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Thoughts on purchasing Mac Mini now or Later
- Thread starter MrSJobsJR
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I bought one yesterday because I'm not knowledgable enough about what's under the hood to be disappointed that I missed a CPU, GHz, or Ram upgrade. That said, if you'll be annoyed that you didn't get the latest and greatest, waiting may be a good idea.
What's aggravating is that Apple is kind of spastic about updating the mac mini line. It's not exactly been the highest priority on their to do list like the macbook pro or imac; mini refreshes almost seem like an afterthought.
One would think they'll update it to Sandy Bridge and TB, but it's not necessarily going to happen soon. They may keep it just the way it is so they'll still have a mac at under a grand and simultaneously be able to steer people toward the imac line.
So it's anybody's guess whether or not you'll be screaming in six weeks if a new model's announced, or will fruitlessly wait for six months or more.
One would think they'll update it to Sandy Bridge and TB, but it's not necessarily going to happen soon. They may keep it just the way it is so they'll still have a mac at under a grand and simultaneously be able to steer people toward the imac line.
So it's anybody's guess whether or not you'll be screaming in six weeks if a new model's announced, or will fruitlessly wait for six months or more.
Sorry if I repeat what everyone says, but only buy it if you need it now. If you can wait, it's ideal that you do so, as you'd be paying the same amount of money for something that was released nearly a year ago. MMs are using Core 2 Duos at the moment, and a jump to a SB i line processor would be huge. I too am expectant to see what happens with this lineup, as I want to replace an old windows desktop downstairs. I've personally decided to wait, since I have no rush and I know I'll be getting it as soon as it's out.
Same question as OP. (New to Mac)
Bump.
Same question as OP. I am new to the Mac, and I am planning to buy a Mini. Just like to hear more input about whether to wait or not. Thanks.
Bump.
Same question as OP. I am new to the Mac, and I am planning to buy a Mini. Just like to hear more input about whether to wait or not. Thanks.
If you are buying now look for a 2009 refurbished model they come up on apple online. The 2.53ghz with 1 hdd 4gb and a dvd/cd player is 589. you can leave it alone and just run it. No mods at all.
To wait or not to wait for the update
I am in the same boat.
Since I do not need it desperately for the time being, I have been patiently waiting for the update.
It has been rumored that the update can be as early as this wednesday.
The advice is: Wait for the update as you can!
I am in the same boat.
Since I do not need it desperately for the time being, I have been patiently waiting for the update.
It has been rumored that the update can be as early as this wednesday.
The advice is: Wait for the update as you can!
My reasoning for waiting would be that the new intel i chips will remain supported by accessory hardware and software for several years longer than the old core2duo's. The c2d is at the end of its life and within three or four years you will find that the "latest" version of your softwares was not built to run on the old machine. The "i" generation of intel chips is new enough that I think it's safe to say that for six or seven years you will be able to run any software that is released, including operating system upgrades. The future will require quad core performance and hyper-threading that c2d can never attain.
But if you only need the machine for a few years, plan to upgrade to a newer more powerful model and are willing to not see much return on your mini investment, by all means today's mini is a fine piece of work that will serve your purposes well I am sure.
I am typing this from a G5 Mac Pro (power mac) that was hot when it was new- two 2.0 PPC chips! I am also stuck on Mac OS 10.5.8 , using older versions of software because current versions are not supported by my hardware. But my machine is also seven years old and ready for upgrade. I would be less satisfied were it only a two or three year old model.. hence I will wait for the intel i5 or i7 to upgrade if I choose the mini.
But if you only need the machine for a few years, plan to upgrade to a newer more powerful model and are willing to not see much return on your mini investment, by all means today's mini is a fine piece of work that will serve your purposes well I am sure.
I am typing this from a G5 Mac Pro (power mac) that was hot when it was new- two 2.0 PPC chips! I am also stuck on Mac OS 10.5.8 , using older versions of software because current versions are not supported by my hardware. But my machine is also seven years old and ready for upgrade. I would be less satisfied were it only a two or three year old model.. hence I will wait for the intel i5 or i7 to upgrade if I choose the mini.
My reasoning for waiting would be that the new intel i chips will remain supported by accessory hardware and software for several years longer than the old core2duo's. The c2d is at the end of its life and within three or four years you will find that the "latest" version of your softwares was not built to run on the old machine. The "i" generation of intel chips is new enough that I think it's safe to say that for six or seven years you will be able to run any software that is released, including operating system upgrades. The future will require quad core performance and hyper-threading that c2d can never attain.
But if you only need the machine for a few years, plan to upgrade to a newer more powerful model and are willing to not see much return on your mini investment, by all means today's mini is a fine piece of work that will serve your purposes well I am sure.
I am typing this from a G5 Mac Pro (power mac) that was hot when it was new- two 2.0 PPC chips! I am also stuck on Mac OS 10.5.8 , using older versions of software because current versions are not supported by my hardware. But my machine is also seven years old and ready for upgrade. I would be less satisfied were it only a two or three year old model.. hence I will wait for the intel i5 or i7 to upgrade if I choose the mini.
