Apple resellers advised of 2-3 week delay on Mac mini orders

[AppleInsider]

As reports of forthcoming hardware refreshes continue to mount, Apple has braced its certified resellers for unusually long shipping times of two to three weeks for both models of its minute Mac mini desktop systems.

Both the low-end, 120GB hard drive Mac mini and the top-tier 320GB model now have a wait time of two to three weeks. Typically, the hardware ships in one to three business days for non-custom orders, people familiar with the online Apple Store for Resellers told AppleInsider.

It's latest piece of anecdotal evidence to suggest that Apple's rumored Mac hardware refreshes are due sometime this month. This week, Apple told its U.S. retail outlets that orders for many existing desktop Macs would go unhonored, and the models will not be restocked. AppleInsider was later advised the low-end Mac mini model has been discontinued, and availability of its replacement is expected to improve in the next few weeks.

High-volime resellers like Amazon, ClubMac, and MacMall, are currently sold out of the low-end Mac mini. In addition, neither have any iMacs available through their own inventories, except for the low-end model at ClubMac and MacMall.



All four of Apple's all-in-one aluminum iMac offerings are also expected to be replaced in a forthcoming product update. The iMac lineup currently has a delay of three to five business days for reseller online orders -- a wait longer than usual, but not entirely uncommon, one person said.

People familiar with Apple's Mac product roadmap have said the Cupertino-based company is ready and waiting with a redesigned iMac line, one that should turn up in the coming weeks. The new hardware is said to have a thinner industrial design, and will be available at more affordable prices. The hardware could also include support for Blu-ray discs.



Similarly, the 13-inch polycarbonate MacBook also sports a wait time of three to five business days for resellers ordering direct from Apple. That product is also expected to see a refresh soon, as the Mac maker is expected to expand the low-cost lineup with new models at lower price points. Currently, the white MacBook is only available in one $999 model.



Slight delays have reportedly also hit the MacBook Pro lineup. On Thursday, their wait time was changed from a few days to a three-to-five-day turnaround time. It's unclear if these delays are indicative of any changes.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[jazzguru]

It would be cool if the iMac finally lost its "chin" and looked just like any other Apple display from the front.

[technohermit]

Weird, I still see 1-3 days on both Minis. I wonder if they will be getting a real desktop chip this time

[DKWalsh4]

I'm all over on of the new iMac's. Obviously I'm buying into the speculation but I have a feeling they'll look great. Here's to hoping they look like a slightly fatter 24" LED Display. In a size greater than 24" would be great too

(And I'm one of the minority here who actually like glossy)

[wizard69]

I say that because I'm expecting a big step forward on the iMacs. As to the Mini I'm not sure if it will be revamped or replaced. In any event Clarksfield or Xeon in the iMac would be sweet indeed. Couple that with a GT200 based GPU and you will have GCD and OpenCL covered for a couple of years. Add an LED backlight screen and a woody will be sprung.

The Mini on the otherhand is a different story. I'm not sure Clarksfield can go in there as it might be a bit to hot. I could see Apple growing the Mini vertically to enable better cooling or just scraping the case entirely. What is interesting is the 2-3 week delay here, if a simple processor bump was in order they could simply do a silent upgrade as they have in the past. This has caused me to rethink a bit and to suspect something major with the Mini.

My big concern with either platform is the proper heatsinking of the processor as it has been shown in benchmarking that Turbo Boost is questionable if the processor runs to hot. Since this is Apple you can see where my concerns lie.


Dave

[xwiredtva]

Originally Posted by technohermit

Weird, I still see 1-3 days on both Minis. I wonder if they will be getting a real desktop chip this time

You know the speed difference between a Core2Duo 2.0ghz/1066/6mb laptop CPU and a Core2Duo 2.0ghz/1066/6mb desktop cpu is? NADA. The only difference is SpeedStep and TDP. IE: Less heat and less power to run it. So the desktop chip would not be good for a company putting it's green foot forward... Nor in the iMac.

Nah, there gonna go warp speed with the new Core series laptop CPU's. They are socket compatible and it would silly-stupid to pay the same price for a lower spec cpu. I think after the 2 year no update fiasco Apple learned a little lesson in early 2009... Update the Mini and they will buy. At $599 it's profitable to make and at the price point faster than most PC's which run the slower, older, more profitable cpu's... Yet they produce less on the balance sheet, Why's That? Simple, Windows cost more to support.

