I decided to blog and Digg this story again, to try and bring it back to Apple's attention. I know it's been said a thousand times, but I'd appreciate anyone who would like this gap in Apple's product line filled to Digg the story and fill out the poll on my blog. Maybe enough responses will get Apple's attention.
Nicely done! I've written directly to Apple about the very same thing myself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KenPierce
Which browser? I want to guess Safari, because it's the one browser I haven't been able to test.
I'm using Safari and experienced the same. The text is white on a white background hence hard to read, howver, I was only able to read it by selecting the text.
Nicely done! I've written directly to Apple about the very same thing myself.
I'm using Safari and experienced the same. The text is white on a white background hence hard to read, howver, I was only able to read it by selecting the text.
Cheers!
I'm using WordPress for the blog, apparently they fixed the Safari problems in the latest version, but I haven't had an opportunity to upgrade.
Ladies and gentlemen, AppleInsider believes in all sincerity that the Mac mini is dead. . . . sources, for whom AppleInsider holds the utmost respect, are now pointing towards the mini's impending demise.
Surprise, and potentially good news if this report is true, because Apple would replace the Mac Mini with something else. I'm sure Apple has marketing information indicating what Mac users, businesses, schools and potential switchers prefer in place of a Mini. Our discussion here may not be so hypothetical after all.
Surprise, and potentially good news if this report is true, because Apple would replace the Mac Mini with something else. I'm sure Apple has marketing information indicating what Mac users, businesses, schools and potential switchers prefer in place of a Mini. Our discussion here may not be so hypothetical after all.
I hope you're right, Snoopy. I'd love to see something sooner rather than later...
First of all: yes, this is about a mid-range tower. . .
I can't understand why Apple doesn't make a mid-range tower . . . In fact [Apple doesn't] even make a Mac with a desktop CPU in it. . . What do you think the chances are of Apple producing such a machine?
The impetus behind this discussion, and many like it, may soon be satisfied with the realization of a Mac Mini Tower. At least that is my hope now, in light of the report suggesting the demise of the Mac Mini.
I suspect this move is the result of much market investigation. Also, if the goal was to have just one new Mac that will satisfy the most demands of both potential switchers and Mac users alike, a small tower or expandable cube is the most likely choice of design. Here is what I think we will see.
Two versions, with different motherboards. Both will have two HDD bays and one or two optical drive bays. The Mini replacement, $599 to $899, will have on-board graphics and no PCIe slots. The prosumer version, $999 to $1799, will have a choice of PCIe graphics cards, and two or three expansion slots. The cheaper motherboard will have a desktop dual core chip, while the upper end board will have a four core desktop processor.
Such a Mac can satisfy a broad range of computer needs and desires. If Apple builds it, it will fly off the shelves.
There is hope, small but hope. For an xMac or xMac like computer.
It would be nice. In fact, one might interpret "massive investments in desktops" as more than one desktop. Yet Steve may have just used the wrong word.
He also said that before long Apple may be selling 80 to 90 percent laptops. That would leave just 10 to 20 percent of Macs as desktops - - not a very promising balance for us that want a new desktop Mac.
God willing this means a G33/Allendale based Mini replacement, and a P35 prosumer Mac running Conroe and Kentsfield in addition to a all cloverton Mac Pro lineup. Unfortunately, this is Apple and probably just means a 30" iMac or something
He also said that before long Apple may be selling 80 to 90 percent laptops. That would leave just 10 to 20 percent of Macs as desktops - - not a very promising balance for us that want a new desktop Mac.
Believe it or not, I see this easily happening. As laptop technology starts to catch up to the expansion and capability of desktops, there will begin to be less and less of a need for desktop computing. I don't think this will happen anytime extremely soon, but eventually a laptop will be able to do everything a desktop can do, so you might as well go with a laptop. This includes processor speed, HDD, and disc drives. Maybe I'm thinking to far out, but it is a thought.
On the other hand, right here and now, we are nowhere near that place. Although a lot closer than we were 5-10 years ago, laptops still see a significant performance and expandability gap from desktops (slower performance due to heat conscious processors, smaller and slower hard drives, and its hard for HD drive technology to fit an apple laptop). I vote give us a new mid-range tower now until technology catches up!
Believe it or not, I see this easily happening. As laptop technology starts to catch up to the expansion and capability of desktops, there will begin to be less and less of a need for desktop computing. I don't think this will happen anytime extremely soon, but eventually a laptop will be able to do everything a desktop can do, so you might as well go with a laptop. This includes processor speed, HDD, and disc drives. Maybe I'm thinking to far out, but it is a thought.
On the other hand, right here and now, we are nowhere near that place. Although a lot closer than we were 5-10 years ago, laptops still see a significant performance and expandability gap from desktops (slower performance due to heat conscious processors, smaller and slower hard drives, and its hard for HD drive technology to fit an apple laptop). I vote give us a new mid-range tower now until technology catches up!
