Attractive starting price, expensive with useable storage!

[Fishrrman]

Electronic guru wrote:
"Ports are a transitional problem. In 5 years, usbc will be so ubiquitous you’ll wish there were more."

Ummmm.....
That's EXACTLY what folks were saying when Apple introduced the 2016 MacBook Pro's back in October of 2015 (3 years ago).

It hasn't happened. I don't have a single device with a USB-c connector.
Not yet.

Five years from now there will be "more" USB-c ports seen on new computers -- but I predict the overall "increase" will not be that much.

You have your prognostications and I have mine.
Time will tell...

 

[Hacksic]

How is $800 an attractive starting price when the Mini retailed for $500 previously?!?!

Because you are getting better options that you would have had to upgrade to in the past.

It's an Apple product, it's not going to be cheap. For what you get, I think it's very reasonably priced for an Apple product and am very happy with it.

 

[blairh]

Because you are getting better options that you would have had to upgrade to in the past.

It's an Apple product, it's not going to be cheap. For what you get, I think it's very reasonably priced for an Apple product and am very happy with it.

You didn't have to upgrade anything in the past if you didn't want to. I'm a former owner of both the base model 2009 and 2012 Mini's. They both were perfect for my basic computer desktop needs. Now the Mini starts at $800 with a pathetic 128 GB hard drive which is extremely small for a desktop.

For the general consumer the Mini is now a disgrace for what it offers at start and at that price point.

 

[Hacksic]

You didn't have to upgrade anything in the past if you didn't want to.

But you did have to upgrade to get what you get in the base model now, which is why the price is what it is.

Now the Mini starts at $800 with a pathetic 128 GB hard drive which is extremely small for a desktop.

I think it's awesome, both the price and the hard drive size. Apple did great this time, I am impressed. I was worried after the 2014, but pleasantly surprised.

For the general consumer the Mini is now a disgrace for what it offers at start and at that price point.

I disagree completely. The "general consumer" who would buy an Apple product knows that there is a premium, that it's going to be expensive. I think it's a very good offering for the price.

I don't compare it to Windows based computers because there is no comparison. Just like comparing a Bentley to a Datsun. People like the Apple ecosystem and the products, that's all that matters. My first computer was an Apple IIgs that cost over $2,500 30+ years ago, I will gladly pay $800 today for the base Mini.

 

[blairh]

But you did have to upgrade to get what you get in the base model now, which is why the price is what it is.

I think it's awesome, both the price and the hard drive size. Apple did great this time, I am impressed. I was worried after the 2014, but pleasantly surprised.

I disagree completely. The "general consumer" who would buy an Apple product knows that there is a premium, that it's going to be expensive. I think it's a very good offering for the price.

I don't compare it to Windows based computers because there is no comparison. Just like comparing a Bentley to a Datsun. People like the Apple ecosystem and the products, that's all that matters. My first computer was an Apple IIgs that cost over $2,500 30+ years ago, I will gladly pay $800 today for the base Mini.

For some reason you are either ignoring my point or not understanding it. At $500 Apple offered a Mac Mini that was perfectly fine for basic computer usage. Now you are stuck with a $800 price point and a pathetically small HD.

Consumers aren't stupid. Apple will lose a lot of sales now with the Mini at this starting price point. It's now a Pro machine versus an affordable entry into the Mac family.

I don't really understand why you keep repeating how happy you are with no reasoning. How is $800 for a 128 GB HD computer 'awesome'?

 

[satchmo]

I disagree completely. The "general consumer" who would buy an Apple product knows that there is a premium, that it's going to be expensive. I think it's a very good offering for the price.

I don't compare it to Windows based computers because there is no comparison. Just like comparing a Bentley to a Datsun. People like the Apple ecosystem and the products, that's all that matters. My first computer was an Apple IIgs that cost over $2,500 30+ years ago, I will gladly pay $800 today for the base Mini.

I think you have it backwards. The general consumer wouldn't know the benefits of an Apple product (quality build, ecosystem etc), and would likely compare it to Windows based computers.

It's only us MacHeads here, that know the difference...and many feel the prices are too high, even with the expected premium Apple tax.

 

[Hacksic]

For some reason you are either ignoring my point or not understanding it.

I understand it, I just disagree with it.

