Mac mini nears End-of-Life; Leopard GM target; more...

[AppleInsider]

Apple's current line of Mac mini desktops may be nearing a somewhat premature end-of-life, sources tell AppleInsider. Meanwhile, more evidence is pointing towards an expected Oct. 26 launch date for Leopard despite reports that the software has yet to be declared Gold Master.

Mac mini nearing EOL

While Apple has started to slow shipments of some of its more popular Mac models ahead of this month's anticipated release of Mac OS X Leopard, the company this week began telling some of its channel partners not to expect any more shipments of its current Mac mini configurations, period. And those channel partners who were not provided with this heads up instead discovered anomalies for forward looking orders on their own.

It's no secret that AppleInsider believes the mini's days are numbered. The last major enhancement to the diminutive Mac desktop line came well over a year ago, with recent "refreshes" consisting solely of component swaps with no added engineering effort whatsoever. Should the mini officially go end-of-life (EOL) this month, it's not clear what the future would hold for Apple's alternative desktop offering. The mini was last refreshed -- albeit quietly -- just over two months ago.

At the same time, however, slowing orders of Apple's other Mac systems are believed, for the most part, to be a preemptive measure. Rather than wind up with a channel stuffed with Tiger-equipped systems come month's end, AppleInsider is told the company is looking to image all new system orders with Leopard as soon as it possibly can.

Tracking Leopard's road to GM

Meanwhile, the guys over at MacRumors have put forth a pretty thorough effort in recent days of tracking Leopard's development progress internally at Apple.

They were first to report earlier this week that despite company efforts to begin training its AppleCare reps for the software's roll-out, the Mac OS development team led by Senior VP of Software Engineering Bertrand Serlet had yet to declare a build Gold Master.

On Wednesday MacRumors reported that Leopard was finally believed to be "approaching Gold Master status" and that their "most recent checks" indicated that "Apple had 11 high priority bugs left."

In a subsequent post on Friday, they reported that Apple "had expected to declare their upcoming Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Gold Master this week." Although the company "had not quite reached that goal" it released Friday "an internal 'GM candidate build' which could represent the final version of Mac OS X Leopard, if no other issues are found."

That build is reported to be Mac OS X Leopard build 9A581. (ArsTechnica is also confirming this).

MacRumors also pointed to an apparent slip-up at the Apple online store (since corrected) which listed the current version of Mac OS X (Tiger) as not shipping until October 26 -- the expected target launch date for Mac OS X Leopard first reported by AppleInsider last week.

The listing indicated that "Tiger" would ship on Oct. 26, presumably because Apple had halted sales of Tiger in anticipation of Leopard. Any orders for Tiger from the Apple online store during that time would have presumably seen upgrades to Leopard. Since word of the slip-up hit the Web, Apple has changed the store to reflect ongoing shipments of Tiger.

iPhone water-damage sensor

Also of interest -- but unrelated to the aforementioned topics -- is a report from Hardmac which notes that Apple has apparently included a water-damage sensor inside its iPhone and iPod touch at the base of their headphone jacks.

"Let's say you drop accidentally your iPhone in water (not sea water as salt will be easily spotted), you can always try to send it back to Apple Support for having it repair under warranty. To avoid such behavior, Apple has included a water sensor in the iPhone and in the iPod Touch:"



"At the bottom of the jack plug you can see a white disc that will irreversibly change color when entering in contact with water. So one would not need to open an iPhone or an iPod Touch to ensure it stopped working due to an unexpected bath."

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[pixelcruncher]

You know, I wouldn't have said this before the iPhone, but why do I get the feeling Apple is killing the mini so that they can introduce the new AppleTV? Now with more closed-system and less do-what-you-want-with-it. Apple should be adding home theater features to the mini, not killing it.

[pmjoe]

Let's hope that reports of the Mac mini's death continue to be premature.

I've been waiting for Leopard to get a new Mac, not to decide to stop buying them. If Apple puts me in a position where my only viable option is a beastly $2500+ Mac Pro, I'll switch to Linux thanks.

[bdkennedy1]

I'm glad I replaced my AppleTV with a Mac Mini when I did.

[mrtotes]

I ordered an iMac on the 10 Oct and it's due to arrive 5 Nov! I was trying to get it on a nice stable 10.4.10 install because I need to buy a family-pack anyhow. Looks like I might be getting Leopard pre-installed.

The Mini was dead since AI last announced it. Even a monkey could have engineered the update it last got (remove Core Duo insert Core 2 Duo). I've said before that the AppleTV Pro is on it's way hopefully plus an xMac to fill the void.

With Sanyo and Pentax making water and dust proof cameras that aren't all that expensive or clunky would it be too much to ask over manufacturers to do the same?

