Sorry, but I gotta say it.... (I want a new Mini)

[err404]

When the mini was release, it was the MB internals in a small box (sans the wireless n controller). I would expect the update to be essentially current MB internals in the same mini form factor.
I have a MB with GMA950 and have compared it to a current MB with x3100 and came to this conclusion: Once you look beyond the specs on paper, in the end your experience will be nearly identical post-update.

Sure a few things will be faster like video encoding, but the mini was never intended as a work horse.

I'd recommend just buying a refurb now. If it's not fast enough you can return it or sell it on ebay after the update. These little guys hold their value quite well.
(I dont think Apple charges a restocking fee on refurbs)

 

[crontab]

Why would you be sick of it? That makes no sense. Having a dedicated windoz box for gaming is the way to go.

That used to be my exact sentiments and a large part of why I haven't been an avid Mac user all these years. But tell me, as soon as discussions venture into the subject of gaming, why IS the answer a Microsoft platform. I understand thats the reality of it today but WHY. I hate that this is a matter of fact.

Truth is, I love unix/linux and want another choice other that buying a console or maintaining a windoz box. I have tried linux and wine but it really is not worth the hassles.

The last straw for me was Microsoft's decision to only release DirectX 10 with Vista and not offer it to previous versions. It used to be you get the latest game and either you install the latest DX version from the media or go get it from MS. Now, it's becoming - go get latest OS. Which by the way, yeah I forked out money for Vista - and it is a complete waste. Actually runs games slower than XP. Hoorah for bloatware.

MS simply does not have any competition for PC gaming right now and hasn't for WAY to long - when is that gonna change? I have been hoping that with Apple's gains in market share that it would start.

 

[QCassidy352]

Sadly, I have to agree with your opinion and outlook. Hey, can you blame me for dreamin' a little out side the box? Admit it, if they somehow managed to cram an NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB into a mini that would be cool as you know what!

Honestly, if they would just update it the mini with what the MB has, Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM, I would likely buy the darn thing and be satified with playing Solitaire occasionally. Besides, I have had a dedicated windoz box just for gaming for years with latest hardware - that is what I am really sick of.

Sadly, if they put the 8600 GT in there you would still not be playing Civ IV because Aspyr has not yet fixed the game so it will run on the 8600.

That aside, I agree with you that the mini is horribly outdated. It went to intel in feb. 06, and has seen TWO updates since then, meaning that if it were updated tomorrow, it would still be getting updated less than every six months, on average.

Combine that with the fact that it started out using the absolute lowest end tech (it was a core solo 1.5 and core duo 1.66 when the macbook was core duo 1.83/2.0) and it really lags badly behind. Yes, it's the cheapest mac, but not by enough, relative to its severe neglect compared to every other mac model.

I like the mini, and would like to see it stay around. It's a great form factor and a nice entry level computer. But personally, I would never buy one unless they either dropped the price or made it basically comparable to current macbooks. It's not that it's *bad,* but what you pay for what you get is not good.

 

[flopticalcube]

But personally, I would never buy one unless they either dropped the price or made it basically comparable to current macbooks. It's not that it's *bad,* but what you pay for what you get is not good.

Which is why I always recommend waiting for a cheap refurb. I bought the 1.66/60GB model for $439 under refurb last year. That was an acceptable price point for me.

 

[vansouza]

No one reeeaaally cares about the mini

Not so, having given my first gen Intel mini away, I want a new one. A really buff new one.

 

[crontab]

Sadly, if they put the 8600 GT in there you would still not be playing Civ IV because Aspyr has not yet fixed the game so it will run on the 8600.

Hey, thanks for pointing that out. Cannot live without Civ IV!

 

[fanspeed]

in praise of the Mini

I bought a mini back in dec. 05, it's price allowed a blue collar slob like me to get into a mac. have a new I mac now. just glad they had the mini at the time i bought one. nuff said

 

[crontab]

I agree with the OP that mini is way over due for a refresh, and perhaps as has been suggested else where, a Mac Mini and a Mac Mini Pro for those who don't need to pay for a new monitor, and want a machine with moderate power.

