Official "I Ordered an Intel Mac Mini" Thread...

[Eccles]

iMac Core Duo for comparison

****************************************************

Tester : Me

Processor : Intel Core Duo
MHz : 1.83
Number of CPUs : 2
Operating System : Mac OS X 10.4.5

Graphics Card : Radeon X1600 128 MB
Resolution : 1440x900
Color Depth : millions

****************************************************

Rendering (Single CPU): 282 CB-CPU
Rendering (Multiple CPU): 513 CB-CPU

Multiprocessor Speedup: 1.82

Shading (CINEMA 4D) : 329 CB-GFX
Shading (OpenGL Software Lighting) : 867 CB-GFX
Shading (OpenGL Hardware Lighting) : 1441 CB-GFX

OpenGL Speedup: 4.38

****************************************************

Not sure exactly what all the numbers mean. The most dramatic difference is the OpenGL Hardware Lighting number.

 

[srobert]

not a huge savings though, about $20.

I see. If it's only a $50 or less saving I'd probably go with factory installed.

Then, this brings Question 4:

Will there be a big difference in 1080p/i video playback quality between a 1GB and 2GB RAM iMac? These iMacs would only have iTunes, Front Row and Quicktime running at the same time.

 

[admanimal]

Awesome, looks like we can upgrade our CPUs, assuming there isn't some firmware lock against doing so. Makes me feel better about getting the Solo version.

 

[jsw]

I see. If it's only a $50 or less saving I'd probably go with factory installed.

Then, this brings Question 4:

Will there be a big difference in 1080p/i video playback quality between a 1GB and 2GB RAM iMac? These iMacs would only have iTunes, Front Row and Quicktime running at the same time.

No, no difference to speak of. 1080 ran fine when my 17" Intellimac first arrived with 512MB, fine with 1.5GB, and fine now at 2GB. I suspect that the 512MB would have showed issues sooner or later, but I'm sure it'd be rock solid at 1GB.

 

[tjwett]

Awesome, looks like we can upgrade our CPUs, assuming there isn't some firmware lock against doing so. Makes me feel better about getting the Solo version.

socketed CPU?

 

[iHeartTheApple]

Awesome, looks like we can upgrade our CPUs, assuming there isn't some firmware lock against doing so. Makes me feel better about getting the Solo version.

Wow! Is the cpu able to be replaced? That recently-posted gallery of disassembly photos said he wasn't sure if it was socketed or not... That would be sweet! So, assuming it *is* upgradable, does that mean we can drop a Duo @ 2+GHz in there later on? And if we can, where are we going to get the actual processor?

 

[Spanky Deluxe]

Wow! Is the cpu able to be replaced? That recently-posted gallery of disassembly photos said he wasn't sure if it was socketed or not... That would be sweet! So, assuming it *is* upgradable, does that mean we can drop a Duo @ 2+GHz in there later on? And if we can, where are we going to get the actual processor?

Hopefully, yes! Processors will become available through OEMs in the next few months I imagine. Don't expect them any time soon though!! I wonder what the thermal specifications of the 2.13Ghz vs 1.66Ghz Duos are. I'm guessing the 2.13Ghz Duos will run fine even in the small form factor but the fan might run more often.
Its only a matter of time until someone that has both a Core Duo iMac and a Core Duo Mini will take them apart and switch the processors around so we'll be able to see what a 1.83Ghz or 2.0Ghz Core Duo Mini is really like.

 

[yoda13]

If it is socketed, are we sure that the faster processor will be able to run in the smaller spaces without thermal issues?

2)The benchmarks are looking good on this thing, but has anyone tried to play any type of 3D game on this thing yet to see how it does?

 

[yoda13]

From the many reviews I read on Amazon it seems like Civ IV is really a step backwards from Civ III. Oh, and the crashes, which the many patches failed to fix... definitely a downer.

I'm not too excited about it even though I'm quite a big Civ fan too.

Well, I haven't done much research on it, but my nephew bought it to play on his stepdad's PC, (no way his iBook would handle it when it comes out), and he loved it and had no problems with it. I guess that is why I am so enthusiastic about it. But he is a fan of the game like me, so I guess he could be biased. Oh well. I just hope the mini will play it, so that I can find out for myself..

EDIT-sorry about the side by side posts. I figured someone else would have posted since I did and I didn't look. Once again, sorry...Mods...feel free to merge these two posts if you want, I don't know how, nor do I think that I am able to. Once again, sorry.

 

[admanimal]

If it is socketed, are we sure that the faster processor will be able to run in the smaller spaces without thermal issues?

Check out the pictures linked from the macrumors.com front page story. There are some where the guy had removed the CPU.

Good point about the heat issues. I got a Solo version to begin with, so I can be fairly comfortable that it could support a 1.67GHz Duo at some point. I'm sure someone will try to stick a 2+GHz Duo in one at some point, so we'll find out if it works eventually.

 

[negz]

Argh, I could very easily sell my big noisy MCE2005 HTPC and grab one of these to hook up to my LCD TV. 720p will suit me fine, though I'm glad to see 1080p seems to work. A HTPC with good iTunes integration for my music library would be a dream come true. Keeping MCE2005, which is WMP based, in in sync with iTunes is a huge pain. Unfortunately I'd really like to keep the ability to perform PVR tasks via a dedicated interface, so I might have to wait until Mac HTPC software matures a little more.

