1. Grow the system to include a 3.5" hard drive. This is the Mini's main weakness. It takes a good idea and makes it very weak against other entry level machines. Come on, even at 8x8x3, it's going to be so much smaller than anything else, it isn't even funny.
2. Throw in the keyboard and mouse. Like going completely overboard on size, Apple completely misjudged this. Yes, people want to bring their own display. Not they do not want to buy another keyboard and mouse set. In fact, most people at this price point aren't to picky about the combo they get. Bundle Macally's combo if you have to, just give them something.
Some applications will get a big speed boost going from dual core to quad core, but most will not. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Buy a computer when you need one.
I will do I've been waiting on the quad cores to show up in the iMacs though, it will likely be for Logic which STILL hasn't upped its use of cores past 2 and theres no telling when, if ever, it will, but i guess following sods law I could just buy and Apple will immediately put out a quad iMac no matter the time!
If I were to buy the processor (it's the T7200) on eBay and sell the one already in the mini, the upgrade will end up just costing 40 bucks. It won't give me much but hey, Why not?
I love my mini, and bought it for it's size and price. It just barely fits right under the side of my 15" CRT monitor, which leaves room for other things. If they made it any bigger, I would have had a problem.
Mini's do not break often. They are very reliable, and once people figure this out, sales will go way up.
Now if they discontinue them... I'll have to really re-consider what I'm doing and look at an iMac.
That's be best time to buy really I picked up a Yonah mini (with SuperDrive) for under $500 on closeout at CompUSA for my dad. It was a no braiiner at that point.
They might still have the old base model...I might go back and so how desperate they are to get rid of it...
The one problem that I have with the Mac Mini is that in all the times that I've seen it, its always in use with some fugly off color monitor, keyboard and mouse that doesn't match. Yes, Apple sells the Cinema display which would be killer with the Mini, but I think it would be overkill for that caliber of computer. I say, break up the displays into two categories, consumer and pro. Just like their computers. The consumer displays would be elegant but inexpensive ~$199 for a 17". Now here's the kicker. Have the stand for the consumer display fit perfectly on top of the Mini to integrate the hardware and offer a discount to those buying them in conjunction. The Minis selling with a monitor would come with short connecting cables and would include power for the monitor. Possible idea for those not completely sold on the iMac concept. Just an idea.
Have the stand for the consumer display fit perfectly on top of the Mini to integrate the hardware and offer a discount to those buying them in conjunction. The Minis selling with a monitor would come with short connecting cables and would include power for the monitor. Possible idea for those not completely sold on the iMac concept. Just an idea.
Then when you sell your mini to move up to a Mac Pro you're stuck with a monitor that has a short cable and is useless for that? Defeats the purpose for separate components.
I too would like Apple to offer an inexpensive display option. If Apple's build to order options offered package deals on keyboards and displays with a mini (at a discount) that would be great.
There are lots of nice looking inexpensive displays out there. It's too bad the only ones you've seen attached to a mini looked like junk.
Then when you sell your mini to move up to a Mac Pro you're stuck with a monitor that has a short cable and is useless for that? Defeats the purpose for separate components.
Yes, I should have added, a longer cable would have to be made available at the Apple store for $10 or something... more like $19 knowing apple (iPod cable).... The cable would have to be able to disconnect from the monitor to make this work. Its a very plausible proposition.
Another pain in the butt part of this... Frontrow...
My last 'mini' as a media center attempt failed. I'm tempted to ditch it and drop in a cheap PC for the time being and use that confiscated mini for work.
I had to go through a HUGE pain in the butt to get my Mini up and running on my big screen using VNC to connect to it and change to a supported resolution.
My last 'mini' as a media center attempt failed. I'm tempted to ditch it and drop in a cheap PC for the time being and use that confiscated mini for work.
I had to go through a HUGE pain in the butt to get my Mini up and running on my big screen using VNC to connect to it and change to a supported resolution.
I don't want that problem again.
Are you sure you wouldn't have the same problems with a cheap PC?
At this point I don't consider the Mini to be a good value for a PC Apple or not. Of course there are other ways to justify a PC besides cost. In any event below are some things that would help make the Mini more attractive.
1.
Go to a solid state drive. It doesn't need to be huge as this would be a connected computer. The gain here is coolness and flexibility in form factor. It wouldn't take much to solder 16 or 32 GB to the motherboard for a solid long lasting machine.
