Mac Mini Alternative: Alienware Alpha

[flyinmac]

Where's the demand for Macs? I see no growth, no innovation, and no value.

Win8.1 web traffic has actually gained each month, while OSX has remained stagnant.

Those XP users, they aren't switching to Macs.

That's not an accurate portrayal of usage..... It doesn't properly reflect the number of installed macs who are having problems and thus unable to browse the Internet.

Good find on the chart, it shows the trend. And this doesn't even take into account all the installed PC's which are not even connected to the Internet. Such as corporate / dedicated purpose machines.

Fact of the matter is that in my recent months experience, Windows 8.1 is rock solid and reliable for me. I also have an XP machine and a Vista machine that have literally never crashed once in all their years of use.

My home used to be stuffed with Macs. I preferred them. But I'm phasing them out. The ones I have will continue to be used until they can't. But I see no reason to purchase any more when I look at Apple's current path.

I just added another PC to my collection last week. It's spot was originally planned to be filled with an updated and enhanced Mac Mini... But that was before Apple dropped the overpriced dud on us. No worries, Compaq gladly gave me more power and performance at a steal of a price by comparison.

 

[lowendlinux]

Using stats for internet connected devices is really a bad way to judge market share.

 

[flyinmac]

Using stats for internet connected devices is really a bad way to judge market share.

Actually it does show a good measure of active users. While not every machine is connected to the Internet, it does show what the average percentage of active users are using.

And if we factored in machines that weren't connected to the Internet, then PC's would clearly dominate the charts with a larger installed base.

It may not depict sales. But it does depict users and an installed base of active users market share.

 

[lowendlinux]

Actually it does show a good measure of active users. While not every machine is connected to the Internet, it does show what the average percentage of active users are using.

And if we factored in machines that weren't connected to the Internet, then PC's would clearly dominate the charts with a larger installed base.

It may not depict sales. But it does depict users and an installed base of active users market share.

I wasn't implying that the statistics would change enough to change the outcome. I'm simply saying that you cannot measure market share by using internet connected devices you really can tell is what OS's are hitting the net. Sales as a proportion of the industry as a whole is market share.

 

[indychris]

https://www.apple.com/mac-pro/



What model TV do you own? I'm in the market for a plastic-free TV.

I have a Samsung 58" something or other that is not a big box of SHINY plastic.

 

[Altis]

Using stats for internet connected devices is really a bad way to judge market share.

Especially when most web traffic is just Safari tab reloads...

Most of the statistics around Apple are quite irrelevant, with my favorite being the adoption rates (which means nothing, especially on iOS devices).

 

[George Dawes]

Apple aren't all about design ???

First I heard...

Phil Schiller wittering on about how slim and shiny everything is , Jony Ive talking about the design process , all those design awards...

Just look at the difference between the macs of the 80's and their pc counterparts , design has always been an issue at apple. It's arguably the man thing that differentiates them from their competition.

An iMac looks lovely in a modern flat and is often on display ( look at all those flashy art magazines ) , most people hide pc's away in their home office , there's a reason for that.

 

[scottsjack]

Apple aren't all about design ???

An iMac looks lovely in a modern flat and is often on display ( look at all those flashy art magazines ) , most people hide pc's away in their home office , there's a reason for that.

Most people do not hide AIOs away for the obvious reason. Pretty exterior design is never an excuse for poor interior design and underpowered components.

It is true that a mini might be worth an extra $100 due to the machined aluminum housing and clever construction. Users should not have to pay the extra and then get weaker components. Computers still are very much about computing.

 

[qcmacmini]

I personally went for an Xbox ONE to satisfy my gaming needs, and went for the Mac mini for my desktop computing, because two specialised products tend to do each task better than one for both.

However, I think the Alienware Alpha is great. The only problem is if you want to go the PC route, specs tend to become outdated quickly, especially for gaming.

Therefore my PC option for the Mac mini was actually a mini-ITX steam DIY build so I could change out any components as time went on. I think personally that's the true PC competitor to the Mac mini. I've already upgraded the HDD to an SSD on my 2012 mini, and that's about as upgradeable you can get on a Mac without having an older Mac Pro.

