More like "why run wires when the builder has already run the wires when your house was new". Since several years now, modern residential buildings come with ethernet in the walls to every room. The ethernet port is not optional on a desktop computer. I would not want wifi between my desktop and my NAS. As Apple users I think we can all agree that there is a difference in reliability between ethernet and wifi.
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The new Mac mini is almost certainly coming
- Thread starter GabrieleR
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More like "why run wires when the builder has already run the wires when your house was new". Since several years now, modern residential buildings come with ethernet in the walls to every room. The ethernet port is not optional on a desktop computer. I would not want wifi between my desktop and my NAS. As Apple users I think we can all agree that there is a difference in reliability between ethernet and wifi.
Make the case white instead of black, slap OSX on it, and my organization will order 10,000!
I'm not debating whether Ethernet is superior to wifi or not, just that wifi tends to be what the average consumer uses. But I'd also say more residences don't have pre-wired Ethernet than do.
For me, and almost everyone I know, the router is typically installed next to the fiber/cable box which is typically near the main household TV. And all of the computers in the house connect to it via wifi, desktop or laptop.
I'm the first to say I don't have a desktop of any kind, opting for the convenience of using my laptop wherever I want. But I do ocassionaly plug stuff into it via USB. And I do plug Ethernet into it at work, where I have to use an adapter even on my 2015 MacBook Pro. When I connect to an external monitor, it's almost always through AirPlay. If most customers are using the mini like this, than in a dedicated, plug-in-the-Ethernet, kind of way then it doesn't make as much sense for Apple to continue to offer all those ports, when USB-C and Thunderbolt 2 makes them somewhat obsolete with a simple port expansion box addressing whatever specific expansion needs a customer may have.
Now I would expect almost anyone on these forums to side with the built-in ports, because we're all much more tech savvy than the average consumer, and use our Macs differently than most. But Apple is primarily a consumer oriented company. At some point the balance will shift such that it doesn't make sense to make millions of devices with features the average customer doesn't use much anymore, if at all. Ethernet is one of them.
Right, if we're talking about the installed base, most homes don't yet have pre-wired ethernet. But where I live, all new homes has one of these:
... And everyone knows what it's for. Setting up a wired home network isn't rocket surgery anymore. The air interface has limited capacity. Even though most people are not conversant about that fact in terms of interference power and channel separation, they tend to be aware of (and appreciate) the rock-solid nature of a wired connection.
And I have yet to meet anyone who prefers fiddling with the wifi over just plugging in the Apple TV in the ethernet jack under the TV.
So in summary, a big *hiss* *boo* goes from me to anyone who says the new ethernet-equipped Mac mini isn't almost certainly coming.
I agree. For performance, reliability, and ease, nothing beats an ethernet cable. I think Apple would be doing a tremendous disservice to it's customers by dropping the old RJ45 port on the Mac mini.
I added a Powerline adaptor so I could plug into an ethernet connection in my office/computer playroom. It's great. Keep the ethernet connection or there will be riots at the convention.
Right, if we're talking about the installed base, most homes don't yet have pre-wired ethernet. But where I live, all new homes has one of these:
... And everyone knows what it's for. Setting up a wired home network isn't rocket surgery anymore. The air interface has limited capacity. Even though most people are not conversant about that fact in terms of interference power and channel separation, they tend to be aware of (and appreciate) the rock-solid nature of a wired connection.
And I have yet to meet anyone who prefers fiddling with the wifi over just plugging in the Apple TV in the ethernet jack under the TV.
So in summary, a big *hiss* *boo* goes from me to anyone who says the new ethernet-equipped Mac mini isn't almost certainly coming.
I agree 110%. My Comcast modem router is under my desk. My iMac (and mini if I had one) are plugged right into the router. It has always been this way. I work at a desk. If I was a laptop guy, maybe wireless , but not when at my desk. Plug it in!
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So true. If they did that, I would go to the new Intel NUC in a heartbeat.
Hey guys.
Looking to buy a Mac Mini... Though I know it's "rumoured" that Apple will refresh it's Mac Mini's though looking at Amazon they list their current generation Mac Mini's as "older model" so is this Amazon pretty much saying they'll be updated soon? (Monday)
Looking to buy a Mac Mini... Though I know it's "rumoured" that Apple will refresh it's Mac Mini's though looking at Amazon they list their current generation Mac Mini's as "older model" so is this Amazon pretty much saying they'll be updated soon? (Monday)
Well, at least wait until Monday before you order anything. If there is nothing new then, you choose between buying or waiting until WWDC. And if you manage to wait that long, the sky is the limit. In a couple of years you will be like me...
But waiting until Monday isn't much of a wait.
Me! But I will add 16GB RAM DDR4, 512GB SSD and space gray color option. Maybe 1500$? I will pay it!
What a glorious mini render machine it will be.
True, I have my Windows based PC for now so I'm dying to purchase. I chatted with Amazon live chat earlier they had said their information is updated by their suppliers... Soo... I'm guessing we'll be seeing updated Mac Mini's I'll be a little surprised if not
True, I have my Windows based PC for now so I'm dying to purchase. I chatted with Amazon live chat earlier they had said their information is updated by their suppliers... Soo... I'm guessing we'll be seeing updated Mac Mini's I'll be a little surprised if not
Words Of Wisdom
The new Mac Mini is Almost certainly coming (but you probably will be disappointed).
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When the batteries of the BT KB and MT have run out, I need the ports, too.
Else, I need one for the TM backup drive. And sometimes another one for the iPhone.
Your new mac mini is an iPad pro
Your new Mac Mini is an iPad Pro. Enjoy!
There's no new mini today.
"iPad Pro is the future of computing." - Tim Cook
Your new Mac Mini is an iPad Pro. Enjoy!
Thank God for that protruding camera though. The one thing I hate about my iPad Air 2 is that it has no protruding camera. Now it is easier than ever for creative professionals to place the iPad on a flat surface and jiggle it back and forth to create music.