2.
A better GPU X3100 isn't to bad, given drivers that fully exploit it, but a bit better would be nice. Along with this there should be hardware support for video decode.
3.
Obviously all the "radio" networking one could possibly want. Maybe even the option of a WiMax plug in card.
4.
No CD/DVD drive is needed but a couple of front facing USB ports would be nice.
5.
There should be provision for an internal expansion drive. Likely 2.5 inch form factor.
6.
Provision for RAM expansion but with the first 2GB soldered in place. I really like the reliability that soldered RAM provides.
7.
It would actually be nice if the motherboard was Eurocard format (3U) to allow one to reuse the hardware industrially.
8.
Likewise I would love to see Apple adopt a mezzanine card standard like are used on VME cards. Even if this only gave us one expansion slot it would be worth it.
9.
Ultra Low POWER design. It would be nice if the base configuration could average below 10 watts. This might very well be doable with an Intel SOC design. Lots of rumors with respect to SOC so maybe this is for Apple.
10.
Maybe a super cap in the power supply to allow the unit to withstand the occasional power line glitch. This in no way should be considered a backup power supply just a little insurance to get you through the short term power glitches and sags.
Er...you mean Intel right? No need to curse IBM any longer...
As for quad vs dual you can compare the Mac Pro against the iMac for the applications you expect to run to determine if its worth waiting past the next speed bump. Mobile penryn is a bit aways...
You know...the cost delta between a 24" iMac and a 24" Mac Pro is only $669. And the Mac Pro will get bumped to Penryn first so you'd be getting a lot more for that $700 than you would today.
So you could get an octo Mac Pro with 30" monitor in January for $1500 up front (to Dell...the 30" HC is nice) and $59 a month (on your Juniper Visa Card with iTunes Rewards!)...
Won't that be cheaper than upgrading your iMac later? <insert evil laugh>
A totally uncalled for post!!! you just want to make me penniless don't you!?
yeah, I ment intel obviously not IBM, musta been asleep that day.
I'm less worried about buying an iMac now that the software update has come out, but I recently got to play on one with Leopard, and "meh" still maybe I was tired that day too they are huge though, however the 30inchers are REALLY big, but need a rez update IMO. still gonna wait on Jans Macworld before parting with cash.
Go to a solid state drive. It doesn't need to be huge as this would be a connected computer. The gain here is coolness and flexibility in form factor. It wouldn't take much to solder 16 or 32 GB to the motherboard for a solid long lasting machine.
seriously? my iTunes alone takes up 30 GB so where do I put my work?
Quote:
Originally Posted by wizard69
2.
A better GPU X3100 isn't to bad, given drivers that fully exploit it, but a bit better would be nice. Along with this there should be hardware support for video decode.
built in Video decode would be great. because of 4 (see below)
Quote:
Originally Posted by wizard69
4.
No CD/DVD drive is needed but a couple of front facing USB ports would be nice.
so how do I rip movies to playback on my Apple TV? where do I put the DVD? why do I need better video decode?
Quote:
Originally Posted by wizard69
5.
There should be provision for an internal expansion drive. Likely 2.5 inch form factor.
So make it smaller via flash memory, but then make it bigger again with big empty space that few would use because "most people don't upgrade"
Quote:
Originally Posted by wizard69
6.
Provision for RAM expansion but with the first 2GB soldered in place. I really like the reliability that soldered RAM provides.
not sure what chipset needs to go in the mini in order to address more than 4GB but it seems like overkill for a low end machine? awesome though if it was possible, but why limit ourselves to 2GB soldered? I think you are kidding yourself about soldered in RAM ever get a dry solder joint? a reall messy bitch to discover and put right I imagine, not good from a servicing point of view either, so thats going against the upgradability you seem to be talking about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wizard69
9.
Ultra Low POWER design. It would be nice if the base configuration could average below 10 watts. This might very well be doable with an Intel SOC design. Lots of rumors with respect to SOC so maybe this is for Apple.
cool but a lack of low power wouldn't stop me buying one
Quote:
Originally Posted by wizard69
10.
Maybe a super cap in the power supply to allow the unit to withstand the occasional power line glitch. This in no way should be considered a backup power supply just a little insurance to get you through the short term power glitches and sags.
