Any interest in a Mac Mini Pro?

[orangezorki]

What Apple NEEDS to do if it does a "pro" version of the Mac Mini is.... dual processors.

If Apple can make a dual-i7 processor Pro-Mini computer, I'd be in there. Doesn't need 3 drive bays: I can use the interfaces for that. Doesn't need more than what is currently there + 2 processors + more memory space. It would be an awesome machine. The graphics processor isn't quite so important, but a removable card might be preferable to upgrade in future.

The TB/USB3 allows for expandability with outside housings, so PCI slots aren't needed inside the machine. Removable video processor isn't completely necessary if the price is low enough. It doesn't need more drive space than the current models. The ports on the current are enough, as well.

Since a current MacPro with dual processors is circa $3500, a mini version like I wrote would be nice at $1500. I'd rather spend less for a lower-end dual processor Mac than buy a current single processor model or the current MacPros. A current Mac would be expected to last me 6-8 years, a mini for less than half that would be good for 3-4 years. Perfect comparable investment. I'd actually prefer a cheaper, similar, computer I can replace every 3-4 years.

What you're missing is that the two Xeon processors in a dual processor machine cost at least $1500 just by themselves. Core i7s, even the extreme versions (which can cost up to $1000 each) don't have the capability to be paired up.

David

 

[Lesser Evets]

What you're missing is that the two Xeon processors in a dual processor machine cost at least $1500 just by themselves. Core i7s, even the extreme versions (which can cost up to $1000 each) don't have the capability to be paired up.

David

I wasn't sure if that was possible.

The point still persists in my case: if the mini can't have dual processors, there is no point to have a "pro" mini. Pro depends more on processors and processor power than on PCI slots and number of drive bays, etc.; expandability and speed of external access aren't great issues now that USB3 and TB are available.

Apple has been hinting at making its own desktop processors again, in future, which hopefully will create better, more efficient, processors and dual processor capability. They could shut down or cannibalize the lagging MacPro line if they beefed up processing options in their other computers, and close to no one would complain.

 

[shalliday]

If Apple was interested in producing a MacMini Pro, they would have done so by now, and I doubt very much if they ever will. With that said, I think a MacMini with a decent processor and graphics card, in combination with its small form factor, would make it an ideal desktop replacement. The main criticism/weakness I hear regarding the MacMini is it's graphics performance and inability to upgrade it. A MacMini with improved graphics capabilities, would make it a much more attractive and viable Mac desktop option for the vast majority of consumers, and many professionals. Graphics is the MacMini Achilles Heel, and why many decide against purchasing it. Fix this and Apple would be selling alot more MacMini's. If they did this, I would buy a new MacMini in a heartbeat!

 

[Count Blah]

Something nice in between.

But the quad mini 2012 is pretty darn good and cheap.

(Cheap being the functional term here)

But really, it sound like your pining for a video card. Gamers?

How about future proofing? I tend to keep machines for a while. They show their age in two ways - maxed out ram is not enough, and lack of GPU horsepower.

I'd pay a little more if it meant I could keep the machine longer. Heck, I already do that with Macs anyway.

 

[Radiating]

Apple really should consider making a Mac Mini pro. And no it would not take sales away from the iMac it would take sales away from PCs. If you look at any other PC with similar specs to what I posted, it would run closer to $2,000 due to lack of economies of scale. Trust me I've been looking for a good workstation, they're all incredibly terrible.

You have to also consider the developers and super users which lead people to buy macs, if someone wants a mac workstation, they have to get a Mac Pro, which is a serious consideration for size, price and weight.

I would like to see Apple make a small dual xeon CPU high end laptop graphics workstation too. They could easily make a setup that has:

e5-1650 x1
650mx x1
8gb

$1399

e5-1650 x1
680 mx x1
16gb ram

$1599

e5-1650 x2 (12 core 3.8ghz)
680mx x2 (same performance as a GTX 690)
32 gb ram

for $2499

These would sell like hotcakes to anyone who wants a workstation. You'd basically have a Mac Pro. Add in thunderbolt pci express card enclosures, and lots of external storage, and it would be the ultimate setup.