Mac mini 2013/2014 refresh.

[TahoeBlue]

APPLE won't replace Iris graphics with a dGPU in Mac Mini increasing the cost significantly....alternatively, an iMac is offered... (my opinion).

An iMac is offered with...

IrisPro
GT 750m 1GB
GT 755m 1GB
GTX 755m 2GB
GTX 780m 4GB

A MacPro is offered with...

Dual AMD FirePro D300 graphics processors with 2GB of GDDR5 VRAM each
Configurable to dual AMD FirePro D500 with 3GB of GDDR5 VRAM each or dual AMD FirePro D700 with 6GB of GDDR5 VRAM each

Dual AMD FirePro D500 graphics processors with 3GB of GDDR5 VRAM each
Configurable to dual AMD FirePro D700 with 6GB of GDDR5 VRAM each

I don't disagree the redesigned base MacMini will have IrisPro or similar integrated GPU variant. I highly disagree with those who think that will be the only graphics option given Apple's latest trends to stay somewhat competitive in the desktop marketplace. They want all of us to order these machines even if we just got one a year or two ago.

Figure out what would make you open up your wallet, and it probably is some dGPU option you'll pay an additional $200-$300 for at the end of the day. I envision Phil making a big presentation about it next year after recapping the success of the MacPro.

I simply don't think it will be a 750m when there are better, more cost effective options out there and on the horizon from a variety of vendors.

 

[DaveF]

Fascinating thread. My 2007 MBP has died unexpectedly; I'm limping along using my wife's iMac, after a very difficult migration. I want to buy a mini, but having my formative computer buying years in the '90s, I can't bear to buy a "PC" that's not been updated in over a year.

I'm hoping there will be a silent update in December when the Pro is released, and I can buy then.

But if not, I don't think I can wait for an indeterminate time for a 2014 release. I'll probably buy the current mini in Dec, refresh or no.

 

[grubworth]

I do not think a december silent refresh is due . Apple have seemed to use the mini as a fore front in pushing its design and technology forward for the mac, ie; thunder bolt and loss of cd drive. I can imagine a slightly thinner with carved off mirror edges similar to the new ipad/iphone in white, continuing to bring that bit of "bling" to the mac lines, along with some goodies spec wise, although solderd ram will be a bummer. Getting rid of the CD drive I see the point, but soldered ram? I wish I could do a mock up, but the 2008 macbook pro isnt feeling cut out for it .

I also feel the same about buying old hardware, I'm in no rush (arg) so think I will wait it out. Maybe .

 

[GregD]

I've been in the market for a mac mini for 6 months and have held off, but I'm getting impatient now.

I think if they don't refresh by mid December I will just buy one. So tired of waiting now.

I think the only chance they might do a refresh this year is when the Mac Pro is released. If that comes out and they don't refresh it, it's game over.

 

[ioannis2005gr]

I've been in the market for a mac mini for 6 months and have held off, but I'm getting impatient now.

I think if they don't refresh by mid December I will just buy one. So tired of waiting now.

I think the only chance they might do a refresh this year is when the Mac Pro is released. If that comes out and they don't refresh it, it's game over.

hey man, I noticed you've got an iMac, iphone, ipad ... what difference does it make if you buy a Mac mini now or after 3-4 months? does it change your life dramatically? ...

 

[mvmanolov]

I've been in the market for a mac mini for 6 months and have held off, but I'm getting impatient now.

I think if they don't refresh by mid December I will just buy one. So tired of waiting now.

I think the only chance they might do a refresh this year is when the Mac Pro is released. If that comes out and they don't refresh it, it's game over.

i got impatient as i, like you was waiting for 6 or so months...., the other thing is if you buy now, you can return it until Jan 7th. so if the new one comes out in December i'll definitely be returning mine but IMHO i tend to agree with previous poster, in that we won't see a refresh for a while. There is also some chance that they'll skip has well altogether, as the current i7 is really competitive with the current lineup.... even beast some lower end units in GB scores... so...

I say buy now My i7 is soo unbelievably fast

 

[HurryKayne]

Maybe, but I thought maybe it came to someone while howling at a 'full moon'.

Yes but only in a bidimensional Ive-verse

 

[grandM]

mixed feelings

I'm about to order my mini 2012. I'm having mixed feelings. I've also waited many months now. My local webshop is handing out 10% discount on everything.

