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Waiting to pull the trigger on Mac Mini 2011 Refresh, this Feb
- Thread starter whocaresit
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It depends on Apple finding a suitable low-end GPU to use with the H55 chipset. If the 320m could have been paired with an i3/i5, I'm sure they would have done it for the 2010 refresh, but since Intel doesn't want to license the chipset tech to nVidia, Apple is stuck with either the on-chip IGP (which is very slow compared to the 320m or 9400m), or a more expensive discrete gpu like the 330m. Perhaps one of these factors will change in 2011, but if not, don't be surprised to see a Core 2 Duo in next year's refresh.
it wont always be at 3.6GHz silly - TB doesnt work like that
in any case, i do not feel that the Mini will be upgraded for some time.
disagree I think the upgrade will be before spring in late Jan or early Feb. They did go for a lot in the form re design. I just don't think they would do that without a plan. Sitting on the current mini without an upgrade makes no sense from a profit viewpoint.
It's likely to be a while. Nothing is likely to be updated now as you are entering the holiday season. You would have unhappy people if they bought a holiday gift in November to find an upgraded system released before the one they bought is even opened.
The price drop is more likely the effect of exchange rates more than anything else.
From what I understand, Intel will be phasing out their desktop Core 2's from "primary marketing" by mid-2011. A brief search hasn't found any indication they will be retiring their laptop chips in a similar way (or even if they did, they may still make them for direct customers like Apple).
I'm just so tempted to get a mini right now for the simple fact that I've been waiting 7 years to finally go from PC to Mac.
I'm just a normal computer user tired of using Microsoft. The problem is I have a Dell Inspiron 2.66 Core 2 Duo desktop with 4GB of RAM that's only two years old...and frankly it runs.
Buying a mini, I wouldn't really be upgrading. Is Mac OS X really worth dropping a grand for even if spec wise, I'm not gaining anything except the ability to max out the RAM at 8?
I came very, very close to going with the air because of the tech behind it (flash memory and instant on) but the wife nixed that because as she says "it was taking a step backwards in terms of specs..." I also came very close to going with the iPad and just keeping the Dell. But, I don't think I want two machines, even if they have very different functions, in the house. I already have a touch.
My main concern is what happens if they do a refresh next summer and spec wise, it's been upgraded from the core 2 duo and they also implement flash memory on the mini....
...that's kind of my dream machine right there because I just don't want the iMac...
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
I'm just a normal computer user tired of using Microsoft. The problem is I have a Dell Inspiron 2.66 Core 2 Duo desktop with 4GB of RAM that's only two years old...and frankly it runs.
Buying a mini, I wouldn't really be upgrading. Is Mac OS X really worth dropping a grand for even if spec wise, I'm not gaining anything except the ability to max out the RAM at 8?
I came very, very close to going with the air because of the tech behind it (flash memory and instant on) but the wife nixed that because as she says "it was taking a step backwards in terms of specs..." I also came very close to going with the iPad and just keeping the Dell. But, I don't think I want two machines, even if they have very different functions, in the house. I already have a touch.
My main concern is what happens if they do a refresh next summer and spec wise, it's been upgraded from the core 2 duo and they also implement flash memory on the mini....
...that's kind of my dream machine right there because I just don't want the iMac...
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
I hear you there my friend. I just bought a refurb 2010 mini for my wife and I'm exactly in the same mindset as you, but luckily my wife gave me an avenue to see if it is worth it.
At this point, after receiving it and using it, it's really hard to say. I can definitely attest to it is much harder now to resist buying one than it was before we got it.
What caught my eye about the computer was that in less than 10 minutes, the system was up, running, and usable. I know 'technically' you can do that with a Dell or HP, but the amount of crap that you have to remove on those things makes the experience much different. I've always built my systems for that reason, but we're talking about a good 2-3 hours of work by the time windows is actually running.
So with all that said, it's REALLY tempting. It's a very smooth little box. I'm planning on downloading trial software for Photoshop to see how it handles my big files that I work on, so I've got a little test work to do, but so far it makes me really want to buy one for me
Think about this also - if you choose to buy a mini, and next year the specs come out that you want, just sell it. Being a PC guy, we don't often think about selling our machines, but the resell value of macs (and specifically the minis) are pretty darn good. Let's say they release the mini you want and it costs $800 decked out. You can probably still sell your $700 mini for about $600 and you are not out of pocket all that much.
Not to mention, if I go all in with the mini now (including keyboard, mouse, VGA adapter, and Office for Mac) and they do in fact upgrade the hardware next summer, all I would need to buy is just the machine...especially if I get good money on a resell.
