorry again for the rambling introduction.

Xavier

 

[shamino]

... I already bought a monitor (an LG Flatron L1722P) which the personnel at Circuit City told me was Mac compatible. I just wanted to know if anyone knew of any compatibility issues.

There shouldn't be any. The Mac mini has DVI-I output. It can drive any display with a DVI or VGA input. (VGA via an adapter that the mini comes with.) Some have reported a low signal (resulting in a dimmer display) from the minis, but this shouldn't be a problem unless you have an Apple display. (PC displays generally let you set the brightness much higher than Apple does.)

The more I began to read up on Macs the more I was intrigued with the cult of Mac, it seems that there's a huge following of people that have unfaltering faith in Apple and Steve Jobs.

They're not as numerous as you might think, but they're a very vocal minority.

Most Mac fans really like the products but are not afraid to point out when Apple releases a stinker.

... I just need a steady foundation on which to build on that will uphold my 20 GB's of mp3s, my 3 GB's of pics and whatever else Ive got scattered over CDR's, because they wouldn't fit on my old Dell.

Any Mac should do fine for this. Just make sure you get a big enough hard drive. If you can't afford to get it built-in to your mini, you can get a FireWire drive and attach it externally.

FWIW, my music collection is about 40G. iTunes has absolutely no problem tracking and playing it all. I'm using a 3.5-year-old PowerMac G4, featuring dual 1GHz processors, 1G RAM, and 330G disk (two internal drives - 80G and 250G). The only upgrade I've needed over the time I've owned it was a USB 2.0 card, which cost about $25. (My other upgrades - the RAM and hard drive, were not necessary. I just wanted them.)

My computer geek best friend keeps trying to talk me out of getting a Mac, he says that for the money I'm going to pay he could build me a more powerful PC or put one together for me on NewEgg. Hell with it...

Maybe he could. But is he going to be your personal system administrator? And it still won't have all the way-cool apps that Macs come with - like iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand.

-Also as soon as they announce the new Minis tomorrow I plan on getting the 1.5 Ghz, 100 GB, Wired Mighty Mouse and Keyboard along with getting a modem installed as well. Is there any other heads up/ info a first time Mac buyer who's taking the plunge and making the switch, should know?

Just keep in mind that the mini's built-in hard drive is a 4200 RPM drive, so disk access will probably not be as fast as you're used to. If it becomes a problem, an external FireWire unit with a 7200 RPM drive in it should take care of that.

-I had been meaning to post/register on this forum for a while now, I'm sorry that this turned out to be such a long post. I did try to be somewhat relevant to the topic being discussed, I think I just wanted to try and hit the ground running, what with everything that's going on in the Mac world. Again, it's nice to meet everyone and I'll definitely be around. Sorry again for the rambling introduction.

Welcome aboard. We're generally a friendly group, although some discussions may get a bit heated. Have fun, stay on topic, and don't take anything personally.

 

[ack_mac]

Just keep in mind that the mini's built-in hard drive is a 4200 RPM drive, so disk access will probably not be as fast as you're used to. If it becomes a problem, an external FireWire unit with a 7200 RPM drive in it should take care of that.

You should be fine with the new 100GB hard drive that is listed as an option on the Apple website. A user on another forum posted that it is a Seagate running at 5400 RPM as oppossed to 42oo RPM.

I am also in the market to buy the mini tomorrow (announcement or not), and it too will be my first mac replacing my home built PC of three years.. Your friend is right, on paper he can build you a much better computer, but it will be big, bulky, and most impotantly will not be running OSX... When you think about the money you are spending don't forget to think about the OS, the most important part From what it sounds like, we are very similar with regards to what you will be using your mini for, and it should be more than adequate. I am also getting 1GB of ram and an airport express router (you may want to check that out for iTunes streaming). As far as Apple luring iPod owners over to Mac from PC's, it seems to be working.. Looks like there are several more ready to join the Apple/Mac/mini ranks!

 

[gaelan]

You should be fine with the new 100GB hard drive that is listed as an option on the Apple website. A user on another forum posted that it is a Seagate running at 5400 RPM as oppossed to 42oo RPM.

I am also in the market to buy the mini tomorrow (announcement or not), and it too will be my first mac replacing my home built PC of three years.. Your friend is right, on paper he can build you a much better computer, but it will be big, bulky, and most impotantly will not be running OSX... When you think about the money you are spending don't forget to think about the OS, the most important part From what it sounds like, we are very similar with regards to what you will be using your mini for, and it should be more than adequate. I am also getting 1GB of ram and an airport express router (you may want to check that out for iTunes streaming). As far as Apple luring iPod owners over to Mac from PC's, it seems to be working.. Looks like there are several more ready to join the Apple/Mac/mini ranks!

