Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
2011 Mac Mini - Speculation
- Thread starter Nanker/Phelge
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Arrrgghh!! I've been trying to hold out for a new Mac Mini revision, help me decide here guys.
Thinking of picking up the server edition, will be using it mainly for:
Air Server
EyeTv
Also I would be looking a little bit of doing advance stuff like VPN server so I can securely connect via FTP from work, maybe set it up as an email server as well.
Currently using a 2008 Unibody MacBook to do Air Server and EyeTV streaming but it's not an elegant solution, Mac Mini would be perfect for what I want to do, 24X7 on and low power usage.
Local shop where I'm at is wiling to give me 10% off any Apple product, PLUS can also put it on a 2-3 year interest free financing, technically about $35 a month. Really tempted to pick one up now, also the free upgrade to Lion is an added benefit (even if it's only a few $$$).
Thinking of picking up the server edition, will be using it mainly for:
Air Server
EyeTv
Also I would be looking a little bit of doing advance stuff like VPN server so I can securely connect via FTP from work, maybe set it up as an email server as well.
Currently using a 2008 Unibody MacBook to do Air Server and EyeTV streaming but it's not an elegant solution, Mac Mini would be perfect for what I want to do, 24X7 on and low power usage.
Local shop where I'm at is wiling to give me 10% off any Apple product, PLUS can also put it on a 2-3 year interest free financing, technically about $35 a month. Really tempted to pick one up now, also the free upgrade to Lion is an added benefit (even if it's only a few $$$).
Imo, no, because it wasn't my point I was trying to defend. The analogy wasn't meant to explain how Mini was targeted, merely how things can be used (and, in the case of the kinect and the mini, quite well) for things other than their main target.
Just the same, I'm still of the opinion that the Mac Mini is less targeted to developers, even if it were just by its name, than the Mac Pro. Pro, as in professional. Developers (but perhaps not those that are just starting to develop for iOS, or for OSX for that matter) are professional users. And if not by its name, by its lack of storage.
Oh and it may be my location, it may be just me, but I have never seen a television ad for any Mac. So I can't say anything how these are used to position a Mac towards its audience. I can say, however, that the Apple site itself seems to position the Mac Mini towards everyday users. "Why Mac Mini?" is answered mainly by "Better at everyday things" and "Good for media management."
have you tried the macbook in closed mode? that should give you roughly an idea of how a current mac mini would behave performance-wise. If thats enough for what you need then you could consider a 2010 or a refurb 2009?
More BTO flexibility needed
The newer imacs allow you to use them as a display... so you don't have to throw them out. I quite like the imacs actually. They are beautiful integrated systems. Are they perfect? no... but most macs aren't "perfect". But you can use the newer imacs as a monitor, which is great!
As for the mac mini... I don't see them taking out the superdrive yet... Lots of people use mini's as media centers with their televisions and whatnot... the superdrive is pretty handy for that... Yes you can use an external superdrive... but that defeats the purpose of the mini being mini!
Flash drives would be great though... as would discrete graphics, but I don't know if they can cram those in there...
What I would love to see is a wider variety of built to order options for the mini. That would make everyone happy. You can choose to get one with a superdrive, or you could get one without (just like the server version). Add to that some options for flash memory... and maybe better graphics.... and we can all have our cake and eat it too!
But, the mini better come with more than 2 gb ram standard... because 2 gb at that price is a ripoff!!!
I love the mini... but it has a lot of untapped potential...
The newer imacs allow you to use them as a display... so you don't have to throw them out. I quite like the imacs actually. They are beautiful integrated systems. Are they perfect? no... but most macs aren't "perfect". But you can use the newer imacs as a monitor, which is great!
As for the mac mini... I don't see them taking out the superdrive yet... Lots of people use mini's as media centers with their televisions and whatnot... the superdrive is pretty handy for that... Yes you can use an external superdrive... but that defeats the purpose of the mini being mini!
Flash drives would be great though... as would discrete graphics, but I don't know if they can cram those in there...
What I would love to see is a wider variety of built to order options for the mini. That would make everyone happy. You can choose to get one with a superdrive, or you could get one without (just like the server version). Add to that some options for flash memory... and maybe better graphics.... and we can all have our cake and eat it too!
But, the mini better come with more than 2 gb ram standard... because 2 gb at that price is a ripoff!!!
I love the mini... but it has a lot of untapped potential...
Understood and for the record, I wasn't trying to "own" anyone. Spirited debate doesnt have to be a fight, right?
IMO, Mac Pro's are overkill for a lot of developers (professional or otherwise). I learned iOS on my wife's white MacBook and it compiles and runs iOS apps without a hitch despite its lack of 57 and 1/2 cores like the latest Mac pro.
At any rate, this came up as part of discussing why apple will or won't update Mac minis during WWDC. As to that topic, I doubt apple will want to do anything to take away from their Lion/iOS 5/icloud press this week (regardless of who they want to target with the mini).
Hehe, I didn't mean to fight, despite my mention of a battleship
Good point. Alot of professional computer users don't need 'professional grade' computing power.
