The new Mac mini is almost certainly coming

[cynics]

Uhm, what? We've got the NUC, the BRIX, the Alpha, the ZBox, several HP models, Lenovo models, Dell models... The SFF PC market is exploding. A market that Apple was once poised to dominate has slipped out of their fingers.

If Apple continues to avoid markets where it can't get an ungodly profit margin, they're going to run out of markets to play in.

Like I mentioned the sales figures I could find were showing growth in the business sector from companies upgrading their Windows machines. Most of these were articles from analyst and Intel themselves. I couldn't find much on the consumer side of things.
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How can we guess what Apple is going to do when they clearly are without a rudder? The best thing that could happen to the mac is to fire Mr. Ive. But we all know that's not going to happen, so we'll just sit on the sidelines and watch the mac go over the waterfall.

Ahh so doom and gloom because updates times have extended. Your hero Tim Cook (sarcasm obviously) said "Some folks in the media have raised the question about whether we’re committed to desktops. If there’s any doubt about that with our teams, let me be very clear: we have great desktops in our roadmap. Nobody should worry about that."

Now obviously that is open to interpretation but they should have something(s) in the works.

A LOT of effort went into APFS to watch it go over the waterfall with the Mac. And its not just Mini owners, all Mac owners are wanting an update. I've been waiting for a new 27" iMac for about a year now.

 

[philipma1957]

yeah it is pretty simple for me iMac screen it too small. I use large tv screens with the mac mini.

I have zero need of anything apple sells other then a mac mini.

now with a good mac mini that I hook up to a 60 inch 4k . I would likely get the iPad again once the iPad mini dies.


for now I use windows a lot more then I did. I use linux more and I learned linux.

I have the lenovo m700

which destroys any mac mini. And I come here 1 or 2 times a month hoping against hope that moron (Cook)

issues a new Mac mini

 

[spacebro]

yeah it is pretty simple for me iMac screen it too small. I use large tv screens with the mac mini.

I have zero need of anything apple sells other then a mac mini.

now with a good mac mini that I hook up to a 60 inch 4k . I would likely get the iPad again once the iPad mini dies.


for now I use windows a lot more then I did. I use linux more and I learned linux.

I have the lenovo m700

which destroys any mac mini. And I come here 1 or 2 times a month hoping against hope that moron (Cook)

issues a new Mac mini

Normal sized desks can fit a 40-60" screen. We couldn't use screens like that before because of pixelation and cost but now those are solved with mainstream 4k tvs. I don't know why apple is holding their customers back to the relatively tiny 27" size. It would have made a lot of sense when tim was talking about how the L-shape will always and forever be the mac laptop shape. If he would think about it for 1 more second, the L shape is a good shape for a desktop setup. Large monitor spanning the back of the desk and the entire desk as a work surface make the L shape. Since mac is hell-bent on not having touch screen, this would be a logical reason not to do touch screen if you expect your customers to upgrade to larger monitors that are farther away. I thought apple would do this and also sell usb-c external graphics cards so docked macbooks could drive large screens. Why doesn't apple want our money? They aren't good at engineering anymore?

 

[sublunar]

Uhm, what? We've got the NUC, the BRIX, the Alpha, the ZBox, several HP models, Lenovo models, Dell models... The SFF PC market is exploding. A market that Apple was once poised to dominate has slipped out of their fingers.

If Apple continues to avoid markets where it can't get an ungodly profit margin, they're going to run out of markets to play in.

Let's not forget that Apple accepts a smaller margin than they'd like on the Mini. And the comment about the 'exploding' SFF market is a bit of a red herring as PC sales are actually down across the board except for Apple.

Now that the 15w CPUs have Iris Graphics I will not be surprised to see Apple follow the trajectory of the most energy efficient Mac possible and go across the board with the same CPU choice as in the non touch bar Macbook - especially as putting getting the 28w CPU versions would make the price of the touch bar models look exceedingly pricey.

 

[jpietrzak8]

Let's not forget that Apple accepts a smaller margin than they'd like on the Mini. And the comment about the 'exploding' SFF market is a bit of a red herring as PC sales are actually down across the board except for Apple.

