2011 Mac Mini - Speculation

[calaverasgrande]

But heaven forbid Apple make anything easy to work on.

Seriously, I remember my old power mac. Never could get the damn case on right after I added ram and a 2nd hard drive. Flash forward ten years, damn if I can get my mini back together without breaking something!
In contrast the Mac Pros and unibody macbooks are a breeze to work on.

 

[Wicked1]

Seriously, I remember my old power mac. Never could get the damn case on right after I added ram and a 2nd hard drive. Flash forward ten years, damn if I can get my mini back together without breaking something!
In contrast the Mac Pros and unibody macbooks are a breeze to work on.

I have the early 2009 uMB the one they call classic bc of the removable battery and HDD cover. So easy to work on and even get in there an clean the fan from time to time, but my 2009 Mini frustrates me, but now that I have decided to go small SSD in and Large HDD external, I will not need to get the case open anymore, but I have snapped 3 clips, but and I always have trouble aligning the back with the backplate for some reason.

I would love to get a Mac Pro, I just can not justify the money for what I use a computer for, and I have been in IT for 21 years, so I am using my MacBook more and more, and a desktop with all the bells and whistles less and less.

 

[Akula971]

Progression

If you look at the history of the Mac Mini, it is one of slow steady progression, and will be in the future too. Perhaps an I3 or other low power processor, better graphics capability. I bought a 2010 model, added an SSD, 8GB Ram, and although it does not exactly fly along, I've not seen a beach ball yet. In fact since this little thing has dual monitor support, my MacPro (2008 model) has been off for some time. The mini happily runs IWorks, Parallels and a CAD system. But when I compare it to my first Mac mini, the PPC 1.4GHz model, what a difference.

So I think an incremental changes to processor and graphics, and perhaps USB3 support. The DVD slot will stay, as it is required to install the system.

 

[arcobb]

I was reading though and a lot of people posted that they do not want to see the price go up if ssd was added, however ssd is still on a downward price trajectory ... and apple can buy large lots driving price down (especially if adopted in other mac lines (like the MBP). So ssd has the benefit of getting cheaper over time increasing apples margin, the hdd price's have basically flattened out.

Speaking of margin, apple has some room to play with because they already maintain the highest margins in the business. When compared to a base dell machine (I know, the specs aren't exact, but even when you max out theirs it's still only in the $475 range for their hardware). link). Apple could do a lot and still make a profit. Maybe less right away, but would definitely peak interest, sales and as parts get cheaper their margin would increase. Apple is master of using the hype machine to sell their products and could get the increased sales needed to make up any loss in margin, especially if they added ssd into their low end machine.

... The DVD slot will stay, as it is required to install the system.

As for the optical drive. I hate to see it go, but I can see it happening sooner than we like, Isn't apple already doing this? The air already has the system software on a flash drive:

.

And apple has their new software store on the way, movies can be downloaded via netflix, apple store and others. No need for optical for movies. Oh and if you feel the need, they have the usb optical disk they sell as an accessory for those that need it (link). So I can see the optical disk going in the same way as ethernet and the modem did their dongles (link).

 

[63dot]

Core i3 for Mac mini and Macbook, but maybe Core i5 and above for iMacs at same time.

Form factor will probably stay the same for Mac mini.

SSD hard drive, but as a higher priced option perhaps in Mac mini??

 

[bry223]

I refuse to by any Mac with a Intel IGP, the 320m is 20% faster than the sandy bridge IGP, its a downgrade. I'd much rather have a faster GPU than a small increase in processor performance.

 

[LumberJackNAU]

Just got my Mac Mini as my first ever apple computer on christmas, and if they can make improvements over this, I'd be shocked. I love it. I'm using my wireless keyboard on it and it works fine. If they do however make a new mac mini. I think they should make front loading USB Slots and stuff, also take out the SD Card.

 

[G4er?]

Just got my Mac Mini as my first ever apple computer on christmas, and if they can make improvements over this, I'd be shocked. I love it. I'm using my wireless keyboard on it and it works fine. If they do however make a new mac mini. I think they should make front loading USB Slots and stuff, also take out the SD Card.

