Listen to your brain! Gather up some stuff you can do without and get selling on ebay. Cut down on the Latte's for a few weeks, buy cheaper (and less) beer, and in no time you'll be back to normal except with a shiny new iMac. Some things can't be justified or rationalized, they just need to get done.
Exactly, save money on the little things so one can buy the NEXT BIG THING that saves one money.
There are tons of products and services out there designed to suck one dry with monthly costs.
For instance, the iPhone for me doesn't justify it's $80 a month, as my $15 a month phone gets the same AT&T service. I have a MacBook Pro that gets me most of the information that can be had with the iPhone. Since I am within wifi most of the time, with $20 a month broadband, it makes more economic sense.
Of course if I was on the road or lived in a city, then small size of the iPhone and anywhere access to the internet without having to stop at a local coffee shop would be preferred provided I was making money to justify it's use.
The way I calculate it, by not getting a iPhone, I can afford to get a new MacBook Pro and a 12 megapixel camera every two years.
Why should I give my money to AT&T, when I can give it to Apple?
I see so many people who have the iPhone, but no justification for having it. Some have this "I made this mistake and now I got a high bill every month" sort of look on their faces. Some are a victim of their need to remain in super high contact with their friends and family, every little picture, every word etc. Others just want to appear cool or even snobbish.
In cities or on the road the iPhone is almost a must have. But if one is near a wifi all time, it doesn't really make a whole lot of economic sense to me. Perhaps a iPhone without the carrier contract!
Now Mac's save money and a lot of aggravation from Microsoft's incompetence inflicted "Stockholm Syndrome Effect". Mac's are a smart cost saving decision as they are reliable and secure. If someone has a Windows only program, there is either Bootcamp (comes with each Mac) or virtual solutions like VMFusion, Parallels that can run Windows on a Mac. This way one can minimal their internet use of Windows (where the malware mostly comes from) and clean any potentially infected files from others using OS X.
Laptops are better typing with than cell phones and the screens are bigger.
Apple isn't going to stick a Xeon processor in Mac mini. Heck, the processor's heatsink wouldn't even fit inside the mini's case.
Apple is all about "green computing" for the Mac mini: it's a low power computer.
If you're lucky, you might see the new quad-core Core i7 mobile processor (45nm technology) in the Mac mini or iMac, but if you think you're going to see a MacPro CPU in the mini, don't hold your breath.
I was talking a MacBook Pro processor, not one from the pro tower.
Of course if I was on the road or lived in a city, then small size of the iPhone and anywhere access to the internet without having to stop at a local coffee shop would be preferred provided I was making money to justify it's use.
---
I see so many people who have the iPhone, but no justification for having it. Some have this "I made this mistake and now I got a high bill every month" sort of look on their faces. Some are a victim of their need to remain in super high contact with their friends and family, every little picture, every word etc. Others just want to appear cool or even snobbish.
---
In cities or on the road the iPhone is almost a must have. But if one is near a wifi all time, it doesn't really make a whole lot of economic sense to me. Perhaps a iPhone without the carrier contract!
My iPhone is a life saver for living in a new city. GPS helps me get where I need to go and find new and useful stuff around me. Streaming radio keeps me from getting bored at work. Any time I need to know anything I reach in my pocket and in 5 minutes I'm a lot more informed. Does it justify the cost of the service? In my case probably, but it's still to expensive, and I can't wait for it to go to other carriers for competitive pricing.
And here I thought I was safe buying a new mini in June since they were just updated in March. Oh well.... The only thing that would make me wish I had waited is if they add blu-ray.
Maybe they'll add audio to the DisplayPort connector on all of their computers?
It doesn't sound like a hardware update is coming other than maybe a minor speed bump. If Apple chooses to move its iMac line to a Core i5/i7 architecture, I could conceivably see Apple clearing its supplies of older Core 2 Duos by putting them in the mini. Aside from that, my guess would be that Apple discontinued their low end mini and will move the current higher end one into its price point ($799 down to $599) and possibly leave just a single model mini much in the same way they kept a single model of white MacBook.
The audio through DisplayPort was an intriguing idea, but one that would require a refresh to the entire Apple cinema display line for it to make sense and thus far, it doesn't appear that Apple has given any indication if a pending update to those. So it seems unlikely to me that Apple would make such an update to it's computer hardware without concurrently releasing displays that can take advantage of it.
Typically, how long from these notices before an announcement is made? 1 week, 2 weeks?
