To not have to spend $100 more a month or two later for an OS update.
OK, so Apple's choices were:
a) Release it now
or
b) wait for 10.4 to come out and release it then.
Gee, what would you have done? Oh, I know, you'd give out coupons for three years of free OS upgrades, plus one future exchange of the computer with a newer version, because, you know those bastards at Apple, they'll release an updated system at some point after you buy yours, basically making yours 'old'.
Second, there's NOTHING that says you HAVE to update the OS when it comes out. Geesh, its like this everytime. Apple announces something, and everyone starts to complain about even the most stupidest things, just to find something wrong with it.
Did you note that in order to hook up an iPod to it, you have to purchase an iPod? WTF?
Well, I think a $129 OS update after you've owned a brand new machine model (Mac mini) for two months is a bit absurd. So I think it has a lot to do with the Mac mini. You're selling people a "new" machine and outdating it a month or so later with the upgrade cost being more than a quarter of your $499 initial cost.
To be quite honest, I think some people who don't realize this in advance are going to be downright angry.
Then maybe Apple should delay Tiger for 6 more months.
You people whining now about the OS are really being stupidly idiotic. Considering MOST people (esp. windows people) don't update their OS after they get they're computer (hell, most don't even know there is an update), how would they be pissed?
Well, I think a $129 OS update after you've owned a brand new machine model (Mac mini) for two months is a bit absurd. So I think it has a lot to do with the Mac mini. You're selling people a "new" machine and outdating it a month or so later with the upgrade cost being more than a quarter of your $499 initial cost.
To be quite honest, I think some people who don't realize this in advance are going to be downright angry.
It's not that hard to figure out. A Mac Mini is not even the mid road Apple computer....it's the low end. Targeted at switchers. Just because it's new doesn't mean that it's supposed to be up to par with the next generation of OS X. Hell, just look at the graphics card, it's not even going to be able to fully take advantage of a lot of the new features of Tiger.
Get over it. It's a starter machine. Nothing more.
speaking of ports, it seems like most anyone planning to use the iMac mini is going to have to invest in a USB hub. No PS/2 ports mean a USB keyboard and mouse, and suddenly you've got no way to connect printer/camera/camcorder/etc.
I know quite a few displays and keyboard have extra ports built-in, but I can think of quite a few friends / family members who wouldn't be able to use this thing for its intended purpose without a hub.
Apple doesn't do PS/2 ports. PS/2 is old tech.
And I would hope that the USB keyboards people are using (like Apple's) has a USB port on it to plug the mouse into it.
Well, I think a $129 OS update after you've owned a brand new machine model (Mac mini) for two months is a bit absurd. So I think it has a lot to do with the Mac mini. You're selling people a "new" machine and outdating it a month or so later with the upgrade cost being more than a quarter of your $499 initial cost.
To be quite honest, I think some people who don't realize this in advance are going to be downright angry.
That's quite a silly expectation and a spoiled brat attitude you have there.
You buy the Mac mini now and it'll run just fine for the next couple of years without any problems ... without the need for any upgrade. Just because you have the opportunity to upgrade doesn't make what you already have obsolete. You could always wait until you feel you got your money's worth out the system. Also any consumer who buys something at any given point in time and doesn't realize that something newer could come out at any time is pretty darn stupid.
One more thing... who's to say Apple won't offer a discount? As they have done in the past, any computer purchased within a month (sometimes a couple of months) of an OS release, receive "upgrade" vouchers with the computer. At a cost of $19.95, or something like that, Apple will send you a set of upgrade CD's.
Personally, I'm waiting until Tiger to buy one of these, because quite frankly, I don't absolutely need a new computer right now.
And I would hope that the USB keyboards people are using (like Apple's) has a USB port on it to plug the mouse into it.
Shoot, just get the Bluetooth module (or any USB Bluetooth module) and you can compute wirelessly (save for the power and monitor cables).