Maybe some company (hopefully Apple) will produce a computer that's half way between a laptop and a desktop: a portable like one of the old portables of the '80's - but about the size of an attache case with a separate monitor in the top half. You could carry it around the house from room to room.
Naw, it would be too heavy to travel with. However, I would never be satisfied with a laptop size monitor. I have two 22" monitors on my desk and am thinking of adding another. I guess a laptop and a docking station would be the way to go.
Maybe some company (hopefully Apple) will produce a computer that's half way between a laptop and a desktop: a portable like one of the old portables of the '80's - but about the size of an attache case with a separate monitor in the top half. You could carry it around the house from room to room.
Naw, it would be too heavy to travel with. However, I would never be satisfied with a laptop size monitor. I have two 22" monitors on my desk and am thinking of adding another. I guess a laptop and a docking station would be the way to go.
Ha ha!
I guess I am thinking of a future where monitors are all around us (maybe processors too!), we just carry a portable storage side with us and hook up everywhere we go. That is really far out ahead of us, but there are baby steps along the way. In this step, we start seeing a lot more laptops and less desktops because we want to take everything with us!
. . . eventually a laptop will be able to do everything a desktop can do, so you might as well go with a laptop. This includes processor speed, HDD, and disc drives.
For me, and I'm sure some others, the laptop is not acceptable unless I need a portable computer.
1) I dislike the laptop keyboard. It is awkward to use, and I have difficulty typing on it. I've had to use a laptop often enough to become accustom to it, so it's not something I would eventually get used to, much less like. I hate it.
2) I dislike the track-pad too. When I use it I can't wait to get back to a mouse.
3) The laptop display is too small. I much prefer a 19 to 24 inch display.
4) I've heard the argument that I can use an external monitor, keyboard and mouse with a laptop, but that would be a makeshift mess on my desk. If I need a laptop on occasions, I'll keep it separate and synchronized with my desktop.
So far, my exposure to a laptop has been in running a sound board for musical and multimedia performances. We have a Mac Book for this, by the way. I much prefer being on stage playing drums or singing, than using the laptop, and I don't like the spotlight.
I guess I am thinking of a future where monitors are all around us (maybe processors too!), we just carry a portable storage side with us and hook up everywhere we go. That is really far out ahead of us, but there are baby steps along the way. In this step, we start seeing a lot more laptops and less desktops because we want to take everything with us!
Talk about Minority Report!!
we can have things like that now useing the Hyper Transport bus. Intel FSB is too old of things like that.
For me, and I'm sure some others, the laptop is not acceptable unless I need a portable computer.
1) I dislike the laptop keyboard. It is awkward to use, and I have difficulty typing on it. I've had to use a laptop often enough to become accustom to it, so it's not something I would eventually get used to, much less like. I hate it.
2) I dislike the track-pad too. When I use it I can't wait to get back to a mouse.
3) The laptop display is too small. I much prefer a 19 to 24 inch display.
4) I've heard the argument that I can use an external monitor, keyboard and mouse with a laptop, but that would be a makeshift mess on my desk. If I need a laptop on occasions, I'll keep it separate and synchronized with my desktop.
So far, my exposure to a laptop has been in running a sound board for musical and multimedia performances. We have a Mac Book for this, by the way. I much prefer being on stage playing drums or singing, than using the laptop, and I don't like the spotlight.
In general, I was speaking about a future where there are large monitors, mice, and keyboards you hook up to wherever you want (in the mall, on the subway, at a friends house, etc.).
For something like today, I agree with you. I prefer a desktop over a laptop as well. However, my point is that sometime in the distant future, hopefully desktops will not have any technological advantage over portables other than the things you mentioned.
Who knows, by then we may be using touch sensitive displays instead of a keyboard and mouse!
In general, I was speaking about a future where there are large monitors, mice, and keyboards you hook up to wherever you want (in the mall, on the subway, at a friends house, etc.).
For something like today, I agree with you. I prefer a desktop over a laptop as well. However, my point is that sometime in the distant future, hopefully desktops will not have any technological advantage over portables other than the things you mentioned.
Who knows, by then we may be using touch sensitive displays instead of a keyboard and mouse!
It will a long time before laptops are as easy to open up and put new parts in as a desktop is also space / heat and battery life will keep super high end parts from be a good choice for a laptop.
Comments
I'd appreciate anyone who would like this gap in Apple's product line filled to . . . fill out the poll on my blog.
In my browser the poll questions are white on white and can't be read. The mockup of a Mac mini tower is very nice BTW.
Be prepared for the hate mail though. Unfortunately, those who question Apple's decision and raise the possibility that they can be wrong get it.
If it gets me the Mac I want, I'm OK with the hate mail.