 

[Altis]

...
However, I think the Alienware Alpha is great. The only problem is if you want to go the PC route, specs tend to become outdated quickly, especially for gaming.

Therefore my PC option for the Mac mini was actually a mini-ITX steam DIY build so I could change out any components as time went on....

Do you mean the specs of a PC are outdated faster than a Mac or a console? Not sure how it's really true with Macs since the internals are similar, and consoles are replaced as a unit every few years.

At least with a PC, if one component becomes outdated, or a group of components, you can just update that item or group.

With a Mac or console, when one component is outdated, the whole computer needs to be replaced (for iMacs, this includes the whole monitor too).

 

[phrehdd]

I found this particular thread rather interesting and agree with many of the observations and critical comments about Apple.

1) many find the 2014 Mini to be a huge let down.. a "dud"
2) the 2014 Mini release has inspired or caused some to abandon Apple
3) Apple continues a path that includes the "form over function" facet
4) Some PC makers are providing "relief" for small form factor computers
5) Apple continues its market model that force fits us into categories
etc....

I like various things about Apple including the basic facets of the OS, but find myself frustrated with some of their hardware offerings. For me, the Mac Mini and the Mac Pro were as close as I could get to my needs/wants. The latest Mac Pro is too expensive for me and the new Mini is well... a wimp machine. So, where do I go in 2015 ... new machine with Windows and Linux. Apple has made it (for some of us) a losing proposition to remain in their camp. This is a sad shame.

Last - if people are happy with their Mac purchases I am both happy for them and yes, a tad envious.

 

[qcmacmini]

Do you mean the specs of a PC are outdated faster than a Mac or a console? Not sure how it's really true with Macs since the internals are similar, and consoles are replaced as a unit every few years.

At least with a PC, if one component becomes outdated, or a group of components, you can just update that item or group.

With a Mac or console, when one component is outdated, the whole computer needs to be replaced (for iMacs, this includes the whole monitor too).

That probably came across a bit confusing. Yes, I was saying if I went the PC route (I only bought my first Mac 6 weeks ago), I would need more flexibility to upgrade parts as they became outdated. However, as far as Macs go, the Mac mini is still quite flexible in that I upgraded the RAM and put in an SSD. It also allows you to choose any combination of monitors (up to 2) that suit your needs/budget.

 

[lowendlinux]

I found this particular thread rather interesting and agree with many of the observations and critical comments about Apple.

1) many find the 2014 Mini to be a huge let down.. a "dud"
2) the 2014 Mini release has inspired or caused some to abandon Apple
3) Apple continues a path that includes the "form over function" facet
4) Some PC makers are providing "relief" for small form factor computers
5) Apple continues its market model that force fits us into categories
etc....

I like various things about Apple including the basic facets of the OS, but find myself frustrated with some of their hardware offerings. For me, the Mac Mini and the Mac Pro were as close as I could get to my needs/wants. The latest Mac Pro is too expensive for me and the new Mini is well... a wimp machine. So, where do I go in 2015 ... new machine with Windows and Linux. Apple has made it (for some of us) a losing proposition to remain in their camp. This is a sad shame.

Last - if people are happy with their Mac purchases I am both happy for them and yes, a tad envious.

Linux takes a bit of a commitment and a rethinking of how one does something and with what tools. Usually people need to be completely frustrated with where what they have been using for switching to Linux to stick. IMHO, and IME of course

 

[rctlr]

Where's the demand for Macs? I see no growth, no innovation, and no value.

Win8.1 web traffic has actually gained each month, while OSX has remained stagnant.

Those XP users, they aren't switching to Macs.

Where did you find this? I'd like to see it year on year.

 

[corvus32]

Where did you find this? I'd like to see it year on year.

http://gs.statcounter.com/#os-ww-monthly-201311-201411

The attached image is the latest chart, which shows global Win8.1 traffic has now matched or surpassed WinXP, and pulling well ahead of OSX.