Thanks, really great info.
Mine was hot, too. Sounded like a wind tunnel with all of the fans trying to keep it cool.
Made me appreciate the switch to intel, however....
There are rumours knocking about on this forum about possible hardware updates to the MacBook Air & Mini server this Wednesday. Thus, I'd wait a while longer (as I'm doing) just in case the consumer Mini is also included.
Even if any updates aren't impressive (for eg. just more RAM & bigger HD), it should at least allow us to buy the current Mini at a discount.
However, a decent processor update would make a new Mini very tempting as obviously this is a key part to improving overall performance & can't be upgraded later by the average user doing a bit of DIY. GL.
PS: Just seen those rumours have already been mentioned in this thread by another poster.
Even if any updates aren't impressive (for eg. just more RAM & bigger HD), it should at least allow us to buy the current Mini at a discount.
However, a decent processor update would make a new Mini very tempting as obviously this is a key part to improving overall performance & can't be upgraded later by the average user doing a bit of DIY. GL.
PS: Just seen those rumours have already been mentioned in this thread by another poster.
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Depends what you are going to do with it. I have two sat behind TVs to play video. One is a 2009, the other a 2010. Both play 1080p at full frame rate so both are equally suited to their purpose in my house. One is higher spec than the other but it makes absolutely no difference to me.
If today's model will be challenged by what you want it for then wait. Otherwise, go buy.
If today's model will be challenged by what you want it for then wait. Otherwise, go buy.
I would wait until the refresh (as long as it is soon), as some others have stated here. I have a 2010 Mini, and I like it, but since I got a 2011 MBP with the i5 processor and now I cannot wait until they bring out a Mini with either and i5 or i7 processor. I do notice the difference when I switch machines.
I plan on using my mini for a server when Lion comes out. So with whatever you choose, good luck!!!
I plan on using my mini for a server when Lion comes out. So with whatever you choose, good luck!!!
The mini is now backordered at BestBuy with estimated 1-2 weeks for shipping. Might be something to consider...
The mini is now backordered at BestBuy with estimated 1-2 weeks for shipping. Might be something to consider...
Back to shipping in 24hrs now
Back to shipping in 24hrs now
Mine showed backordered: shipping in 1-2 weeks just now.
One thing that I've been wondering about since WWDC is Apple's overall desktop lineup. They said at the WWDC that Mac sales were 3/4ths notebooks and 1/4 desktops. With the numbers skewing more and more in the favor of notebooks, maybe the desktop lineup will be trimmed. Since the iMacs were just updated they're safe, but both the Mac Pros and the Mac mini are getting long in the tooth with not even a rumor of an update. Thoughts?
CPUs suitable for next Mac Pro aren't due for release till Q4 this year. There have been rumours of a change in Mac Pro design.
Mac Mini needs a move to Sandy Bridge. Obviously as this is the entry-level offering Apple would be inclined to do this after the other Mac products (except for the Mac Pro).
Mac Mini needs a move to Sandy Bridge. Obviously as this is the entry-level offering Apple would be inclined to do this after the other Mac products (except for the Mac Pro).
I hate these kinds of labels, like "entry level". I've been using Macs for 18-years, but I'm thinking of getting a Mac mini as my next Mac what makes that "entry level"? I also don't understand why the Mac mini and MacBook have to wait until the other Macs are updated. If I need a Mac Pro, I'm not going to buy a Mac mini, or if I need a MacBook Pro I'm not going to buy a MacBook, so why keep everyone waiting? I think people are going to buy what they want and that Apple would sell more Macs if they updated the entire lineup (when possible) at the same time.
perhaps part of the reason their sales are skewed towards laptops is because their current desktop range is getting long in the tooth?
(actually more likely because the world is moving towards laptops and mobility rather than desktops)
Apple has high price high profit Mac models they tend to update first. After they've sold a bunch of those, they slowly update the lower price lower profit models. It's been going on for years. At least it's somewhat predictable.
As to your earlier comment, I think it's unlikely Apple will trim any of the desktops from the line at this point. The mini was just redesigned last year, so it would be a waste of R&D to discontinue it. The Mac Pro is necessary for those who need lots of power and expandability, or a nice boat anchor.
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I'm a Mac Mini user (I have two) and I wouldn't call myself an entry-level user. However the main target of the Mini is at users who want a cheap Mac.
There may be a niche market of HTPC enthusiasts and perhaps some developers who use it, and some other more advanced users but it is definitely Apple's entry-level computer.
There may be a niche market of HTPC enthusiasts and perhaps some developers who use it, and some other more advanced users but it is definitely Apple's entry-level computer.
The fact that desktops mean 25% of Mac sales doesn't mean they will be trimmed. It only means MacBooks are very popular. I'm sure Apple would have discontinued or not refreshed them if they were not profitable (which they are). I don't fear for the Mac Mini anyway, as it's Apple's most affordable Mac and they would be crazy if they thought of discontinuing it. The Mac Pro, on the other side, has a very specific customer share.