So, no Mini

[fpnc]

Mac Mini, RIP (2005 - 2017)

As a "First 100 Day" purchaser of the original Macintosh (1984), it's sad to see that Apple now has no desktop computer that is right for me or perhaps even for "The Rest Of Us." IMO, they have just abandoned a great many Mac enthusiasts and loyalists.

I think their strategy is clear, if you want a relatively inexpensive "computer" buy an iPad.

 

[Wirenut]

Not enough profit in them.

They can add lots of profit on and still sell it for much cheaper than the Pro line and have lots of people buy it. Most people don't need the Pro line and Apple is losing all of them.
[doublepost=1496789212][/doublepost]

Jason Snell at this week's Upgrade podcast pondered the fate of Mac mini a little bit. That announcement of iMac Pro hints Mac Pro as being all about expansion and customization.

Customization means freedom to prioritize (1) CPU power, (2) GPU power, and (3) storage today, with freedom to upgrade in the future.

Today's maxed out Mac mini with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD tops out at $1999. Cheapest Mac mini with SSD (8GB RAM and 256GB SSD) costs $899.

My suggested compromise. Offer a low-end Mac Pro with entry level iMac class CPU, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD for $1499, with same new Mac Pro chassis with all the benefits like (1) user serviceable RAM, (2) user serviceable multiple SSD storage connectors), (3) upgradable GPU (remains empty), and (4) ton of I/O ports.

And sell current generation Mac mini in limited budget configuration to appease those with a strict budget, much like MacBook Air exists today.

The only reason the cheapest Mac Mini with SSD was $899 is because that's what it cost 3 years ago and they kept the same price tag on it. If that same exact Mini was released today it would cost much less.

A Mac Pro for $1,500 is a totally separate market than the people who would be buying $700-800 Mini's.

 

[for this]

My suggested compromise. Offer a low-end Mac Pro with entry level iMac class CPU, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD for $1499, with same new Mac Pro chassis with all the benefits like (1) user serviceable RAM, (2) user serviceable multiple SSD storage connectors), (3) upgradable GPU (remains empty), and (4) ton of I/O ports.

[Edit: actually I remember it right]

That reminds me of a time when higher end iMacs (like 17-inch iMac G4 800) were priced higher than lower end Powermacs (like MDD 867 Dual). I like that.

 

[cynics]

Don't know wtf I'm going to do about an HTPC now. All I needed was Kaby Lake for contributing to HDR output.

I'm going to continue using my Linux machine for a bit longer, maybe until they drop the Mini off the line up before I make any rash decisions. I hope they don't think the AppleTV is an adequate replacement for an HTPC even with AirPlay it leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[Boyd01]

I hope they don't think the AppleTV is an adequate replacement for an HTPC even with AirPlay it leaves a lot to be desired.

I think it's pretty clear that they do think it's a replacement. Apple does not want you to have a media server or a local library. They want you to stream everything from their servers where they have complete control.

 

[sublunar]

I'm not sure there's going to be another Mac hardware announcement this side of 2018 short of updating the store to start selling the 2018 iMac Pro. Apple could drop the Mini off the store any time before that.

The key announcement is that of the official support for e-GPU. Apple wouldn't want anyone using one with any decent Mini with Thunderbolt 3 so they aren't allowing people who want headless kit to spend money before they release the all new MODULAR Mac Pro (my emphasis). So it might not be a Mini, it might not be dirt cheap, but it might be more Pro and headless in 2018...

 

[Crosscreek]

They can add lots of profit on and still sell it for much cheaper than the Pro line and have lots of people buy it. Most people don't need the Pro line and Apple is losing all of them.

Apple does not care about Mini people. The Mini is dead. ATV for HTPC and iMacs for desktop computers. No more headless Macs.

 

[Wirenut]

Apple does not care about Mini people. The Mini is dead. ATV for HTPC and iMacs for desktop computers. No more headless Macs.

That's great, but my point still stands. THere are hundreds of thousands of people out there who will be buying a small, inexpensive Windows computer who could have been brought over to the Mac side with a Mini.

 

[TheGenerous]

well at least warm iMacs don't house roaches

 

[MiniReplacement]

Mac Mini, RIP (2005 - 2017)

I think their strategy is clear, if you want a relatively inexpensive "computer" buy an iPad.

Does anyone get the idea that the iPad Pro is Apple's way of reluctantly admitting that touch screens are a good idea after all?

In any event they are not as good as a laptop.

==================================================

[doublepost=1496812236][/doublepost]

well at least warm iMacs don't house roaches

The iMacs run too hot for that.

Some water-cooled PCs are roach hotels.

 

[ThkAsBrk]

That's great, but my point still stands. There are hundreds of thousands of people out there who will be buying a small, inexpensive Windows computer who could have been brought over to the Mac side with a Mini.

I have owned many computers. My 2012 mini is the best computer I've ever owned. Why? I work with it. It is reliable. And it it is truly portable. At Home it has an ecosystem of monitors, keyboards, and drives that conform exactly with what I want it for. And in the morning I disconnect everything and take it to work where I plug it into an entirely different habitat of devices. Flexibility.
Most importantly the mini offers security.
I have had expensive laptops and when I tote them around or leave them in the car or drop them my heart stops beating with worry that I am going to break the screen, the keyboard the drive etc. That the thousands invested in this thing could be lost at any time.
With the mac Mini I have total piece of mind. Given that it is encrypted and backed up to Time Machine I needn't worry about MY data. And since it is inexpensive I never worry that it might get crushed. I can be back to work in a few hours.
I have converted more than a few Windows users with minis.
As I said, my model is a 2012 and I am ready for a new one.

 

[Uni Grad]

If we're going to see an updated Mac mini, it'll probably be unveiled alongside the rumored 8K TB display, so I still have hope till then (sometime 2018).

