Mid-2014 Mini: What are we in for?

[VirtualRain]

I must to said, there is no chance to see ram slots

No chance for a new form factor if they simple quietly update the mini

The current form factor is built around the ability to upgrade RAM through the bottom cover. Thus sticking with the same form factor would imply upgradable RAM or conversely, soldered RAM would imply a change in form factor. Apple is not going to keep a removable bottom cover for no reason.

a new form factor will be announced at am media event at least, it's what deserves.

A new Mac Mini could be announced at the Sept. 9th event. So there could be a new form factor or not... We just don't know yet.

About Thunderbolt, rMBP comes with TB2, coz it's part of the Haswell chipset

Not true. TB2 requires an extra "Falcon Ridge" chipset. So while a new Mac Mini might include TB2 it won't be coming along for free. My only concern is that the price point of the Mac Mini won't allow for something like this whereas the MBPs and iMacs selling at over double the price have more margin buffer.

Hdmi port has no risk, as the rMBP users cry for an extra usb3 instead hdmi Apple kept the hdmi port.

I hope you're right, although my fear is that a redesigned form factor might put pressure on the number of ports, and HDMI might give way to more versatile TB ports instead.

The bottom line is since there will no longer be a server model there will no longer be a need to service the Mini and therefore it will be sealed, glued and soldered.

I would expect a server model to continue if the form factor remains the same. If they change the form factor to something more compact, you're probably right.

 

[Mago]

The current form factor is built around the ability to upgrade RAM through the bottom cover. Thus sticking with the same form factor would imply upgradable RAM or conversely, soldered RAM would imply a change in form factor. Apple is not going to keep a removable bottom cover for no reason.



A new Mac Mini could be announced at the Sept. 9th event. So there could be a new form factor or not... We just don't know yet.




Not true. TB2 requires an extra "Falcon Ridge" chipset. So while a new Mac Mini might include TB2 it won't be coming along for free. My only concern is that the price point of the Mac Mini won't allow for something like this whereas the MBPs and iMacs selling at over double the price have more margin buffer.



I hope you're right, although my fear is that a redesigned form factor might put pressure on the number of ports, and HDMI might give way to more versatile TB ports instead.



I would expect a server model to continue if the form factor remains the same. If they change the form factor to something more compact, you're probably right.

No problem to remove the ability to upgrade ram, simple they will make that cover un removable too.

 

[VirtualRain]

No problem to remove the ability to upgrade ram, simple they will make that cover un removable too.

Fair enough, but if they go to the trouble of redesigning the chassis in ANY way, they may as well redesign the whole thing to shave off a few grams of aluminum or whatever. Modifying the chassis has a cost, and doing a minor change vs a major one really doesn't change it much.

 

[Mago]

Fair enough, but if they go to the trouble of redesigning the chassis in ANY way, they may as well redesign the whole thing to shave off a few grams of aluminum or whatever. Modifying the chassis has a cost, and doing a minor change vs a major one really doesn't change it much.

About the September event, it's unlikely Apple will announce another thing than the new iPhone, add this the bootcamp leak pointed out a mid 2014 model, so there are still chance on a silent Haswell update at Mac store. (same form factor, maybe only firewire swap for Thunderbolt)

If a new form factor is announced (whenever) , sure will not be a pizza box like, maybe something like the airport timecapsule or like the Mac Pro, whatever no more ram slots.

 

[animatedude]

I've really been craving a thinner Mac mini. Mine from 2011 is just way too thick.

Please, oh, please Apple give us a smaller, thinner desktop computer. That way we won't have to put up with those pesky internal hard drives and RAM slots. While you're at it, please take away all the unsightly and superfluous stuff like extra USB ports, HDMI, ethernet and Firewire. The computer will then look so much nicer!

Yes please!

 

[Padaung]

What I wish we could get:

- Same form factor;
- Haswell processors (i5 on low end, Quad-Core i7 on high end);
- Intel Iris Graphics (5100 on low end, 5200 - Iris Pro - on high end);
- 8GB RAM (at least on the high end);

Other goodies:

- FireWire dropped and replace by one more Thunderbolt port. (If a second HDMI appeared I wouldn't complain either);
- Thunderbolt 2;
- 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless BUT retaining Ethernet Port;

Yes, this configuration would be brilliant, and no need for a form factor change - I love the size of the current mini.