Typical with Apple = whenever they feel like it. "Typically" the Mac Mini should have been refreshed a year earlier than it was, but we all know how that played out.
It seems like the harder we clamor for an announcement or media event, the more inclined Apple is to hold off, just to keep us palpitating, and of course this gives them free buzz. Even CNN will start talking about it before long. So, maybe if we stop publicly speculating on an hourly basis, maybe Apple will make the announcement in fear of losing the attention.
If only we could exhibit such self-control, but no, won't happen.
Personally, if Apple told their direct channels that supply should resume in about 2 weeks, then a good guess that something may have developed by then, but who the hell knows.
Give the Mac Mini an HDMI port and I would be in complete heaven! I just could never get that overscan issue all figured out. My 1.66ghz Mini needs replacing as it's not coping with the advances in HD technology
Exactly, save money on the little things so one can buy the NEXT BIG THING that saves one money.
There are tons of products and services out there designed to suck one dry with monthly costs.
For instance, the iPhone for me doesn't justify it's $80 a month, as my $15 a month phone gets the same AT&T service. I have a MacBook Pro that gets me most of the information that can be had with the iPhone. Since I am within wifi most of the time, with $20 a month broadband, it makes more economic sense.
Of course if I was on the road or lived in a city, then small size of the iPhone and anywhere access to the internet without having to stop at a local coffee shop would be preferred provided I was making money to justify it's use.
The way I calculate it, by not getting a iPhone, I can afford to get a new MacBook Pro and a 12 megapixel camera every two years.
Why should I give my money to AT&T, when I can give it to Apple?
I see so many people who have the iPhone, but no justification for having it. Some have this "I made this mistake and now I got a high bill every month" sort of look on their faces. Some are a victim of their need to remain in super high contact with their friends and family, every little picture, every word etc. Others just want to appear cool or even snobbish.
In cities or on the road the iPhone is almost a must have. But if one is near a wifi all time, it doesn't really make a whole lot of economic sense to me. Perhaps a iPhone without the carrier contract!
Now Mac's save money and a lot of aggravation from Microsoft's incompetence inflicted "Stockholm Syndrome Effect". Mac's are a smart cost saving decision as they are reliable and secure. If someone has a Windows only program, there is either Bootcamp (comes with each Mac) or virtual solutions like VMFusion, Parallels that can run Windows on a Mac. This way one can minimal their internet use of Windows (where the malware mostly comes from) and clean any potentially infected files from others using OS X.
Laptops are better typing with than cell phones and the screens are bigger.
Not to hijack this discussion, but the points made about the iPhine being a money suck need some rebuttal.
I use my iPhone as a stand-in for multiple other specialized devices that would cost extra:
B.iCycle ? a GPS cycling computer that emails my routes to me for upload to Google Earth. a standalone hardware device with wifi would be hundreds of dollars.
Cleartune ? a guitar tuner with all the bells and whistles of any high-end hardware guitar tuner I've ever seen and then some. It would cost at least $100 to buy an equivalent hardware box.
Airfoil Speakers ? Simulates the Airtunes functionality of an Airport Express (of course it requires the purchase of Airfoil to be useful, but if you use AirTunes and read AppleInsider you probably already own the Application).
MPR Radio ? I live in Minnesota and most of the radio I listen to (News & Alternative Music) is broadcast by Minnesota Public Radio. I get this fine over 3G or even Edge service. It's basically an FM radio as far as I'm concerned. Granted they are cheap as hell, but its one less thing to carry around.
Remote: I drive most of my media in the living room with this App. I have a Mini & AppleTV attached to my home theater system. I'm not sure if there is a proprietary remote system that can control these devices produced by a 3rd party but it definitely eliminates the need for a fancy high-end Harmony remote (even though I do keep a low end Harmony around to control the TV and actual Receiver settings).
Not to mention all of the above Apps are updated regularly which is more than I can say for most standalone boxes.
Exactly, save money on the little things so one can buy the NEXT BIG THING that saves one money.
There are tons of products and services out there designed to suck one dry with monthly costs.
For instance, the iPhone for me doesn't justify it's $80 a month, as my $15 a month phone gets the same AT&T service. I have a MacBook Pro that gets me most of the information that can be had with the iPhone. Since I am within wifi most of the time, with $20 a month broadband, it makes more economic sense.