As for PS/2, has Apple EVER done PS/2? I know they had their ADB which looked very similar, but wasn't, but even that was early-mid '90s. I don't know that I remember Apple ever including a PS/2 port on a Mac, though.
love it! just one thing... You have to have them put in all the extras in right when you order it (airport extreme, ram, etc). Or else you will never have it unless you pay an authorized technician to do it.... poo
Also, has anyone though of... cube reincarnation? In a way it's the Apple Cube again
The iMac mini is perfect for the target market they are aiming for - the PC user who has an iPod & loves it. They would like to see what Macs are about and, at a price just over an iPod, they'll give it a try. They have everything else and can take it home and play with it as much as they want. I very big factor for them buying will be the form factor, which is fantastic.
They might get a switch so they can move between the iMac mini and the PC - for a while, but not for long.
First thing they will notice is that iLife blows anything in the PC world away. Totally. They might go ahead and pick up Office for Mac or Photoshop Elements 3. Might move to a FireWire back up drive - or start using the free space on their iPod. If they buy a stock iMac mini they'll probably upgrade memory when they start doing more than iLife and the internet.
In a very short time they are going to love their iMac mini and start making choices. Should they get an Apple wide screen display, or just move to an iMac. If they get the display maybe a PM will follow in a year or two.
They might also have family members that call them to fix the crap on their PCs - and will sell a few iMac minis to keep the hassles to a minimum.
Specs are not going to be the important thing for these users - the pleasure of using the Mac will be THE important factor. Win XP will look pretty sorry compared to OS X and, like us, they'll be totally switched.
Forget the specs - look at the beautiful box and think about how many people are going to want one.
I think Apple might have missed a few things on this one. Add in a small iPod like scroll wheel on the front, a remote control (sure, make it an additional accessory if they want to) and a few more audio/video input/output jacks, and I would put this thing in my entertainment center...
It would take the place of a CD player, DVD player, video recorder, it could play my iMovies, iPhotos on my TV with my surround sound, I could run iTunes through my home stereo speakers (with the cool visualizer on the big screen).... I think if they added a couple of things, this isn't just a cool, cheap Mac... but it's a cool, full-functioned, entertainment unit from Apple!
Second: For all who have bemoaned Apple's expensive hardware and are trying to convince friends to switch ... buy one and give it to the friend. If we all could do that Apple would double its consumer base in one day. Cripes, I have a few relatives with honery PC's made by geek friends and I just might get two to give away... and if they like it they can pay me back half the cost. If they don't I'll take it back for a media server and wait for them to ask me for it when next their PC fails. Pony up or shut up.
Third: Apple or you all should bundle these with iPods anyway. $750 for an iPod mini and the Mac to run it ... add it to their stereo system and watch the light turn on in their eyes.
Fourth: Like I have the money to do any of this...but I would.
With all those features for that low price, for all I care this could be a low end XSERVE CLUSTER NODE, and get this: for the price of one Xserve G5 cluster node you get 6 Mac minis.
I could have a 6 processor render farm with those babies for the price of one Xserve, and 3 times more hard drive space. (of course, G4's, not G5's, but im not complaining.)
What I want to do with this is integrate it into my car (a Mini Cooper, of course). It could hook into a LCD display, play DVDs music etc, access the internet at wireless hotspots.
Plus if I had another of these at home (or a dekstop etc), It would sync with my home machine, wirelessly, when I am parked in the driveway. Way cool!
why is everyone so excited about this Mac? Ok it's cheap but it's very crippled.. only 256Mb RAM (and not user upgradable according to apple.com), no audio input, no keyboard or mouse (so unless you're a PC user with a USB set you have to but new) only 32Mb of graphics (isn't Tiger supposed to off-load graphics calculations to the GPU, in which case that tech. is wasted here) so add another $200 - $300 dollars and it might be useful unless you just happen to have everything it misses, which some people don't. \
why is everyone so excited about this Mac? Ok it's cheap but it's very crippled.. only 256Mb RAM
What's funny about having only 256MB of RAM is that the two "low end" G5s have only 256 as well. This adds a couple of exclamation points to the complaint that Apple needs to stop Mickey Mousing around when it comes to RAM on their pro machines.
Second: For all who have bemoaned Apple's expensive hardware and are trying to convince friends to switch ... buy one and give it to the friend. If we all could do that Apple would double its consumer base in one day. Cripes, I have a few relatives with honery PC's made by geek friends and I just might get two to give away... and if they like it they can pay me back half the cost. If they don't I'll take it back for a media server and wait for them to ask me for it when next their PC fails. Pony up or shut up.