At $500 Apple offered a Mac Mini that was perfectly fine for basic computer usage. Now you are stuck with a $800 price point and a pathetically small HD.

I disagree that it was perfectly fine. I think perfectly fine is the $799 offering they are now selling. I also disagree that the HD is pathetically small.

Consumers aren't stupid. Apple will lose a lot of sales now with the Mini at this starting price point. It's now a Pro machine versus an affordable entry into the Mac family.

I disagree again. Apple isn't stupid and I don't think they are going to lose customers.

I don't really understand why you keep repeating how happy you are with no reasoning.

I have given any reasons why I am happy with the new model, I can't see how you can lie about that.

How is $800 for a 128 GB HD computer 'awesome'?

I have explained that multiple times already.
[doublepost=1541171654][/doublepost]

I think you have it backwards. The general consumer wouldn't know the benefits of an Apple product (quality build, ecosystem etc), and would likely compare it to Windows based computers.

That is why I specified "The "general consumer" who would buy an Apple product". That changes everything.

It's only us MacHeads here, that know the difference...and many feel the prices are too high, even with the expected premium Apple tax.

$800 for a pretty damn good Apple computer is the exact opposite of a "high price".

 

[blairh]

I understand it, I just disagree with it.

I disagree that it was perfectly fine. I think perfectly fine is the $799 offering they are now selling. I also disagree that the HD is pathetically small.

I disagree again. Apple isn't stupid and I don't think they are going to lose customers.

I have given any reasons why I am happy with the new model, I can't see how you can lie about that.


I have explained that multiple times already.
[doublepost=1541171654][/doublepost] That is why I specified "The "general consumer" who would buy an Apple product". That changes everything.

$800 for a pretty damn good Apple computer is the exact opposite of a "high price".

You don't need to reply to every sentence I write. Your words are completely empty with nothing to back them up except generalizations of your happiness and satisfaction. Apple is cutting out potential sales by increasing the price of entry into the Mini market. Perhaps they figured they don't care about these consumers. It's very possible. The margins aren't worth it to them. However at the same time I'd argue all you are doing is frustrating consumers. Before I have recommended to others to get a base model Mini and purchase peripherals separately as it would be substantial savings versus an iMac. I can no longer say that. Also, 128 GB will not be enough for many consumers, so this base model is not only very expensive but doesn't have a large enough hard drive for many. The base model iMac starts at 1 TB! And upgrading a Mini is a fortune because your only option now is SSD. For the general consumer Apple is basically telling you to buy an iMac at this point. A consumer looking for an affordable Mac entry level machine is completely shut out now.

 

[Martyimac]

For some reason you are either ignoring my point or not understanding it. At $500 Apple offered a Mac Mini that was perfectly fine for basic computer usage. Now you are stuck with a $800 price point and a pathetically small HD.

Consumers aren't stupid. Apple will lose a lot of sales now with the Mini at this starting price point. It's now a Pro machine versus an affordable entry into the Mac family.

I don't really understand why you keep repeating how happy you are with no reasoning. How is $800 for a 128 GB HD computer 'awesome'?

You didn't direct your response to me but I also find the base mini an attractive point. I am just your basic home user, email, internet, some minor word processing, photos with minimal editing etc. I have been with Apple off and on since my first IIe which had so little memory and no idea the processor but it was great AND cost in excess of $2500 which in todays dollar would be almost $13,000 dollars.
Today, I and many of us in our local  user group have little need for huge storage capability. E.G. my MP has it's original 256G SSD and I have used 75G. That's with ALL my documents and pictures and downloads I've taken/done/written in 11 years. I could conceivably due with the base mini but if I buy, I will go with the 6 core and 16G ram and probably the 256G SSD for future proofing only.
Your case is obviously much different but there are a LOT of Mac users that just use their Macs for the simple day to day things we do at home.
So yes, a 128G harddrive IS awesome for those of us that don't have extreme uses which you seem to have.
OBTW, what  do you have, how much storage have you used, etc etc etc?

 

[pl1984]

I don't really understand why you keep repeating how happy you are with no reasoning. How is $800 for a 128 GB HD computer 'awesome'?

The original Mini, released almost 14 years ago, came standard with an 80GB hard drive. The new Mini ships with a 128GB hard drive. Just thought it was interesting today's base model ships with a hard disk which is only 48GB larger than the original.