Again, agreed. However, I do believe the point someone made (I think it was in a different thread) that refreshed Mini's/MacBooks/MBA's will be coming soon, now that Lion is around the corner. Lion will probably use so much RAM that the 2GB in them right now will give you very little spare. As Apple's bestselling motto seems to be 'It just works', they probably won't sell machines that can't comfortably run their current OS.
Edit: It says here that Lion needs 2GB of RAM.
Last edited:
One quote from WWDC (I can't remember who was speaking on stage at the time):
"3/4 of Macs shipped today are laptops."
Yeah, that's because the Mac Mini is still running C2Ds & needs to be updated, many people don't like the mirror glass on the iMac & as you don't do matte screens on them have to buy a headless Mac... and there's nothing between the naff Mini and the £££ Pro.
My consultancy invoice is in the mail Apple.
"3/4 of Macs shipped today are laptops."
Yeah, that's because the Mac Mini is still running C2Ds & needs to be updated, many people don't like the mirror glass on the iMac & as you don't do matte screens on them have to buy a headless Mac... and there's nothing between the naff Mini and the £££ Pro.
My consultancy invoice is in the mail Apple.
My MBP just died (motherboard/video) and i am looking at getting the Mini + iPad 2 as a replacement. The mini would be hooked up as a media center / file server as well.
Im trying to debate whether i should hold out for a week or two before buying (+ a 2 week return policy) or, if i should buy now.
What do you guys think? I have a very bad history of things being released just after i buy them.
Im trying to debate whether i should hold out for a week or two before buying (+ a 2 week return policy) or, if i should buy now.
What do you guys think? I have a very bad history of things being released just after i buy them.
If you can, I'd say hold out for a week or two.
You can't play the waiting game forever, but I do expect a "silent" upgrade of the mini's processor sometime this summer. No I don't have any insider information. This is just a hunch based on previous upgrade cycles. Won't be a major "re-design" like happened last year, but I'd be very surprised if there were no improvements to the mac mini line this year.
I've read several posts saying there is a possibility that a new Mini refresh would still have the C2D processor. I don't think there is any possibility of that. It's a loser right out of the gate; I certainly wouldn't buy one. I'd say an i3 minimum; an i5 more likely. And 2 gigs of RAM is also a no-go; although Lion can run on that, the user experience is filled with spinning. beach balls. Of course if they do ship with 2 gigs of RAM, that's easily fixed by the user.
Still screwed if you already have a monitor and don't need, want or have room for two.
Personally, I don't see the new Mac Mini (whether it's silent under the hood or whatever) before Lion now
.That's what i was thinking. I was bummed on the fact that it still has the C2D processor (which was brilliant for its time). I have an i5 processor in my laptop at work, and the thing hauls ass.
I guess our definitions for "refresh" vary in this thread.
To me, by definition, refresh is a significant update that changes the design or architecture or both. C2D -> SB is a refresh. White iMac -> Alu iMac is a refresh.
If the Mini gets another C2D update, it's merely a spec-bump. I mean, what's the fastest C2D they can put in the Mini anyway? Ram boost and HD upgrade would be included in this spec-bump.
I stand by what I said previously. The next "refresh" will be an SB or IB architecture. If Apple chooses to stick with C2D and slightly update the specs, it's not a refresh IMO.
MM Server Speculation?
What's in line for the mac mini server?
I'm to the point with my office where I can see having to go from a peer to peer network (sharing) to a server.
Wasn't wild about the MM server with it's hardware limitations (two disk drives, c2d, 4 gigs, lack of viable upgrade options), but it was a valid choice since it at least had $499 SL server.
10.7 server will be $80 (huzzah! hooray! etc), but it makes MM server somehow less appealing in its current form.
Not a whole lot of choice in the matter if I want something with at least two hard drives on board. Either this, a mac pro (which is probably a bit of overkill for my needs, especially at that price point) or osx86 a big beige box with compatible hardware and a whole lot of hard drives inside of it.
I suppose another important variable will be how icloud and the like can integrate into it. If the MMS price will include a decent amount of online storage or backup at the big server farm and not require me to spend more time considering RAID options, redundancy, etc., the little box may gain a lot of luster for me in the near future.
What's in line for the mac mini server?
I'm to the point with my office where I can see having to go from a peer to peer network (sharing) to a server.
Wasn't wild about the MM server with it's hardware limitations (two disk drives, c2d, 4 gigs, lack of viable upgrade options), but it was a valid choice since it at least had $499 SL server.
10.7 server will be $80 (huzzah! hooray! etc), but it makes MM server somehow less appealing in its current form.
Not a whole lot of choice in the matter if I want something with at least two hard drives on board. Either this, a mac pro (which is probably a bit of overkill for my needs, especially at that price point) or osx86 a big beige box with compatible hardware and a whole lot of hard drives inside of it.
I suppose another important variable will be how icloud and the like can integrate into it. If the MMS price will include a decent amount of online storage or backup at the big server farm and not require me to spend more time considering RAID options, redundancy, etc., the little box may gain a lot of luster for me in the near future.
With Lion Server being alot cheaper and ThunderBolt for expandability, the 'upcoming' mini may indeed be alot more attractive. Even if they aren't offering a dual drive option, which I suppose they will do.