[xwiredtva]

Originally Posted by wizard69

I say that because I'm expecting a big step forward on the iMacs. As to the Mini I'm not sure if it will be revamped or replaced. In any event Clarksfield or Xeon in the iMac would be sweet indeed. Couple that with a GT200 based GPU and you will have GCD and OpenCL covered for a couple of years. Add an LED backlight screen and a woody will be sprung.

That GT260 and 280 are something! Heat in the mini with that GPU and Core series would be questionable but doable. Apple uses a heat sink on CPU, which when a Laptop CPU is used in that manner produces a very cool system. Watching the temps on the new nVidia Mini it never exceeds 155*F. And that's with a Lacie HD mounted below it. Most PC companies use the fluid thermal heatsink system common on PC laptops, however not Apple laptops...

Looking at the Mini (back side) you could move the USB ports to the bottom, under the logic board, this would then make room for more cooling techniques to be employed. You still have to work with that riser card but that can be moved to a flat ribbon cable if need be.

One little note, the 750gb 2.5" SATA Drive fits in the MacMini's perfectly and snug. Just an FYI.

[caljomac]

I dont want to wait for mac minis i want them nowww. Lol although if they upgrade processor and have more options then that would be a definate plus!!!

[wizard69]

Originally Posted by DKWalsh4

I'm all over on of the new iMac's. Obviously I'm buying into the speculation but I have a feeling they'll look great.

I'm not even in the market right now even so I'm expecting great things for iMac. I've never really object to the external look but rather have been appalled at the state of the internals. Apple has a chance here to pull iMac out of the performance gutter it is in. That would make me happy and frankly allow me to reccomend iMacs again.

Here's to hoping they look like a slightly fatter 24" LED Display. In a size greater than 24" would be great too

Yeah a bigger screen would be nice but they need to keep the pixel density the same. This means a lot more pixels on screen and thus the need for a better GPU. Something in the 28 to 30" inch range would do.

(And I'm one of the minority here who actually like glossy)

You are not in the minority here at all!!! Most of the glossy whining comes from a few people on this sight with an over abundance of self importance. This talk from somebody with a matte MBP. Matte screens may have an advantage or two but they also are huge with disadvantages. In any event I believe Apple when they say the majority of the market favors the glossier screens.

Now if Apple really wanted to innovate they would come up with a tuneable screen where one could adjust the Matteness to suit the user and location. I have no idea how that could be done at the moment. Just realize you aren't alone in your preference.



Dave

[xwiredtva]

Originally Posted by caljomac

I dont want to wait for mac minis i want them nowww. Lol although if they upgrade processor and have more options then that would be a definate plus!!!

Giggity!

[MacTel]

I wouldn't mind a Mini without an optical disk. An SD card reader would be good enough like the one in the MacBook Pros. The form factor can get even smaller then.

[raybo]

xxxxx

[jazzguru]

Originally Posted by MacTel

I wouldn't mind a Mini without an optical disk. An SD card reader would be good enough like the one in the MacBook Pros. The form factor can get even smaller then.

As soon as the majority of software companies start releasing software on SD cards, I'd be all for that. But I wouldn't want to have to use an external optical drive with a Mac Mini. Kind of defeats the purpose of getting a desktop machine with such a small form factor, IMO.

[sheff]

If all macs are experiencing these supply issues, this is starting to look like a pretty significant revamp of the mac line, almost as big as the Intel Transition. I guess I can explain this by Jobs wanting to get as much done while he is still with us, but there is something fishy about this.

One thing is that there is still absolutely no event announcement from Apple itself. A silent refresh with all the features touted (blu ray, losing the chin and so on) would be unwise, almost impossible.

Also, where are the reports of renting out a pace for this presentation.

I am all for a new chinless iMac (i don't really have a use for blu ray at this point), I would also like to see an MacTV mini, a sort of combination of Apple TV and Mac Mini with a hybrid user interface.
It could be interesting to see the BlackBook come back on the plastic side.
As far as pro models I would say those are in good position.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by jazzguru

It would be cool if the iMac finally lost its "chin" and looked just like any other Apple display from the front.

