The new Mac mini is almost certainly coming

[koyoot]

Intel brought new Broadwell-EP to public, and there are at this stage 2 CPUs that will possibly appear in Mac Pro, that have considerable TDP, core count and price.

What we are lacking still is 16XXv4 lineup. And here comes a thought. If Apple will use 14 and 18 core models for Mac Pro, there are two options: or there will be 4, or 5 CPU offerings in Mac Pro. If there will be 4 offerings the lineup will look like this: 6 core, 8 core, 14 core, 18 core.
If 5 offerings: we have to add 4 core to the lineup.

But if they will maintain the 4 CPU lineup, there automatically makes room for smaller trash can with 4 core 80W CPUs, as a top of the line offering. Or even "normal" 35W quad core CPUs coupled with Polaris or whatever GPU.

But the lack of 4 core offering in Mac Pro, makes room for quad core Mac Mini in a trash can design. Don't you think?

 

[DevNull0]

Likewise, I don't see any reason why a hub made for the mini that sits exactly under it, can't serve the exact same purpose, with all the same wires terminating into the hub instead of the back of the mini, with one USB-C cable connecting the hub to the mini. That's hardly a "snarl" of what-have-you. Plus, it gives the desktop user the opportunity to configure the mini ports exactly the way they want it, rather than getting stuck with a bunch of ports they don't use. It cuts the cost on Apple's end, and makes it more customizable for the customer.

That's silly. Why do you want an extra box that serves zero purpose? An extra box Apple can sell you because half the computer is left out? There is zero benefit from the user, it is messier and another point of failure when the cord works loose or gets pulled out when you shift the boxes.

Why should we have internal SSDs at all? They can connect under this silly hub you want and allow the user to configure the exact SSD they want? Why have an internal CPU? It can be in a little box that plugs into a power supply box, a memory box, a wifi/bluetooth box, etc. This would give the users maximum flexibility and just have a nice neat stack of 6x6 footprint boxes.

 

[DesertSurfer]

That's silly. Why do you want an extra box that serves zero purpose? An extra box Apple can sell you because half the computer is left out? There is zero benefit from the user, it is messier and another point of failure when the cord works loose or gets pulled out when you shift the boxes.

Why should we have internal SSDs at all? They can connect under this silly hub you want and allow the user to configure the exact SSD they want? Why have an internal CPU? It can be in a little box that plugs into a power supply box, a memory box, a wifi/bluetooth box, etc. This would give the users maximum flexibility and just have a nice neat stack of 6x6 footprint boxes.

But the mini can be incredibly thin, with just one port leading to the tangled mess of boxes and wires. Elegant!

 

[jpietrzak8]

I can just imagine the advertising for the next Mini:

"The new Mac Mini, designed to meet the needs of the average PC user (as determined by our focus groups): Fewer ports! Less RAM! Weaker CPU! Weaker GPU! Less customizability!

Mac Mini: Less is More."

Or, at least, less costs more...

 

[MarkusL]

I can just imagine the advertising for the next Mini:

"The new Mac Mini, designed to meet the needs of the average PC user (as determined by our focus groups): Fewer ports! Less RAM! Weaker CPU! Weaker GPU! Less customizability!

Mac Mini: Less is More."

Or, at least, less costs more...

Sure, but how else are they going to sell an Apple TV for $500?

 

[Mac 128]

That's silly. Why do you want an extra box that serves zero purpose? An extra box Apple can sell you because half the computer is left out? There is zero benefit from the user, it is messier and another point of failure when the cord works loose or gets pulled out when you shift the boxes.

Why should we have internal SSDs at all? They can connect under this silly hub you want and allow the user to configure the exact SSD they want? Why have an internal CPU? It can be in a little box that plugs into a power supply box, a memory box, a wifi/bluetooth box, etc. This would give the users maximum flexibility and just have a nice neat stack of 6x6 footprint boxes.

Well it's not what I want, I'm just trying to think like Apple. I'm also a MacBook & iMac user, so I'm thinking like someone who's already forced into using limited ports.

Now you say it doesn't benefit the customer, but if Apple is giving you 3 or 4 USB-C ports and all of your peripherals are USB-C, then why should someone looking for a low-budget Mac, pay more for an array of legacy ports they never intend to use?

I also don't buy these manufactured scenarios of cords working loose as the customer shifts the boxes around. Back in the old days when I set up my desktop computer, the boxes never got moved around. And USB connectors and the like don't tend to just work themselves loose without tugging with some force. I could certainly say the same thing about the Mac mini having a full array of ports and all the cords getting tangled and pulled out when you move it around to -- except why would someone move it around to begin with? Actually there's a lot more chance of it getting moved around with a customer trying to access the SD card slot, or plug or unplug some peripheral in the back, than just having a hub sitting under it with those ports accessible on the front where some of them should be in the first place.

Now, Apple could also make two different boxes, one for the budget conscious consumer who isn't interested in a bunch of legacy peripherals, and a "pro" device that has them. But again, that still costs Apple more than making one model, and doesn't really push their move toward USB-C/Thunderbolt 3, AirPlay, Wifi & BlueTooth. But perhaps that's the compromise with this model.