Of course if I was on the road or lived in a city, then small size of the iPhone and anywhere access to the internet without having to stop at a local coffee shop would be preferred provided I was making money to justify it's use.
The way I calculate it, by not getting a iPhone, I can afford to get a new MacBook Pro and a 12 megapixel camera every two years.
Why should I give my money to AT&T, when I can give it to Apple?
I see so many people who have the iPhone, but no justification for having it. Some have this "I made this mistake and now I got a high bill every month" sort of look on their faces. Some are a victim of their need to remain in super high contact with their friends and family, every little picture, every word etc. Others just want to appear cool or even snobbish.
In cities or on the road the iPhone is almost a must have. But if one is near a wifi all time, it doesn't really make a whole lot of economic sense to me. Perhaps a iPhone without the carrier contract!
Now Mac's save money and a lot of aggravation from Microsoft's incompetence inflicted "Stockholm Syndrome Effect". Mac's are a smart cost saving decision as they are reliable and secure. If someone has a Windows only program, there is either Bootcamp (comes with each Mac) or virtual solutions like VMFusion, Parallels that can run Windows on a Mac. This way one can minimal their internet use of Windows (where the malware mostly comes from) and clean any potentially infected files from others using OS X.
Laptops are better typing with than cell phones and the screens are bigger.
You sound like you're trying to convince yourself.
The Mini was "just" updated in March after such a long time of stagnation.
I'd be very curious if this was a speedbump or an architectural change. The former would be fun (and make me feel less bad about buying a March 09 Mini). The latter would make my jaw drop.
Looking at my Centris 650, the PowerMac G3 (B&W), and now my March 09 Mini I can second that.
However I would hope they update the AppleTV. The Mini is ok for 6 more months, but the AppleTV is really in a need for an update.
Give the Mac Mini an HDMI port and I would be in complete heaven! I just could never get that overscan issue all figured out. My 1.66ghz Mini needs replacing as it's not coping with the advances in HD technology
Give the MacMini HDMI with blu-ray optional and kill the environmentally unfriendly, bastard step-child of Apple,
Agreed. Though the glossy screen on my iMac (late '07 24") hasn't been a problem, I prefer the matte screen of the 20" Cinema display I have hooked up as a 2nd monitor. While they're at it, make a matte version of the 24" LED Cinema display as well.
But that would take away their glass component which enables a higher environmental rating by the super efficient biodegradability of glass as added to the total mass of the product manufactured. Take the sheet of glass away and they become less "green" friendly.
Give the MacMini HDMI with blu-ray optional and kill the environmentally unfriendly, bastard step-child of Apple,
that iTunes Digital Jukebox, the AppleTV.
Second that. Put the AppleTV FrontRow features in the FrontRow app the rest of the line uses.
The Mac mini is really the platform to use for an HTPC platform if an Apple product is going to be used. iTunes home sharing makes syncing and using content between a home-office system and an HTPC easy. Open up FrontRow so that plug-ins for the likes of MythTV, eyeTV, etc. can easily be added and you've got full DVR going on. My Mac mini died a couple months ago and I've been waiting for something to happen in the mini/AppleTV space before re-committing.
250GB HDD with 2GB RAM should be the smallest configuration, and from now on for US$499.00 (the first sub 500 in Apple line!!!).
4GB with a new 500/640GB HDD should be the biggest for US$599 or US$649, up to 8GB and 2.66 to 3.0 GHZ CPU should be fine also.
If Apple really wants get a lot (a lot not someones) of unsastified Windows Vista customers, iWork should be included at no charge for the Mac Mini, this way this entry level will be unbeatable and PLEASE, includes a HDMI with audio and video output, this will never compete with Apple TV, because its price is around half of the minis!
It doesn't sound like a hardware update is coming other than maybe a minor speed bump. If Apple chooses to move its iMac line to a Core i5/i7 architecture, I could conceivably see Apple clearing its supplies of older Core 2 Duos by putting them in the mini. Aside from that, my guess would be that Apple discontinued their low end mini and will move the current higher end one into its price point ($799 down to $599) and possibly leave just a single model mini much in the same way they kept a single model of white MacBook.
The audio through DisplayPort was an intriguing idea, but one that would require a refresh to the entire Apple cinema display line for it to make sense and thus far, it doesn't appear that Apple has given any indication if a pending update to those. So it seems unlikely to me that Apple would make such an update to it's computer hardware without concurrently releasing displays that can take advantage of it.