[shanmugam]

is there gonna be announcement and count down or special event?

it is kinda of strange just two weeks nothing is announced

[idoaudio]

If there's one thing that really frustrates me about Apple, this is it. Good god, is the iMac going to be the only consumer Mac?

I * DON'T * NEED * A * MONITOR * !

I already have one!

Don't kill the mini! Replace it with something better.

[tikiman]

Originally Posted by pixelcruncher

You know, I wouldn't have said this before the iPhone, but why do I get the feeling Apple is killing the mini so that they can introduce the new AppleTV? Now with more closed-system and less do-what-you-want-with-it. Apple should be adding home theater features to the mini, not killing it.

Apple isn't stupid. If the Mac Mini was still selling like hot-cakes, they wouldn't get rid of it or replace it with something inferior. Obviously they aren't selling too many.

[onceuponamac]

I hope the thing won't change color simply from getting damp if you jog or otherwise exercises with your iphone and sweat.

[MacTel]

Originally Posted by pixelcruncher

You know, I wouldn't have said this before the iPhone, but why do I get the feeling Apple is killing the mini so that they can introduce the new AppleTV? Now with more closed-system and less do-what-you-want-with-it. Apple should be adding home theater features to the mini, not killing it.

I would hope that they merge but that would probably be unlikely with all the ports. It would be one ugly mess in the back. Though in it's current form the AppleTV could serve as a computer with wireless keyboard and mouse. I don't know why Apple doesn't push that. Maybe they will.

[PapayaSF]

If Apple kills the Mini and doesn't replace it with something, they will really be shooting themselves in the foot.

For upgraders and switchers, Apple needs some sort of lower-end machine without a built-in monitor. Ideally I'd like to see a scaled-down Mac Pro mini-tower with a slot or two and space for one or two hard drives. Sell that at $800 and watch their market share rise. Even at $1200 I'd go for it.

But please, Apple, when I replace my G4 desktop within the next year, don't force me to choose between a hard-to-upgrade iMac and ditching a perfectly good monitor, or a $2000+ desktop that's much more than I need!

[Inkling]

Let's hope Apple is planning to replace the too-tiny Mac mini with something more practical--a mini tower with room for two full-sized HDs, four RAM slots, a built-in power supply, two display outputs, and perhaps a low-end graphics card.

They need something for all those who don't need the size, price or horsepower of a MacPro and don't want all the added clutter that comes with the now nearly impossible-to-repair iMac.

It's rather absurd that Apple isn't selling one of the most popular form factors in the PC world. They're loosing a lot of sales, particularly to small and home businesses.

[mrtotes]

Originally Posted by PapayaSF

But please, Apple, when I replace my G4 desktop within the next year, don't force me to choose between a hard-to-upgrade iMac and ditching a perfectly good monitor, or a $2000+ desktop that's much more than I need!

Just go for a dual-display set-up. Since the iMacs when Intel they're no longer crippled to Mirror only.

That said we do need a mid-range Mac.

[bradwjensen]

They're only ending the life of the mac mini now because Leopard will work on "any" new computers like Windows does once it's released! :-P

Thats my guess, and if its not right for THIS release of Mac OS, then I'm positive someday in the not so long away future of Mac OS, it will be true. It's only a matter of time. They can't compete with free Linux OS's that are getting better all the time and work on all computers in the future by keeping their own OS only working on a select few apple hardwares. it's common sense people.

Someday, something has to change there. think about it.

[ThinkExpensive]

I truly do believe that the mini is EOL. At least the mini in this form. I think we'll finally see a redesigned xMac type machine that will bundle leopard (maybe released at the same date) and have onboard dedicated graphics and user upgradable RAM. Although it might be a stretch, I'm even willing to guess that it might have a 3.5" Hard Drive that would make it even more attractive as a media hub. Think redesigned cube. Benefits of a small form factor, but with the 3.5" drive and user upgradable features.

[macshark]

Amazon just listed Leopard for pre-order:

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Mac-Vers.../dp/B000FK88JK

The family pack here:

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Version-.../dp/B000BR0NPO

Initially these listings showed an availability date of Oct 31, but now the text changed to: "This product is expected to ship sometime in October. We will update the site with more specific information as soon as it is available, including system requirement details."

[Ireland]

R.I.P. Mac mini... "Introducing the new Mac mini"

[Takeo]

macosrumors.com has an article about a forthcoming "Mac Nano" to replace the Mac Mini.

http://www.macosrumors.com/

[baygbm]

As attractive as Leopard is, it needs a new Mac to go with it. According to macrumors.com it is time for a new MacPro. What is the low down on this new Mac? When? Specs?

http://guides.macrumors.com/Mac_Pro_Buyer%27s_Guide

[wessan]

Well I would like to see something like Mac Mini inside a keyboard. It would spare a cable and make the Mac easier to transport. That would probably lead to sacrificing optical drive. But it could be pretty cool for some people to have a notebook without screen and battery that can be attached to 24" at home, 20" in dormitories/in school etc.