Have you got a mini? are you in a dodgy supply area? I've got a mini and because of a local housing development have experienced a lot of power dips (enough to knock off my monitor and TV among other things) and the mini just keeps on going so there must be a fair sized cap in the power supply already, but I agree with your point ALL computer powersuppliers should be able to cope with some minimum standard of interuption, or they can't be sold as fit for purpose.
In my experience though the mini knocks me out in this regard.
Sorry to be negative but I guess it just highlights the different needs of users, and shows how difficult it is to get right a one size fits all computer.
Almost everyone seems to think that a 3.5" drive would be a great addition, would cut costs and make upgrading the HD SO much cheaper.
I'd prefer to take it the other way and make it a little bigger to be useable. The machine you describe would look kinda cool, but it wouldn't be very functional at all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wizard69
Hi Team;
At this point I don't consider the Mini to be a good value for a PC Apple or not. Of course there are other ways to justify a PC besides cost. In any event below are some things that would help make the Mini more attractive.
1.
Go to a solid state drive. It doesn't need to be huge as this would be a connected computer. The gain here is coolness and flexibility in form factor. It wouldn't take much to solder 16 or 32 GB to the motherboard for a solid long lasting machine.
2.
A better GPU X3100 isn't to bad, given drivers that fully exploit it, but a bit better would be nice. Along with this there should be hardware support for video decode.
3.
Obviously all the "radio" networking one could possibly want. Maybe even the option of a WiMax plug in card.
4.
No CD/DVD drive is needed but a couple of front facing USB ports would be nice.
5.
There should be provision for an internal expansion drive. Likely 2.5 inch form factor.
6.
Provision for RAM expansion but with the first 2GB soldered in place. I really like the reliability that soldered RAM provides.
7.
It would actually be nice if the motherboard was Eurocard format (3U) to allow one to reuse the hardware industrially.
8.
Likewise I would love to see Apple adopt a mezzanine card standard like are used on VME cards. Even if this only gave us one expansion slot it would be worth it.
9.
Ultra Low POWER design. It would be nice if the base configuration could average below 10 watts. This might very well be doable with an Intel SOC design. Lots of rumors with respect to SOC so maybe this is for Apple.
10.
Maybe a super cap in the power supply to allow the unit to withstand the occasional power line glitch. This in no way should be considered a backup power supply just a little insurance to get you through the short term power glitches and sags.
Solid state drives that perform properly in PC's are only 64GB, and I think you still need a regular drive for some reason. Which is why I don't think SS is ready for prime time. Especially at that size.
Removing the optical drive would kill it. How does one load their programs? What? Buy a drive just to load software. Big mistake. I'm not even going to address this list. My time is more valuable.
Comments
1. Grow the system to include a 3.5" hard drive. This is the Mini's main weakness. It takes a good idea and makes it very weak against other entry level machines. Come on, even at 8x8x3, it's going to be so much smaller than anything else, it isn't even funny.
2. Throw in the keyboard and mouse. Like going completely overboard on size, Apple completely misjudged this. Yes, people want to bring their own display. Not they do not want to buy another keyboard and mouse set. In fact, most people at this price point aren't to picky about the combo they get. Bundle Macally's combo if you have to, just give them something.
Some applications will get a big speed boost going from dual core to quad core, but most will not. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Buy a computer when you need one.
I will do
I just bought a mini. upgraded it to 2GB's and am soon going to replace the CPU to one of the newer 2.0Ghz ones
I installed Leopard last Sat. and it's screemin' awesome! (and uber fast
I just bought a mini. upgraded it to 2GB's and am soon going to replace the CPU to one of the newer 2.0Ghz ones
I installed Leopard last Sat. and it's screemin' awesome! (and uber fast
So why replace the CPU? What will that get you?
So why replace the CPU? What will that get you?
I've got an Intel 1.83Ghz T5600 in the mini now.
If I were to buy the processor (it's the T7200) on eBay and sell the one already in the mini, the upgrade will end up just costing 40 bucks. It won't give me much but hey, Why not?
Now if they discontinue them... I'll have to really re-consider what I'm doing and look at an iMac.
Mini's do not break often. They are very reliable, and once people figure this out, sales will go way up.
I really really need to buy a mini, but I'll be damned if I will buy one this close to the end of life or prior to a re-tool.