 

[Altis]

http://gs.statcounter.com/#os-ww-monthly-201311-201411

The attached image is the latest chart, which shows global Win8.1 traffic has now matched or surpassed WinXP, and pulling well ahead of OSX.

I don't really see why Win8 and 8.1 aren't combined on that chart as they are effectively one OS. That said, the upwards trend of 8.1 is likely coming from 8.0 users as well as XP.

And who are these fruitcakes still clinging to Vista?

 

[phrehdd]

Linux takes a bit of a commitment and a rethinking of how one does something and with what tools. Usually people need to be completely frustrated with where what they have been using for switching to Linux to stick. IMHO, and IME of course

We concur. The typical option for people not using OSX is to go to Windows. I have Win 7 in a virtual and running in classic mode which resembles XP. I have never liked the fluffy screens that start with Vista.

As I stated, my 2015 purchases or DIY computers wont be from Apple as they have nothing to offer me in my price range that makes any sense for what I want my computers to do. Those that have a use for Apple's latest machines are lucky and should enjoy them.

 

[rctlr]

I don't really see why Win8 and 8.1 aren't combined on that chart as they are effectively one OS. That said, the upwards trend of 8.1 is likely coming from 8.0 users as well as XP.

And who are these fruitcakes still clinging to Vista?

With Microsoft, people usually stick to the OS their machine comes with, it was recently chargeable too.

 

[flyinmac]

I don't really see why Win8 and 8.1 aren't combined on that chart as they are effectively one OS. That said, the upwards trend of 8.1 is likely coming from 8.0 users as well as XP.

And who are these fruitcakes still clinging to Vista?

Microsoft's operating systems are supported much longer than os x versions. XP just went out of active support this year. That's pretty good. Vista came after XP, so it's got some time left.

In most cases, there is little need to upgrade to the next version of Windows. Microsoft and the other software companies continue to support and bring features to the prior versions. Usually, the biggest change that won't be delivered to prior versions is the visual aesthetics of the newer versions.

Apple, on the other hand, doesn't actively improve prior versions of OSX, or actively support them. For example, the latest version of iTunes will not install on my OS X 10.6.8 system. But it will install on XP.

When they get around to requiring me to have the updated version of iTunes to browse the store, update my phone, communicate with AppleTV's, etc. (And they will, they've done it before), then that will be the end of my Mac machines. I'll fully switch to Windows, as I've already begun migrating that direction due to Apple failing to provide any suitable computers for me to upgrade to.

I've already put 3 PC's into service this year in spots / purposes I originally intended for newer Macs. I'll have a 4th new PC coming into service with the next month.

I waited as long as I could for Apple to produce a suitable machine to replace my aging Mac systems. But they failed. By next year, I expect my last remaining Mac system at that point to be dedicated to streaming videos to the AppleTV boxes I have.

When Apple updates the AppleTV's to require the newer versions of iTunes, then that will be the end of Macs for me. If I catch it quick enough, I may decide to disable auto update on the AppleTV boxes. But if not, I'll simply have a PC stream to them and shut the mac system down for its last time.

 

[crazzapple]

We concur. The typical option for people not using OSX is to go to Windows. I have Win 7 in a virtual and running in classic mode which resembles XP. I have never liked the fluffy screens that start with Vista.

As I stated, my 2015 purchases or DIY computers wont be from Apple as they have nothing to offer me in my price range that makes any sense for what I want my computers to do. Those that have a use for Apple's latest machines are lucky and should enjoy them.

I'm in the same boat. Waiting for Win 10 so I can get spaces functionality built in. Will keep my mac for basic stuff, but build a small mini-itx workstation for work. Not what I want to do, but I have no good option from apple.

 

[crsh1976]

...but it doesn't run OS X (officially)

This is the Alpha's biggest issue; its looks aren't as easy on the eye as the Mac mini's, but I could live with it if it ran OSX flawlessly.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

I just setup a butt ugly Compaq after years of buying Macs. Why? Because it was cheaper, more Stable, faster, and gets the task done. It meets all my goals and saved me a ton of money over buying a lesser spec Mac with a less than impressive current generation OS.