No chin would be cool but where would the inards go? But the chin loss would definitely mean no more racoon black eye- yech.

[mpantone]

Originally Posted by technohermit

Weird, I still see 1-3 days on both Minis. I wonder if they will be getting a real desktop chip this time

Highly unlikely.

Apple has been pushing the Mac mini as a low-power "green" computer. Installing a desktop CPU would increase power consumption which would increase power usage as well as cause increase temperatures. The Mac mini case is pretty tight and doesn't really have room for a large heatsink, nor would they want to install a noisier fan.

If anything, they would switch to the newly-announced quad-core Core i7 mobile processor (45nm Clarksfield architecture). Using a desktop processor makes no sense in the direction Apple is trying to take this product line.

[wizard69]

Originally Posted by xwiredtva

That GT260 and 280 are something! Heat in the mini with that GPU and Core series would be questionable but doable.

I was thinking iMac for the GT200 series actually. Fitting such into the mini would be difficult as you note. The thing here is that it is doable if they raise the roof so to speak. The other issue is the external power supply. Upping the power demand might require a new connector and power supply. It might make sense to go to ATI here with the hopes that the GPU would be cooler. Unfortunately I'd be concerned about OpenCL performance with ATIs lower end GPUs.

Of course much of this depends upon what CPU ends up in the Mini. I actually thought it would get a minor bump, but this huge shipment delay would seem to indicate otherwise.

Apple uses a heat sink on CPU, which when a Laptop CPU is used in that manner produces a very cool system. Watching the temps on the new nVidia Mini it never exceeds 155*F.

That is like 69 degrees C., more than half way to boiling water and is exactly what I'm concerned about. With out a cool processor the Clarksfield won't turbo boost or won't for very long, this leads to bad performance. So bad that a Core 2 isn't far behind. What Apple needs is a heatsink that allows for Turbo Boost operation for at least ten minutes at a time with the processor running flat out.

I only worry about this as Apple has a history of running CPUs hotter than average. In some cases performance suffers because of this when thermal throttling sets in. Look at the AIR for the most recent example.

And that's with a Lacie HD mounted below it. Most PC companies use the fluid thermal heatsink system common on PC laptops, however not Apple laptops...

Why all the jumping around to laptops? We are talking about expectations related to desktop machines.

Looking at the Mini (back side) you could move the USB ports to the bottom, under the logic board, this would then make room for more cooling techniques to be employed. You still have to work with that riser card but that can be moved to a flat ribbon cable if need be.

It will be interesting to see Apples take on the problem. Personally I'd love to see them scrape the optical drive, this would free up a huge amount of space in the case for air flow management and maybe make room for some desktop components like RAM.

Depending upon the hardware selected though they might actuall lower the Minis power foot print. However the issue here is that the point loads for some chips will increase so the cooling problem becomes more difficult even though overall power goes down.

One little note, the 750gb 2.5" SATA Drive fits in the MacMini's perfectly and snug. Just an FYI.

Yeah I have to admit storage is becoming far less of a problem for base usage. I do wish however that a second Ethernet port be added to take care of interfaceing to the new Drobo. Apple will likely not bother though if they have an optical solution coming.

I'd actually like to see them go this route on the iMac that is high capacity notebook drives. The difference is they need to provide provision for drive bays for easy expansion. Pluse that form factor is where a lot of interesting SSD are. Considering how much smaller the PC boards will be with Clarksfield I could see iMac easily supporting three bays for laptop drives.


Dave

[teckstud]

Who knew the Minis would be getting so much attention. I'm hoping it gets serious power and a blu-ray option with HDMI (at a low price too) and I can kiss my AppleTV goodbye. Ouch- I burned my lips!

[mpantone]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Who knew the Minis would be getting so much attention. I'm hoping it gets serious power and a blu-ray option with HDMI (at a low price too) and I can kiss my AppleTV goodbye. Ouch- I burned my lips!

With expectations like those, you are pretty much guarantee yourself disappointment.

Apple is squared placed the Mac mini as a low-power "green" computer. It's not getting a desktop processor and super-fancy GPU. Look for a quad-core mobile chip, but desktop processors with big heatsinks and big noisy fans are unrealistic. Same with fancy graphics.