In my browser the poll questions are white on white and can't be read. The mockup of a Mac mini tower is very nice BTW.
Which browser? I want to guess Safari, because it's the one browser I haven't been able to test.
I decided to blog and Digg this story again, to try and bring it back to Apple's attention. I know it's been said a thousand times, but I'd appreciate anyone who would like this gap in Apple's product line filled to Digg the story and fill out the poll on my blog. Maybe enough responses will get Apple's attention.
Nicely done! I've written directly to Apple about the very same thing myself.
Which browser? I want to guess Safari, because it's the one browser I haven't been able to test.
I'm using Safari and experienced the same. The text is white on a white background hence hard to read, howver, I was only able to read it by selecting the text.
Cheers!
Nicely done! I've written directly to Apple about the very same thing myself.
I'm using Safari and experienced the same. The text is white on a white background hence hard to read, howver, I was only able to read it by selecting the text.
Cheers!
I'm using WordPress for the blog, apparently they fixed the Safari problems in the latest version, but I haven't had an opportunity to upgrade.
http://www.sendmike2space.com/
It pretty much stopped at 4500 diggs.
Ladies and gentlemen, AppleInsider believes in all sincerity that the Mac mini is dead. . . . sources, for whom AppleInsider holds the utmost respect, are now pointing towards the mini's impending demise.
http://forums.appleinsider.com/showthread.php?t=74767
Surprise, and potentially good news if this report is true, because Apple would replace the Mac Mini with something else. I'm sure Apple has marketing information indicating what Mac users, businesses, schools and potential switchers prefer in place of a Mini. Our discussion here may not be so hypothetical after all.
Surprise, and potentially good news if this report is true, because Apple would replace the Mac Mini with something else. I'm sure Apple has marketing information indicating what Mac users, businesses, schools and potential switchers prefer in place of a Mini. Our discussion here may not be so hypothetical after all.
I hope you're right, Snoopy. I'd love to see something sooner rather than later...
First of all: yes, this is about a mid-range tower. . .
I can't understand why Apple doesn't make a mid-range tower . . . In fact [Apple doesn't] even make a Mac with a desktop CPU in it. . . What do you think the chances are of Apple producing such a machine?
The impetus behind this discussion, and many like it, may soon be satisfied with the realization of a Mac Mini Tower.
I suspect this move is the result of much market investigation. Also, if the goal was to have just one new Mac that will satisfy the most demands of both potential switchers and Mac users alike, a small tower or expandable cube is the most likely choice of design. Here is what I think we will see.
Two versions, with different motherboards. Both will have two HDD bays and one or two optical drive bays. The Mini replacement, $599 to $899, will have on-board graphics and no PCIe slots. The prosumer version, $999 to $1799, will have a choice of PCIe graphics cards, and two or three expansion slots. The cheaper motherboard will have a desktop dual core chip, while the upper end board will have a four core desktop processor.
Such a Mac can satisfy a broad range of computer needs and desires. If Apple builds it, it will fly off the shelves.
12:23pm - Funny question: this is your gradual exit out of the computer business with the name change?
No. If you come to WWDC we're rolling out our new version of OSX -- massive investments in desktops. You'll love it.
There is hope, small but hope. For an xMac or xMac like computer.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/30/s...e-from-d-2007/
There is hope, small but hope. For an xMac or xMac like computer.
It would be nice.
He also said that before long Apple may be selling 80 to 90 percent laptops. That would leave just 10 to 20 percent of Macs as desktops - - not a very promising balance for us that want a new desktop Mac.
He also said that before long Apple may be selling 80 to 90 percent laptops. That would leave just 10 to 20 percent of Macs as desktops - - not a very promising balance for us that want a new desktop Mac.
Believe it or not, I see this easily happening. As laptop technology starts to catch up to the expansion and capability of desktops, there will begin to be less and less of a need for desktop computing. I don't think this will happen anytime extremely soon, but eventually a laptop will be able to do everything a desktop can do, so you might as well go with a laptop. This includes processor speed, HDD, and disc drives. Maybe I'm thinking to far out, but it is a thought.
On the other hand, right here and now, we are nowhere near that place. Although a lot closer than we were 5-10 years ago, laptops still see a significant performance and expandability gap from desktops (slower performance due to heat conscious processors, smaller and slower hard drives, and its hard for HD drive technology to fit an apple laptop). I vote give us a new mid-range tower now until technology catches up!
Believe it or not, I see this easily happening. As laptop technology starts to catch up to the expansion and capability of desktops, there will begin to be less and less of a need for desktop computing. I don't think this will happen anytime extremely soon, but eventually a laptop will be able to do everything a desktop can do, so you might as well go with a laptop. This includes processor speed, HDD, and disc drives. Maybe I'm thinking to far out, but it is a thought.