 

[sublunar]

If we're going to see an updated Mac mini, it'll probably be unveiled alongside the rumored 8K TB display, so I still have hope till then (sometime 2018).

Problem is, running an 8K TB display isn't going to happen without going down the multi stream 2xThunderbolt 3 cable route. This isn't an elegant solution for Apple.

It's probably impossible for any Mini running integrated Intel graphics too unless it goes through an e-GPU and from what I've seen the graphics card you put in the e-GPU would run an 8k monitor as an external display assuming it has DisplayPort 1.4 which supports 8k at 60Hz on a single stream cable.

Isn't the price of an 8k monitor going to drive people towards a Modular Mac Pro anyway? Seems like trying to buy a Porsche with 1.0 litre engine.

 

[Uni Grad]

Problem is, running an 8K TB display isn't going to happen without going down the multi stream 2xThunderbolt 3 cable route. This isn't an elegant solution for Apple.

It's probably impossible for any Mini running integrated Intel graphics too unless it goes through an e-GPU and from what I've seen the graphics card you put in the e-GPU would run an 8k monitor as an external display assuming it has DisplayPort 1.4 which supports 8k at 60Hz on a single stream cable.

Isn't the price of an 8k monitor going to drive people towards a Modular Mac Pro anyway? Seems like trying to buy a Porsche with 1.0 litre engine.

No one knows for sure whether it'll be 8K first of all. But it is reasonable to say that you we should expect a new Mac mini alongside displays.

 

[toke lahti]

Problem is, running an 8K TB display isn't going to happen without going down the multi stream 2xThunderbolt 3 cable route. This isn't an elegant solution for Apple.

It's probably impossible for any Mini running integrated Intel graphics too unless it goes through an e-GPU and from what I've seen the graphics card you put in the e-GPU would run an 8k monitor as an external display assuming it has DisplayPort 1.4 which supports 8k at 60Hz on a single stream cable.

Isn't the price of an 8k monitor going to drive people towards a Modular Mac Pro anyway? Seems like trying to buy a Porsche with 1.0 litre engine.

Isn't 2018 time for TB4?

 

[masterbaron]

Seems like everyone sees Apple's weak spot:

https://www.theverge.com/circuitbre...e-imac-pro-expensive-gpu-wwdc-2017?yptr=yahoo

 

[bopajuice]

Apple showed their Mac line up yesterday.....no Mac Pro and no Mini. No Headless Macs. The iMac Pro is the new Mac Pro and the low end iMac is the new Mini.
That's all your getting.
Make your choice and move on.

Do you work for Apple? How do you know this?

 

[marco.a]

I have an old MacMini late 2011 just broken.(grahic fail... https://discussions.apple.com/message/31455018?ac_cid=tw123456#31455018 )

There is no Mac mini upgrade timeline. The only chance is to wait for the keynote of October or go to the new iMac (which however costs at least 2k€ and it is a product all in one)

Apple please Give us a new MacMini with quad core processor and discrete graphic !

 

[robinkle]

I hope this will be the future desktop line up:

Mac (Home Desktop, Games)
Mac Pro (Professional Desktop, the choice for content creators)

Mac Mini (Home Desktop, entry level, basic home use, photos, e-mail, web etc)
Mac Mini Pro (Semi-Pro Desktop, Perfect for home musicians)

iMac (Home Desktop, Games)
iMac Pro (Professional Desktop, the choice for content creators).

This would make alot of sense. Especially with yearly updates.

 

[mdgm]

I'd like to start replacing my HTPCs which are starting to get old. Especially the 2009 ones. Hoping Apple will release a new mini with an Intel quad-core CPU.

 

[Cave Man]

Apple please Give us a new MacMini with quad core processor and discrete graphic !

I suspect a hackintosh may be in your future.

 

[Fishrrman]

C'mon guys -- nobody expected a new Mini last Monday.
Even the release of new iMacs was a surprise, sooner than expected.

I'm willing to give Apple 'til the end of this year for a new Mini.
I don't expect a radical design change -- I'll be happy to see upgraded internals along with a decent complement of ports on the rear (even the 2017 iMacs retain FOUR USB-a ports).

If nothing by 2018, then I'll consider the Mini a "dead item" in the product line...

 

[cynics]

I think it's pretty clear that they do think it's a replacement. Apple does not want you to have a media server or a local library. They want you to stream everything from their servers where they have complete control.

While true I still tend to use the ATV to AirPlay Mirror my iMac that is located in my office. And for that purpose it works just fine as an HTPC however as a computer....meh. While it's impressive how little lag there is considering it's mirroring the display wirelessly, it's still there.

Point is it misses my (wanting a computer) and their (not wanting an HTPC) mark completely.

Oh well, still going to hold on because their really isn't an alternative I want to explore right now.

 

[tubular]

I am still sticking with my prediction from earlier in the year, that was, the mini will be effectively replaced later this year with the new Mac Pro which will have an entry level configuration designed to take out the current mini line.

I wouldn't mind that. All I'm asking for is a reasonable headless midrange Mac. Although I'm perfectly happy with my last-of-the-quad-cores Mac mini from right before the 2014 lobotomy.

 

[Cape Dave]

First, I think eGraphics external box is going to have only the smallest possible market. Sorry, but nobody I know wants an extra box at extra $$$ with extra cables on their desk. To be fair, I do not know any gamers.

Second, what the heck are you guys smoking? I want some! Continuing to think that when a monitor comes out that hardly any computer now made (yes, I know there are exceptions) can run, you think they will announce what is mostly an entry level computer to run it? Wow, I say the mini is dead. And I am probably the biggest dreamer on this forum. Well, in the top ten for sure