I too am in the market for a mini. The last mac I owned was a performa 5250, and that thing pretty much ruined me on macs for almost a decade now (well that and the price). I want our second desktop to look good in open view, be kid friendly and to try an alternative OS. My old Compaq will be hiding under the desk to be used as needed.
This is probably not even worth asking, but will the mini support a native resolution of 1280x768? This is the monitor.

After reading about minis for the past month, this is my plan. Wait for the upgrades and purchase by Christmas. I’m getting the $499 with no extras. I’ll use a 7200rpm or faster HDD to boot from externally. I’ve heard the difference between 5400 and 7200 is huge. If I decide I need and dvd burner, I’ll use an external since the super drive is only 4x. My monitor has VGA (for the Compaq) and DVI (for the mini), so I can share the monitor between the two desktops using the input button to switch video feeds. M&KB will be shared via a USB 2 to 1 adapter. Throw a USB and Firewire hub for added connections and I’m ready to roll. Anyone have any other suggestions on getting reacquainted with the Mac world?

Forgot to mention. Install your 1GB of RAM yourself. Apple charges way too much for such an easy installation. Ebay the 512 stick it comes with to offset your third party purchase.

 

[ack_mac]

I too am in the market for a mini. The last mac I owned was a performa 5250, and that thing pretty much ruined me on macs for almost a decade now (well that and the price). I want our second desktop to look good in open view, be kid friendly and to try an alternative OS. My old Compaq will be hiding under the desk to be used as needed.
This is probably not even worth asking, but will the mini support a native resolution of 1280x768? This is the monitor.

After reading about minis for the past month, this is my plan. Wait for the upgrades and purchase by Christmas. I’m getting the $499 with no extras. I’ll use a 7200rpm or faster HDD to boot from externally. I’ve heard the difference between 5400 and 7200 is huge. If I decide I need and dvd burner, I’ll use an external since the super drive is only 4x. My monitor has VGA (for the Compaq) and DVI (for the mini), so I can share the monitor between the two desktops using the input button to switch video feeds. M&KB will be shared via a USB 2 to 1 adapter. Throw a USB and Firewire hub for added connections and I’m ready to roll. Anyone have any other suggestions on getting reacquainted with the Mac world?

Forgot to mention. Install your 1GB of RAM yourself. Apple charges way too much for such an easy installation. Ebay the 512 stick it comes with to offset your third party purchase.

I want to say yes to your monitor question, but numerous mini users have reported issues with certain monitors. Do a search on this site and you will see what I am talking about.

I think you ahould definitely look at the $599 updated model. It will have a larger 5400rpm HD, a 64DDR RAM graphics chip vs. a 32, and a faster processor (1.5 vs. 1.33).. To me, that is worth the extra $100.. You may also want to look at the $699 model if you really want a DVD burner. The updated superdrive will be twice as fast and will also support dual layer.. To me, having the drive internal justs cuts down on clutter, and you know the device will support iDVD and iPhoto without any issues.

As for 5400RPM internal vs 7200 external firewire, I believe there is a difference in performance but I would not expect it to be that huge. Now if hte drive was an internal 7200 drive, it would be bigger.. Will have to research that.. The reason I am thinking about buying the RAM through Apple is that I get a discount, and it is the same price as buying 1GB through Crucial. I could ebay the 512 stick, but between the hassle and then having to pry my new mini open with putty knives, it is not worth it to me.. Man I wish the mini had two RAM slots...

 

[gaelan]

I want to say yes to your monitor question, but numerous mini users have reported issues with certain monitors. Do a search on this site and you will see what I am talking about.

I think you ahould definitely look at the $599 updated model. It will have a larger 5400rpm HD, a 64DDR RAM graphics chip vs. a 32, and a faster processor (1.5 vs. 1.33).. To me, that is worth the extra $100.. You may also want to look at the $699 model if you really want a DVD burner. The updated superdrive will be twice as fast and will also support dual layer.. To me, having the drive internal justs cuts down on clutter, and you know the device will support iDVD and iPhoto without any issues.