On the other hand, right here and now, we are nowhere near that place. Although a lot closer than we were 5-10 years ago, laptops still see a significant performance and expandability gap from desktops (slower performance due to heat conscious processors, smaller and slower hard drives, and its hard for HD drive technology to fit an apple laptop). I vote give us a new mid-range tower now until technology catches up!
Maybe some company (hopefully Apple) will produce a computer that's half way between a laptop and a desktop: a portable like one of the old portables of the '80's - but about the size of an attache case with a separate monitor in the top half. You could carry it around the house from room to room.
Naw, it would be too heavy to travel with. However, I would never be satisfied with a laptop size monitor. I have two 22" monitors on my desk and am thinking of adding another. I guess a laptop and a docking station would be the way to go.
Maybe some company (hopefully Apple) will produce a computer that's half way between a laptop and a desktop: a portable like one of the old portables of the '80's - but about the size of an attache case with a separate monitor in the top half. You could carry it around the house from room to room.
Naw, it would be too heavy to travel with. However, I would never be satisfied with a laptop size monitor. I have two 22" monitors on my desk and am thinking of adding another. I guess a laptop and a docking station would be the way to go.
Ha ha!
I guess I am thinking of a future where monitors are all around us (maybe processors too!), we just carry a portable storage side with us and hook up everywhere we go. That is really far out ahead of us, but there are baby steps along the way. In this step, we start seeing a lot more laptops and less desktops because we want to take everything with us!
Talk about Minority Report!!
. . . eventually a laptop will be able to do everything a desktop can do, so you might as well go with a laptop. This includes processor speed, HDD, and disc drives.
For me, and I'm sure some others, the laptop is not acceptable unless I need a portable computer.
1) I dislike the laptop keyboard. It is awkward to use, and I have difficulty typing on it. I've had to use a laptop often enough to become accustom to it, so it's not something I would eventually get used to, much less like. I hate it.
2) I dislike the track-pad too. When I use it I can't wait to get back to a mouse.
3) The laptop display is too small. I much prefer a 19 to 24 inch display.
4) I've heard the argument that I can use an external monitor, keyboard and mouse with a laptop, but that would be a makeshift mess on my desk. If I need a laptop on occasions, I'll keep it separate and synchronized with my desktop.
So far, my exposure to a laptop has been in running a sound board for musical and multimedia performances. We have a Mac Book for this, by the way. I much prefer being on stage playing drums or singing, than using the laptop, and I don't like the spotlight.
Ha ha!
I guess I am thinking of a future where monitors are all around us (maybe processors too!), we just carry a portable storage side with us and hook up everywhere we go. That is really far out ahead of us, but there are baby steps along the way. In this step, we start seeing a lot more laptops and less desktops because we want to take everything with us!
Talk about Minority Report!!
we can have things like that now useing the Hyper Transport bus. Intel FSB is too old of things like that.
For me, and I'm sure some others, the laptop is not acceptable unless I need a portable computer.
1) I dislike the laptop keyboard. It is awkward to use, and I have difficulty typing on it. I've had to use a laptop often enough to become accustom to it, so it's not something I would eventually get used to, much less like. I hate it.
2) I dislike the track-pad too. When I use it I can't wait to get back to a mouse.
3) The laptop display is too small. I much prefer a 19 to 24 inch display.
4) I've heard the argument that I can use an external monitor, keyboard and mouse with a laptop, but that would be a makeshift mess on my desk. If I need a laptop on occasions, I'll keep it separate and synchronized with my desktop.
So far, my exposure to a laptop has been in running a sound board for musical and multimedia performances. We have a Mac Book for this, by the way. I much prefer being on stage playing drums or singing, than using the laptop, and I don't like the spotlight.
In general, I was speaking about a future where there are large monitors, mice, and keyboards you hook up to wherever you want (in the mall, on the subway, at a friends house, etc.).
For something like today, I agree with you. I prefer a desktop over a laptop as well. However, my point is that sometime in the distant future, hopefully desktops will not have any technological advantage over portables other than the things you mentioned.
Who knows, by then we may be using touch sensitive displays instead of a keyboard and mouse!
In general, I was speaking about a future where there are large monitors, mice, and keyboards you hook up to wherever you want (in the mall, on the subway, at a friends house, etc.).
For something like today, I agree with you. I prefer a desktop over a laptop as well. However, my point is that sometime in the distant future, hopefully desktops will not have any technological advantage over portables other than the things you mentioned.
Who knows, by then we may be using touch sensitive displays instead of a keyboard and mouse!
It will a long time before laptops are as easy to open up and put new parts in as a desktop is also space / heat and battery life will keep super high end parts from be a good choice for a laptop.
we can have things like that now useing the Hyper Transport bus. Intel FSB is too old of things like that.
Hypertransport is not that special.
Besides, Intel has their own version coming out next year.