Hmm. I suspect Apple is seeing a smaller margin than they'd like on all the Macs; that would explain why they like phones and tablets so much these days.

And really, I think "PC sales are down across the board" is a bit of a red herring. Automobile sales have also been down across the board lately; but that doesn't mean that people have suddenly decided to stop using them. It's simply a mature market, where new unit sales are more likely to be replacing old units rather than a sale to someone who's never had one before. If Apple continues to drop out of every market that matures, they soon won't be participating in any market.

 

[cynics]

yeah it is pretty simple for me iMac screen it too small. I use large tv screens with the mac mini.

I have zero need of anything apple sells other then a mac mini.

now with a good mac mini that I hook up to a 60 inch 4k . I would likely get the iPad again once the iPad mini dies.


for now I use windows a lot more then I did. I use linux more and I learned linux.

I have the lenovo m700

which destroys any mac mini. And I come here 1 or 2 times a month hoping against hope that moron (Cook)

issues a new Mac mini

Airplay?



Obviously it has some major flaws like lack of 4k, a bit of lag (although for me its barely noticeable) and certain types of control (I use that logitech keyboard via wifi). Those alone are a deal breakers for many. But it also has its benefits since you aren't reliant on the hardware in a Mini at all. Certain games like Cities Skylines can be played at levels very few SFF devices can, easily better then any Mini we will ever see (dedicated GPU).

A 4K ATV update is rumored soon which would certainly help.
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Hmm. I suspect Apple is seeing a smaller margin than they'd like on all the Macs; that would explain why they like phones and tablets so much these days.

And really, I think "PC sales are down across the board" is a bit of a red herring. Automobile sales have also been down across the board lately; but that doesn't mean that people have suddenly decided to stop using them. It's simply a mature market, where new unit sales are more likely to be replacing old units rather than a sale to someone who's never had one before. If Apple continues to drop out of every market that matures, they soon won't be participating in any market.

To me it just shows why Apple focuses so hard on their iOS devices. For a lot of people an iPad is more then adequate for the computer needs. People like my mother use an iPad exclusively for example, and people like me (the tech repairman) are very thankful for that. Lol.

 

[jpietrzak8]

Airplay?

Meh. When you can just plug that same TV directly into a Windows PC and enjoy full 4K resolution, full speed, no limitations on what applications or games you can play? Apple really is dropping the ball here...

For a lot of people an iPad is more then adequate for the computer needs. People like my mother use an iPad exclusively for example, and people like me (the tech repairman) are very thankful for that. Lol.

Have to admit, my own mother switched to an iPad a few years back (after struggling endlessly with a cheap Android tablet), and it has served her perfectly. So, same boat here.

 

[cynics]

Meh. When you can just plug that same TV directly into a Windows PC and enjoy full 4K resolution, full speed, no limitations on what applications or games you can play? Apple really is dropping the ball here...

Yeah, its a very weak argument on my behalf. I knew that typing it.

The two shouldn't even be compared however that only comes down what someone is doing with the Mini in a home theater setup.

Prior to me buying a 4k TV I couldn't justify buying a Mini because of the AppleTV.

Since it would be used specifically for entertainment the ATV offers all my networks with live TV in many, iTunes Home Sharing for music and movies, Plex from my NAS, Apples TV app for a extremely handy universal search, Siri, iOS handoff for typing, and everything is laid out in format for using a remote. Plus I can still use AirPlay from my iMac and iOS devices (including friends devices). Plus its simple enough that anyone can use it and I feel comfortable with anyone using it (unlike my Mac).

Sometimes I find it the best way to watch certain things, like Viceland. Crunchyroll App is pretty good too btw haha. Which when marathon watching shows saying "Fast forward 1 minute 25 seconds" into the Siri remote is supremely useful for skipping the intro.

 

[Count Blah]

Hmm. I suspect Apple is seeing a smaller margin than they'd like on all the Macs; that would explain why they like phones and tablets so much these days.

