Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Mac Mini Idea
- Thread starter YesMac
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
With any mac line up there are always three levels depending upon how tricked out you need it to be. The mac mini is no different.
The low end could get a slight update with the chromatic colors, like Apple did with the low-end, intro iPods - the nano and shuffle. The low-end versions would be marketed toward the younger generation or the younger mind-set — the type of consumer who might be a bit more fashion forward or into trends, who may not want to spend allot of money.
In addition, the base model mini could be less feature packed at a lower price point for a consumer who is buying a mac for the first time, or needs a mac, (or even for that matter a dual machine mac/pc) to do basic stuff. Heck, my two year old Mini can run photoshop just fine. It may not be as slick as the pro, but it does the job at a great price.
Anyway, the 2nd and 3rd models could be marketed toward consumers who want or need a bit more power and features, with the price reflecting that. Advanced consumers who like the stackable, add-on design, features and power of the mini would find the price point of the 3d model appropriate. I can even see the 3rd model good for design shops who require larger monitors than the iMac, or want to use their own dual monitors such as dual 30" monitors. A design shop for example that might not need quite as much power as the pro, or don't have the budget for the pro, the 3d level mini would work fine.
In addition to all of that, all the new mini's should have a monitor input to use with the new Apple LED display.
The low end could get a slight update with the chromatic colors, like Apple did with the low-end, intro iPods - the nano and shuffle. The low-end versions would be marketed toward the younger generation or the younger mind-set — the type of consumer who might be a bit more fashion forward or into trends, who may not want to spend allot of money.
In addition, the base model mini could be less feature packed at a lower price point for a consumer who is buying a mac for the first time, or needs a mac, (or even for that matter a dual machine mac/pc) to do basic stuff. Heck, my two year old Mini can run photoshop just fine. It may not be as slick as the pro, but it does the job at a great price.
Anyway, the 2nd and 3rd models could be marketed toward consumers who want or need a bit more power and features, with the price reflecting that. Advanced consumers who like the stackable, add-on design, features and power of the mini would find the price point of the 3d model appropriate. I can even see the 3rd model good for design shops who require larger monitors than the iMac, or want to use their own dual monitors such as dual 30" monitors. A design shop for example that might not need quite as much power as the pro, or don't have the budget for the pro, the 3d level mini would work fine.
In addition to all of that, all the new mini's should have a monitor input to use with the new Apple LED display.
No. Reiteration: NO. The Shuffle is the low-end iPod.
Of course it'll get Mini DisplayPort, and it'll have USB... but what about that MagSafe just hanging there? Aha...
PA Semi makes a platform for the Mac Mini that requires only 85 watts. You plug the Mac Mini into the display, the display powers it. Voila.
You missed the bigger picture of what I was saying. It was the use of the chromatic colors in the lower end iPods with a display, marketed toward that consumer. Of course the lowest end model is the shuffle which by the way also has the chromatic colors and is geared toward the same fashion-forward consumer. I corrected my post to reflect all low end models.
It always had USB. The bigger question is - will it keep firewire.
There really isn't a need for a magsafe on the mini. The laptops I can understand because being portable, their cord can be a hazard.
Cool idea, but I don't think apple will do that.
I'd like to see a new mac mini from apple though.
I'd like to see a new mac mini from apple though.
Okay, so I've been giving this concept some more thought. I did a redesign closer to what I think Apple would really produce.
The Mini shares the iMac line-up design esthetics such as the gloss black trim and silver. This design would follow the current footprint and shape of the Time Capsule.
The recessed rim around the edge is not only a design treatment but also includes a hidden cd rom slot tucked away.
2.0GHz
2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1GB memory
80GB hard drive
24x Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon SD 1200 with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory
Ports & Connectors: 4 USB, 2 Firewire, 1 regular power port, 1 daisy-chain power port (NEW - to daisy chain stackable peripherals), 2 mini display ports (for dual monitors), speaker output, headphone output, 1 Ethernet, 1 Kensington lock.
$599.00
2.66GHz
2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1GB memory (upgradable to 2GB)
180GB hard drive (upgradable to 1TB)
8x double-layer SuperDrive
ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB of GDDR3 memory
Ports & Connectors: 4 USB, 2 Firewire, 1 regular power port, 1 daisy-chain power port (NEW - to daisy chain stackable peripherals), 2 mini display ports (for dual monitors), speaker output, headphone output, 1 Ethernet, 1 Kensington lock.
$799.00
A configuration with room to expand
Mac Mini 2.0GHz
LED Cinema Display
Apple Keyboard & Mouse
$1,600.00
The Mini shares the iMac line-up design esthetics such as the gloss black trim and silver. This design would follow the current footprint and shape of the Time Capsule.
The recessed rim around the edge is not only a design treatment but also includes a hidden cd rom slot tucked away.
2.0GHz
2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1GB memory
80GB hard drive
24x Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon SD 1200 with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory
Ports & Connectors: 4 USB, 2 Firewire, 1 regular power port, 1 daisy-chain power port (NEW - to daisy chain stackable peripherals), 2 mini display ports (for dual monitors), speaker output, headphone output, 1 Ethernet, 1 Kensington lock.
$599.00
2.66GHz
2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1GB memory (upgradable to 2GB)
180GB hard drive (upgradable to 1TB)
8x double-layer SuperDrive
ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT with 128MB of GDDR3 memory
Ports & Connectors: 4 USB, 2 Firewire, 1 regular power port, 1 daisy-chain power port (NEW - to daisy chain stackable peripherals), 2 mini display ports (for dual monitors), speaker output, headphone output, 1 Ethernet, 1 Kensington lock.
