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When are they updating the Stinkin Mini's?

aristobrat said:
Oh, I totally agree.

Speaking of being able to afford what's needed, I just thought it was funny to see a $1600 memory upgrade mentioned in a thread where the OP was upset that the $600 mini couldn't burn DVDs. :D
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For the record, I'd love to see the mini updated to a version that has four ram slots so you can increase the memory without mortgaging your house.
 
milo said:
For the record, I'd love to see the mini updated to a version that has four ram slots so you can increase the memory without mortgaging your house.
Click to expand...

I would too. However, I have installed RAM in my Mini and I don't think there is room in that thing for 2 more slots. NOT TO MENTION, the INTEL motherboard can't run it. Maybe the Santa Rosa version will, but short of that it can't happen.
 
roland.g said:
I would too. However, I have installed RAM in my Mini and I don't think there is room in that thing for 2 more slots. NOT TO MENTION, the INTEL motherboard can't run it. Maybe the Santa Rosa version will, but short of that it can't happen.
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I agree on the size. But if the mobo won't run it they just need to get a different mobo, I don't see why they're tied to that mobo when other laptop mobos can go up to 4 gigs.
 
milo said:
I agree on the size. But if the mobo won't run it they just need to get a different mobo, I don't see why they're tied to that mobo when other laptop mobos can go up to 4 gigs.
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That is quite a customized mobo. It is only about 5 or so inches square. I don't know about the size of the mobo in laptops, and I know there are some PC and Linux box knockoffs of the Mini that look almost identical but I don't think redesigning the mobo is that easy. They have probably been working on it, but also maybe in conjunction with Santa Rosa... I dunno. Remember that the G4 Mini had one RAM slot capable of 1GB. Also I have miniStack, which is an identical footprint to the Mini and just a bit shorter and the full size 3.5" HDD I put in it barely fits, so all those clamoring for a full size drive need to realize that there is no possible way unless the form factor changes. Part of the reason the Mini is so compact is that they made it just as big as need be to hold an optical drive, not a 3.5" HDD or more RAM.
 
roland.g said:
That is quite a customized mobo. It is only about 5 or so inches square. I don't know about the size of the mobo in laptops, and I know there are some PC and Linux box knockoffs of the Mini that look almost identical but I don't think redesigning the mobo is that easy. They have probably been working on it, but also maybe in conjunction with Santa Rosa... I dunno. Remember that the G4 Mini had one RAM slot capable of 1GB. Also I have miniStack, which is an identical footprint to the Mini and just a bit shorter and the full size 3.5" HDD I put in it barely fits, so all those clamoring for a full size drive need to realize that there is no possible way unless the form factor changes. Part of the reason the Mini is so compact is that they made it just as big as need be to hold an optical drive, not a 3.5" HDD or more RAM.
Click to expand...

Which is why many think that they made a big mistake by going that small. If they would have gone just a little bit bigger, they could have fit a 3.5, a regular optical drive instead of a laptop one, and saved a ton of money in component costs. Hopefully they'll learn from their mistakes next time they launch a new model.
 
milo said:
Dell XPS. And since that's a C2D machine, I guess apple doesn't need to push anyone, they just need to use the better chipset in the minis AND in the laptops. 3 gigs is ok, but 4+ would be better.
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Are you sure you will be able to address the full 4GB of memory? Or is Dell just providing the 4GB configuration for the sake of dual channel + 3.1GB of addressable memory?

PCs are no more magical than Macs, they use the same chipsets and are subjects to the same limitations. There are actually quite a few posts out on the internet by one of the 3 people who is stupid enough to spend $2K on 4GB of memory only to find that he can't take advantage of all of it.

If you need so much memory get a Mac Pro. It has nothing to do with Apple telling you what to and what not to do with their machines. It is a plain and simple fact.

No consumer needs so much. There are even heaps of computers out in the world today getting by on 512.
 
iW00t said:
Are you sure you will be able to address the full 4GB of memory? Or is Dell just providing the 4GB configuration for the sake of dual channel + 3.1GB of addressable memory?
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I don't know, that might be the case.

iW00t said:
No consumer needs so much.
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Well, nobody needs 4 gigs to send an email to grandma. But there are certainly plenty of people who can take advantage of more ram. "Consumer" is a pretty meaningless category these days.
 
The Dell site has small print on the XPS saying that not all 4GB are available, though it doesn't say how much is, or why.
 
aristobrat said:
Oh, I totally agree.

Speaking of being able to afford what's needed, I just thought it was funny to see a $1600 memory upgrade mentioned in a thread where the OP was upset that the $600 mini couldn't burn DVDs. :D
Click to expand...

I was just mad because i relized after it was all done i would spend like 1700$

  • CD Mini -W- Superdrive & 2Gigs Ram (1050)
    Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard (99)
    Lacie Firewire Drive (250)
    Monitor (350)
 
Jman888 said:
I was just mad because i relized after it was all done i would spend like 1700$

  • CD Mini -W- Superdrive & 2Gigs Ram (1050)
    Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard (99)
    Lacie Firewire Drive (250)
    Monitor (350)
Click to expand...