[icfireball]

Originally Posted by mrtotes

I ordered an iMac on the 10 Oct and it's due to arrive 5 Nov! I was trying to get it on a nice stable 10.4.10 install because I need to buy a family-pack anyhow. Looks like I might be getting Leopard pre-installed.

The Mini was dead since AI last announced it. Even a monkey could have engineered the update it last got (remove Core Duo insert Core 2 Duo). I've said before that the AppleTV Pro is on it's way hopefully plus an xMac to fill the void.

With Sanyo and Pentax making water and dust proof cameras that aren't all that expensive or clunky would it be too much to ask over manufacturers to do the same?

It's a lot harder to make something like an iPhone water proof than something like a camera.

[daratbastid]

Originally Posted by bdkennedy1

I'm glad I replaced my AppleTV with a Mac Mini when I did.

What do you do for audio from the mini? The AppleTV with its toslink is supposidly able to produce the 5.1 from ripped content....being the mini dosnt have fiber, are you limited to stereo only from the audio out port?

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by wessan

Well I would like to see something like Mac Mini inside a keyboard. It would spare a cable and make the Mac easier to transport. That would probably lead to sacrificing optical drive. But it could be pretty cool for some people to have a notebook without screen and battery that can be attached to 24" at home, 20" in dormitories/in school etc.

I think you're talking about the Amiga 500, or the Commodore 64, no thanks.

[Takeo]

Originally Posted by Ireland

I think you're talking about the Amiga 500, or the Commodore 64, no thanks.

Commodore 64 forever... LOL

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by bdkennedy1

I'm glad I replaced my AppleTV with a Mac Mini when I did.

Why, cause the new Mac mini is going to be smaller, better looking, and more powerful?

[KennyWRX]

Originally Posted by daratbastid

What do you do for audio from the mini? The AppleTV with its toslink is supposidly able to produce the 5.1 from ripped content....being the mini dosnt have fiber, are you limited to stereo only from the audio out port?

The Mini does have optical audio out, it is on a 3.5mm plug instead of the square-ish toslink connector.

[Zenga]

Originally Posted by wessan

Well I would like to see something like Mac Mini inside a keyboard. It would spare a cable and make the Mac easier to transport. That would probably lead to sacrificing optical drive. But it could be pretty cool for some people to have a notebook without screen and battery that can be attached to 24" at home, 20" in dormitories/in school etc.

dude what's that you're smoking? i want some of it...

[wessan]

Originally Posted by Ireland

I think you're talking about the Amiga 500, or the Commodore 64, no thanks.

Yes. But i think it could be much smaller these days having the size comparable to the new flat ketboards as there seemed to be some place between desk and the top aluminium plate. Could be enough to put some notebook like stuff inside.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by wessan

Yes. But i think it could be much smaller these days having the size comparable to the new flat ketboards as there seemed to be some place between desk and the top aluminium plate. Could be enough to put some notebook like stuff inside.

Keep dreaming, the computer you're talking about is 8-10 years away, especially considering how thin keyboards have become - but I don't think it's the kind of thing Apple would make. By then iMac's will be so cheap the Mac mini wont exist, and our keyboards, and tablets will be Multi-touch.

[nvidia2008]

Originally Posted by pmjoe

...I'll switch to Linux thanks...

Yeah, good luck with that...

In other ramblings, I feel Apple is going to massively overachieve on Leopard. The final blow, the last nail in the coffin of Vista. muah ha h ah a ha ha h ha One CAT to RULE THEM ALL

[extremeskater]

Originally Posted by nvidia2008

Yeah, good luck with that...

In other ramblings, I feel Apple is going to massively overachieve on Leopard. The final blow, the last nail in the coffin of Vista. muah ha h ah a ha ha h ha One CAT to RULE THEM ALL

Most people that use a Windows system don't even know what Leopard is, nor do they care. The two do not compete against each other, Windows can be installed on either, Lepoard can only be installed on Apple hardware, hense it will not go about 5-6% market share and thats if every Mac owner upgrades, which they won't.

For Apple to even compete with anything MS puts out they have to actually make it available to everyone, which will never happen as long as Steve Jobs is around.

As far as expectations they are way too high, there isn't anyting about Leopard that appears to be all that great the exception Time Machine which should have been a feature 10 years ago.

Its new eye candy thats about it. The world isn't redesigned for 139.00.