Third: Apple or you all should bundle these with iPods anyway. $750 for an iPod mini and the Mac to run it ... add it to their stereo system and watch the light turn on in their eyes.
Fourth: Like I have the money to do any of this...but I would.
The Airclick (thanks for the link, it looks pretty cool) would work for the remote part, but if it was going to sit in an entertainment center and function as the DVD player/CD Player/ music server/video recorder - the remote would need to be more extensive. I basically would use this not as a Mac per se, but to replace several units on my entertainment center with something small, sleek and cool. But I don't have room for a mouse and keyboard on that center... so how to control the functions would have to be worked out.
I think if Apple offers a full functioned remote and a way to put the mini into some sort of 'entertainment mode' acting as a DVD player/CD Player/ music server/video recorder... then you would hit a huge secondary market.
Maybe Steve is moving that way with the emphasis on HD that he mentioned during the keynote.
(from Louzer, haven't figured out the VBcode for this part yet)
Apple doesn't do PS/2 ports. PS/2 is old tech.
And I would hope that the USB keyboards people are using (like Apple's) has a USB port on it to plug the mouse into it.
I wasn't so worried about built-in PS/2 ports (would have been a waste of space). But a USB-to-PS/2 cable might've been nice for Apple to include. I just know that many PC USB keyboards from a couple years back (probably target switcher computers) didn't include extra ports.
Quote:
(from rmongold)
Shoot, just get the Bluetooth module (or any USB Bluetooth module) and you can compute wirelessly (save for the power and monitor cables).
Yes, BT is cool, but how many switchers buying this machine will really BTO?
All nitpicking aside, this is certainly a cool machine. I'd just hate for people to have to make return trips to the store because the thing didn't "just work"
Comments
Originally posted by pmjoe
To not have to spend $100 more a month or two later for an OS update.
OK, so Apple's choices were:
a) Release it now
or
b) wait for 10.4 to come out and release it then.
Gee, what would you have done? Oh, I know, you'd give out coupons for three years of free OS upgrades, plus one future exchange of the computer with a newer version, because, you know those bastards at Apple, they'll release an updated system at some point after you buy yours, basically making yours 'old'.
Second, there's NOTHING that says you HAVE to update the OS when it comes out. Geesh, its like this everytime. Apple announces something, and everyone starts to complain about even the most stupidest things, just to find something wrong with it.
Did you note that in order to hook up an iPod to it, you have to purchase an iPod? WTF?
Originally posted by pmjoe
Well, I think a $129 OS update after you've owned a brand new machine model (Mac mini) for two months is a bit absurd. So I think it has a lot to do with the Mac mini. You're selling people a "new" machine and outdating it a month or so later with the upgrade cost being more than a quarter of your $499 initial cost.
To be quite honest, I think some people who don't realize this in advance are going to be downright angry.
Then maybe Apple should delay Tiger for 6 more months.
You people whining now about the OS are really being stupidly idiotic. Considering MOST people (esp. windows people) don't update their OS after they get they're computer (hell, most don't even know there is an update), how would they be pissed?
Originally posted by pmjoe
Well, I think a $129 OS update after you've owned a brand new machine model (Mac mini) for two months is a bit absurd. So I think it has a lot to do with the Mac mini. You're selling people a "new" machine and outdating it a month or so later with the upgrade cost being more than a quarter of your $499 initial cost.
To be quite honest, I think some people who don't realize this in advance are going to be downright angry.
It's not that hard to figure out. A Mac Mini is not even the mid road Apple computer....it's the low end. Targeted at switchers. Just because it's new doesn't mean that it's supposed to be up to par with the next generation of OS X. Hell, just look at the graphics card, it's not even going to be able to fully take advantage of a lot of the new features of Tiger.
Get over it. It's a starter machine. Nothing more.
Originally posted by kocolosk
speaking of ports, it seems like most anyone planning to use the iMac mini is going to have to invest in a USB hub. No PS/2 ports mean a USB keyboard and mouse, and suddenly you've got no way to connect printer/camera/camcorder/etc.