Apple overlooks the obvious usefulness of putting such things on the front where they are easy to reach and use. Why? Having those little things that actually make a computer useful located where they make sense apparently ruins the look.

If Apple built a car all the controls on the dash would be mounted behind the driver.

 

[Akula971]

If Apple built a car all the controls on the dash would be mounted behind the driver.

I think Apple should be applauded for what they manage to cram into this piece of machined aluminium.

 

[dolphin842]

Apple overlooks the obvious usefulness of putting such things on the front where they are easy to reach and use.

I agree that the SD card slot should be in front. Other than that, I'm not swapping devices that often so I like being able to put all the cable clutter behind my monitors where I can't see it.

Also, you can always turn the Mini around and have the ports facing you all the time .

 

[Luman]

Slight tangent, but..

I'm in the market for a Mini.. right now I STILL have my old PowerMac G4 Cube running as a file server / mule and a PowerBook G4 17" doing the same, running Leopard Server. Not a lot of traffic on these two machines, yet, looking to change that soon.

Would it be a good time to buy a Mini in the server config? I've used the Buying Guides for years, but I've never bought a Mac 6 months into its lifecycle. For instance I picked up a MBP in April and I'm good for a while now.

 

[G4er?]

Also, you can always turn the Mini around and have the ports facing you all the time .

Except for those times that some of us need to use the optical drive. This is what I find so odd about Apple's consumer level computers. The Mac Pro has some ports and jacks on front. But if you aren't a professional Apple somehow thinks that you don't want things where they are easy to reach.

It is the (IMHO) overhyped belief that a desktop computer has to be uber small. I'd rather see a Mac mini that is about three times as tall as the one now and put some things on the front where I can reach them. I want usability in my Mac more than I want the absolute smallest package. There is a reason I want a desktop computer. I don't plan on carrying it around. It shouldn't have to be a huge as a Mac Pro in order to have some things on the front. Either make the mini bigger or offer a true mid range computer in a size between the mini and Pro and put some stuff on the front where it makes sense.

 

[dime21]

Apple overlooks the obvious usefulness of putting such things on the front where they are easy to reach and use. Why? Having those little things that actually make a computer useful located where they make sense apparently ruins the look.

If Apple built a car all the controls on the dash would be mounted behind the driver.

x2, form should follow function. Useful > pretty. Apple apparently thinks its the other way round.

 

[Hellhammer]

Either make the mini bigger or offer a true mid range computer in a size between the mini and Pro and put some stuff on the front where it makes sense.

Which leads to "xMac" discussion that has been beaten to death. Apple hasn't shown any interest on mid-tower, their desktop lineup is doing pretty strong without it.

 

[63dot]

x2, form should follow function. Useful > pretty. Apple apparently thinks its the other way round.

That's the niche Apple has followed over the last decade. I think the only exception is the Mac Pro. While it looks somewhat nice, it's very utilitarian and does not try to go head to head with Alienware. It's the best Apple has to offer in terms of specs.

Of course, our laptops do go head to head with an Alienware or Sony for prettiness.

 

[dolphin842]

Except for those times that some of us need to use the optical drive.

Alright, well then how about just turning it 90 degrees counter-clockwise? Then the power cord's at the far end and you get visual access to everything including the SD card slot.

 

[Dalton63841]

Of course, our laptops do go head to head with an Alienware or Sony for prettiness.

Am I the only one who thinks that Alienware laptops are ugly as sin? No offense, its just my opinion.

 

[evilcat]

Am I the only one who thinks that Alienware laptops are ugly as sin? No offense, its just my opinion.

I agree. It's like looking at a pick-up truck after staring at a sports car. But then it's to appeal to people who spend hours staring at beige, post-apocalyptic waste grounds in FPS for hours on end...

Arguably, some Sony designs are attractive, but generally cost a lot more than Apple, and the HP Envy line didn't do a bad job of aping a MB Pro...

 

[misfit356tsw]

Which leads to "xMac" discussion that has been beaten to death. Apple hasn't shown any interest on mid-tower, their desktop lineup is doing pretty strong without it.