So get a Mac Mini Core Duo 1.66 refurb for $649 with Superdrive.
Order 2GB RAM from OWC for $225 and install it easily yourself. They even have a video online.
Get your Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard for $99.
Get a newertech miniStack from OWC with a Seagate 500GB drive for $259. Or get the empty case for $75 and put any drive in you want. Better than the LaCie, offers more ports.
And Get you Monitor for $350.

I just cut your cost down for the same setup to $1,582 from $1,749. You could even get with the refurb the Final Cut Express deal $99 instead of $299. That's another $200 off. When I got my Mini I got the printer promo, $100 of my Canon PIXMA MP530.
 
roland.g said:
So get a Mac Mini Core Duo 1.66 refurb for $649 with Superdrive.
Order 2GB RAM from OWC for $225 and install it easily yourself. They even have a video online.
Get your Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard for $99.
Get a newertech miniStack from OWC with a Seagate 500GB drive for $259. Or get the empty case for $75 and put any drive in you want. Better than the LaCie, offers more ports.
And Get you Monitor for $350.

I just cut your cost down for the same setup to $1,582 from $1,749. You could even get with the refurb the Final Cut Express deal $99 instead of $299. That's another $200 off. When I got my Mini I got the printer promo, $100 of my Canon PIXMA MP530.
Click to expand...

Yeah but the lacie is aluminum and the Ministack is plastic I dunno how hot minis are (But i read they're quiet and thats my biggest problem with my Pc. LOAD AS HECK it sounds like a battery powered fan beside your ear.)
But i assume being fairly small it would be really hot(Like how laptops can burn your lap.)
 
Jman888 said:
Yeah but the lacie is aluminum and the Ministack is plastic I dunno how hot minis are (But i read they're quiet and thats my biggest problem with my Pc. LOAD AS HECK it sounds like a battery powered fan beside your ear.)
But i assume being fairly small it would be really hot(Like how laptops can burn your lap.)
Click to expand...

I've had a miniStack under my Mini running night and day since October with the system set to put the display to sleep but never the hard disk (mini internal, the ministack HDD sleeps when the mini sleeps) and I never hear it nor have I had any heat issues.

One person recommended just putting 4 clear rubber feet (from like Home Depot or somewhere) under the Mini to give it a tiny bit of extra clearance over the stack for heat, but I haven't gotten around to it yet, and frankly don't think I need it. Still a good idea for added ventilation. The bottom of the mini is rubber like and does get warm, not hot, but warm to the touch.
 
I do think it should have dedicated graphics though. Nothing fancy and i know they can because of the Original mini and also.. Apple TV has dedicated graphics AND IS THINNER and is Cheaper. I know they can do it now. No more excuses.
 
I think apple need to look at the back of the mini more then anything

1.Twin DVI or add a HDMI
2.Firewire 800 for sure
3.Possible Express card Slot like new lap tops (this would open the mini to Fire Wire/ eSata and the possibility of connecting something like ASUS's new External GFX card

as far as the internals apple should try and offer the mini with and without a midrange Laptop GFX card like the Go7600 or x1600 (and dont cripple the mhz like they did with the mac book pro ffs)

make it available in the same colors as the Nano and Shuffle:D
 
Ironduke said:
I think apple need to look at the back of the mini more then anything

1.Twin DVI or add a HDMI
2.Firewire 800 for sure
3.Possible Express card Slot like new lap tops (this would open the mini to Fire Wire/ eSata and the possibility of connecting something like ASUS's new External GFX card

as far as the internals apple should try and offer the mini with and without a midrange Laptop GFX card like the Go7600 or x1600 (and dont cripple the mhz like they did with the mac book pro ffs)

make it available in the same colors as the Nano and Shuffle:D
Click to expand...

Ok heres My Idea.
1. Update the Mac mini to a Core2 And have more Normal Ram
2. Apple Needs to invents a Connector like how some laptops have Docks but have it so that you can connect a little cord to a external GPU thru a HDMI like cable. So you can have your little Mini and underneath it have a
7600GS : Mini Edition Connected Thru MBP (Mega Bandwith Port)
Also MBP Would need about 4x The bandwith (Max) Of Pci Express For Futureproofing.
3. The Mac mini Would need to have about 4 Of those 4 Usb Firewire On the Back.
4. Open it up so that Ati + Nividia Can make their own Graphics cards for it.(I'd Love a Mini with a External x1950 XT :p )
5. Market it correctly with the Right Features and the Right Price and THERE YOU HAVE A PC KILLER.
People who need expandablilty would love it because they can just plug up a New card if they so please. (That would also please gamers)
Cheap people (Like me) Would love it because its affordable and Fast at the same time.
Also all people who hate apple would have to agree. That was a good idea.
 
kildraik said:
Aple's bank account, yes, but the CEO's?

Did you know that Steve Jobs only makes $1 a year? Thats his salary.