And really, I think "PC sales are down across the board" is a bit of a red herring. Automobile sales have also been down across the board lately; but that doesn't mean that people have suddenly decided to stop using them. It's simply a mature market, where new unit sales are more likely to be replacing old units rather than a sale to someone who's never had one before. If Apple continues to drop out of every market that matures, they soon won't be participating in any market.

Agreed. Apple's not making what I want, so I'm not buying.

This is the year I start my switch back to Windows, thanks to Tim.

To me it just shows why Apple focuses so hard on their iOS devices. For a lot of people an iPad is more then adequate for the computer needs. People like my mother use an iPad exclusively for example, and people like me (the tech repairman) are very thankful for that. Lol.

did your mother ever use a computer in the past? Did she have documents/pictures saved on her computer? Does she use software(filing taxes, creative design, etc...) on a PC, before moving to the iPad exclusively?

 

[Partron22]

iPad sales keep shrinking — down another 20 percent

 

[Count Blah]

iPad sales keep shrinking — down another 20 percent

That's what happens when you don't update devices and/or release devices that only bean counters love.

Explains the Mac and iPad slump.

 

[SpacemanSpiffed]

That's what happens when you don't update devices and/or release devices that only bean counters love.

Explains the Mac and iPad slump.

As for the iPad... I think we've neared "Peak Tablet" or at least plateaued. My wife has an iPad Mini 3.. and it's still great.. no need to replace because the tech and new things you can do with have slowed down. Unless some new 'must have' capability comes along (or deliberate obsolescence via software update ), there's zero reason for us to upgrade.

I feel te same is true for most of the i-Devices. In the beginning each next generation was a huge leap - smaller / bigger - much lighter - new capabilities you use often - now with GPS - now with Retina screens - etc ... but at this point all low hanging fruit seems plucked.
[doublepost=1489293498][/doublepost]

A 4K ATV update is rumored soon which would certainly help.

Meh. When you can just plug that same TV directly into a Windows PC and enjoy full 4K resolution, full speed, no limitations on what applications or games you can play?

Here is a pic for you two, since we seem to be talking among ourselves.



That's my Mini-sized Zbox E1751 under the 43" 4K monitor on the left side ( the 2011 Mini used to be on the right side when there was just a 30" monitor there - a friend is using it now to port some code to OSX ). It supports 4K and 3 monitors ( 2 at 4K@60hz ) with just the Iris Pro 6200. The game I am working on runs ok at 4K res, and it's not optimized yet.

Apple really should have a desktop solution that is not an all-in-one or $5K - the tech exists. The will to... appears to not.

 

[now i see it]

It took what, 32 years or so to reach peak PC? (post PC era). iPad is already starting to burn out in 5.

 

[SpacemanSpiffed]

It took what, 32 years or so to reach peak PC? (post PC era). iPad is already starting to burn out in 5.

The iPad though started out on the backs of all the PC progress during the last 3 decades. I remember lugging a 17-pound "portable" 286 PC to the University library in the late '80s and thinking I was Joe Cool. It came along because flash storage, tiny SOCs, LI Batteries, small TFT LCD Screens, Wifi and so on had been invented in the meantime

 

[navaira]

There really isn't so much you can change about a tablet though. Make it faster, add some storage. What else? If you bought an iPad Air 2 when it was released (like my husband) it still works perfectly, and is still available as a current product in Apple Stores. iPad Pro is sort of cool but not exactly exciting enough to update. There's more that can be done with computers – not a lot, but faster SSD, updated keyboard, removal of most slots... oops, got carried away there. But iMac for instance really could do with smaller bezels and final removal of spinner drives. iPad Pro has the Pencil (which neither me nor husband nor, I suspect, 99% of users need) and a better screen. But that's not really enough to upgrade from Air 2. Thinner doesn't cut it either. Better camera, yeah, but who uses a 12.9" iPad to take pictures around town?