I know quite a few displays and keyboard have extra ports built-in, but I can think of quite a few friends / family members who wouldn't be able to use this thing for its intended purpose without a hub.
Apple doesn't do PS/2 ports. PS/2 is old tech.
And I would hope that the USB keyboards people are using (like Apple's) has a USB port on it to plug the mouse into it.
Originally posted by pmjoe
Well, I think a $129 OS update after you've owned a brand new machine model (Mac mini) for two months is a bit absurd. So I think it has a lot to do with the Mac mini. You're selling people a "new" machine and outdating it a month or so later with the upgrade cost being more than a quarter of your $499 initial cost.
To be quite honest, I think some people who don't realize this in advance are going to be downright angry.
That's quite a silly expectation and a spoiled brat attitude you have there.
You buy the Mac mini now and it'll run just fine for the next couple of years without any problems ... without the need for any upgrade. Just because you have the opportunity to upgrade doesn't make what you already have obsolete. You could always wait until you feel you got your money's worth out the system. Also any consumer who buys something at any given point in time and doesn't realize that something newer could come out at any time is pretty darn stupid.
One more thing... who's to say Apple won't offer a discount? As they have done in the past, any computer purchased within a month (sometimes a couple of months) of an OS release, receive "upgrade" vouchers with the computer. At a cost of $19.95, or something like that, Apple will send you a set of upgrade CD's.
Personally, I'm waiting until Tiger to buy one of these, because quite frankly, I don't absolutely need a new computer right now.
mini g4 1.25 +4xsuper +80GB +KM: $1018AUD (edu)
i still think the emac is competetive, esp if you want a shiny new display.
the mac mini is much cuter tho - i want one and i dont even need it
Originally posted by Louzer
Apple doesn't do PS/2 ports. PS/2 is old tech.
And I would hope that the USB keyboards people are using (like Apple's) has a USB port on it to plug the mouse into it.
Shoot, just get the Bluetooth module (or any USB Bluetooth module) and you can compute wirelessly (save for the power and monitor cables).
As for PS/2, has Apple EVER done PS/2? I know they had their ADB which looked very similar, but wasn't, but even that was early-mid '90s. I don't know that I remember Apple ever including a PS/2 port on a Mac, though.
Also, has anyone though of... cube reincarnation?
They might get a switch so they can move between the iMac mini and the PC - for a while, but not for long.
First thing they will notice is that iLife blows anything in the PC world away. Totally. They might go ahead and pick up Office for Mac or Photoshop Elements 3. Might move to a FireWire back up drive - or start using the free space on their iPod. If they buy a stock iMac mini they'll probably upgrade memory when they start doing more than iLife and the internet.
In a very short time they are going to love their iMac mini and start making choices. Should they get an Apple wide screen display, or just move to an iMac. If they get the display maybe a PM will follow in a year or two.
They might also have family members that call them to fix the crap on their PCs - and will sell a few iMac minis to keep the hassles to a minimum.
Specs are not going to be the important thing for these users - the pleasure of using the Mac will be THE important factor. Win XP will look pretty sorry compared to OS X and, like us, they'll be totally switched.
Forget the specs - look at the beautiful box and think about how many people are going to want one.
Originally posted by macmike
I think Apple might have missed a few things on this one. Add in a small iPod like scroll wheel on the front, a remote control (sure, make it an additional accessory if they want to) and a few more audio/video input/output jacks, and I would put this thing in my entertainment center...
It would take the place of a CD player, DVD player, video recorder, it could play my iMovies, iPhotos on my TV with my surround sound, I could run iTunes through my home stereo speakers (with the cool visualizer on the big screen).... I think if they added a couple of things, this isn't just a cool, cheap Mac... but it's a cool, full-functioned, entertainment unit from Apple!
First: Two words ... Griffin AirClick!
http://www.griffintechnology.com/pro...lick/index.php
Second: For all who have bemoaned Apple's expensive hardware and are trying to convince friends to switch ... buy one and give it to the friend. If we all could do that Apple would double its consumer base in one day. Cripes, I have a few relatives with honery PC's made by geek friends and I just might get two to give away... and if they like it they can pay me back half the cost. If they don't I'll take it back for a media server and wait for them to ask me for it when next their PC fails. Pony up or shut up.
