Mac Mini Prediction

[zap2]

The new Mini, IMHO, will be:

Use a MacBook adapter instead of the "brick"
Be thinner
802.11n
No more optical drive
No more ethernet port
Micro DVI-port and use same video adapters as MB Air
Same specs as MacBook SR.

Mac Mini "Air"...

Let's not start that long-drawn out ethernet port/internal optical drive arguement again. Get external USB ones.

BTW - if they do the above stuff, I can see them lowering the price back down to $499...

That would be a terrible idea...when make the Mirco DVI? You know you need to use it, so your not saving any space, since the add on will be their anyway.

I guess for the DVD/Ethernet you could put them away, but again, why? I mean lots of people would just leave them out with the Mini anyway...so your not saving space. With a laptop, it makes sense, leave the bulk when your on the go...the Mac Mini users don't really "go" with their Mac

 

[Nichod]

I wasn't talking about anytime soon. It's well speculated that Apple uses the MacMini to clear out stock of components they used on previous MacBook models. Kashchei made reference to this and alluded that he thinks that the MacBook Air will fill this role in the future. I thereafter made the joke that Apple would have to downgrade the MacMini in order for it to be used to clear stock of the CPUs the MBA uses.

Get it? Wow. All that effort for a joke! Totally not worth it.

-Clive

hehe. I don't think they'll downgrade the processor. I do think they might shrink the mini. Add a solid state drive? Though I question even that since the cost is so high.

I still think that we will see a penryn and x3100. Anything else I have no clue. I'm pretty sure we will see improve graphics capabilities and the x3100 would fit my needs. I hope anyway.

 

[Clive At Five]

Clive, I was very clear in my last post that Apple would allow the MBA to catch up to the mini, and then the two would sport the bottom of the line processor together. Your post is therefore a non sequitur. Rather than using the forum as a vehicle for your disagreeable nature, why don't you thoroughly read AND understand what everyone has to say before you post your snarky comments.

OMG. Dude. I know exactly what you said and I'm NOT DISAGREEING WITH YOU! I was making a joke which, obviously, you do not get. Let me explain it to you one more time:

First you made the comment of Apple hating the Mini by condemning it to the spare parts of Apple's weakest laptop.

You then said that Apple would catch the specs of the MBA up to the Mini first.

I then made a JOKE based on your first remark, implying that Apple wouldn't be hating the Mini enough unless they downgraded the Mini so they could use it to clear stock of the MBA's spare parts. I even typed "[/sarcasm]" to help clarify that I was not being serious in my comments.

If by this point in time, you still do not get it, there is nothing I can do to help you, as sarcasm is obviously beyond the realm of your comprehension. I am not being "snarky," I'm just making a joke based on YOUR comments.

The end.

-Clive

 

[Kashchei]

If by this point in time, you still do not get it, there is nothing I can do to help you, as sarcasm is obviously beyond the realm of your comprehension. I am not being "snarky," I'm just making a joke based on YOUR comments.

The end.

-Clive

I understand now that you explained it, but I wasn't the only one that was confused by your posts. The best explanation then isn't that sarcasm is beyond us, but rather that you need to keep working on your sense of humor.

 

[ClassicFan]

Here's a quick concept i made...lol.

Mac Air, bluetooth super drive included.

 

[Foxile]

I think what Apple needs to do is let the Mini be an entry-level machine, stop trying to make the iMac a Prosumer machine, and make a 1/2 Mac Pro... or damnitall, just make an xMac already.

Fair point I suppose. I'm already working out how I sell my old PC and use that to fund a 24" iMac

 

[Clive At Five]

The best explanation then isn't that sarcasm is beyond us, but rather that you need to keep working on your sense of humor.

Or maybe I'm just ahead of the curve?

That's my best explanation

-Clive

 

[Tom McMahon]

All I want is a Mini with current MBP specs..

2.4 C2D
nVidia graphics
up to 4gig
7200rpm drive (the bigger the better)

The rest, as far as I'm concerned, can stay the same.

 

[gkarris]

That would be a terrible idea...when make the Mirco DVI? You know you need to use it, so your not saving any space, since the add on will be their anyway.