Personally, I'm not fussed about the slight price increase. I would always have added in at least Airport, bringing the price up. Besides which, it was never particularly cheap in Australia anyhow.

I'm also glad that the integrated graphics are proving to be better than most people expected. Judging by the initial reactions upon announcement most people were bagging the Intel Mini because it wasn't specced like an Intel iMac for $499usd or due to sheeplike hearsay and half-facts regarding the integrated graphics. They're not exactly a powerhouse, but they should be an improvement on the 32MB Radeon and well suited to the Mini's target audience.

 

[IanC]

If it is socketed, are we sure that the faster processor will be able to run in the smaller spaces without thermal issues?

Thats a good point.

Damn you xterm, i really want to order one now lol.
But ill wait and see how good the Solo is, i have one custom configured to my liking and saved....

 

[yoda13]

I really want to buy one as well, but I still can't make myself swallow the 1200 price tag that I get if I configure the one the way that I want it. That is a 17" iMac. Of course, I already have a monitor that I like, so it would defeat the purpose of getting an iMac. Anyway, I am glad that this is turning into a better computer than we thought initially. I still want to see someone post some results from trying to play a light 3d game on it.

 

[patrick0brien]

Picked one up yesterday.

Named it "Argos" (check the 'sig), and it runs my home automation system as well as Front Row to the Home theater.

Happy little guy.

 

[srobert]

Picked one up yesterday.

Named it "Argos" (check the 'sig), and it runs my home automation system as well as Front Row to the Home theater.

Happy little guy.

Congratz. Have you tried streaming video from computer to computer to TV with Front Row?

 

[lightbluecollar]

Crucial Memory Change

If you order your memory from crucial yesterday you are in for a big surprise. They had the wrong memory. Today they took the 2 gig package down and replaced it with a single that you buy 2 of. Before they had just DIMM and 240 pin. Now its SODIMM and 200 pin so sucks to whoever order it yesterday. FYI

-Chris

 

[Eccles]

I really want to buy one as well, but I still can't make myself swallow the 1200 price tag that I get if I configure the one the way that I want it. That is a 17" iMac. Of course, I already have a monitor that I like, so it would defeat the purpose of getting an iMac.

It's too bad you're in Texas, or we could do a little horse trading; my iMac for your monitor plus some amount of cash, so I can switch to a Mac Mini. I think in the end the Mac Mini Duo would have suited my needs better. Idiot that I am, I just didn't expect the Intel Mini to come out so soon...

 

[srobert]

If you order your memory from crucial yesterday you are in for a big surprise. They had the wrong memory. Today they took the 2 gig package down and replaced it with a single that you buy 2 of. Before they had just DIMM and 240 pin. Now its SODIMM and 200 pin so sucks to whoever order it yesterday. FYI

-Chris

Am I reading that wrong? Crucial 2GB Ram upgrade for the Mini more expensive than Apple's?

 

[Artful Dodger]

Am I reading that wrong? Crucial 2GB Ram upgrade for the Mini more expensive than Apple's?

It's $119 for a 1GB stick at datamem for the memory FWIW

 

[jsw]

Am I reading that wrong? Crucial 2GB Ram upgrade for the Mini more expensive than Apple's?

*** crackling sound as hell freezes over ***

 

[lightbluecollar]

Yeah Noticed that too.

I was shocked to see that price compared to apple. This looks like a good deal.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other World Computing/5300DDR2S1GB/

I actually was about to buy some from zipzoomfly for 193 dollars for 2, 1 gig sticks, I went off of crucials listing yesterday and to find today it is different. I stopped the order in time.

-Chris

 

[patrick0brien]

Congratz. Have you tried streaming video from computer to computer to TV with Front Row?

-srobert

Thanks!

No, I haven't. How does one do that? Put a DVD in the Powerbook?

I'll be happy to give a review...

 

[srobert]

-srobert

Thanks!

No, I haven't. How does one do that? Put a DVD in the Powerbook?

I'll be happy to give a review...

A) Have the latest version of iTunes installed and running on your Powerbook.
B) Make sure sharing is on in the iTunes settings.
C) Have a least one movie, TV episode or Video in your iTunes library (It might have to be labelled as such). If you have Quicktime pro, try it with a 1080p HD trailer to really put it to the test.
D) Open Front Row on your mac mini and see if you can browse your Powerbook's video library.

If you have trouble making iTunes label videos correctly, try downloading "Parsley is Atomically Delicious - 1.0.2" from version tracker.

I hope it works well.

Thanks

 

[aswitcher]

Picked one up yesterday.

Named it "Argos" (check the 'sig), and it runs my home automation system as well as Front Row to the Home theater.

Happy little guy.

Hey patrick0brien, I see you plan to use the mini for home security. Are you using cameras, and if so what sofware are you running. Neither securityspy or evocam seem intel native?

 

[patrick0brien]

Hey patrick0brien, I see you plan to use the mini for home security. Are you using cameras, and if so what sofware are you running. Neither securityspy or evocam seem intel native?

-aswitcher

Good eye.

Indigo 1.8 for Home Automation, and yes, EvoCam for the Camera(s). Neither are Intel native, but Rosetta does a fine job.

Oh, the Cameras are Network Cameras.