Blu-ray is still a bag of pain. You will see Blu-ray players on pro systems (MacPro and MacBook Pro) before you see it on the entry-level headless mini.

[wizard69]

Originally Posted by sheff

If all macs are experiencing these supply issues, this is starting to look like a pretty significant revamp of the mac line, almost as big as the Intel Transition. I guess I can explain this by Jobs wanting to get as much done while he is still with us, but there is something fishy about this.

Really this just bends me the wrong way. I doubt very much that Jobs will be sceduling things around when he thinks his death will occur. More likely, he like the rest of us is planning to live as long as possible.

Then your statements about this being fishy is way of base and tells us all you are whoafully uninformed. Intel just released the chips that would be ideal for these machines. What would be fishy is for Apple not to have anything to offer up.

One thing is that there is still absolutely no event announcement from Apple itself. A silent refresh with all the features touted (blu ray, losing the chin and so on) would be unwise, almost impossible.

if release is 19 days away I'd say they have plenty of time.

Also, where are the reports of renting out a pace for this presentation.

I am all for a new chinless iMac (i don't really have a use for blu ray at this point), I would also like to see an MacTV mini, a sort of combination of Apple TV and Mac Mini with a hybrid user interface.

I would rather see an iPhone compatible Apple TV. The idea being to have a remote Touch input device but a large screen experience. In part this would leverage games for the iPhone but also those for the tablet. Some of Apples other iPhone features wouldn't be half bad on AppleTV either.

As to the Mini, it could get buy with the same case as AppleTV but it needs a lot more performance. AppleTV could get buy nicely with a dual core ARM running at very low power, a Mini will still be in need of fast processors and the like. They are different devices in my mind.

It could be interesting to see the BlackBook come back on the plastic side.
As far as pro models I would say those are in good position.

Actually I would like the MacBooks to go back to the rugged portable machine of the past. Maybe even incorporating a carrying handle again.


Dave

[xwiredtva]

Originally Posted by wizard69

That is like 69 degrees C., more than half way to boiling water and is exactly what I'm concerned about.

Why all the jumping around to laptops? We are talking about expectations related to desktop machines. I do wish however that a second Ethernet port be added to take care of interfaceing to the new Drobo. Apple will likely not bother though if they have an optical solution coming.

Dave

(Home Theater mini) That's full bore at 155. Generally it hums along between 106-122*F. Full tilt is Serving up Simpifymedia, iTunes sharing to two other devices, ripping down a DVD and encoding music I ripped down on another Mac. Full Bore. What's odd is the old CD machine would up the fan speed quicker than this one... But I am using SMC Fan Control on SL so maybe that's my problem. I don't hear the fans kicking on at all. The Mini's we use at the office, I've only seen mine exceed 120* for a little bit, think 127* or around there. The HT Mini can run 1080p movies all day long and stay very cool.

A switch to a ceramic composite heat sink system could easily be added and get even cooler. Dump the thermal pad and use a decent paste and you'll get even better (yes they use a PAD of foam between the CPU and heatsink--- Not my first choice but think Mass Production).

Jumping to laptops... Sorry was thinking about cooling techniques and how others keep laptop cpu's cool.

They do sell a USB Ethernet adapter for the MacBook Air that does work on the Mini.... Your still stuck at half duplex speeds but it would offer a second port.

[Dlux]

No chin would be cool but where would the inards go?

Well, on the 24" they could fit in the same place that is currently arranged within the 20" model. Maybe retain the chin on the 20" and lose it on the 24", but that would confuse the product-identity as far as appearances go.

I've always thought they should make the iMac deeper and lose the chin entirely, while the Cinema Display could distinguish itself by simply being slimmer. But then where would all the Post-Its go?

[Dlux]

Originally Posted by xwiredtva

They do sell a USB Ethernet adapter for the MacBook Air that does work on the Mini.... Your still stuck at half duplex speeds but it would offer a second port.

I've often considered trying one of those. If the 1Gb interface was dedicated to a private file-serving network the second interface would be more than fast enough for DSL/Cable Internet access.

As it is now, all my home (desktop) machines access the Internet using Wifi while the ethernet ports connect to an internal file server (as mentioned above). Ultimately I'd like to use wires for both, for added security and general reliability. If all machines came with two ethernet ports I would relegate the Wifi network to visiting guests and occasional handheld devices.