All I need is for the mini to last me at least 5 years until I have the enough money where I can go all out with a Mac.
My main concern right now is just getting to Mac after all these years waiting and the mini is the one that could get me there.
All I need is for the mini to last me at least 5 years until I have the enough money where I can go all out with a Mac.
My main concern right now is just getting to Mac after all these years waiting and the mini is the one that could get me there.
The 2010 mini isn't to bad. HDMI and 8gb max ram, not to shabby. Wish the could of at least put a 3ghz chip in it. I went with the 2.66 so now I'm maxed at speed and installed 8gb ram. No page outs yet. It's slow compared to my sold 2008 Mac pro but I went ahead and built a 2.66 westmere system for half of what apple wanted. I don't think we will see an i 3/5 anytime soon so grab a refurb to save same cash and get one. Cheapest way to learn OS X is on a mini, 2009 or 2010 model.
The SSD in the Air makes a world of difference. I was just stress-testing one in the Apple Store last night; even with 2GB you can throw quite a bit at it without the machine missing a beat. Will it encode videos any faster than your Dell? Probably not, but the perceived responsiveness of the Air will be very noticeable.
However, if you're looking for longevity in your Mac purchase, the better bet would be to get a Mini and stick a SandForce-based SSD in there. The Airs still use a Toshiba controller, the longevity of which is unproven at least when under OS X. Plus, you'll get a bit faster CPU, higher RAM ceiling, and more I/O options. If you're looking to save money, you could probably get away with a 2009 Mini (the only difference is the somewhat slower 9400m gpu). An SSD will make any current Mac relevant for a long time.
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dolphin,
I couldn't wait any longer and ordered a 2010 Mini last night. It's just time to do it. And, I don't regret it either.
Funny enough, I have been looking into replacing the hard drive with a SSD one. Unfortunately, my hardware knowledge on computers is relegated to upgrading memory and that's about it. I watched a few youtube videos on upgrading the hard drive on a 2010 Mini, and frankly, it seemed quite daunting to some one like me.
I'd have to find someone to do it for me because knowing me, I'd screw it all to hell, even with the best intentions.
Is eshop.macsales.com a great place for SSD's? I'm getting 8GB's of memory from them for my mini here soon?
I couldn't wait any longer and ordered a 2010 Mini last night. It's just time to do it. And, I don't regret it either.
Funny enough, I have been looking into replacing the hard drive with a SSD one. Unfortunately, my hardware knowledge on computers is relegated to upgrading memory and that's about it. I watched a few youtube videos on upgrading the hard drive on a 2010 Mini, and frankly, it seemed quite daunting to some one like me.
I'd have to find someone to do it for me because knowing me, I'd screw it all to hell, even with the best intentions.
Is eshop.macsales.com a great place for SSD's? I'm getting 8GB's of memory from them for my mini here soon?
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did you buy the 2.4 or did you buy the 2.4 with the 2.66 upgrade? no matter which one you purchased I wish you good luck with it. since you want the ram from owc why not shoot them an email and ask them if you drop in the 120gb model for a fee.
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The original poster really ticks me off. No sources to what he is saying. No reply to a direct question to back up his post. He answers an either-or question with "certainly."
My attitude was softened by the other posters in this thread, but I wonder how the OP made it to "macrumors 6502" status with this JUNK.
It has dropped. AU$100 on each model. Base MM is now AU$899 and the server is AU$1299.
OWC/macsales.com is the place to go for RAM and SSDs (I've got their RAM in my 2010 Mini currently). TenPlus Systems, a local independent Mac shop, quoted me ~$60 for an SSD installation (and they'd be more than willing to do AppleCare service on the Mini should anything arise in the future).
I think i3 for the next two-ish years. But I would loooooooooooove to see an i5 in there as either an upgrade or as a more expensive version. Matter of fact I think it would sell very well indeed. Just do it apple.
Thanks again, dolphin. I already order 8GB's of RAM from OWC.
I'm going to wait on the SSD...for now.
I'm going to wait on the SSD...for now.
Straight to Sandy Bridge
I can't see a mini with an i3 or an i5. Apple will likely go straight to a SandyBridge chip. The onboard graphics of some of the SandyBridge chips are the equal of the 320M. The chips are smaller and cooler just right for a mini.
This is the mini that will really rock.
I can't see a mini with an i3 or an i5. Apple will likely go straight to a SandyBridge chip. The onboard graphics of some of the SandyBridge chips are the equal of the 320M. The chips are smaller and cooler just right for a mini.
This is the mini that will really rock.
I was thinking the exact same thing.
Certainly not. The price decrease is due to the low US dollar.