It would be easy enough to offer one model but with some upgrade options allowing for a more powerful configuration. I would guess the entry configuration being a 2.26Ghz processor, the 320G hard drive and 2gigs of RAM. Offer the 2.53Ghz processor as an upgrade, maybe 500G hard drive and of course 4gigs of RAM.
Of course it would be easy enough for Apple to offer a second configuration boasting the 2.53, and the 4gigs of RAM. I can only imagine that going from my current set-up to the upgraded mini would mean a massive performance boost. 1.83 to 2.53, better GPU and loads more RAM. I have to believe that such a machine would be so capable most would find it capable enough.
If matte does become an option, unfortunately it'll probably come at an additional $100 pricetag. Ka-ching! Kind of gives a whole new meaning to a 'greener' Apple.
Keeping them crossed that the mini gets a little optional Blu-Ray loving and a some cpu bumps.
The Mini won't be getting Blu-Ray, so you can uncross your fingers now.
If it appears it will either be in the likes of a high-end iMac, or it will be a BTO option (likely sold with a frown-inducing markup) on professional product lines and perhaps the iMac as well.
Comments
Listen to your brain! Gather up some stuff you can do without and get selling on ebay. Cut down on the Latte's for a few weeks, buy cheaper (and less) beer, and in no time you'll be back to normal except with a shiny new iMac. Some things can't be justified or rationalized, they just need to get done.
Exactly, save money on the little things so one can buy the NEXT BIG THING that saves one money.
There are tons of products and services out there designed to suck one dry with monthly costs.
For instance, the iPhone for me doesn't justify it's $80 a month, as my $15 a month phone gets the same AT&T service. I have a MacBook Pro that gets me most of the information that can be had with the iPhone. Since I am within wifi most of the time, with $20 a month broadband, it makes more economic sense.
Of course if I was on the road or lived in a city, then small size of the iPhone and anywhere access to the internet without having to stop at a local coffee shop would be preferred provided I was making money to justify it's use.
The way I calculate it, by not getting a iPhone, I can afford to get a new MacBook Pro and a 12 megapixel camera every two years.
Why should I give my money to AT&T, when I can give it to Apple?
I see so many people who have the iPhone, but no justification for having it. Some have this "I made this mistake and now I got a high bill every month" sort of look on their faces. Some are a victim of their need to remain in super high contact with their friends and family, every little picture, every word etc. Others just want to appear cool or even snobbish.
In cities or on the road the iPhone is almost a must have. But if one is near a wifi all time, it doesn't really make a whole lot of economic sense to me. Perhaps a iPhone without the carrier contract!
Now Mac's save money and a lot of aggravation from Microsoft's incompetence inflicted "Stockholm Syndrome Effect". Mac's are a smart cost saving decision as they are reliable and secure. If someone has a Windows only program, there is either Bootcamp (comes with each Mac) or virtual solutions like VMFusion, Parallels that can run Windows on a Mac. This way one can minimal their internet use of Windows (where the malware mostly comes from) and clean any potentially infected files from others using OS X.
Laptops are better typing with than cell phones and the screens are bigger.
Apple isn't going to stick a Xeon processor in Mac mini. Heck, the processor's heatsink wouldn't even fit inside the mini's case.
Apple is all about "green computing" for the Mac mini: it's a low power computer.
If you're lucky, you might see the new quad-core Core i7 mobile processor (45nm technology) in the Mac mini or iMac, but if you think you're going to see a MacPro CPU in the mini, don't hold your breath.
I was talking a MacBook Pro processor, not one from the pro tower.
Of course if I was on the road or lived in a city, then small size of the iPhone and anywhere access to the internet without having to stop at a local coffee shop would be preferred provided I was making money to justify it's use.
---
I see so many people who have the iPhone, but no justification for having it. Some have this "I made this mistake and now I got a high bill every month" sort of look on their faces. Some are a victim of their need to remain in super high contact with their friends and family, every little picture, every word etc. Others just want to appear cool or even snobbish.
---
In cities or on the road the iPhone is almost a must have. But if one is near a wifi all time, it doesn't really make a whole lot of economic sense to me. Perhaps a iPhone without the carrier contract!
My iPhone is a life saver for living in a new city. GPS helps me get where I need to go and find new and useful stuff around me. Streaming radio keeps me from getting bored at work. Any time I need to know anything I reach in my pocket and in 5 minutes I'm a lot more informed. Does it justify the cost of the service? In my case probably, but it's still to expensive, and I can't wait for it to go to other carriers for competitive pricing.