I hope that Steve, and the rest of his gang soon come to the realization that their headless offerings are too polar, and somewhere in the middle there is a sweet spot that will satisfy a growing middle class of computer users.

I bought a mini back in dec. 05, it's price allowed a blue collar slob like me to get into a mac. have a new I mac now. just glad they had the mini at the time i bought one. nuff said

I agree with fanspeed and others that the current mini should stay lower end and help keep the entry price as low as possible for an entry mac.

iTattoo actually nailed it. What I am looking for does not exist - a Mac Mini Pro. Look at the lineup of macs - 2 choices for headless! There is too much disparity between mini and mac pro period. What I'm looking for would fall between these two. I like the idea of a Mac tower as much as Mini Pro.

What do you guys think?

 

[VoodooDaddy]

I agree with fanspeed and others that the current mini should stay lower end and help keep the entry price as low as possible for an entry mac.

iTattoo actually nailed it. What I am looking for does not exist - a Mac Mini Pro. Look at the lineup of macs - 2 choices for headless! There is too much disparity between mini and mac pro period. What I'm looking for would fall between these two. I like the idea of a Mac tower as much as Mini Pro.

What do you guys think?

This has been discussed ad nauseam here. Apple does what Apple does to benefit their bottom line. They arent concerned with filling every niche in the marketplace. Their cash cows are notebooks and iMacs. They arent about to cut into that by offering more in-between choices with desktops.

 

[PNW]

I agree with fanspeed and others that the current mini should stay lower end and help keep the entry price as low as possible for an entry mac.

I'm all for keeping the bottom end mini for exactly those reasons, but there are 4 base iMacs why can't there 3 or 4 base minis giving those of us who want a little more some options as well

This has been discussed ad nauseam here. Apple does what Apple does to benefit their bottom line. They arent concerned with filling every niche in the marketplace. Their cash cows are notebooks and iMacs. They arent about to cut into that by offering more in-between choices with desktops.

Oh please, standard desktop computers (as opposed to say, all-in-ones) aren't a niche market. Those of us dissatisfied with Apple's hardware offerings don't think the idea of an upper end consumer level desktop, whether it's a mini with a decent dedicated GPU or the mythic mid-range tower.

 

[VoodooDaddy]

Oh please, standard desktop computers (as opposed to say, all-in-ones) aren't a niche market. Those of us dissatisfied with Apple's hardware offerings don't think the idea of an upper end consumer level desktop, whether it's a mini with a decent dedicated GPU or the mythic mid-range tower.

Niche for Apple. I think the majority of people are happy with Apples offerings and buy what fills their need. Its the small minority (you and others) that bellyache over what you think Apple should be putting out. Again, they do whats best for them, not what you want. And I believe that they are making some good decisions.

Have they EVER offered a WIDE array of choices for desktops? Nope.

 

[takeabyteoutta]

That used to be my exact sentiments and a large part of why I haven't been an avid Mac user all these years. But tell me, as soon as discussions venture into the subject of gaming, why IS the answer a Microsoft platform. I understand thats the reality of it today but WHY. I hate that this is a matter of fact.

Truth is, I love unix/linux and want another choice other that buying a console or maintaining a windoz box. I have tried linux and wine but it really is not worth the hassles.

The last straw for me was Microsoft's decision to only release DirectX 10 with Vista and not offer it to previous versions. It used to be you get the latest game and either you install the latest DX version from the media or go get it from MS. Now, it's becoming - go get latest OS. Which by the way, yeah I forked out money for Vista - and it is a complete waste. Actually runs games slower than XP. Hoorah for bloatware.

MS simply does not have any competition for PC gaming right now and hasn't for WAY to long - when is that gonna change? I have been hoping that with Apple's gains in market share that it would start.

Apple's just beginning to draw developers over with its recent computer sales success. The EA deal was the first sign of progress in this respect. Who knows, we may even see Bungie come back to Mac now that its broken away from microsoft.

 

[clyde2801]

Niche for Apple. I think the majority of people are happy with Apples offerings and buy what fills their need. Its the small minority (you and others) that bellyache over what you think Apple should be putting out. Again, they do whats best for them, not what you want. And I believe that they are making some good decisions.