It's hard to look at what Apple is presently doing with mini, non-upgradable RAM, security torx access screws, and not imagine the next mini with soldered RAM and flash drives, with no user replaceable parts. In which case, yes, I'd love to have a bunch of separate boxes that allow me to easily upgrade the damn thing, no matter how cluttered the cords might become should I need to move them around for some unknown reason. Since the only way to expand the mini is by the ports, what's the difference if the ports are all built into the box or not?

Now would I prefer something else? Yes, but by the looks of things, that's not what Apple has planned unless they completely change the direction they've been going ...

 

[Crosscreek]

Now would I prefer something else? Yes, but by the looks of things, that's not what Apple has planned unless they completely change the direction they've been going ...

All you need is an iPad Pro because Tim said so......

 

[Jambalaya]

Hey dumbass. I was speaking for myself.

Thanks for the private message, very classy.

Let me help you out with your English and the meaning of "Speak for yourself". Its a common expression used to disagree strongly with someone, its an expression which asserts that the original comment is very much in the minority.

I've been fortunate enough after 20 odd years using Microsoft garbage to be exclusively Mac now for 9 years. I had the displeasure of spending a whole day helping out my brother in law who'd upgraded to rhe supposedly great Windows 10, except his scanner no longer worked despite the latest correct drivers - worked with vuescan would not work with windows fax and scan. The most common advice from Windows users was just downgrade to 7, 10 isn't worth it. Brilliant. Microsoft is in terminal decline lurching from one calamity to another. Mobile opearting system anyone ? No, I didn't think so. If all of that is more interesting to you then knock yoirself out

 

[jpietrzak8]

Let me help you out with your English and the meaning of "Speak for yourself". Its a common expression used to disagree strongly with someone, its an expression which asserts that the original comment is very much in the minority.

To be pedantic: while you are correct that this phrase is a common manner in which to rebut someone's stated opinion, its usage is entirely dependent on the way in which that person states that opinion. For example, if I say:

Green is the best color for a computer case.​

You would be perfectly right to use the phrase "Speak for yourself!", because I have stated my opinion as a universal fact. But, if I say:

I think green is the best color for a computer case.​

The phrase is no longer correct usage, as I have indeed stated this as speaking for myself. As this is what Tokyodan wrote in his message, the rebuttal "speak for yourself" does not fit this situation.

 

[MarkusL]

Aaaaah! Can the new Mac mini get released already, so we can be angry at it instead of at each other?!

 

[Apple fanboy]

Here's the problem. HDMI and Thunderbolt can be replaced by USB-C. So can the USB ports. Apple don't need an SD card slot anymore, because for them the iPhone doesn't have one so why do we need it?
Ethernet isn't needed because we have wifi. Even the Audio out is redundant to Apples mind because we can all just by BT headphones (we will probably have to for the iPhone 7 anyhow).
I see two parties on here. Those looking for all this and more because they want to run external hard drives (Apple would rather you just uploaded everything to iCloud!), and have more connectivity.
Then there are those who would rather just see a smaller sleeker looking box.
Unfortunately there isn't enough of these things sold to get a lot of R & D from Apple. There certainly isn't enough to have a pro and consumer level machine in the mini camp.
With three desktops already Pro, iMac and Mini, I'm afraid the next mini is even more likely to be a consumer box with a low price point and no bells and whistles.

 

[MarkusL]

View attachment 624672
Here's the problem. HDMI and Thunderbolt can be replaced by USB-C. So can the USB ports. Apple don't need an SD card slot anymore, because for them the iPhone doesn't have one so why do we need it?
Ethernet isn't needed because we have wifi. Even the Audio out is redundant to Apples mind because we can all just by BT headphones (we will probably have to for the iPhone 7 anyhow).
I see two parties on here. Those looking for all this and more because they want to run external hard drives (Apple would rather you just uploaded everything to iCloud!), and have more connectivity.
Then there are those who would rather just see a smaller sleeker looking box.
Unfortunately there isn't enough of these things sold to get a lot of R & D from Apple. There certainly isn't enough to have a pro and consumer level machine in the mini camp.
With three desktops already Pro, iMac and Mini, I'm afraid the next mini is even more likely to be a consumer box with a low price point and no bells and whistles.

Here's the smaller sleeker looking box you're looking for, and it's just a software upgrade away from being the new Mac mini. Unfortunately it still has HDMI and ethernet, but that can be fixed in the next version. Then they can also remove the power connector and let it be powered over USB-C from the docking station you'll need anyway to turn it into a computer.

 

[Mac 128]

Here's the smaller sleeker looking box you're looking for, and it's just a software upgrade away from being the new Mac mini. Unfortunately it still has HDMI and ethernet, but that can be fixed in the next version. Then they can also remove the power connector and let it be powered over USB-C from the docking station you'll need anyway to turn it into a computer.