One quote from WWDC (I can't remember who was speaking on stage at the time):
"3/4 of Macs shipped today are laptops."
Yeah, that's because the Mac Mini is still running C2Ds & needs to be updated, many people don't like the mirror glass on the iMac & as you don't do matte screens on them have to buy a headless Mac... and there's nothing between the naff Mini and the £££ Pro.
My consultancy invoice is in the mail Apple.
That's exactly right. As it stands the mac mini right now is way overpriced, even by apples standards of overpricing everything. The C2D is archaic, and in desperate need of an update. This is probably hurting Apple's bottom line, I mean who wants to buy a 3 year old computer at the price of a modern one?
Question is, when is the next update going to come? Will it come with the release of Lion, shortly after? Has to be before years end as Intel plans to EOL the C2D. I'm going to bet latest Oct.
I fully agree. The new Mini will be out very closely after the release of Lion. It just makes to much sense in my opinion. The Mini will get an Intel i5 Duel Core Chip, Intel HD Graphics 3000, one Thunderbolt/Display Port, keep the CD/DVD Drive and bumped to 4GB RAM. The server Model will be dropped for sure. We may get really lucky and they may keep the HDMI Port for HDTV and duel monitor set up. Apple will give us the option to add more RAM (up to 8GB) and a 750GB (7200 RPM) or 128GB/256 GB SSD Drive for sure too. The form factor will stay the same. Looking forward to my upgrade in July/August!
Just thought I'd chime in here and add that I, too, am waiting for the Mac mini to be refreshed. (desperately waiting?)
I really need a new computer and I refuse to purchase the current Mac mini as it is so outdated. (Plus, I really want a thunderbolt port in that sucker)
An iMac is out of the question as I want to use my new 55" tv as the display. The Mac Pro is just overkill for me, as is the price.
I'll wait as long as it takes. As Lion is just around the corner, hopefully the wait won't be too much longer.
Come on, Apple! I desperately want to give you my money! I promise I'll be buying an iPad 2 after I get my mini.
I really need a new computer and I refuse to purchase the current Mac mini as it is so outdated. (Plus, I really want a thunderbolt port in that sucker)
An iMac is out of the question as I want to use my new 55" tv as the display. The Mac Pro is just overkill for me, as is the price.
I'll wait as long as it takes. As Lion is just around the corner, hopefully the wait won't be too much longer.
Come on, Apple! I desperately want to give you my money! I promise I'll be buying an iPad 2 after I get my mini.
Last edited:
Just chiming in to say that I am also waiting on a refresh of the Mini for my in-laws. A C2D is just not a good CPU anymore and 2GB of RAM for the base model is laughable. Apple will get more money from me once the Mini is upgraded. This will also be their first Mac and they can't wait, but that seems to be the name of the game right now.
This though is simply your opinion and possibly suits your needs. I hate mobile computing solutions which is why I still have an old brick of a mobile phone and never use a notebook unless I have no other option. The only way a MBP would suit me is with the screen and keyboard ripped out - seriously. I'm happy with any other form of computing solution just as long as it is a Desktop
Sadly though I'm fast coming to the realisation that the chances of a Mini refresh this time around are diminishing with each passing day so it looks as though for the present I'm stuck with "the mirror" (that's what I call my iMac).
Things I hope to see in 2011 Mac Mini
Cheaper Model $699
2.5GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5
2GB (two 2GB) memory
128GB flash storage1
AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB
1 Thunderbolt port, 1 HDMI Port, 1 Mini Display Port, 1 Audio line in minijack (digital/analog), 1 Audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog), 1 FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps), 1 SD card slot, Four USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps).
More Expensive Model $899
2.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5
4GB (two 2GB) memory
256GB flash storage1
AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 512MB
1 Thunderbolt port, 1 HDMI Port, 1 Mini Display Port, 1 Audio line in minijack (digital/analog), 1 Audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog), 1 FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps), 1 SD card slot, Four USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps).
Last importantly, no disc drive. Due to Mac App store it makes it easier to get all the great programs without using the disc drive.
Also, with no disc drive and the Flash storage it could change the design drastically.
Making the Mac Mini more "miniature and mightier".
Cheaper Model $6992.5GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5
2GB (two 2GB) memory
128GB flash storage1
AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB
1 Thunderbolt port, 1 HDMI Port, 1 Mini Display Port, 1 Audio line in minijack (digital/analog), 1 Audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog), 1 FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps), 1 SD card slot, Four USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps).
More Expensive Model $8992.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5
4GB (two 2GB) memory
256GB flash storage1
AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 512MB
1 Thunderbolt port, 1 HDMI Port, 1 Mini Display Port, 1 Audio line in minijack (digital/analog), 1 Audio line out/headphone minijack (digital/analog), 1 FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps), 1 SD card slot, Four USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps).
Last importantly, no disc drive. Due to Mac App store it makes it easier to get all the great programs without using the disc drive.
Also, with no disc drive and the Flash storage it could change the design drastically.
Making the Mac Mini more "miniature and mightier".