As for 5400RPM internal vs 7200 external firewire, I believe there is a difference in performance but I would not expect it to be that huge. Now if hte drive was an internal 7200 drive, it would be bigger.. Will have to research that.. The reason I am thinking about buying the RAM through Apple is that I get a discount, and it is the same price as buying 1GB through Crucial. I could ebay the 512 stick, but between the hassle and then having to pry my new mini open with putty knives, it is not worth it to me.. Man I wish the mini had two RAM slots...

I thought all versions were going to have a 64DDR RAM Graphics. Does the 1.5 vs. 1.33 really give that much more ooomph to performance. I figure the 1GB RAM would be more noticeable than a .17 bump in processing speed.

I haven't heard about the upgrade affecting the superdrive. It was my understanding that it would still be 4x and NOT support dual layer. The purpose of booting from the external HDD is two fold. One is utilizes a faster rpm drive for improved performance, and two it keeps the internal drive from spinning up which reduces noise and heat. The internal drive can be configured to backup the external HDD. This decreases the workload for the internal HDD to a minimum.

I agree with keeping the clutter down, but I want to keep the option of sharing the dvd burner with my pc instead of restricting it to one desktop.

Apple is charging $175 nowadays for the 1GB upgrade. How much is it to by 3rd party? I guessed it would be much cheaper especially if you add back in the sale of the 512 module.

 

[ack_mac]

I thought all versions were going to have a 64DDR RAM Graphics. Does the 1.5 vs. 1.33 really give that much more ooomph to performance. I figure the 1GB RAM would be more noticeable than a .17 bump in processing speed.

I haven't heard about the upgrade affecting the superdrive. It was my understanding that it would still be 4x and NOT support dual layer. The purpose of booting from the external HDD is two fold. One is utilizes a faster rpm drive for improved performance, and two it keeps the internal drive from spinning up which reduces noise and heat. The internal drive can be configured to backup the external HDD. This decreases the workload for the internal HDD to a minimum.

I agree with keeping the clutter down, but I want to keep the option of sharing the dvd burner with my pc instead of restricting it to one desktop.

Apple is charging $175 nowadays for the 1GB upgrade. How much is it to by 3rd party? I guessed it would be much cheaper especially if you add back in the sale of the 512 module.

According to two users who have received the 1.3 upgraded mini, the graphics card in that model still has 32DDR RAM video card. Same card as the 1.5, just less RAM. I agree, it is not much of a performance boost from 1.3 to 1.5, but the additional HD space, and increased RAM on the graphics chip make it up in my book.

You'll have to excuse me here, but doesn't the external drive make noise as well? Since it is a larger 3.5" drive vs. the 2.5" drive wouldn't it actually be louder and hotter?

As for the RAM, I priced it a Crucial and the price is the same (roughly $160 which is what I will pay Apple with my discount). You can find cheaper RAM for sure (maybe $120-140), but I have been burned buying cheaper RAM in the past and try to only by from Crucial (never had any issues ever). So, I would probably make about $40 or so off selling the 512K chip off Ebay.. Add in the hassle of sellling it plus me having to pry open my new mini.. Just not worth it to me But, that is me

 

[shamino]

Will the mini support a native resolution of 1280x768? This is the monitor.

It should. Apple's spec sheet says this about the video capability:

• DVI video output for digital resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 pixels; ... supports coherent digital displays up to 154MHz; supports non-coherent digital displays up to 135MHz
• VGA video output (using included adapter) to support analog resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 pixels

1280x768 is significantly less than the advertised maximum on both axes.

Some people have complained about the mini's signal strength being low (resulting in a dim image), but that is with Apple's displays. Third party LCD displays are often brighter, so you may not notice a problem.

Forgot to mention. Install your 1GB of RAM yourself. Apple charges way too much for such an easy installation. Ebay the 512 stick it comes with to offset your third party purchase.

Installing RAM in a mini isn't hard, but it's not as straightforward as on other models. If you're not comfortable wedging putty knives in the case seams in order to release the cover, let someone else do the installation.

 

[super mini (mac]

Installing RAM in a mini isn't hard, but it's not as straightforward as on other models. If you're not comfortable wedging putty knives in the case seams in order to release the cover, let someone else do the installation.[/QUOTE]


id like to do it my self, altough i was going to start with a knife and the case isnt as flexable as i imagained, say i do get it off (will be a first) lol.

when i install my ram, do i just push it in in the usual fasion making it click into the slots stick the cover on and turn it on?

or do i have to configre any thing when it is turned back on?

 

[skoker]

I think this is stupid. Just mark the old ones down $50 and sell the new ones at the regular price.