Considering they removed the optical port, that's a telling sign of how Apple intends to treat the "advanced" user. I'm actually quite surprised they left the Ethernet port, except most people have their TV next to their cable/fiber router, and that proximity can often cause problems with wifi. They could have just put in a USB-c port and suggested the Ethernet adapter for those who want to connect that way, since the port is otherwise just for "diagnostics". The fact they didn't suggests the USB-c port may play a bigger role in the future. As for the HDMI, I'm not sure that's going to be the standard for connecting monitors to Macs, at least not Apple monitors. If Apple does decide to make an actual Apple TV monitor, then HDMI will likely be their standard. But I wouldn't put it past them to make it Thudnerbolt 3, requiring an adapter to connect to HDMI. In the end, Apple is going to include any ports that are beneficial to their ecosystem. I fully expect them to include a Lightning port if they remove the headphone jack from the iPhone.

I appreciate the sarcasm in this post, but I don't think anyone is suggesting the mini should only have 1 USB-c port, nor that Apple would ever do that. I hadn't thought about moving the power supply off the box, but now that you mention it, that's a great idea. Just put 6 USB-C ports on the back and call it a day.

I actually remember some mini tower cases that were designed to hold the mini and expansion drives, etc. in essence a build your own custom tower. So the idea of assembling boxes in after market towers is not a bad idea, made all the more possible by Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C. I'd much rather have that than the current unexpandable mini that's going to require a quagmire of wires and peripherals anyway, whether they plug into a convenient dock which allows the mini to be easily transported elsewhere by unplugging one cord, or directly into the back of the mini.

 

[Cape Dave]

I will never give up my ethernet!

 

[Serban]

I will never give up my ethernet!

you have to

 

[jpietrzak8]

you have to

They can have my ethernet cord when they pry it out of my cold, dead fingers.

 

[Serban]

if you want to stay in Apple ecosystem, you will have to, otherwise you can move out
iphone 7 will be the first device without 3.5 jack and probably in the next big refresh (3-4 years from now) we will have all Apples devices without 3.5 jack and without ethernet port, that mean around 2020

 

[Apple fanboy]

They can have my ethernet cord when they pry it out of my cold, dead fingers.

It's okay. Adaptors will be available for USB-c, d and e!

 

[jpietrzak8]

if you want to stay in Apple ecosystem, you will have to, otherwise you can move out

Yeah, I've just about reached the point where I'm giving up on Apple. They should know that the more they tighten their grip, the more customers will slip through their fingers...

 

[Serban]

yea but 10 years from now every manufacture every tech brand will no longer has ethernet or 3.5jack

 

[Crosscreek]

Yeah, I've just about reached the point where I'm giving up on Apple. They should know that the more they tighten their grip, the more customers will slip through their fingers...

I feel your pain. The way I see it is Tim says all you need is an iPad for a PC replacement and it kind of tells me where Apple is headed (IOS) so I have one and I guess I'm all set.

I'm going to retire my 2012 Mini to server duties this fall and move on to a upgradable computer for a desktop.

It's sad but I think Apple wants an IOS ecosystem for the future with their own inhouse chips and I'm sticking with the good old X86.

 

[jpietrzak8]

yea but 10 years from now every manufacture every tech brand will no longer has ethernet or 3.5jack

Ah, yeah. That'd be like why everyone switched to Firewire back when Apple tried to push it, or how all-in-one PCs have become the most popular form since Apple came out with the iMac.

Apple is making choices that work for some people. But they won't work for all people. The smaller Apple's customer base becomes, the more folks will be left to buy products from manufacturers that cater to what customers actually want.

 

[Serban]

yes you are right, almost all top noch pc laptops still have floppy disk or cd rom
[doublepost=1459694389][/doublepost]even microsoft came with surface book with ethernet and floppy and cd rom

 

[Mac 128]

Apple is making choices that work for some people. But they won't work for all people. The smaller Apple's customer base becomes, the more folks will be left to buy products from manufacturers that cater to what customers actually want.

Except Apple's customer base isn't becoming smaller. The PC industry is shrinking year after year, and Apple is the only PC maker demonstrating any growth at all. And they are consistently the dominant tablet/PC-replacement maker.

Your doom and gloom predictions are scary, but don't seem to fit with reality.

 

[jpietrzak8]

Except Apple's customer base isn't becoming smaller. The PC industry is shrinking year after year, and Apple is the only PC maker demonstrating any growth at all. And they are consistently the dominant tablet/PC-replacement maker.

And yes, I think you're perfectly right about that: Apple is the dominant tablet/PC-replacement maker. If you're tired of desktop PCs, if you want something different, you can go to Apple. If, however, you want a new desktop that does what your old one did, well, Apple sure ain't helping you there -- you can get a non-expandable micro PC, a non-expandable (and highly expensive) all-in-one PC, or a minimally expandable (and incredibly expensive) high-end workstation.

Apple is making no effort to actually compete in the world of mid-range (and expandable!) PCs. I've been using the Mini as my main desktop for a while now, but yeah, the Apple lineup is looking awfully barren for a guy like me these days...