Now if they discontinue them... I'll have to really re-consider what I'm doing and look at an iMac.
I'm in the same fix; however, I'd settle for a mid-tower.
Now if they discontinue them... I'll have to really re-consider what I'm doing and look at an iMac.
That's be best time to buy really
They might still have the old base model...I might go back and so how desperate they are to get rid of it...
Have the stand for the consumer display fit perfectly on top of the Mini to integrate the hardware and offer a discount to those buying them in conjunction. The Minis selling with a monitor would come with short connecting cables and would include power for the monitor. Possible idea for those not completely sold on the iMac concept. Just an idea.
Then when you sell your mini to move up to a Mac Pro you're stuck with a monitor that has a short cable and is useless for that? Defeats the purpose for separate components.
I too would like Apple to offer an inexpensive display option. If Apple's build to order options offered package deals on keyboards and displays with a mini (at a discount) that would be great.
There are lots of nice looking inexpensive displays out there. It's too bad the only ones you've seen attached to a mini looked like junk.
Then when you sell your mini to move up to a Mac Pro you're stuck with a monitor that has a short cable and is useless for that? Defeats the purpose for separate components.
Yes, I should have added, a longer cable would have to be made available at the Apple store for $10 or something... more like $19 knowing apple (iPod cable).... The cable would have to be able to disconnect from the monitor to make this work. Its a very plausible proposition.
My last 'mini' as a media center attempt failed. I'm tempted to ditch it and drop in a cheap PC for the time being and use that confiscated mini for work.
I had to go through a HUGE pain in the butt to get my Mini up and running on my big screen using VNC to connect to it and change to a supported resolution.
I don't want that problem again.
My last 'mini' as a media center attempt failed. I'm tempted to ditch it and drop in a cheap PC for the time being and use that confiscated mini for work.
I had to go through a HUGE pain in the butt to get my Mini up and running on my big screen using VNC to connect to it and change to a supported resolution.
I don't want that problem again.
Are you sure you wouldn't have the same problems with a cheap PC?
At this point I don't consider the Mini to be a good value for a PC Apple or not. Of course there are other ways to justify a PC besides cost. In any event below are some things that would help make the Mini more attractive.
1.
Go to a solid state drive. It doesn't need to be huge as this would be a connected computer. The gain here is coolness and flexibility in form factor. It wouldn't take much to solder 16 or 32 GB to the motherboard for a solid long lasting machine.
2.
A better GPU X3100 isn't to bad, given drivers that fully exploit it, but a bit better would be nice. Along with this there should be hardware support for video decode.
3.
Obviously all the "radio" networking one could possibly want. Maybe even the option of a WiMax plug in card.
4.
No CD/DVD drive is needed but a couple of front facing USB ports would be nice.
5.
There should be provision for an internal expansion drive. Likely 2.5 inch form factor.
6.
Provision for RAM expansion but with the first 2GB soldered in place. I really like the reliability that soldered RAM provides.
7.
It would actually be nice if the motherboard was Eurocard format (3U) to allow one to reuse the hardware industrially.
8.
Likewise I would love to see Apple adopt a mezzanine card standard like are used on VME cards. Even if this only gave us one expansion slot it would be worth it.
9.
Ultra Low POWER design. It would be nice if the base configuration could average below 10 watts. This might very well be doable with an Intel SOC design. Lots of rumors with respect to SOC so maybe this is for Apple.
10.
Maybe a super cap in the power supply to allow the unit to withstand the occasional power line glitch. This in no way should be considered a backup power supply just a little insurance to get you through the short term power glitches and sags.
Dave
Er...you mean Intel right? No need to curse IBM any longer...
As for quad vs dual you can compare the Mac Pro against the iMac for the applications you expect to run to determine if its worth waiting past the next speed bump. Mobile penryn is a bit aways...
You know...the cost delta between a 24" iMac and a 24" Mac Pro is only $669.
So you could get an octo Mac Pro with 30" monitor in January for $1500 up front (to Dell...the 30" HC is nice) and $59 a month (on your Juniper Visa Card with iTunes Rewards!)...
Won't that be cheaper than upgrading your iMac later? <insert evil laugh>
A totally uncalled for post!!! you just want to make me penniless don't you!?
yeah, I ment intel obviously not IBM, musta been asleep that day.