And yes please for RAM to remain user replaceable (I typically increase mine over the duration of the computer's lifespan) and for two drive bays (I happen to feel Apple's Fusion Drive is a great way to balance performance with overall storage capacity).

And please retain the SD drive slot too.

 

[Mago]

Yes, this configuration would be brilliant, and no need for a form factor change - I love the size of the current mini.

And yes please for RAM to remain user replaceable (I typically increase mine over the duration of the computer's lifespan) and for two drive bays (I happen to feel Apple's Fusion Drive is a great way to balance performance with overall storage capacity).

And please retain the SD drive slot too.

On the low end could spect HD5000 on the high end iris pro 5200 as top choice.

Unlikely Apple will allow ram upgrades again on medium-low end machines for a number of reasons which I named few early.

The form factor at least will remove firewire port and add another Thunderbolt (1 on the basic model and tb2 on i7 models).

No idea about the SD slot fate (it's an good candidate for removal on a major redesign) , I'll use this space for another pair of usb3 port, and leave the SD duty to an usb adapter (more convenient and reliable).

 

[Lankyman]

I'm thinking it will be 256GB SSD, Iris graphics, smaller with some ports eliminated.

Thoughts?

Fruitless wait maybe? Just a thought.

 

[Crosscreek]

Yosemite is beautiful in October and probably bring Halloween Macs.

Just a fleeting thought.

 

[Cape Dave]

Yosemite is beautiful in October and probably bring Halloween Macs.

Just a fleeting thought.

Assuming Halloween falls on a Tuesday.

 

[scottsjack]

Mid-2014 Mini: What are we in for?

I'm beginning to see the situation like others. On the subject of a Mid-2014 mini maybe we are in for nothing at all.

 

[narfcrunk]

I'm beginning to see the situation like others. On the subject of a Mid-2014 mini maybe we are in for nothing at all.

That's so disheartening...

 

[Miat]

No idea about the SD slot fate (it's an good candidate for removal on a major redesign) , I'll use this space for another pair of usb3 port, and leave the SD duty to an usb adapter (more convenient and reliable).

I would happily lose the SD slot and gain a couple more USB3 ports.

 

[Santabean2000]

On the low end could spect HD5000 on the high end iris pro 5200 as top choice.

Unlikely Apple will allow ram upgrades again on medium-low end machines for a number of reasons which I named few early.

The form factor at least will remove firewire port and add another Thunderbolt (1 on the basic model and tb2 on i7 models).

No idea about the SD slot fate (it's an good candidate for removal on a major redesign) , I'll use this space for another pair of usb3 port, and leave the SD duty to an usb adapter (more convenient and reliable).

Nah. 13"MBP only has 5100, so that's as high as it'll go me thinks. [not that I don't want what you're suggesting tho...]

 

[Mago]

Nah. 13"MBP only has 5100, so that's as high as it'll go me thinks. [not that I don't want what you're suggesting tho...]

I named iris pro 5200 just because is what wincrap competition is offering now in very similar configuration (Zotac Zbox EI750 / Gigabyte Brix Pro), apple needs this box capable to drive a 4K panel.

 

[deconstruct60]

...
Not true. TB2 requires an extra "Falcon Ridge" chipset. So while a new Mac Mini might include TB2 it won't be coming along for free. My only concern is that the price point of the Mac Mini won't allow for something like this whereas the MBPs and iMacs selling at over double the price have more margin buffer.

Thunderbolt chipset prices

http://ark.intel.com/products/series/67021/Thunderbolt-Controllers
previous to TB v2 up to $13.00 for first generation to $9.95 for last TB v1 that Apple skipped.

Thunderbolt v2 ? ..... $9.95. ( two physical port version )

http://ark.intel.com/products/76721/Intel-DSL5520-Thunderbolt-2-Controller?wapkw=dsl5520

single port $8.95

http://ark.intel.com/products/76719/Intel-DSL5320-Thunderbolt-2-Controller?q=dsl5320


There is DisplayPort v1.2 support chips to buy and some stuff around the controller but talking about ~$20 of parts. This isn't busting the Mini's margins by a long shot. Especially one that has already has allocation for TB v1.