[IQatEdo]

Originally Posted by bradwjensen

They're only ending the life of the mac mini now because Leopard will work on "any" new computers like Windows does once it's released! :-P

... it's common sense people.

Someday, something has to change there. think about it.

If you have to tell everyone that something is 'common sense', then it probably isn't.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by pmjoe

Let's hope that reports of the Mac mini's death continue to be premature.

I've been waiting for Leopard to get a new Mac, not to decide to stop buying them. If Apple puts me in a position where my only viable option is a beastly $2500+ Mac Pro, I'll switch to Linux thanks.

The iMac might fill that bill.

[Timon]

I see a real problem where they have the water sensor on the iPhone. All you would need is just a tiny bit of water drop in the hole and your warranty is gone. All of the cell phones I've ever seen has the water sensor is a place where a little rain or a drop of water on your hand will not get it wet.

I fear that another law sute is going to happen when Apple refuses to work on a unit because a single drop of water fell in the hole.

At least on the iPod Touch it's on the bottom.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by PapayaSF

If Apple kills the Mini and doesn't replace it with something, they will really be shooting themselves in the foot.

For upgraders and switchers, Apple needs some sort of lower-end machine without a built-in monitor. Ideally I'd like to see a scaled-down Mac Pro mini-tower with a slot or two and space for one or two hard drives. Sell that at $800 and watch their market share rise. Even at $1200 I'd go for it.

But please, Apple, when I replace my G4 desktop within the next year, don't force me to choose between a hard-to-upgrade iMac and ditching a perfectly good monitor, or a $2000+ desktop that's much more than I need!

I suppose the an ultra-portable Mac could replace the mini, and it would have the additional benefit of being... portable.

[drjjones]

Come on people. Apple is not coca-cola. They aren't dumb enough to stop selling a good product without a better replacement. They don't want to call it a "mini" anymore. So they won"t. But I bet the replacement will sell if it does what the old one did and more. I'm betting it will beat the mini so bad, that the mini wouldn't sell well as it's competitor ,, so big deal . They discontinued an out dated product. Onward and upward.I said 165 by Halloween. Also said 200 by Christmas. On it's way. YEAH APPLE.

[atticusdsf]

appleinsider has been proclaiming the death of the mini for over a year now.. i'll believe it when i see it. for the harry potter geeks, it's like prof. trelawny constantly announcing harry's imminent doom.

[tonton]

Originally Posted by wessan

Yes. But i think it could be much smaller these days having the size comparable to the new flat ketboards as there seemed to be some place between desk and the top aluminium plate. Could be enough to put some notebook like stuff inside.

Actually I think this is a great Idea and it could easily be done. Put the MacBook components into an aluminum keyboard enclosure. Done. It would be an elegant and space-saving design.

[teejaysplace24]

The Mac-In-A-Keyboard thing is actually a cool idea; though I don't think Apple will go for it. There's hip-techno-Steve-Jobs-kind-of-weird and then there's dancing-Japanese-robot-pants-kind-of-weird. When it was all said and done, I have a feeling that the keyboard-mini would fall into that category. Besides, the point of the Mini was to make good use your existing peripherals and monitor. When you start sandwiching those around a CPU, you get a laptop. So, cool as it may appear for the first 10 seconds, it shortly begins to make less and less sense.

As for the Mini + AppleTV, I doubt you'll see a bastardized child of those two either. The AppleTV and Mini are entirely different business units and, while clever hackers have noted the similarities between the two, they remain targeted at different users. I think it's more likely that you'll see a differently form factored Mini (much like described in the nano article at www.macosrumors.com) and an AppleTV with expanded functionality (hopefully in the form of a BluRay drive).

The EMINENT demise of the Mini that AI keeps hawking seems a bit preemptive, as it creates a void in the important low-end consumer niche. It doesn't make a lot of business sense to go racing away from a market where you're making good headway. Apple's simply not going to sell everyone on fugly black iMacs with shiny screens, so unless Mini sales are completely abhorrent, chances are they'll keep a product in that market for as long as makes financial sense.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by Ireland

Keep dreaming, the computer you're talking about is 8-10 years away, especially considering how thin keyboards have become - but I don't think it's the kind of thing Apple would make. By then iMac's will be so cheap the Mac mini wont exist, and our keyboards, and tablets will be Multi-touch.

I too would be skeptical of a computer in a modern sized keyboard. iMac really hasn't been dropping in price, unless you count currency devaluation and occasional price drops on the high end, but the high end seems to dance between $1799 and $1999 anyway. They did offer the $999 model, but that was a blip anyway.

It would be nice to keep some form of a "switcher" machine around. The base mini is about half the price of the base notebook and base iMac. I would not have taken the plunge on the Mac platform except for the fact that the original G4 mini was announced. I've since bought a couple more expensive models.