$799.00
A configuration with room to expand
Mac Mini 2.0GHz
LED Cinema Display
Apple Keyboard & Mouse
$1,600.00
Okay, so I've been giving this concept some more thought. I did a redesign closer to what I think Apple would really produce.
The Mini shares the iMac line-up design esthetics such as the gloss black trim and silver. This design would follow the current footprint and shape of the Time Capsule.
The recessed rim around the edge is not only a design treatment but also includes a hidden cd rom slot tucked away.
Sweet mother of corn, you've done what I've been trying to do forever.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have our MacWorld Mac Mini. Provided they don't just kill it.
Doesn't look half bad!
I would buy that in a flash!
Although, it will still most likely be called Mac Mini, not iMac Mini.
Please, state the specs and price.
Provided they pull a paper thin DVD drive out of nowhere, use a CPU that needs no active cooling, a 1.8"HD, no ram expansion slot, an external power brick and no firewire.
That looks great, but I would prefer something more expandable than the current Mini. A Mac MiniTower anyone?
Honestly, what Apple does next is anyone's guess.
Honestly, what Apple does next is anyone's guess.
Rick,
This could be totally expandable by stacking the same sized footprint peripherals on top (or below) via a 3"- 4" daisy-chain type power adapter cord. In fact the Time Capsule could be stacked under it. The new Mini could be expanded to whatever power and price a consumer wanted to spend. 3rd party companies could make hard drives, blue ray drives, usb/firewire hubs, speakers - the ideas can go on and on. The base model would be the intro and it can go up from there.
Oh come on, no meanness! This thread is for fun.
My opinion....the mini has the potential (although I doubt it will ever actually happen) to be the minitower or "cube" that a bunch of folks (including me) are drooling about. Redesign the next mini to have the same dimensions as two current minis stacked on top of each other (but keep the silver-and-white design) give the specs a major major major major major bump, as in up to 8GB of RAM, and we're good to go. As for colors, standard silver-and-white with a black or all-white option.
I'll leave someone with better Photoshop skills to create the mock-up for me.
EDIT: Oh yes, and one more thing:
Bleh.
I don't like those specs.
I picture them having the same specs as the $1299.99 and $1399.99 MacBook.
I don't like those specs.
I picture them having the same specs as the $1299.99 and $1399.99 MacBook.
You can imagine whatever specs you want as this is only a dream. I just put those there for the heck of it. Remember though, the higher the specs and the price won't be an intro mini anymore.
Imagine a 3rd price point (insert your own wild specs here).
You can imagine whatever specs you want as this is only a dream. I just put those there for the heck of it. Remember though, the higher the specs and the price won't be an intro mini anymore.
Imagine a 3rd price point (insert your own wild specs here).
If the most expensive Mac was one million dollars, and the lowest was 300,000 dollars, the 300,000-dollar Mac would still be "entry level."
And yes, I'd want the million dollar one.
You can imagine whatever specs you want as this is only a dream. I just put those there for the heck of it. Remember though, the higher the specs and the price won't be an intro mini anymore.
Imagine a 3rd price point (insert your own wild specs here).
Ok, I'll make all my own price points.
They will look very familiar. lol.
Well... three price points won't really make it a Mini anymore.
Anyways...
NOTES: Combo drive, DEAD.
$499 - Same body as the current Mac Mini
- 2.1GHz processor
- 120GB HDD (upgradable to 160GB)
- 2GB Ram (upgradable to 4GB)
- Intel GMA X3100 graphics
- Shipped with OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
$699 - Aluminum Mac Mini (like in your idea)
- 2.0GHz
- 160GB HDD (upgradable to 250GB)
- 2GB Ram (upgradable to 4GB)
- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
- Shipped with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
OR instead of the $799 suggestion I stated above
$899 - Aluminum Mac Mini (like in your idea)
- 2.4Ghz
- 250GB HDD (upgradable to 320GB)
- 2GB Ram (upgradable to 4GB)
- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
- Shipped with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
OR Maybe all three of those but the third one at $999.99.
Those specs would absolutely kill off imac revenue, something I think they are very reluctant to do.
I would say the ranking order of probabilities would be:
1. Mac Mini is dropped from the line. Macbook/Imac are entry level machines.
2. Apple TV is upgraded to an Atom processor with basic OSX functionality to dominate the living room. Will replace Mini as a less powerful machine.
3. Mac Mini is upgraded significantly.
I would say the ranking order of probabilities would be:
1. Mac Mini is dropped from the line. Macbook/Imac are entry level machines.
2. Apple TV is upgraded to an Atom processor with basic OSX functionality to dominate the living room. Will replace Mini as a less powerful machine.
3. Mac Mini is upgraded significantly.
Actually I think Apple will keep the Mini desktop box style around for awhile. Eventually the iPhone or iPod or some hybrid pocket computer version will replace the mini. When solid state drives get thin and small enough, and processors shrink, those Mini specs will be in a hand-held devise.
It will be powerful like a intro level mini box was, you'll dock it at home and use the LED display, keyboard and mouse. On the road, it will look like and function similar to the iPhone.
People ... rather than show your hatred and mean spirit,
why don't you just reply with what YOU think it should be. Maybe you don't have any ideas but just like to bash? I don't care.. I just didn't realize there were so many sour apples our there!
Your second ideascheme is brilliant, good show. I'm not going to get hung up on the specs, but the overall design is good. I'd be happy to see Apple bring out a lower profile, all aluminum Mini. MDP, magsafe, no firewire, pretty much a macbook without a screen is what I'd expect to see for hardware and connectivity, and that packaging is doable now. A nice easy access undercarriage with pull-out HDD and no tools ram access, the 9400 and new C2D hi-po chips.
(Your sizes are off in the ACD pic and perspective is skewed, but its ok.)
(Your sizes are off in the ACD pic and perspective is skewed, but its ok.)