If there is ever going to be a new Mac mini, I think it will also lose FireWire. Apple has conceded that FireWire has lost as an general consumer computer interface. This maybe so. Still, if the new Mac mini loses its FireWire port, this will cause people to have less choice when purchasing a new Mac in case they still have an old or new FireWire-based DV or HDV camera. I have a nice Sony HDV camera, and I would hate to sell it. Apple is now telling me I should (but I won't). It is strange to see this new development at Apple, just when other manufacturers are adopting FireWire (an Apple conceived technology) as standard in their offerings.
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Future Mac mini replacement without FireWire?
- Thread starter The Man
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I agree that it sure seems like the trend is to strip firewire from the "lower" end Apples. Interesting in the case of the Macbook that $1599 is lowend.
In the case of the mini with it's very small form factor having firewire sure was a great way to allow more external options.
In the case of the mini with it's very small form factor having firewire sure was a great way to allow more external options.
at this point I believe Apple is letting the Mini die... Its been WELL over the normal time limt for a replacement. Nothing Apple seems to not care one bit about the lower end consumers and focusing strickly on ELITE status users with 2K to spend on a computer.
I think this is a FATAL flaw in Apple's strategy. The mac Mini is the best chance for Apple to send consumers on a MASS exodus from Windows computers, but Apple is unwilling to oblige.
It seems that Apple feels a new updated Mini at this time would eat into the profits from the iMACS.
I think once the iMacs are updated to faster processors they will redesign the Mini using the Specs from the iMAC.. So the Mini will always be a generation behind it seems by design..
I think this is a FATAL flaw in Apple's strategy. The mac Mini is the best chance for Apple to send consumers on a MASS exodus from Windows computers, but Apple is unwilling to oblige.
It seems that Apple feels a new updated Mini at this time would eat into the profits from the iMACS.
I think once the iMacs are updated to faster processors they will redesign the Mini using the Specs from the iMAC.. So the Mini will always be a generation behind it seems by design..
Since the update has taken this long, like the Cinema Displays & the Mac Pro; I have a feeling they're going to use the "brick" process on the Mac Mini as well and with the Nvidia integrated chip set within that, I do believe people will have more fun with the Mac Mini when playing casual games.
Well, there were rumors that Apple started to work again on the Mac mini less than a year ago, after wanting to let it go. I think the mini will be kept, but more for a device to develop iPhone software (less investment and developers can attach a screen of their choice), and maybe as a TV device (maybe with a new touch-based remote/keyboard. So I do think it will lose FireWire. We'll have to wait until early next year. If it's gone by then, it would be too bad.
The mini is a "must have" in the Apple range if they want to advance to significant enterprise sales. The company I work for replaces computers every 3yrs. We buy 23,000 each year. We replace monitors as needed. These generally have a 5-6 year life with the newer products having an even longer life. The mini offers a perfect option to our current Dell deal. We also look at the total cost of ownership over the product life. The Mac mini provides a compelling argument. Look for an updated mini. Apple will not lose this product opportunity.
Pure speculation, but I think:
Apple will NOT use the aluminum brick idea for the mini. Weight and structrual integrity are not required as in a laptop.
They may knock out the firewire, especially if they are leveraging the design of the intro Macbook motherboard.
Apple will NOT use the aluminum brick idea for the mini. Weight and structrual integrity are not required as in a laptop.
They may knock out the firewire, especially if they are leveraging the design of the intro Macbook motherboard.
Your speculation makes sense. The mini doesn't have the same need for durability that a portable needs. The mini isn't even supposed to have an external hard drive on top of it.
If there is a new mini it sure seems like Apple well go the route of the MB and drop firewire. If the mini is is dropped without a suitable replacement I think that a fair number of people will really miss it when the only Apple desktop options are an iMac or a MacPro.
Assuming they do update the Mac Mini here's what I hope they'll do:
1. Like the Macbook, no more firewire.
2. No more combo drives. All drives will be Superdrive.
3. A higher capacity and/or faster hard drive.
4. A few more added USB ports.
5. Faster Core 2 Duo processor.
6. Built-in nVidia graphics.
7. Mini-displayport
8. More built-in RAM
1. Like the Macbook, no more firewire.
2. No more combo drives. All drives will be Superdrive.
3. A higher capacity and/or faster hard drive.
4. A few more added USB ports.
5. Faster Core 2 Duo processor.
6. Built-in nVidia graphics.
7. Mini-displayport
8. More built-in RAM
I am hoping you are right or my next system (for playing media) will be either a hackintosh or a linux system with XMBC rather than Plex.
As for firewire, I think Apple simply screwed up. Offering both 400 and 800. The ports should have only been 800 with backwards compatibility. They should have pushed firewire 800 products vs usb rather than usb vs 400.
As for me, I think express slots are the way to go. People can choose how to populate them. A slot should be included on all laptops and iMacs and Mac Mini. Okay... everyone has an opinion <G>