 

[fastlanephil]

A new Mac Mini was expected but is a surprise in some ways. It’s original mission was as a switcher Mac and then it later became the affordable desktop Mac. It’s still the affordable desktop Mac if you’re comparing it to the 2013 Mac Pro or the iMac Pro or maybe even the TOTL iMacs( new models probably coming up). Apple seems to have targeted a somewhat diffent market with this one. Apple’s affordable consumer computer/device is becoming less about the Mac and more about the iPad. The Mac will continue to get upgrades but the iPad family is where the real game is.

 

[blairh]

You didn't direct your response to me but I also find the base mini an attractive point. I am just your basic home user, email, internet, some minor word processing, photos with minimal editing etc. I have been with Apple off and on since my first IIe which had so little memory and no idea the processor but it was great AND cost in excess of $2500 which in todays dollar would be almost $13,000 dollars.
Today, I and many of us in our local  user group have little need for huge storage capability. E.G. my MP has it's original 256G SSD and I have used 75G. That's with ALL my documents and pictures and downloads I've taken/done/written in 11 years. I could conceivably due with the base mini but if I buy, I will go with the 6 core and 16G ram and probably the 256G SSD for future proofing only.
Your case is obviously much different but there are a LOT of Mac users that just use their Macs for the simple day to day things we do at home.
So yes, a 128G harddrive IS awesome for those of us that don't have extreme uses which you seem to have.
OBTW, what  do you have, how much storage have you used, etc etc etc?

Your reply makes zero sense to me. Your needs are basic, but you say you will upgrade the cores, RAM, and SSD, meaning you will pay $1,300. Does that make any sense to you for your basic needs? To put that into context, I paid $1600 for my 27" 5K iMac which has a 1 TB fusion drive and a 5K monitor.

So really all you are doing is proving my original point. The cost of entry is far too high for basic Mac users, which you essentially proclaim yourself to be.

Regarding me, I never said anything my personal usage. I'm speaking more about the general consumer who wants a Mac for basic usage and now has at a minimum a $800 price of entry before factoring in peripherals. Before that entry was $500 and that model was perfectly suitable for basic usage. Things have gotten a lot worse for said consumer.

 

[Martyimac]

Your reply makes zero sense to me. Your needs are basic, but you say you will upgrade the cores, RAM, and SSD, meaning you will pay $1,300. Does that make any sense to you for your basic needs? To put that into context, I paid $1600 for my 27" 5K iMac which has a 1 TB fusion drive and a 5K monitor.

So really all you are doing is proving my original point. The cost of entry is far too high for basic Mac users, which you essentially proclaim yourself to be.

Regarding me, I never said anything my personal usage. I'm speaking more about the general consumer who wants a Mac for basic usage and now has at a minimum a $800 price of entry before factoring in peripherals. Before that entry was $500 and that model was perfectly suitable for basic usage. Things have gotten a lot worse for said consumer.

Doesn't have to make sense to you, I have my personal WANTS which, yes, do exceed my needs. And based on Apple's historical pricing structures, this one isn't that bad. But if somebody asked me what they NEEDED as a starter Mac, I would have no problem recommending the base mac assuming their needs are basic AND they already have a monitor and a mouse. An  compatible keyboard can be had for less than $100.
So everybody has different opinions, just like you and I do as to whether or not the mini is perfectly acceptable to a basic mac user assuming they are familiar with Apples's notoriously high prices and accept that.
Basically, if you argued that ALL of Apple's products are overpriced, I might just be onboard with you. But that is a different wider ranging discussion.

 

[blairh]

Doesn't have to make sense to you, I have my personal WANTS which, yes, do exceed my needs. And based on Apple's historical pricing structures, this one isn't that bad. But if somebody asked me what they NEEDED as a starter Mac, I would have no problem recommending the base mac assuming their needs are basic AND they already have a monitor and a mouse. An  compatible keyboard can be had for less than $100.
So everybody has different opinions, just like you and I do as to whether or not the mini is perfectly acceptable to a basic mac user assuming they are familiar with Apples's notoriously high prices and accept that.
Basically, if you argued that ALL of Apple's products are overpriced, I might just be onboard with you. But that is a different wider ranging discussion.

