Mac mini shortage suggests product changes
Apple Computer is once again denying resellers and large partners the ability to place bulk orders for its petite Mac mini desktop computers, often an indicator that new models are on the horizon.
A blogger who works for a colocation firm recently tried to order "a bunch" of the computers to use as Mac mini servers but was turned down. "I was told by the reseller (name withdrawn so they don’t get in trouble) that they can’t take big orders," the blogger wrote, "but after Labor Day they’d be able to ship plenty of the new model."
The same blogger in February reported on a similar instance in which he was unable to obtain a large order of Apple's then PowerPC-based Mac minis. Within days of the report, Apple introduced its Intel-based Mac mini line.
Bolstering the blogger's latest report is independent confirmation from a well-placed AppleInsider source who claims that Apple's refusal to fill large orders is worldwide. Mac mini availability is expected to improve within two weeks time when new shipments begin, the source said.
Both reports insinuate that Apple is gearing up for post-Labor Day product introductions.
Earlier this month, AppleInsider reported that Apple had begun preparations for its fall product launches. Specifically, it was reported that the Mac maker was preparing for massive air-freight shipments from the Far East that were due to drop in the United States around the 5th of September -- the day after Labor Day.
Also by next month, the Cupertino, Calif-based company is expected to update its MacBook Pro notebooks with Intel's latest Core 2 Duo processors.
A blogger who works for a colocation firm recently tried to order "a bunch" of the computers to use as Mac mini servers but was turned down. "I was told by the reseller (name withdrawn so they don’t get in trouble) that they can’t take big orders," the blogger wrote, "but after Labor Day they’d be able to ship plenty of the new model."
The same blogger in February reported on a similar instance in which he was unable to obtain a large order of Apple's then PowerPC-based Mac minis. Within days of the report, Apple introduced its Intel-based Mac mini line.
Bolstering the blogger's latest report is independent confirmation from a well-placed AppleInsider source who claims that Apple's refusal to fill large orders is worldwide. Mac mini availability is expected to improve within two weeks time when new shipments begin, the source said.
Both reports insinuate that Apple is gearing up for post-Labor Day product introductions.
Earlier this month, AppleInsider reported that Apple had begun preparations for its fall product launches. Specifically, it was reported that the Mac maker was preparing for massive air-freight shipments from the Far East that were due to drop in the United States around the 5th of September -- the day after Labor Day.
Also by next month, the Cupertino, Calif-based company is expected to update its MacBook Pro notebooks with Intel's latest Core 2 Duo processors.
Comments
A cut in price would also be a nice addition but I doubt that will happen.
Predicto Sayeth that we will see a mobile counterpart to the Mini featuring a touchscreen/pen hybrid display along with updates to the existing product line!
Predicto hath spoken!!!
<Dives for the bomb shelter!>
<Dons flame retardant Merlin Robes and the pointy Predicto!!! Hat>
Predicto Sayeth that we will see a mobile counterpart to the Mini featuring a touchscreen/pen hybrid display along with updates to the existing product line!
Predicto hath spoken!!!
<Dives for the bomb shelter!>
Hey, wishing never hurt anybody. Well, except of course when your wish is for someone to get hurt, and then you hurt them.
Being able to change the hard drive is key for data retention purposes should employees be terminated. The RAM is a nice-to-have.
I really hope the rumours are true and that the next revision will allow you to open it up to change the RAM and the hard drive. If Apple delivers such a box, the company I work for is ready to buy two hundred of them to replace Windows boxes. They love the current mini I have setup for testing, but are apprehensive about the closed-box void-the-warranty-if-opened nature.
Being able to change the hard drive is key for data retention purposes should employees be terminated. The RAM is a nice-to-have.
Will it void the warranty on a mini? I did it on mine and it seemed so simple that is shocking news.
Ouch!
I really hope the rumours are true and that the next revision will allow you to open it up to change the RAM and the hard drive. If Apple delivers such a box, the company I work for is ready to buy two hundred of them to replace Windows boxes. They love the current mini I have setup for testing, but are apprehensive about the closed-box void-the-warranty-if-opened nature.
Being able to change the hard drive is key for data retention purposes should employees be terminated. The RAM is a nice-to-have.
? why not just take the whole mini? Does your company get some sort of sick pleasure in seeing about-to-be-canned employees come in in the morning, fire up their macs, and then go into a cold sweat when they see the flashing HD symbol???
J/K.
Seriously, from an I.T. perspective, replacing a hard drive is cheaper than replacing the entire computer and stockpiling it somewhere.
Remember, no I.T. department runs without being under the thumb of Finance.
You've worked for us, haven't you?
Seriously, from an I.T. perspective, replacing a hard drive is cheaper than replacing the entire computer and stockpiling it somewhere.
Remember, no I.T. department runs without being under the thumb of Finance.
Ahhh, I was thinking you meant retention in the sense of "Dude, Jack just walked off with his computer!!! Stick it to em, Jack!!!"
But another suggestion: DAT, den wipe!
I am familiar with this type of company though, I think. Or its philosophy anyway. I got Pfizered.
I just hate the idea of a perfectly good computer sitting on a shelf, but can live with a hard drive no longer being used.