A midtower Mac will happen when hell freezes. Its amazing the number of years we have been discussing it.

As for a new Mac Mini, I just want an core i3, 4GB of ram, and thats about it. My wishes are simple because I have a 1.66 ghz core duo Mac Mini with the max 2GB of ram. Its time for an upgrade and as long as its a core i3 machine I won't be picky.

 

[TShirtJohn]

I've had my mac mini for a couple of years now, bought a mac pro due to it but the pro is in my workshop so stuck the mini into my living room as a entertainment server but the lack of digital sound output really lets it down

 

[Richdmoore]

Waiting

I have a 3 1/2 year old MacBook I would love to replace with a mac mini, but it's hard to justify right now, because it has the same core 2 duo processor still.

I would love to have a mac mini with an I series processor, and a better graphics chip. (I have a gma950 in the MacBook, it really sucks....)

Going to ssd memory (like the air) would be great, I played with one at best buy and it made the computer fly, even with a slower core 2 than my MacBook. I can live with an external DVD drive as well, so it they reduce the size I wouldn't mind.

Better yet than reducing the size would be to set it up with both a smaller flash memory drive for os & apps, and a conventional hard disk drive for video, itunes music and other larger data files.

 

[Richdmoore]

I've had my mac mini for a couple of years now, bought a mac pro due to it but the pro is in my workshop so stuck the mini into my living room as a entertainment server but the lack of digital sound output really lets it down

Are you sure you don't have optical digital sound? According to wikipedia all intel mac mini's came with it.

My 3 1/2 yr old MacBook has both, using the same headphone plug. You plug in traditional stereo headphones, and they work, but if you plug in a mini-toslink cable it gives out optical signals.

Here is the type of cable you will need.....
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10229&cs_id=1022902&p_id=1571&seq=1&format=2

 

[dolphin842]

I've had my mac mini for a couple of years now, bought a mac pro due to it but the pro is in my workshop so stuck the mini into my living room as a entertainment server but the lack of digital sound output really lets it down

The Mini has digital optical output... it uses the headphone jack and this cable (the line-in is also capable of optical as well depending on your model).

EDIT: Beaten to the punch by Richdmoore!

 

[chrismacguy]

What I would Like Apple to create:
A Mac Mini with a 128GB Flash Boot Drive, a Hard Drive and a Optical Drive, oh and a faster CPU (Dual Core 3.0Ghz Range would be nice)

What I think Apple is likely to create:
Identical Case, Identical Options - Speed Bump and possibly a move to Flash Storage + Discrete Graphics Card instead of a conventional Hard Drive. I also expect the price to increase. Again. (What on earth happened to the days a new Mac was less than 400 quid)

(Why Im interested: I want a High-Performance Server to replace the 1.67Ghz G4 PowerBook Im currently using)

 

[Strolls]

I have a 3 1/2 year old MacBook I would love to replace with a mac mini, but it's hard to justify right now, because it has the same core 2 duo processor still.

This thread is for speculation about the new Minis, which are anticipated this year.

Of course it's hard to justify a mini right now - the current models of Mini are (likely) in the last third of their production cycle. By average release Mini release dates - which is obviously not an infallible guide - we should see a new model within 6 weeks.

It's worth noting that even a current MacMini could take at least twice as much RAM, and possibly 4 times as much, as your current MacBook. If the stated age of your laptop is correct then it is limited to 2gig of RAM - I recently upgraded my late 2008 model unibody MacBook to 4gig (a cheap upgrade now, at only £30) and the difference is tremendous.

Better yet than reducing the size would be to set it up with both a smaller flash memory drive for os & apps, and a conventional hard disk drive for video, itunes music and other larger data files.

I like the idea, but I don't see Apple going for this "extra complexity". There are parts of ~ which would be best on hard-drive, others which would be better on SSD. EDIT: unless you're thinking of a very small flash drive, 8gig or 16meg or so, for system files. That's kinda an interesting idea, but I'm not sure that Apple would roll something like that out on the Mini first.

I'm yet to be convinced that it's good to use SSDs for swap.