 

[VirtualRain]

Thunderbolt chipset prices

http://ark.intel.com/products/series/67021/Thunderbolt-Controllers
previous to TB v2 up to $13.00 for first generation to $9.95 for last TB v1 that Apple skipped.

Thunderbolt v2 ? ..... $9.95. ( two physical port version )

http://ark.intel.com/products/76721/Intel-DSL5520-Thunderbolt-2-Controller?wapkw=dsl5520

single port $8.95

http://ark.intel.com/products/76719/Intel-DSL5320-Thunderbolt-2-Controller?q=dsl5320


There is DisplayPort v1.2 support chips to buy and some stuff around the controller but talking about ~$20 of parts. This isn't busting the Mini's margins by a long shot. Especially one that has already has allocation for TB v1.

Good point with respect to v1 equipped units... clearly if they can make it with a v1 controller, it's not a stretch to do so with a v2 controller that costs the same. However, $20 in cost of goods on a Mac Mini is significant. This is not a $3000 Mac Pro we're talking about here. The whole Mac Mini has to be built for between $300-$400 for Apple to maintain margins and the CPU, RAM, and storage will eat that up pretty quick not leaving much room to play with.

 

[Neodym]

I would happily lose the SD slot and gain a couple more USB3 ports.

The other day I read somewhere that - from experience so far - more than 4 USB3 ports on a device seem to lead to a significant increase in problems (regarding connection reliability and speed).

Granted - it was an article about external hubs (iirc), but the root cause may apply to internal ports as well.

 

[gto55]

maybe...

Mid-2014 Mini: What are we in for?
a release date ?

 

[Neodym]

Mid-2014 Mini: What are we in for?
a release date ?

<Jim Dalrymple>Nope.</Jim Dalrymple>

 

[Baunkjaer]

I love you guys. I´ve just returned to the Mac comminity, after a short adventure with Windows 8...
I wasn´t aware of the 9th sep event, but looking forward to it.
As of now I need a desktop rig. Mac Mini og refurbished Mac Pro.... The mini will meet my needs, so a new model would be nice.
Otherwise I´ll go with the current model with i7 CPU, and upgrade it...

 

[haravikk]

The current form factor is built around the ability to upgrade RAM through the bottom cover. Thus sticking with the same form factor would imply upgradable RAM or conversely, soldered RAM would imply a change in form factor. Apple is not going to keep a removable bottom cover for no reason.

Soldered RAM would likely be on the same board as the CPU, which they could just move to the top of the machine, leaving the drive(s) at the bottom and accessible. It would be good way to sell their own custom flash modules to Mac Mini owners, as installation would be no more difficult than installing RAM is today.

I do generally agree though, and hope they won't bother changing it; especially since it means they'd be giving themselves more work to do for handling build to order models, whereas currently they can just pop extra RAM in at the end of the assembly line.

 

[Miat]

The other day I read somewhere that - from experience so far - more than 4 USB3 ports on a device seem to lead to a significant increase in problems (regarding connection reliability and speed).

Granted - it was an article about external hubs (iirc), but the root cause may apply to internal ports as well.

No expert, but presumably that is a capacity limit with either USB power, or the USB controller, in trying to drive several hub ports via one built-in port.

I doubt this will be a problem for extra built-in ports.

 

[Santabean2000]

I named iris pro 5200 just because is what wincrap competition is offering now in very similar configuration (Zotac Zbox EI750 / Gigabyte Brix Pro), apple needs this box capable to drive a 4K panel.

I agree. But I think they were planning on dropping a newly redesigned Broadwell unit which will dust the competition - until Intel dropped the ball...

Now we're looking at the easiest stopgap; a reluctant plan B.

 

[Crosscreek]

I agree. But I think they were planning on dropping a newly redesigned Broadwell unit which will dust the competition - until Intel dropped the ball...

Now we're looking at the easiest stopgap; a reluctant plan B.

I think they will stick with plan "A" regardless of time. It's not that big of deal for a Mini compared to MacBook refreshes.