I'm hesistative. I was holding out for the new model. Then I've realised that apple might solder everything fixed. I care little about pci-e. Usefull yes, worth the money in surplus? I looked at the macbook pro. Apple ditched the 500 GB HDD and put in 128 pci-e. Great! If the OS never goes above 128 with swap etc. So I'd feel more comfortable with 256, so 300 euro surplus. For that money I can put in 500 GB ssd in the mini 2012. Slower than pci-e, yes but noticeable?

The processor? Apple puts in less Ghz which granted to hashwell run a bit faster. The graphic is indeed the issue. But I reckon I'll be able to watch a 1080 p movie at my 27''.

I just hope they don't bring out a non soldered new mini this month now Knowing my luck, the new mini is launched Monday...

 

[mvmanolov]

I'm about to order my mini 2012. I'm having mixed feelings. I've also waited many months now. My local webshop is handing out 10% discount on everything.

I'm hesistative. I was holding out for the new model. Then I've realised that apple might solder everything fixed. I care little about pci-e. Usefull yes, worth the money in surplus? I looked at the macbook pro. Apple ditched the 500 GB HDD and put in 128 pci-e. Great! If the OS never goes above 128 with swap etc. So I'd feel more comfortable with 256, so 300 euro surplus. For that money I can put in 500 GB ssd in the mini 2012. Slower than pci-e, yes but noticeable?

The processor? Apple puts in less Ghz which granted to hashwell run a bit faster. The graphic is indeed the issue. But I reckon I'll be able to watch a 1080 p movie at my 27''.

I just hope they don't bring out a non soldered new mini this month now
Knowing my luck, the new mini is launched Monday...

1) you have until Jan 7th to return it if you buy ti from apple.
2) i have a 50" LED TV and have no issue playing 1080p 3d BR rips... - as in it won't even get hot while doing it (quiet as a mouse)
3) the 2.6 i7 is so fast for most everyday tasks that new chip won't make a difference.
4) my 128 PCIE MBA is slower than the256 SATA mini (blackmagic) and its not noticeable 1 bit

Happy buying, enjoy it it a great little workhorse.. (looks amazing under the TV as well

 

[grandM]

webshop

1) you have until Jan 7th to return it if you buy ti from apple.
2) i have a 50" LED TV and have no issue playing 1080p 3d BR rips... - as in it won't even get hot while doing it (quiet as a mouse)
3) the 2.6 i7 is so fast for most everyday tasks that new chip won't make a difference.
4) my 128 PCIE MBA is slower than the256 SATA mini (blackmagic) and its not noticeable 1 bit

Happy buying, enjoy it it a great little workhorse.. (looks amazing under the TV as well

the webshop's not apple. Would have to pay 150 euro more

 

[mvmanolov]

the webshop's not apple. Would have to pay 150 euro more

Bah, you guys in the EU get really screwed on this.

So how long do you have to return it there?

Also unless the new mini comes out with the nMP i very much doubt that it will come before Q2 2014. So, perhaps wait for a another week or two and then buy it..?

 

[grandM]

...

Bah, you guys in the EU get really screwed on this.

So how long do you have to return it there?

Also unless the new mini comes out with the nMP i very much doubt that it will come before Q2 2014. So, perhaps wait for a another week or two and then buy it..?

If I don't buy it before Monday I must pay 100 euro more. Alternively I could order it from amazon in Germany but that's too much hussle. Rather buy it in Belgium.

 

[mvmanolov]

If I don't buy it before Monday I must pay 100 euro more. Alternively I could order it from amazon in Germany but that's too much hussle. Rather buy it in Belgium.

Damned if you and damned if you don't.

the other thing is the 100 euro difference is a nice incentive. Then what you could do, is buy now, save the 100 and if a new one comes out in the next little while resell it at the price that you bought it. that shouldn't be too hard, as the little guys really retain value

I dont know how the market in Belgium is, but here in Canada i can easily sell a 2-3 month old mini at 130-200 less than original (Apple) price... (if 200 then you are only loosing about 50 euro

 

[grandM]

reselling

Damned if you and damned if you don't.

the other thing is the 100 euro difference is a nice incentive. Then what you could do, is buy now, save the 100 and if a new one comes out in the next little while resell it at the price that you bought it. that shouldn't be too hard, as the little guys really retain value

I dont know how the market in Belgium is, but here in Canada i can easily sell a 2-3 month old mini at 130-200 less than original (Apple) price... (if 200 then you are only loosing about 50 euro

lol you're right about the damned issue. Selling second hand in Belgium is very destrusted. Tried to sell a brand new iphone 4s (still in original package as in the store, plastic and all) 100 euro beneath store price. Noone was interested. So if I buy it before Monday I'm stuck on it. So I'm still considering to wait till 2014 but then I've lost 100 euro.