It's not that I know what they should do. I'd buy an iPad with properly upgrated iOS (think Android with Apple's stability and software) and microSD slot. This isn't going to happen. I'd LOVE an updated Mini I could finally recommend to my poor suffering Winbox owning friends, on the other hand. I understand Apple want to push €2399 iMacs instead, but there is just no way a lot of people are going to buy them, simply because of price. An updated Mac Mini, solder it all you want, with SSD as default in base model would be the computer I'd pretty much force on people who call me because their Windows 10 won't update Windows Update to download updates. People around me buy €500 Winboxes because that's what they can afford (and I live in the Netherlands, country considered to be rich). They use them to check emails, write them, listen to music, sometimes make some music, watch news – iPad sort of use with 21" screen and proper keyboard. And of course they use them to torment me

 

[jpietrzak8]

It took what, 32 years or so to reach peak PC? (post PC era). iPad is already starting to burn out in 5.

Just to note, by that standard, we are also in the post-automobile era, the post-refrigerator era, and the post-screwdriver era...

 

[SpacemanSpiffed]

Just to note, by that standard, we are also in the post-automobile era, the post-refrigerator era, and the post-screwdriver era...

Perhaps 'Post' is the wrong to describe it best. Would "mature market" work better? The implication is that most people who want/need XXX have XXX, and the rate of significant change to XXX has slowed.

 

[jpietrzak8]

Perhaps 'Post' is the wrong to describe it best. Would "mature market" work better? The implication is that most people who want/need XXX have XXX, and the rate of significant change to XXX has slowed.

Yeah, but the thing is, even in a mature market, Ford still produces automobiles and Stanley still produces screwdrivers. If Apple doesn't want to stay in "mature" markets, what is the point of buying Apple products in the first place? It takes effort and investment to learn to use an operating system and to participate within a closed software ecosystem like Apple's; if Apple is inevitably going to lose interest in each market it pursues, then participation in Apple's ecosystem is a pretty expensive waste of time...

 

[Crosscreek]

When Apple and the bean counter CEO are concentrated on market share of IOS, iPhone and iPads as the gold mine along with supporting services - iCloud, Apple Pay, iTunes and App store, there is little room and resources left for traditional computers except for laptops.

 

[jasnw]

It takes effort and investment to learn to use an operating system and to participate within a closed software ecosystem like Apple's; if Apple is inevitably going to lose interest in each market it pursues, then participation in Apple's ecosystem is a pretty expensive waste of time...

And this is the conclusion that I, and others posting in this thread, have reached or will soon. Apple is coasting along on a base of people who are sticking with Mac/macOS because the alternatives are unworkable/untenable/awful and NOT because of anything wonderful/exciting on Apple's part. As far as Apple computers are concerned, it's time for Apple to "s**t or get off the pot" - revitalize your offerings or make the OS portable to other hardware (or throw it over to the Open Source community).

 

[Cape Dave]

One thing would fix the iPad. Mouse support.

You can argue that. Just like you can argue that spinners are still OK in today's computers. But, you would be dead wrong each time.

 

[jpietrzak8]

One thing would fix the iPad. Mouse support.

Too late, they've already done that! It's called a "laptop". Apple has already made bunches of those, and they sell quite well...

 

[Boyd01]

What's the point of a touchscreen in you want to use a mouse? I suppose Apple would argue that their pencil fulfills the need for more accurate positioning. I never wanted an iPad myself, but have bought a couple as gifts. My granddaughter was using it before she was one year old and now at 7, she does her homework on the class website with the iPad. My daughter and son in law also use their phones and iPads for just about everything - although they are digging the mini I gave them for Christmas.

The new iPads (with mice) are almost certainly coming. Or not.

 

[Partron22]

like you can argue that spinners are still OK in today's computers.

I like spinners. You get far more terabytes for the buck than you do with SSDs.
Even an internal 5400rpm refugee from the stone age makes a nice place to save iTunes libraries and time machine backups, for cheap.

 

[navaira]

I like spinners. You get far more terabytes for the buck than you do with SSDs.
Even an internal 5400rpm refugee from the stone age makes a nice place to save iTunes libraries and time machine backups, for cheap.

As secondary drive, yes, of course.
As system drive, hell, no.

My Big Hac has a 960 GB Seagate SSD as system/app/etc. drive, 3 TB spinner for data and 4 TB spinner for Time Machine. I don't expect to need any additional storage in the coming few years.