[sequitur]

While I really like my 6X6X2 Mini, I'd be more than happy with a taller one. How about a modern '21 century' 6x6X6 cube? No telling what could be put in that much space: a second HDD; a desktop CPU; better cooling; hinged section or panel for upgrading, etc.
How about a uni-aluminum body? Unsnap the lid and lift out the guts. Or open a side panel and have all parts available like the Mac Pro.

Any thoughts on what else you'd like to see in that extra space?

Sorry, I was just daydreaming. I know, I know, this has been discussed before; don't flame me. That's too much like a real desktop for Apple to actually build.

[hugodinho]

Originally Posted by sheff

... this is starting to look like a pretty significant revamp of the mac line, almost as big as the Intel Transition. I guess I can explain this by Jobs wanting to get as much done while he is still with us...

What, you're killing him already? The man's just got back to work...

[Bregalad]

Apple is positioning their entire lineup as "green computing" solutions. The likelihood of ever seeing a real desktop CPU or GPU in a Mac is zero.

I expect the mini will simply get 2GB of RAM, a 160GB HD and a 2.13 or 2.26GHz processor.

The iMac is a huge mystery because making it thinner reduces the internal airflow making hotter chips virtually out of the question unless Jobs approves a new "porcupine" look with cooling fins integrated into the back case. Below are Apple's options for CPU. The prices are Intel's published ones and do not reflect any discount Apple may receive.

Mobile Core 2 Duo Penryn - the dual core chip Apple currently uses (add 10 Watts plus more money for the separate memory controller)

T9550 is a 2.66GHz CPU that draws 35W and costs $316
T9900 is a 3.06GHz CPU that draws 35W and costs $530

Mobile Core i7 Clarksfield - the newest mobile quad core with integrated memory controller

720QM is a 1.6 GHz CPU that draws 45W and costs $364
820QM is a 1.73GHz CPU that draws 45W and costs $546
920XM is a 2.0 GHz CPU that draws 55W and costs a whopping $1054

Xeon - low power server variant of the Core i7

The L3426 is a 1.83 GHz CPU that draws 45W and costs $284
The L5506 is a 2.13 GHz CPU that draws 60W and costs $423
The L5520 is a 2.26 GHz CPU that draws 60W and costs $530

From a pure CPU standpoint the Xeon wins hands down on price and performance and does very well from a power usage standpoint too. There complication is that the L3xxx series and L5xxx series are incompatible meaning there would have to be two different iMac motherboards.

That, however, isn't a big problem. Manufacturers often have a cheaper motherboard in their lower end models than in their more expensive ones. Apple themselves used two separate G5 tower motherboards and even had a third motherboard from October 2004 to June 2005 when they shipped a mix of single and dual processor machines. I believe the current quad core and 8 core Mac Pros use different motherboards too.

[joelsalt]

Originally Posted by Dlux

Well, on the 24" they could fit in the same place that is currently arranged within the 20" model. Maybe retain the chin on the 20" and lose it on the 24", but that would confuse the product-identity as far as appearances go.

I've always thought they should make the iMac deeper and lose the chin entirely, while the Cinema Display could distinguish itself by simply being slimmer. But then where would all the Post-Its go?

perhaps moving the 20" guts to a 24" and the 24" guts to a 28"?

The chin isn't so bad, though. They want that logo on there as well likely.

Eventually an OLED screen will have no chin/bezel, and that will be great.

[jont-uk]

Originally Posted by sheff

One thing is that there is still absolutely no event announcement from Apple itself. A silent refresh with all the features touted (blu ray, losing the chin and so on) would be unwise, almost impossible.

Also, where are the reports of renting out a pace for this presentation.

.

Simple media email a week or so before ...

They could very easily use the 'Town Hall' on campus ... been done before ;-)

[Frank777]

Originally Posted by jazzguru

It would be cool if the iMac finally lost its "chin" and looked just like any other Apple display from the front.

I've never understood the obsession with the chin.
It offers a place for branding and makes the computer thinner. What's the problem?


It's starting to look as if everything but the Mac Pros will be revved in October, which is fairly insane.
I can't remember the last time that happened in such a short space of time.