 

[mvmanolov]

lol you're right about the damned issue. Selling second hand in Belgium is very destrusted. Tried to sell a brand new iphone 4s (still in original package as in the store, plastic and all) 100 euro beneath store price. Noone was interested. So if I buy it before Monday I'm stuck on it. So I'm still considering to wait till 2014 but then I've lost 100 euro.

hahah, damned indeed...

Well the only other thing to consider at this point is give your needs a real second guessing!

1) what monitor/tv do you plan on running with the mini (4K you need haswell the HD4000 is just not good enough)
2) do you do any intensive video/photo editing where Iris or Iris pro will be of any major service?
3) do you play any games that would see significant improvement in game play with Iris or Iris Pro?
4) How much do you actually care for the 100? As in is it a nice to have (few drinks and a nice dinner) or is it your RAM upgrade/SSD money?
5) If you buy now and the new mini comes in April would you be pissed that you didn't wait?
6) How badly do you need a new machine, is your current setup running everything you need?
7) Do you plan, in the foreseeable future, to upgrade the mini?
8) How much time do you want/can invest in selling the mini over e-bay to someone in North America? (they are hot cakes over here)

you get the point...

i decided to get one now because i don't do much GPU intensive stuff and don't play games.. the CPU performance of the i7 was more what i need, as in running multiple programs simultaneously. and since i don't plan on buying a 4k tv until they are more affordable (3-4 years) i thought it a good a ice to take the plunge

i use mine for HTPC/home server/main home PC..

i dont envy your choice though its a tough one
being able to return mine until Jan 7 made my decision a lot easier.. but $$$ is $$$...

 

[grandM]

answers

hahah, damned indeed...

Well the only other thing to consider at this point is give your needs a real second guessing!

1) what monitor/tv do you plan on running with the mini (4K you need haswell the HD4000 is just not good enough)
2) do you do any intensive video/photo editing where Iris or Iris pro will be of any major service?
3) do you play any games that would see significant improvement in game play with Iris or Iris Pro?
4) How much do you actually care for the 100? As in is it a nice to have (few drinks and a nice dinner) or is it your RAM upgrade/SSD money?
5) If you buy now and the new mini comes in April would you be pissed that you didn't wait?
6) How badly do you need a new machine, is your current setup running everything you need?
7) Do you plan, in the foreseeable future, to upgrade the mini?
8) How much time do you want/can invest in selling the mini over e-bay to someone in North America? (they are hot cakes over here)

you get the point...

i decided to get one now because i don't do much GPU intensive stuff and don't play games.. the CPU performance of the i7 was more what i need, as in running multiple programs simultaneously. and since i don't plan on buying a 4k tv until they are more affordable (3-4 years) i thought it a good a ice to take the plunge

i use mine for HTPC/home server/main home PC..

i dont envy your choice though its a tough one
being able to return mine until Jan 7 made my decision a lot easier.. but $$$ is $$$...

here are the answers
1 dell u2711
2 no photo/video editing planned (I'm using it for browsing, spreadsheet, database, server, word processing, listening to streaming music/video, downloading, watching downloaded blueray movies, programming in Xcode for iOs/macOs) Do multitask a lot
3 haven't gamed in ages except for online browser games (the hobbit armies etc)
4 money is important now. I'd really mind losing 100 euro but be mad if I'd miss out something better. Then again if apple goes the macbook pro approach I'd have to coffoun up 300 euro
5 wouldn't wait till April. Will buy it in January at last (unemployed and I hope to gain an earning again by programming)
6 Have an excellent i7 3.4 Ghz pc, but I'd rather not connect to apple with macos running in virtualbox
7 Plan was to put 16 GB ram in it
8 I'm afraid taxes at customs would run away with the money :s

I sometimes wonder if I just shouldn't gamble on it and use virtualbox

 