I agree completely.

 

[mrichmon]

id like to do it my self, altough i was going to start with a knife and the case isnt as flexable as i imagained, say i do get it off (will be a first) lol.

when i install my ram, do i just push it in in the usual fasion making it click into the slots stick the cover on and turn it on?

or do i have to configre any thing when it is turned back on?

Do not use anything but a putty knife. The case seams are very tight and you will make scratches or grooves in the case if you use a anything thicker than a thin putty knife. You will need to poke around a little to find the technique but the case on a mini is fairly easy to get open... just take your time with it and don't try to force it. Also, follow Apple's directions and spend a minute or so running the putty knife over some coarse sandpaper to thin down the bottom edge of the putty knife.

Once you get it open, remove the existing stick of ram and replace it with the new stick. Put the cover on and boot the machine. No settings or configuration is required.

 

[super mini (mac]

Do not use anything but a putty knife. The case seams are very tight and you will make scratches or grooves in the case if you use a anything thicker than a thin putty knife. You will need to poke around a little to find the technique but the case on a mini is fairly easy to get open... just take your time with it and don't try to force it. Also, follow Apple's directions and spend a minute or so running the putty knife over some coarse sandpaper to thin down the bottom edge of the putty knife.

Once you get it open, remove the existing stick of ram and replace it with the new stick. Put the cover on and boot the machine. No settings or configuration is required.

cool, could i just add a second dimm of ram i.e another 512mb or is it best to get a new 1gb dimm and do it that way?

p.s. how much can i expect to pay for the extra ram?

al

 

[mrichmon]

cool, could i just add a second dimm of ram i.e another 512mb or is it best to get a new 1gb dimm and do it that way?

The Mac Mini has only one DIMM socket. The only way to increase the RAM in the machine is to remove the existing DIMM and replace it with a larger DIMM.

You can see the motherboard for the Mac Mini here. Note the single DIMM socket along the right edge. Though to upgrade the RAM you don't need to disassemble to this level. The details of am upgrade are here.

 

[mxsweb]

Mac mini @ 1.5Ghz

First thing I did when I open the box it's look if I'm getting a 1.5Ghz instead of a 1.42... The 1.5Ghz version also have PC3200 DDR memory

 

[mdavey]

Well it's about time someone at Apple owned up to this abominable behavior.

I don't get people that are making comments like this. You are getting a free upgrade and are complaining about it? Or is it that you have to gamble for the new model? Is this just a US thing, do European and UK customers feel the same?

 

[Squire]

Well it's about time someone at Apple owned up to this abominable behavior.


Squire

I don't get people that are making comments like this. You are getting a free upgrade and are complaining about it? Or is it that you have to gamble for the new model? Is this just a US thing, do European and UK customers feel the same?

Hey, do me a favor:
1) Read the whole thread (or even take five minutes and just read my posts).
2) Look up the word "sarcasm" in the dictionary.
3) Brush up on your smiley knowledge.
4) Re-think what you wrote above.

Thanks,
Squire

 

[mdavey]

Hey, do me a favor:
1) Read the whole thread (or even take five minutes and just read my posts).
2) Look up the word "sarcasm" in the dictionary.
3) Brush up on your smiley knowledge.
4) Re-think what you wrote above.

Okay, I am suitably ashamed - I picked your post at random and I did miss your smiley (and your location for that matter). However, others seem to be making similar comments but in earnest (either that or they have a *very* dry sense or humour and I am having a bad day ).

 

[Squire]

No worries. I guess you were just a bit trigger happy, eh?
The whole thing is a bit mind-boggling. We obviously share the same opinion.

Just curious: Why did you mention my location? Are you over here, too?

Squire

 

[mdavey]

Why did you mention my location?

In my original post I asked if those that were upset were just from the US (is it a US culture thing that people expect to get *exactly* what is advertised) or whether there are people in Europe and elsewhere that think Apple's behaviour is less than hounourable.

 

[denial]

In my original post I asked if those that were upset were just from the US (is it a US culture thing that people expect to get *exactly* what is advertised) or whether there are people in Europe and elsewhere that think Apple's behaviour is less than hounourable.

I think the general consensus in the UK is that we always get short changed. Base Mac Mini's are still on sale at PC World (and I'm talking about the original 256mb ram one's). Just been reduced to make room for "newer models" (so a salesman told me) so presumably this will herald the newer models. Still can't get my head round why Apple don't announce this move officially. Truly odd.