I guess for the DVD/Ethernet you could put them away, but again, why? I mean lots of people would just leave them out with the Mini anyway...so your not saving space. With a laptop, it makes sense, leave the bulk when your on the go...the Mac Mini users don't really "go" with their Mac

Smaller Mini = less materials to use in manufacturing = more "green"...

They have to make the DVI cables anyways for the MacBook Air...

 

[gkarris]

I wasn't talking about anytime soon. It's well speculated that Apple uses the MacMini to clear out stock of components they used on previous MacBook models. Kashchei made reference to this and alluded that he thinks that the MacBook Air will fill this role in the future. I thereafter made the joke that Apple would have to downgrade the MacMini in order for it to be used to clear stock of the CPUs the MBA uses.

Get it? Wow. All that effort for a joke! Totally not worth it.

-Clive

I didn't say it would use the same CPU/Chips as the Air, I said it would have the same specs (so therefore components) as the SR MacBooks...

I'm hearing that Intel will eventually use that smaller package from the Air anyways for all their mobile processors.

 

[Nichod]

I think we'll see an update soon. Since its highly rumored that macbook/pro will be updated SOON. And the seem to update at the same time.

 

[Nichod]

Here's a quick concept i made...lol.

Mac Air, bluetooth super drive included.

Highly unlikely. Its cheaper to just use the same housing. But you never know.

 

[mavherzog]

It would be nice, I love my mine but it is getting a little old / slow these days (1.5 core solo / 1 gb).

One plus about the architecture not changing since the Intel transition is that with a simple CPU upgrade, your Core Solo mini can be transformed into a current gen one.

I bought my kids a 1.5Ghz Core Solo mini when they were first released. When I got home from Iraq in November, I dropped in a 2.0Ghz C2D (they were already at 2GB ram). Now that little mini flies!

 

[Nichod]

One plus about the architecture not changing since the Intel transition is that with a simple CPU upgrade, your Core Solo mini can be transformed into a current gen one.

I bought my kids a 1.5Ghz Core Solo mini when they were first released. When I got home from Iraq in November, I dropped in a 2.0Ghz C2D (they were already at 2GB ram). Now that little mini flies!

You can go up to 3GB ram.

 

[gkarris]

$199 Shuttle gets rid of the Optical Drive AND Windows...

Here you go, a small PC, like the Air, they got rid of the optical drive and Windows to lower costs:

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9847365-7.html

My point, Apple can get rid of the optical in the Mini to bring the price down to $499 - the price where the Mini was really selling...

January 9, 2008 1:41 PM PST
Shuttle's $199 Linux PC
Posted by Erica Ogg
(Credit: Shuttle)
LAS VEGAS--Asus' Eee PC and Everex's CloudBook aren't the only ones pushing down the price of affordable, open-source PCs.

Shuttle introduced its $199 KPC Linux PC here on Tuesday. The company didn't have it on display on the actual floor of the convention halls here at the Consumer Electronics Show (too late did I find out you had to zip over to a private suite at the Bellagio for a look-see), but booth representatives were happy to talk details. "It's meant for simple tasks," said sales rep James Wonpu.

It'll have an Intel Celeron processor, a 945GC chipset, 512MB of memory and either a 60GB or 80GB hard drive. What it won't have: an optical drive or a PCI Express slot. Despite that, it's a pretty good-looking box, and comes in red, blue, white, and black, each with a different icon stamped on the front.

Shuttle also says there will be a $99 bare-bones version of the KPC. That version will have the option of upgrading to a Core 2 Duo processor and 1GB of memory. Both will be available for purchase near the end of the first quarter.

 

[Nichod]

Here you go, a small PC, like the Air, they got rid of the optical drive and Windows to lower costs:

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9847365-7.html

My point, Apple can get rid of the optical in the Mini to bring the price down to $499 - the price where the Mini was really selling...

That is nothing like the air. And not that small. The mini is smaller. The cost of an optical drive is really not that much. What maybe $10-20 in bulk for mass production?

I think Apple knows that we use the optical drive. The mini is meant to be the switch computer for PC users. They know that an optical drive will be expected.

 

[gkarris]

That is nothing like the air. And not that small. The mini is smaller. The cost of an optical drive is really not that much. What maybe $10-20 in bulk for mass production?