Have they EVER offered a WIDE array of choices for desktops? Nope.

Ummm...Macbook Air? Let's face it, until Steve pulled out the manila envelope, you probably would have made the same arguments about why didn't Apple make an ultraportable. Funny thing is, Leo LaPorte and a bunch of others in the mac community publicly poo-poo'ed it, and now it's supposed to be the new in status symbol.

If Apple wants to do something, they will do it well, and in a manner that no one else has ever thought of. Getting them to want to do something is the trick.

 

[Jcoz]

Niche for Apple. I think the majority of people are happy with Apples offerings and buy what fills their need. Its the small minority (you and others) that bellyache over what you think Apple should be putting out. Again, they do whats best for them, not what you want. And I believe that they are making some good decisions.

Have they EVER offered a WIDE array of choices for desktops? Nope.

I'm new here, but I've been reading this thread for a day or two, and I must say I dont understand you or other naysayers' angle on this at all. The Mini is something apple HAS ALREADY, and there is absolutely nothing wrong asking for a bit more out of a company like this. Considering the products they have come out with in the last several years, it certainly isnt too much to ask for a respectable update to the Mini.

There is no reason to try and shush people up for expecting more out of a company....especially on a forum. I dont think anyone (or at least not many) would argue if I say that this unit is outdated and underpowered for its price tag.

Apple is making money hand over fist these days, so I say IF you are going to continue to offer the Mini, stop bending people over on the price tag. Either drop the price, or update it. Either one would make 90% of interested parties happier about purchasing it.

Its ridiculous for someone else to say "shut up and take what thier giving you"...people are asking for an update on an internet forum, not standing outside apple headquarters with torches and pitchforks....

 

[digitalnicotine]

(snip) people are asking for an update on an internet forum, not standing outside apple headquarters with torches and pitchforks....

Heh. Welcome to MR.

 

[Jcoz]

Heh. Welcome to MR.

Thanks, happy to have found the place!

 

[m1stake]

It's not stupid to want to get what you pay for. The GMA 950 is old.

Don't expect the X3100 to be much better though.

 

[VoodooDaddy]

There is no reason to try and shush people up for expecting more out of a company....especially on a forum. .

So lets just have these daily threads where people bitch and moan about the mini and lack of a tweener product? Yes thats a better solution.

Have at it folks. Use this thread as your own personal complaint department. I wont come back in because the whining over the mini is getting really old.

 

[crontab]

So lets just have these daily threads where people bitch and moan about the mini and lack of a tweener product? Yes thats a better solution.

Have at it folks. Use this thread as your own personal complaint department. I wont come back in because the whining over the mini is getting really old.

OK VoodooDaddy, what would you have us do then? First of all shut up and stop whining - we get that. What next, shell out $2299 for the cheapest configured Mac Pro because its the only headless offering that surpasses most of our computing needs and wants? Thats ridiculous.

One thing we can do is try to communicate to the masses and hopefully Apple - via forums like this one - that there is an omission of a product offering, call it a "niche" if you want, that would appeal to many of us.

I respect Apple's moxie of "you'll buy what we decide to sell and like it" but at the same time "give the people what they want" already.

I have money - I want to spend it - I'd like to give it to Apple - I want to own a Mac - Mr. Jobs, would you please give me a reason to give you my money?

Power to the people.

 

[Jcoz]

So lets just have these daily threads where people bitch and moan about the mini and lack of a tweener product? Yes thats a better solution.

Have at it folks. Use this thread as your own personal complaint department. I wont come back in because the whining over the mini is getting really old.

I've been lurking and reading for weeks, finally joined this week. As a member of 4 other forums (different subject matters) let me tell you that if you think the amount of criticism is rough on this site, try some other ones. This site is probably the most positive forum iv'e ever visited.

Go to avs and you'd think they have never made a decent flat screen tv. Visit my favorite college teams forum after a loss and you'd think the world was ending. A little criticism on a bit of a sore spot in the apple lineup (IMO) is hardly nit-picking, and doesnt seem to take up as much space on the forum as you imply.

