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What will be a dealbreaker for those considering a 2011 mini?
- Thread starter tredstone
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If the base mini ships with 4 GB of ram and has at least a i3 processor I'll be giving it a look.
The Intel graphics are a given. We won't see USB 3 until Intel support it natively in Ivy. 2GB RAM is likely too.
But I still want/need one...
But I still want/need one...
I agree, but I'd bet a fair sum that we'll never see such a Mac as Apple won't risk jeopardizing iMac sales where profit margins are high, that includes keeping the Mini relatively under-specced.My reply to both of these. I would gladly buy a more expensive Mac than the mini. If Apple would get off it's butt and build a mid sized mid range desktop that didn't have a built in monitor.
I could easily spend the money on a Mac Pro. The wife might complain a little but I'd just tell her to go buy some furniture.
But I don't want a computer that large.
I do not like all in ones and hate glossy screens and dislike Apple's decision to tie processor speed to screen size.
Apple needs, (or at least this Mac user for 18 years wants) a Mac that has an easy open case like the Pro, jacks and ports on the front like the Pro but with half the expansion of the Pro. Two hard drives, one optical drive, easy to open with either no tools or common tools. Suction cups and putty knives don't cut it.
As Apple have no hardware competitors with OS X & they know that maintaining hackintoshes isn't a feasible option for many users, there's really no conceivable reason for them to change their stance on this. Herein lies a growing sense of dilemma for a minority of Mac users who are about to buy new hardware, yet want to avoid making too many compromises (for eg. I too can't stand glossy screens).
FWIW, I've just ordered (as in hours ago) an inexpensive PC laptop with anti-glare screen for portable use & to see how I make do with Windows 7 over the coming weeks. If that works for me, though I'll still buy a cheap 2nd user Mini to access data on my fried iMac's hard drive, my next expensive desktop will most probably be a PC.
Apple make some great products, but the hardware options are just too limiting for some of us. However, if I end up disliking W7 too much, then I guess a new, updated Mini with Lion it'll have to be.
I disagree. I don't think 2GB RAM will be enough to run Lion comfortably.
In any case I don't see RAM as a deal-breaker as it should be pretty easy to upgrade.
I agree, but I'd bet a fair sum that we'll never see such a Mac as Apple won't risk jeopardizing iMac sales where profit margins are high, that includes keeping the Mini relatively under-specced.
As Apple have no hardware competitors with OS X & they know that maintaining hackintoshes isn't a feasible option for many users, there's really no conceivable reason for them to change their stance on this. Herein lies a growing sense of dilemma for a minority of Mac users who are about to buy new hardware, yet want to avoid making too many compromises (for eg. I too can't stand glossy screens).
FWIW, I've just ordered (as in hours ago) an inexpensive PC laptop with anti-glare screen for portable use & to see how I make do with Windows 7 over the coming weeks. If that works for me, though I'll still buy a cheap 2nd user Mini to access data on my fried iMac's hard drive, my next expensive desktop will most probably be a PC.
Apple make some great products, but the hardware options are just too limiting for some of us. However, if I end up disliking W7 too much, then I guess a new, updated Mini with Lion it'll have to be.
I'm getting frustrated enough that I'm about to throw in the towel after 18 years and switch to Windows in order to get a desktop computer in the size I want. My wife has already switched from Mac to Windows. Her decision was based more on the fact that she is a teacher and the school switched from Macs to Windows. That's where I was first introduced to Apple. We bought one because my wife used them in the classroom. Then the in house print shop I worked at added desktop publishing and I got involved with Macs using Photoshop and Quark. That dried up when the print shop was outsourced. I learned drafting and GIS after that and that was on Windows and I use Windows at work but still like my Mac at home.
But without the form factor I really prefer there is little incentive to stay Mac.
I have an okay monitor. I like having two internal hard drives and an internal optical drive. iMac and mini doesn't fit that equation. Mac Pro is huge and lots more than I need.
Oh well.
I plan on buying a Mac Mini this time around, but I don't think I can get one with those Intel graphics. I really want the Core i processors though, so we shall see. Either way I am waiting because the old ones will drop in price on the Apple refurb section.
I'd be fine with all of those specs(the worst combo of them)
I'd sort of hope they would price it as $599, but I'd still buy it for 699. 2GB of RAM would be welcome if they dropped the price, as I want to throw 8GB in there anyway.
Really hope it comes out this week.
Also does anyone know if the lowest end Mac Mini allows for the free iPod deal for back to sale school(in the past when the deal was on, obvious)
I'd sort of hope they would price it as $599, but I'd still buy it for 699. 2GB of RAM would be welcome if they dropped the price, as I want to throw 8GB in there anyway.
Really hope it comes out this week.
Also does anyone know if the lowest end Mac Mini allows for the free iPod deal for back to sale school(in the past when the deal was on, obvious)
Now there's an interesting thought indeed. Not sure if I'd upgrade to 8GB though, probably not gonna upgrade it if it comes with 4.
I hear it isn't. Would be nice if they'd give a Nano along with the Mac Mini and more expensive iPod's along with other Macs. Not holding my breath but am keeping my fingers crossed. I originally hoped to buy upon refresh but I'll be moving next week so I'm gonna wait a bit to see if I have enough , perhaps long enough for back to school.
Don't ask for more base RAM unless the OS requires it, because too many will rightfully gripe about having to pay Apple prices for RAM.
I wouldn't mind if they sold it without RAM or HDD so I could get my own RAM and SSD with that $, just like I'll use my own mouse, keyboard, monitor, headphones, backup drive, SD Card, etc.
Unless you need speed for games or something, the current mini is perfect: silent, no heat, quick booting with the SSD added, no external power brick, optical drive for the many who want it.
Thunderbolt is not the answer for me if it means even more peripherals, less ports, with more cables for daisychaining and octopus hubs.
I wouldn't mind if they sold it without RAM or HDD so I could get my own RAM and SSD with that $, just like I'll use my own mouse, keyboard, monitor, headphones, backup drive, SD Card, etc.
Unless you need speed for games or something, the current mini is perfect: silent, no heat, quick booting with the SSD added, no external power brick, optical drive for the many who want it.
Thunderbolt is not the answer for me if it means even more peripherals, less ports, with more cables for daisychaining and octopus hubs.