Which Compaq?

 

[venom600]

This is the Alpha's biggest issue; its looks aren't as easy on the eye as the Mac mini's

Looks shouldn't even be under consideration in this discussion. It's a straw man (among others) that is being used to distract from the topic at hand.

For every one of you who loves the Mac Mini's looks, I can find 20 people that love Alienware's design ethos (the same people that put windows in the side of their computers and backlight the motherboard). Taste is subjective and as such, not debatable.

The point I was trying to make here is that looking at objective statistics (performance, longevity, upgradability, size), the Mini is terribly deficient and you don't gain a whole lot in return.

I guess the question I should have asked is: At what point do the inherent deficiencies in the way Apple designs their hardware outweigh the benefits of OS X?

For enterprise people it was when the Xserve died. For video editors it seems to be the closed box design of the new Mac Pro. What's the tipping point for you?

 

[flyinmac]

Looks shouldn't even be under consideration in this discussion. It's a straw man (among others) that is being used to distract from the topic at hand.

For every one of you who loves the Mac Mini's looks, I can find 20 people that love Alienware's design ethos (the same people that put windows in the side of their computers and backlight the motherboard). Taste is subjective and as such, not debatable.

The point I was trying to make here is that looking at objective statistics (performance, longevity, upgradability, size), the Mini is terribly deficient and you don't gain a whole lot in return.

I guess the question I should have asked is: At what point do the inherent deficiencies in the way Apple designs their hardware outweigh the benefits of OS X?

For enterprise people it was when the Xserve died. For video editors it seems to be the closed box design of the new Mac Pro. What's the tipping point for you?

The tipping point for me was the release of the 2014 mini. The 2012 was almost on par with what I needed. It just needed a small bump, which I expected the 2014 model would deliver. But, instead, they downgraded it.

I will never buy an iMac again. I've had to many problems with them over the years since they moved to the lcd design. And replacing a whole computer and screen over every minor failure is ridiculous

The new Mac Pro is underwhelming for its price. It would easily do the job. But it's not worth the price to me.

The mini with a small spec increase over 2012 models would have been just right.

But instead, I've migrated to PC's. Sad since I've been a loyal Apple user since the early 80's and the Apple IIe.

The spot originally planned for the unreleased improved mini was filled a couple of weeks ago with a nice powerful and inexpensive Compaq.

The spot originally planned for a MacBook was instead filled by a HP laptop this week.

My Mac machines are starting to be phased out. And in reality the new PC's are quickly becoming my favorite machines. I find myself using my existing macs less and less now. It won't be long before I retire them.

 

[scottsjack]

I guess the question I should have asked is: At what point do the inherent deficiencies in the way Apple designs their hardware outweigh the benefits of OS X?

For enterprise people it was when the Xserve died. For video editors it seems to be the closed box design of the new Mac Pro. What's the tipping point for you?

Several tipping points for me. I like computers and I like fiddling with them. iPods and iPads do very little for me though I have a 128GB iPhone 6 and love it.

One tipping point is Apple moving from serious, configurable, capable computers to glued-together, too-thin toy computers. Jony's freak show-thinness seems to trump usability.

Another, minor one, is all the Apple-crap going on in the absence of excellent computers. I mean really, Jesse Jackson, a stupid watch, Beats? Just not my kind of product line or corporate vibe anymore.

Finally OS X is really becoming a tablet OS. I am a partial fan of Yosemite but have backed up both of my Macs for potential reintroduction of Mavericks. I just have to clone it back.

The iWork apps really look like they were designed to be used on a 12 inch something. Quicken 2015's Yosemite look is so bad that I bought, tried it and dumped it. The yearly OS X fashion show results in three months of good OS operation following nine months of just trying to get the same stuff that worked earlier to work on the new OS. I can use W7 until 2020. Mavericks support will be gone long before that.

Note that all three of my Macs at 2012 models, the last gear year of Mac computers. The MBP was purchased after the 15" was cancelled, the mini 2.3 bought after I got tired of waiting and the mini 2.6 just after the 2014s were debuted.