That's great, you are comfortable recommending the current base Mini for someone (which is highly questionable IMO given my belief that most consumers want/need more than 128 GB of storage in a desktop). Doesn't change my original point which is that your friend could have purchased the last Mini for $500 and been just fine too. That's my larger point and it stands. Also your example is very specific with someone already owning a monitor and mouse. What if they have nothing? At that point they are better off getting an iMac. That wasn't the case usually before this new Mini arrived.

 

[pl1984]

Regarding me, I never said anything my personal usage. I'm speaking more about the general consumer who wants a Mac for basic usage and now has at a minimum a $800 price of entry before factoring in peripherals. Before that entry was $500 and that model was perfectly suitable for basic usage. Things have gotten a lot worse for said consumer.

This goes back to the days of PC versus Mac discussions. PC users would claim the Mac was too expensive and point to a $300 PC to support their argument. The Mac users would counter with something to the effect "If you compare like configurations the Mac is competitive".

Apple appears to have made a conscious decision to avoid the low to mid-tier computer market. Anyone wanting a computer in that price range needs to look elsewhere. I'm right along fastlanephil in that Apple's focus, for the lower cost computing devices, is the iPad line. Macintosh need not apply.

 

[blairh]

Apple appears to have made a conscious decision to avoid the low to mid-tier computer market.

Anyone wanting a computer in that price range needs to look elsewhere. I'm right along fastlanephil in that Apple's focus, for the lower cost computing devices, is the iPad line. Macintosh need not apply.

Well that's really stupid. My first Mini was my first Mac. I had such a positive experience from it that I went on to get a MacBook, iPhone, and later iPad in subsequent years. Other than profit margins, why exclude consumers from entering your Mac family which will most likely lead to future Apple products down the road?

The iPad has nothing to do with an affordable Mac. Tablet versus desktop computer. Apples and oranges.
[doublepost=1541178939][/doublepost]

A new Mac Mini was expected but is a surprise in some ways. It’s original mission was as a switcher Mac and then it later became the affordable desktop Mac. It’s still the affordable desktop Mac if you’re comparing it to the 2013 Mac Pro or the iMac Pro or maybe even the TOTL iMacs( new models probably coming up). Apple seems to have targeted a somewhat diffent market with this one. Apple’s affordable consumer computer/device is becoming less about the Mac and more about the iPad. The Mac will continue to get upgrades but the iPad family is where the real game is.

That doesn't make sense. The iPad is a tablet with a small screen. The Mini is a desktop computer that hookup up to a large monitor. Two very different devices with different uses.

 

[ElectronGuru]

Apple seems to have targeted a somewhat diffent market with this one. Apple’s affordable consumer computer/device is becoming less about the Mac and more about the iPad. The Mac will continue to get upgrades but the iPad family is where the real game is.

Agreed. My first mini purchase was actually an internet appliance for my inlaws. This was literally the point of the original iMac. Had iPad existed at the time, it would have been much better for them.

Browsing devices are bleeding off more and more casual users, leaving behind an ever concentrating pool of content producers as the primary computer buyer. A group that needs more and more power.

 

[Martyimac]

Also your example is very specific with someone already owning a monitor and mouse. What if they have nothing? At that point they are better off getting an iMac. That wasn't the case usually before this new Mini arrived.

They may be better off, depends on the cost of the peripherals they choose. And that was ALWAYS the case for every mac mini ever released.

 

[nutmac]

Not a very seemless experience.

True, but Mac mini is a desktop and specifying external disk for apps like Plex, iTunes, and Photos is not difficult.

 

[absynth]

I am very disappointed they didnt make the case slightly taller to fit one or two regular and upgradable SATA SSD's. It would add maybe one cm in height but you could add usable storage for a normal price.

 

[MisterAndrew]

I am very disappointed they didnt make the case slightly taller to fit one or two regular and upgradable SATA SSD's. It would add maybe one cm in height but you could add usable storage for a normal price.

Those are so slow though. They could have added a couple m.2 slots into the existing case.

 

[redfirebird08]

This is a much cheaper option if you want 500 gigs of SSD storage.

http://a.co/d/fJZvnpA

Runs at 500+ megabytes per second. Not as fast as the internal drives, but you get what you pay for. 500 megabytes per second is still 4 times faster than Gigabit Internet.