I personally just think they should either keep the thing up to date, or discontinue it.

Its tough when you're forced into a decision between over-paying (maybe even grossly at this point and time) for the Mini you WANT, or WAY overpaying (based on needs here, not quality) for a notebook, or to have to venture into or stay in the windows world

EDIT: That statment was not meant to offend anyone who has recently bought a Mini, so apologies in advance if it does, its JMO.

 

[Cave Man]

OK VoodooDaddy, what would you have us do then? First of all shut up and stop whining - we get that. What next, shell out $2299 for the cheapest configured Mac Pro because its the only headless offering that surpasses most of our computing needs and wants? Thats ridiculous.

His point is that bitching here won't help you any. If you want to complain, here's where you need to go:

http://www.apple.com/feedback/macmini.html
steve.jobs@apple.com

 

[crontab]

His point is that bitching here won't help you any. If you want to complain, here's where you need to go:

http://www.apple.com/feedback/macmini.html
steve.jobs@apple.com

Thank you Cave Man. I will take your advice and urge others to do so as well. My compliments to a very tactful and positive response to all of this.

Hopefully, others will follow your example in making the same recommendation as opposed to posting their own complaints and bitches.

 

[iTattoo]

Email to SJ

Thank you Cave Man. I will take your advice and urge others to do so as well. My compliments to a very tactful and positive response to all of this.

Hopefully, others will follow your example in making the same recommendation as opposed to posting their own complaints and bitches.

Ok - I sent him a quick email - I'm sure he gets tons of these each day, but here it is none the less.


Dear Mr. Jobs,

Firstly, I'd like to say thank you for the entrepreneurial sprit you brought with you when you came back to Apple. The products that have come out of Apple in the past decade have been nothing short of remarkable.

We currently have 3 Macs in our home (24-in 2.8 iMac, MacBook and a Mini) as well as 5 iPods, we've also purchased a 24-in iMac for my mother, and have been instrumental in opinion swaying with several other Mac purchases within our family over the past 12 months, all but one being conquest purchases from the PC world.

The concern I'm writing to you today has to do with monitors and my iMac. As you are no doubt aware, there is a change in consumer attitude toward the environment in which we live, and I count myself amongst these consumers. The typical monitor has a much longer lifespan than the useful life of a computer, and with an all-in-one approach like the iMac, I will have to recycle the monitor far before its end of life because the underlying computer is obsolete. My concern for our environment leads me to want to use my monitor for two or even 3 computer refreshes.

The current Mac Mini is a great offering, as is the Mac Pro, however, they are both at the far ends of the performance spectrum, one geared for a light computer user, and the other for high processor and graphics intensive use. I fit into the middle ground, I do some video and graphics work, but not enough to warrant buying the Mac Pro.

As you are also no doubt aware, a mid range computer without the all-in-one approach would also have a much lower price point than a comparable iMac, and would help the more switchers come on board.

I leave my request with you, and hope that this can become part of Apple's "Green" strategy, and you and the company can get traction for this product on the switcher front, the environmental front, and the of course the gross margin front.

All the best,

Brad

PS. Still patiently waiting for my iPhone ... I hope the negotiations are going well, and there will be something for Canada about the time of 2nd generation release later this year.

 

[rhett7660]

I am in the same boat, I want a mini, but not for me for the wife. So I can finally rid our house of the vista. Yes the room it is in, makes me sick, I get nauseas, and I start trembling, not to mention the hot flash's and utter terror, sort of like it is possessed or something. Waiting for it spew out green vomit across the room. Almost like it knows I am coming for it, to get rid of it, to rid our house of its evil vial presence.


But anyways,,,,, yes bring on the new Mac mini please.....

 

[elcid]

It has been deteremined that he does read those emails, and for that reason wish people would only send him important email. Granted I cant enforce it but whatevs.

The mini needs to be updated, but when it comes to their product line is pretty much set. They only listen to outcry when stupid things happen like the Vid Card debacle when the new Mac Pro comes out.

Complaining about it to apple really isnt going to do anything.