[mvmanolov]

here are the answers
1 dell u2711
2 no photo/video editing planned (I'm using it for browsing, spreadsheet, database, server, word processing, listening to streaming music/video, downloading, watching downloaded blueray movies, programming in Xcode for iOs/macOs) Do multitask a lot
3 haven't gamed in ages except for online browser games (the hobbit armies etc)
4 money is important now. I'd really mind losing 100 euro but be mad if I'd miss out something better. Then again if apple goes the macbook pro approach I'd have to coffoun up 300 euro
5 wouldn't wait till April. Will buy it in January at last (unemployed and I hope to gain an earning again by programming)
6 Have an excellent i7 3.4 Ghz pc, but I'd rather not connect to apple with macos running in virtualbox
7 Plan was to put 16 GB ram in it
8 I'm afraid taxes at customs would run away with the money :s

I sometimes wonder if I just shouldn't gamble on it and use virtualbox

to be quite honest mate, since you are unemployed atm i would not buy. Save the cash for a rainy day

can't you code on a win machine for mac apps? If i were you i'd wait to see a pay check from that and then think about buying a mac.

all of that being said, the current i7 mini will be more than enough for you...

 

[grandM]

coding

to be quite honest mate, since you are unemployed atm i would not buy. Save the cash for a rainy day

can't you code on a win machine for mac apps? If i were you i'd wait to see a pay check from that and then think about buying a mac.

all of that being said, the current i7 mini will be more than enough for you...

Well you can code but there are 2 probs
1 I haven't come across a distro for ios7 yet
2 Even if I found a distro it takes some time to set it up again. Even then, getting a developer account and connecting it with a non legal system

Been unemployed for almost 2 years now. It's an attempt to get out of the misery. Applicating for vacancies had little success...

 

[GregD]

hey man, I noticed you've got an iMac, iphone, ipad ... what difference does it make if you buy a Mac mini now or after 3-4 months? does it change your life dramatically? ...

Good question the reason is because I want to use it as a server/media server like so many people who buy one. While the rest of my devices tend to get switched off this would always be on

 

[mvmanolov]

Well you can code but there are 2 probs
1 I haven't come across a distro for ios7 yet
2 Even if I found a distro it takes some time to set it up again. Even then, getting a developer account and connecting it with a non legal system

Been unemployed for almost 2 years now. It's an attempt to get out of the misery. Applicating for vacancies had little success...

sorry to hear about your job situation. I know the feeling, not to the same extent but still.

Well in that case i say buy the current one save the 100 and forget about it

----------

Good question the reason is because I want to use it as a server/media server like so many people who buy one. While the rest of my devices tend to get switched off this would always be on

lol, you didnt really answer the question lol

its ok, avoidance of the reality that "we just want it" is ok too

 

[grandM]

well

sorry to hear about your job situation. I know the feeling, not to the same extent but still.

Well in that case i say buy the current one save the 100 and forget about it
leaning towards waiting still . Only hope they do refresh before 2014 & not to ssd...

 

[TLansing]

Why no mini refurbs this week?

It may be a coincidence, but there were a few refurbs with big discounts late last week and I haven't seen a single one this week. I have often equated this to clearing the queue prior to a new release.

So why the delay on the update to the mini. It shouldn't be a big deal to update to the Haswell. I'm thinking they're going to roll out the updated mini with the nMP.

But, could they roll out the new Mini in the nMP form factor? Just like the way the MacBook went the way of the MacBook Pro? Since the nMP form factor is so small, why support two form factors?

Hmmmmm...

 

[Cape Dave]

The more I mess with it the more I like the mac mini format. It has good connections, is a beautiful design, well constructed.

I would like PCI SSD and haswell, and display port 1.2a of course as future proofing.

But I really do not want a vertical tube as the next design.

A half inch higher and making the hard drives more accessible and better cooling would also work best for me

 

[Crosscreek]

The more I mess with it the more I like the mac mini format. It has good connections, is a beautiful design, well constructed.

I would like PCI SSD and haswell, and display port 1.2a of course as future proofing.

But I really do not want a vertical tube as the next design.

A half inch higher and making the hard drives more accessible and better cooling would also work best for me

And TB2 and Iris Pro.

 

[grubworth]

their still is a chance of it being updated along with the mac pros thought right?

It has some relation since it has been said the new mac mini will be made in the US.