Third: Apple or you all should bundle these with iPods anyway. $750 for an iPod mini and the Mac to run it ... add it to their stereo system and watch the light turn on in their eyes.
Fourth: Like I have the money to do any of this...but I would.
Originally posted by pmjoe
BTW, is there any way to do a s-video or composite video out with this?
Perhaps an adapter from the video port will supply s-video similar to how it is done on the iBook?
Does the PowerBook offer such an adapter? If so, then I'd assume it would work with the Mac Mini.
http://www.apple.com/macmini/accessories.html
Originally posted by rrabu
Perhaps an adapter from the video port will supply s-video similar to how it is done on the iBook?
Does the PowerBook offer such an adapter? If so, then I'd assume it would work with the Mac Mini.
With all those features for that low price, for all I care this could be a low end XSERVE CLUSTER NODE, and get this: for the price of one Xserve G5 cluster node you get 6 Mac minis.
I could have a 6 processor render farm with those babies for the price of one Xserve, and 3 times more hard drive space. (of course, G4's, not G5's, but im not complaining.)
I WANT 6 OF THEM!.
Plus if I had another of these at home (or a dekstop etc), It would sync with my home machine, wirelessly, when I am parked in the driveway. Way cool!
I am getting one!
Originally posted by Louzer
You people...are really being stupidly idiotic.
My vote for quote of the year.
Originally posted by telekon
why is everyone so excited about this Mac? Ok it's cheap but it's very crippled.. only 256Mb RAM
What's funny about having only 256MB of RAM is that the two "low end" G5s have only 256 as well. This adds a couple of exclamation points to the complaint that Apple needs to stop Mickey Mousing around when it comes to RAM on their pro machines.
Originally posted by MacGregor
First: Two words ... Griffin AirClick!
http://www.griffintechnology.com/pro...lick/index.php
Second: For all who have bemoaned Apple's expensive hardware and are trying to convince friends to switch ... buy one and give it to the friend. If we all could do that Apple would double its consumer base in one day. Cripes, I have a few relatives with honery PC's made by geek friends and I just might get two to give away... and if they like it they can pay me back half the cost. If they don't I'll take it back for a media server and wait for them to ask me for it when next their PC fails. Pony up or shut up.
Third: Apple or you all should bundle these with iPods anyway. $750 for an iPod mini and the Mac to run it ... add it to their stereo system and watch the light turn on in their eyes.
Fourth: Like I have the money to do any of this...but I would.
The Airclick (thanks for the link, it looks pretty cool) would work for the remote part, but if it was going to sit in an entertainment center and function as the DVD player/CD Player/ music server/video recorder - the remote would need to be more extensive. I basically would use this not as a Mac per se, but to replace several units on my entertainment center with something small, sleek and cool. But I don't have room for a mouse and keyboard on that center... so how to control the functions would have to be worked out.
I think if Apple offers a full functioned remote and a way to put the mini into some sort of 'entertainment mode' acting as a DVD player/CD Player/ music server/video recorder... then you would hit a huge secondary market.
Maybe Steve is moving that way with the emphasis on HD that he mentioned during the keynote.
(from Louzer, haven't figured out the VBcode for this part yet)
Apple doesn't do PS/2 ports. PS/2 is old tech.
And I would hope that the USB keyboards people are using (like Apple's) has a USB port on it to plug the mouse into it.
I wasn't so worried about built-in PS/2 ports (would have been a waste of space). But a USB-to-PS/2 cable might've been nice for Apple to include. I just know that many PC USB keyboards from a couple years back (probably target switcher computers) didn't include extra ports.
(from rmongold)
Shoot, just get the Bluetooth module (or any USB Bluetooth module) and you can compute wirelessly (save for the power and monitor cables).
Yes, BT is cool, but how many switchers buying this machine will really BTO?
All nitpicking aside, this is certainly a cool machine. I'd just hate for people to have to make return trips to the store because the thing didn't "just work"