:apple: Think different.
Click to expand...
And gets Paid with amazing Amounts of stock (Lots of CEO's Do it Its a way to avoid taxes)
 
Jman888 said:
And gets Paid with amazing Amounts of stock (Lots of CEO's Do it Its a way to avoid taxes)
Click to expand...

O yeah, I know that- My point was that he does not earn a great salary, that is being paid by the company in dollars.

Apple stocks are, of course his payment.

I honestly don't know why I threw in that little tid bit, it was just fun to say.

:)
 
imacdaddy said:
I've searched and read that the Intel GMA 3000 is a few months away but the nVidia G72M (GeForce Go 7400) will be shipping in the :apple:tv. Does this mean the new mac mini will be configured with the same GPU as the :apple:tv in the spring? :rolleyes:

The spec on the GeForce Go 7400 looks alright.
http://www.nvidia.com/object/go_7_series_techspecs.html
Click to expand...

I think the 7400 is a poor choice, it is a low end card, apple should try and get the 7600/7700 or x1600 which are midranged and can power games like bf2, remember the itv is basic in what it does compared to a computer
 
OK, well before someone gang-piles on me like most of the other posters on here who hate the GMA950 in the mini, I will qualify my statements by saying:

1) I have a Macbook with the intel GMA950 (1.83C2D, 2G ram) and while it works fine for my basic laptop needs, it is sadly lacking when compared to all but the most basic PC desktop towers being sold by Dell or HP, etc.

The Mini is the SAME THING as a Macbook but packaged differently, so I can speak with some authority on its performance. for the prices being asked, apple could EASILY include even a 1600 series radeon and still turn a fair profit - as well as boost sales considerably to switchers who already own a good quality LCD monitor.

2) I would NEVER buy anything with an integrated monitor unless it is a laptop where you need one for portability. Applecare is fine, but I expect and have always gotten 5 years from a good machine, not three. On day 1 of the 4th year of ownership if the monitor dies you are SOL and you have to scrap the whole system. Not acceptable to me, so I'll never buy an iMac.

3) There is NO REASON that a mac owner should not want to play a few UB games like CivIV Warlords (won't run on the GMA chipset) or Imperial Glory for mac or whatever. Saying wanting to play non-console games and being a mac guy are mutually exclusive is ignorant IMHO and shame on anyone who responded that such a person should buy a Dell. OSX is perfectly capable - it's the hardware that is lacking for anyone who can't/won't buy a 24" iMac or MacPro (read $$$$$).

If Steve & Co. at Apple ever release a mid-tower or Mini with dedicated graphics I will buy it and gladly pitch my last remaining PC out the window but until that time, half my money has to grudgingly continue to support the M$ corporate machine :(
 
iW00t said:
Quite frankly for a Mac Mini I'd be happy with even a 7300.
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If it and the Macbook had a 7400 or Better (Preferably better) I would be more than happy. i just hate the idea of integrated. The slowness and the Fact that without matched ram im screwed.
Claven2 said:
OK, well before someone gang-piles on me like most of the other posters on here who hate the GMA950 in the mini, I will qualify my statements by saying:

1) I have a Macbook with the intel GMA950 (1.83C2D, 2G ram) and while it works fine for my basic laptop needs, it is sadly lacking when compared to all but the most basic PC desktop towers being sold by Dell or HP, etc.

The Mini is the SAME THING as a Macbook but packaged differently, so I can speak with some authority on its performance. for the prices being asked, apple could EASILY include even a 1600 series radeon and still turn a fair profit - as well as boost sales considerably to switchers who already own a good quality LCD monitor.

2) I would NEVER buy anything with an integrated monitor unless it is a laptop where you need one for portability. Applecare is fine, but I expect and have always gotten 5 years from a good machine, not three. On day 1 of the 4th year of ownership if the monitor dies you are SOL and you have to scrap the whole system. Not acceptable to me, so I'll never buy an iMac.

3) There is NO REASON that a mac owner should not want to play a few UB games like CivIV Warlords (won't run on the GMA chipset) or Imperial Glory for mac or whatever. Saying wanting to play non-console games and being a mac guy are mutually exclusive is ignorant IMHO and shame on anyone who responded that such a person should buy a Dell. OSX is perfectly capable - it's the hardware that is lacking for anyone who can't/won't buy a 24" iMac or MacPro (read $$$$$).

If Steve & Co. at Apple ever release a mid-tower or Mini with dedicated graphics I will buy it and gladly pitch my last remaining PC out the window but until that time, half my money has to grudgingly continue to support the M$ corporate machine :(
Click to expand...
Yes. How many people do you know that are Wanting this but it is nonexistant. They Should Make it.

I would be happy with a 7400 in the minis and macbook. I mean its 6.5 Times FASTER then the GMA!
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-Go-7400.2143.0.html
(But still less than half the x1600 :( )
I think that a x1400 Mobile or a 6600 Mobile would be better (Close To MBP - 500 3DMarks ) But why dont they give mini's and Macbooks the x1600 and Bump the MBP's To something better (x1700 .. Ect.) But oh well.

Hope - 7400 Clocked decently
Dream - x1600 or 7600 :p
 
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