[sheff]

Originally Posted by hugodinho

What, you're killing him already? The man's just got back to work...

I never said I wanted him to die, in fact I sincerely hope Steve stays with us for a long time to come and wish him all the best. But if he decides to work really hard for the next 5 years to make sure apple is in the best shape possible before he leaves us I would not be surprised.

[kerryn]

Originally Posted by Frank777

I've never understood the obsession with the chin.
It offers a place for branding and makes the computer thinner. What's the problem?

Errr, its fugly?

[jazzguru]

Originally Posted by Frank777

I've never understood the obsession with the chin.
It offers a place for branding and makes the computer thinner. What's the problem?


It's starting to look as if everything but the Mac Pros will be revved in October, which is fairly insane.
I can't remember the last time that happened in such a short space of time.

I never said there was a problem with the chin - only that it would be cool if they could make iMacs look like Apple displays from the front.

I think it would look good especially with dual monitor setups.

"Hey nice monitors. Where's the Mac Pro tower? Wait...one of those is an iMac? Nice!"

But the chin in and of itself is not a bad thing. You still get the nice flat high-quality display, along with plenty of space for that awesome Apple logo to proudly show. And I agree the chin is an excellent place for post-its.

I have a 20" iMac G5 - just got it this week, actually - and I think it's probably the nicest looking piece of technology in my entire home. Chin and all.

[allblue]

It would be nice if the whole desktop line got a bit of loving, it's been a while. Apple would have to be careful about the timing of any announcement event though. On the 22nd all the sweet old ladies, cuddly nerds, non-threatening black professionals and discreetly sexy milfs will be hanging out in each other's kitchens playing with balloons and Windows 7.

[jazzguru]

Originally Posted by allblue

On the 22nd all the sweet old ladies, cuddly nerds, non-threatening black professionals and discreetly sexy milfs will be hanging out in each other's kitchens playing with balloons and Windows 7.

[xwiredtva]

Originally Posted by Frank777

I've never understood the obsession with the chin.
It offers a place for branding and makes the computer thinner. What's the problem?


It's starting to look as if everything but the Mac Pros will be revved in October, which is fairly insane.
I can't remember the last time that happened in such a short space of time.

You know what it reminds me of? You know when a lady lets her body go the butt drops off from the thigh? That's what it looks like to me.

CodeName "Facelift Mac"

[xwiredtva]

Originally Posted by allblue

It would be nice if the whole desktop line got a bit of loving, it's been a while. Apple would have to be careful about the timing of any announcement event though. On the 22nd all the sweet old ladies, cuddly nerds, non-threatening black professionals and discreetly sexy milfs will be hanging out in each other's kitchens playing with balloons and Windows 7.

You know Apple could pull a big bit*h of a move and announce the new Mac's on that day. Totally putting Windows 7 out of the news entirely. Well take first page over Windows 7 at least.

[anonymouse]

Originally Posted by Frank777

I've never understood the obsession with the chin.
It offers a place for branding and makes the computer thinner. What's the problem?

For one thing, it doesn't match the apple displays when placed side by side.

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by xwiredtva

You know what it reminds me of? You know when a lady lets her body go the butt drops off from the thigh? That's what it looks like to me.

And, a gentleman lets his body go and the same thing happens, what does it remind you of?

[Undo Redo]

Originally Posted by allblue

Apple would have to be careful about the timing of any announcement event though. On the 22nd all the sweet old ladies, cuddly nerds, non-threatening black professionals and discreetly sexy milfs will be hanging out in each other's kitchens playing with balloons and Windows 7.

If a bunch of new Apple hardware is ready, Tuesday, October 20 would be a great time to introduce it. The tech press would cover it all that week and take the wind out of MS sails.

[Bruce Young]

Originally Posted by Undo Redo

If a bunch of new Apple hardware is ready, Tuesday, October 20 would be a great time to introduce it. The tech press would cover it all that week and take the wind out of MS sails.

With the Apple Quarterly call scheduled for Oct 19, I think Oct 19th or 20th would be a reasonable announcement expectation.

and it does seem as if it would be a Win 7 news stealer as well.
(esp given that Win 7 releases on Oct 22, & is the Win OS that XP users have really been waiting for.
(I admit, as I work with both Mac and PC -- I just like the Mac more .