I think Apple knows that we use the optical drive. The mini is meant to be the switch computer for PC users. They know that an optical drive will be expected.

My point is the trend AWAY from the optical drive, to save costs and/or space...

 

[tuc]

2.4 C2D
nVidia graphics
up to 4gig
7200rpm drive (the bigger the better)

The rest, as far as I'm concerned, can stay the same.

I'm with you on the "up to 4gig" part.

I suppose we may see 2.4 GHz C2D, but really any C2D is fine with me.

Something like nVidia 8600M GT graphics would be welcome, but I don't see it happening. I'm still waiting for GMA X3100--integrated graphics but better than the lowly GMA950.

as for 7200rpm drives: You understand that the mini currently uses 2.5" notebook drives, right? Some of those are 7200rpm, but I don't hold your breath. I wouldn't mind if they enlarged the case a bit and used 3.5" drives, but even then a 7200rpm drive may be too noisy. The mini's greatest asset, in my opinion, is its quietness.

the rest: How about that combo drive? Its price delta compared to a superdrive is essentially zero, yet it persists. From the consumer's point of view it's stupid to keep the combo drive around, but I guess it makes sense from Apple's point of view as it's an incentive for customers to spend an extra $200.

 

[dbam987]

Mac Mini Pro FTW

Here's what the update to the Mini "should" include:

• User replaceable memory
• User replaceable hard-drive
• User replaceable graphics card <-- Or at least an integrated graphics card that actually has some muscle in it.

I think ATI and NVidia do make integrated graphics options for motherboard manufacturers. Can anyone shed some light on this?

 

[enigmatut]

soooooooo, when?

I like bits and pieces of all the concepts thrown out here, and I am in the market for a Mini, preferably sooner than later (to replace a 12" PB). I realize that the Mini is all I really need right now, so do I hold out for an update?

Does anyone have any real, supportable projection on the future of the Mini? It seems that there have been rumors off and on for over a year about it being discontinued, yet there it's been, quietly receiving little spec updates every 8 months or so. Is it time for another? Soon??

I just need someone to calm me and tell me that everything will be alright

 

[Ugg]

I like bits and pieces of all the concepts thrown out here, and I am in the market for a Mini, preferably sooner than later (to replace a 12" PB). I realize that the Mini is all I really need right now, so do I hold out for an update?

Does anyone have any real, supportable projection on the future of the Mini? It seems that there have been rumors off and on for over a year about it being discontinued, yet there it's been, quietly receiving little spec updates every 8 months or so. Is it time for another? Soon??

I just need someone to calm me and tell me that everything will be alright

I'm in the same boat. I've decided that although the current Mini is a little long in the tooth, it's really got everything I could want. So, if a new one is introduced by this Friday, I'll buy it. If not, I'll get one anyway.

There's no point in waiting for what might only be a marginal upgrade.

 

[Ironduke]

If like most people say "The mini is apples low cost entry system"

I cant see them doing anything major with it, otherwise it would effect its cost to make.

If it is also true that the mini gets its components from the macbook line, the onlything I can see apple doing with it is giving it a slight cpu bump, memory bump, harddrive bump and wireless N, anything else would effect apples margins

 

[errol]

I'd be fine with the mini ditching the optical drive -- only if a 3.5" hard drive would be accommodated. I'm fine with the X3100 graphics, and the laptop CPU + RAM.

However, there should be two models (one with optical + 2.5" HDD, one without + 3.5" HD), since some people use the mini as a HTPC or a carputer.

 

[katorga]

Mini - pls update

The Time Capsule does not do it for me, and I have not seen an affordable, reliable consumer NAS device....sooo

I want an updated mini with 802.11n, eSATA and FW800. The units are quiet, economical, and would make a GREAT little home server if the connectivity was improved just slightly.

 

[enigmatut]

Friday?

So, if a new one is introduced by this Friday, I'll buy it. If not, I'll get one anyway.

Should I assume you say this because you'd like to have it by Friday? Or did I miss speculation that updates might be introduced this Friday?

Yeah, all I'm looking for is the bump in processor, maybe memory (though I think the issue there is the proc's ability to address more memory; I think 3gig is the limit of the C2D??), and 802.11n. Nothing major, just the "best" of what is now "common" (in this case, at least the best of what's possible in a MacBook).