Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

The deets are out on new minis - thoughts?

R

Richie3000

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 16, 2009
39
0
http://www.cultofmac.com/upcoming-m...ofmac/bFow+(Cult+of+Mac)&utm_content=FaceBook

Here's the basics according to the article:

​
The base model will include a 2.3 GHz processor with 2GB of RAM, and 500 GB of hard drive storage space

​
The more expensive model will include a 2.5 GHz processor with 4GB of RAM, and 500 GB of hard drive space.

​
Finally, the new Mac mini line will also include a new server model with a 2.0 GHz processor, 4 GB of RAM, and two 500GB hard drives of storage.

Am I the only one who just sees an addition of T-Bolt and about 180 gigs of HD space over last year's model? Seems wildly underwhelming to me. I hope I'm missing something because I can't take another year of clicking refresh on my mini rumors page...

Thoughts?
 
They will include Sandy Bridge CPUs too, which means two more cores.
The 2.0GHz model might even be a quad i7, as I can't understand why they use a lower clocked CPU in the server model.
 
Looks like just about what you'd expect to me. Processor bump to sandy bridge and thunderbolt. Not entirely sure what else could realisticly be expected to be honest. Maybe 4Gb across the range I suppose but these are, after all, supposed to be the entry level machines for Apple. What will be interesting is which SB processor they go for, i3 or i5. If it's a 2.3Ghz I think that has to be i5 (doesn't i3 stop at 2.2?) but I suppose it could always be a custom part. Also notice no mention of graphics card so we'll have to see if they're using the onboard GPU or whether a Radeon will turn up.

simsaladimbamba said:
They will include Sandy Bridge CPUs too, which means two more cores.
The 2.0GHz model might even be a quad i7, as I can't understand why they use a lower clocked CPU in the server model.
Click to expand...

Think it would have to be, looking at the Sandy Bridge mobile processors it's only the i7 that has a 2Ghz part.
 
I dont get the 4mb thing. I would think it needs 4gig default as this is now a true 64 bit os and 2gb are required to even boot the thing. I don't understand why the Mini is considered an entry level system they should be matching the iMacs and just removing the built in screen.

Here is hoping those specs are wrong and Oh this thing needs a 512mb graphics card standard (not shared)
 
gregorsamsa said:
I know RAM isn't that expensive these days, but base model with only 2GB RAM to run Lion? Surely the linked article won't be right on that one. Either that or else Apple are taking the p-ss! :)
Click to expand...

That would be my only issue if these specs were correct. Sandy Bridge and ThunderBolt good, larger HD great. Only 2GB in base model? I was hoping we would soon see Apple only selling computers with 4GB+. At least the Mini RAM is user upgradeable, unlike the Air.

Lets see what appears shortly!
 
iStudentUK said:
That would be my only issue if these specs were correct. Sandy Bridge and ThunderBolt good, larger HD great. Only 2GB in base model? I was hoping we would soon see Apple only selling computers with 4GB+. At least the Mini RAM is user upgradeable, unlike the Air.

Lets see what appears shortly!
Click to expand...

How easy would it be for me to upgrade to 4gb RAM (me do it, not Apple) ... especially considering I am computer illiterate?
 
Dorfdad said:
I dont get the 4mb thing. I would think it needs 4gig default as this is now a true 64 bit os and 2gb are required to even boot the thing. I don't understand why the Mini is considered an entry level system they should be matching the iMacs and just removing the built in screen.

Here is hoping those specs are wrong and Oh this thing needs a 512mb graphics card standard (not shared)
Click to expand...
The 2 GB minimum is to ensure a proper experience. The OS itself won't use 2 GB alone. And I don't get why you think 64 bit should have anything to do with that.

MattyO said:
thanks!!! crap that looks simple to upgrade ... If the leaked specs are correct why would someone buy the 4 gb version?
Click to expand...
I would. I need a mediacenter, and 2 GB RAM is plenty.
 
New Mac mini

Dual Core i5, with BTO upgrade to Dual Core i7?

And AMD Radeon HD 6630M* graphics processor with 256MB of GDDR5 memory?!

GOOD-BYE OPTICAL DRIVE**! :D

* a quick search tells me it's roughly about twice the power of the previous nVidia 320m, which is an incredible upgrade IMHO.

** if you need one, get the Macbook Air one, it works just fine. Already worked on the previous Mac mini too (the unibody with nVidia 320m).

P.S.: Thank you Apple for that one Mac mini model with a non-intel GPU. You could have stuck with one motherboard model with the intel GPU, but you listened to your users.
 
Last edited:
Unless I missed it (which is possible still on my 1st cup of coffee here), how do you plug a 27" display in with a displayport? They have an HDMI to DVI adapter listed as included, but thats it.

Is there a thunderbolt->minidisplayport adapter?
 
Steelgrave said:
Unless I missed it (which is possible still on my 1st cup of coffee here), how do you plug a 27" display in with a displayport? They have an HDMI to DVI adapter listed as included, but thats it.

Is there a thunderbolt->minidisplayport adapter?
Click to expand...

It's the same plug. Just like the macbook pro's, you share it.
 
Steelgrave said:
Unless I missed it (which is possible still on my 1st cup of coffee here), how do you plug a 27" display in with a displayport? They have an HDMI to DVI adapter listed as included, but thats it.

Is there a thunderbolt->minidisplayport adapter?
Click to expand...

Thunderbolt connector is the same thing as the mini displayport connector
 
MattyO said:
thanks!!! crap that looks simple to upgrade ... If the leaked specs are correct why would someone buy the 4 gb version?
Click to expand...

because its also a processor bump as well as the all important discreet AMD graphics chip as opposed to the mediocre Intel chip which are both non user upgradable.
 
Outrigger said:
because its also a processor bump as well as the all important discreet AMD graphics chip as opposed to the mediocre Intel chip which are both non user upgradable.
Click to expand...

the processor upgrade probably won't make a huge diff...but the discrete graphics chip will, it's just whether or not that's worth an extra $200.

you'd think they could throw in a 7200 rpm drive on the better model
 
HDMI supports multichannel out. Now for an HTPC I have to wonder if it supports 7.1 and potentially bitstreaming of DTS-MA HD/TrueHD(with the right software of course). I know Radeon's support it, the question is if apple gimped it like they have on previous minis.
 
These are VERY enticing IMO.

What's the major difference between the i5 and the i7 option on the higher Mini offering?? Someone in another thread mentioned hyperthreading.

I'm wondering what someone would feel a greater difference - in the i7 upgrade or in spending the $150 to get the 7200 RPM drive?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back