I'm less worried about buying an iMac now that the software update has come out, but I recently got to play on one with Leopard, and "meh" still maybe I was tired that day too
1.
Go to a solid state drive. It doesn't need to be huge as this would be a connected computer. The gain here is coolness and flexibility in form factor. It wouldn't take much to solder 16 or 32 GB to the motherboard for a solid long lasting machine.
seriously? my iTunes alone takes up 30 GB so where do I put my work?
2.
A better GPU X3100 isn't to bad, given drivers that fully exploit it, but a bit better would be nice. Along with this there should be hardware support for video decode.
built in Video decode would be great. because of 4 (see below)
4.
No CD/DVD drive is needed but a couple of front facing USB ports would be nice.
so how do I rip movies to playback on my Apple TV? where do I put the DVD? why do I need better video decode?
5.
There should be provision for an internal expansion drive. Likely 2.5 inch form factor.
So make it smaller via flash memory, but then make it bigger again with big empty space that few would use because "most people don't upgrade"
6.
Provision for RAM expansion but with the first 2GB soldered in place. I really like the reliability that soldered RAM provides.
not sure what chipset needs to go in the mini in order to address more than 4GB but it seems like overkill for a low end machine? awesome though if it was possible, but why limit ourselves to 2GB soldered? I think you are kidding yourself about soldered in RAM ever get a dry solder joint? a reall messy bitch to discover and put right I imagine, not good from a servicing point of view either, so thats going against the upgradability you seem to be talking about.
9.
Ultra Low POWER design. It would be nice if the base configuration could average below 10 watts. This might very well be doable with an Intel SOC design. Lots of rumors with respect to SOC so maybe this is for Apple.
cool but a lack of low power wouldn't stop me buying one
10.
Maybe a super cap in the power supply to allow the unit to withstand the occasional power line glitch. This in no way should be considered a backup power supply just a little insurance to get you through the short term power glitches and sags.
Have you got a mini? are you in a dodgy supply area? I've got a mini and because of a local housing development have experienced a lot of power dips (enough to knock off my monitor and TV among other things) and the mini just keeps on going so there must be a fair sized cap in the power supply already, but I agree with your point ALL computer powersuppliers should be able to cope with some minimum standard of interuption, or they can't be sold as fit for purpose.
In my experience though the mini knocks me out in this regard.
Sorry to be negative but I guess it just highlights the different needs of users, and shows how difficult it is to get right a one size fits all computer.
Almost everyone seems to think that a 3.5" drive would be a great addition, would cut costs and make upgrading the HD SO much cheaper.
Hi Team;
At this point I don't consider the Mini to be a good value for a PC Apple or not. Of course there are other ways to justify a PC besides cost. In any event below are some things that would help make the Mini more attractive.
1.
Go to a solid state drive. It doesn't need to be huge as this would be a connected computer. The gain here is coolness and flexibility in form factor. It wouldn't take much to solder 16 or 32 GB to the motherboard for a solid long lasting machine.
2.
A better GPU X3100 isn't to bad, given drivers that fully exploit it, but a bit better would be nice. Along with this there should be hardware support for video decode.
3.
Obviously all the "radio" networking one could possibly want. Maybe even the option of a WiMax plug in card.
4.
No CD/DVD drive is needed but a couple of front facing USB ports would be nice.
5.
There should be provision for an internal expansion drive. Likely 2.5 inch form factor.
6.
Provision for RAM expansion but with the first 2GB soldered in place. I really like the reliability that soldered RAM provides.
7.
It would actually be nice if the motherboard was Eurocard format (3U) to allow one to reuse the hardware industrially.
8.
Likewise I would love to see Apple adopt a mezzanine card standard like are used on VME cards. Even if this only gave us one expansion slot it would be worth it.
9.
Ultra Low POWER design. It would be nice if the base configuration could average below 10 watts. This might very well be doable with an Intel SOC design. Lots of rumors with respect to SOC so maybe this is for Apple.
10.
Maybe a super cap in the power supply to allow the unit to withstand the occasional power line glitch. This in no way should be considered a backup power supply just a little insurance to get you through the short term power glitches and sags.
Dave
Removing the optical drive would kill it. How does one load their programs? What? Buy a drive just to load software. Big mistake. I'm not even going to address this list. My time is more valuable.