And here I thought I was safe buying a new mini in June since they were just updated in March. Oh well.... The only thing that would make me wish I had waited is if they add blu-ray.
Maybe they'll add audio to the DisplayPort connector on all of their computers?
It doesn't sound like a hardware update is coming other than maybe a minor speed bump. If Apple chooses to move its iMac line to a Core i5/i7 architecture, I could conceivably see Apple clearing its supplies of older Core 2 Duos by putting them in the mini. Aside from that, my guess would be that Apple discontinued their low end mini and will move the current higher end one into its price point ($799 down to $599) and possibly leave just a single model mini much in the same way they kept a single model of white MacBook.
The audio through DisplayPort was an intriguing idea, but one that would require a refresh to the entire Apple cinema display line for it to make sense and thus far, it doesn't appear that Apple has given any indication if a pending update to those. So it seems unlikely to me that Apple would make such an update to it's computer hardware without concurrently releasing displays that can take advantage of it.
Typically, how long from these notices before an announcement is made? 1 week, 2 weeks?
Typical with Apple = whenever they feel like it. "Typically" the Mac Mini should have been refreshed a year earlier than it was, but we all know how that played out.
It seems like the harder we clamor for an announcement or media event, the more inclined Apple is to hold off, just to keep us palpitating, and of course this gives them free buzz. Even CNN will start talking about it before long. So, maybe if we stop publicly speculating on an hourly basis, maybe Apple will make the announcement in fear of losing the attention.
If only we could exhibit such self-control, but no, won't happen.
Personally, if Apple told their direct channels that supply should resume in about 2 weeks, then a good guess that something may have developed by then, but who the hell knows.
Exactly, save money on the little things so one can buy the NEXT BIG THING that saves one money.
There are tons of products and services out there designed to suck one dry with monthly costs.
For instance, the iPhone for me doesn't justify it's $80 a month, as my $15 a month phone gets the same AT&T service. I have a MacBook Pro that gets me most of the information that can be had with the iPhone. Since I am within wifi most of the time, with $20 a month broadband, it makes more economic sense.
Of course if I was on the road or lived in a city, then small size of the iPhone and anywhere access to the internet without having to stop at a local coffee shop would be preferred provided I was making money to justify it's use.
The way I calculate it, by not getting a iPhone, I can afford to get a new MacBook Pro and a 12 megapixel camera every two years.
Why should I give my money to AT&T, when I can give it to Apple?
I see so many people who have the iPhone, but no justification for having it. Some have this "I made this mistake and now I got a high bill every month" sort of look on their faces. Some are a victim of their need to remain in super high contact with their friends and family, every little picture, every word etc. Others just want to appear cool or even snobbish.
In cities or on the road the iPhone is almost a must have. But if one is near a wifi all time, it doesn't really make a whole lot of economic sense to me. Perhaps a iPhone without the carrier contract!
Now Mac's save money and a lot of aggravation from Microsoft's incompetence inflicted "Stockholm Syndrome Effect". Mac's are a smart cost saving decision as they are reliable and secure. If someone has a Windows only program, there is either Bootcamp (comes with each Mac) or virtual solutions like VMFusion, Parallels that can run Windows on a Mac. This way one can minimal their internet use of Windows (where the malware mostly comes from) and clean any potentially infected files from others using OS X.
Laptops are better typing with than cell phones and the screens are bigger.
Not to hijack this discussion, but the points made about the iPhine being a money suck need some rebuttal.
I use my iPhone as a stand-in for multiple other specialized devices that would cost extra:
B.iCycle ? a GPS cycling computer that emails my routes to me for upload to Google Earth. a standalone hardware device with wifi would be hundreds of dollars.
Cleartune ? a guitar tuner with all the bells and whistles of any high-end hardware guitar tuner I've ever seen and then some. It would cost at least $100 to buy an equivalent hardware box.
Airfoil Speakers ? Simulates the Airtunes functionality of an Airport Express (of course it requires the purchase of Airfoil to be useful, but if you use AirTunes and read AppleInsider you probably already own the Application).
MPR Radio ? I live in Minnesota and most of the radio I listen to (News & Alternative Music) is broadcast by Minnesota Public Radio. I get this fine over 3G or even Edge service. It's basically an FM radio as far as I'm concerned. Granted they are cheap as hell, but its one less thing to carry around.
Remote: I drive most of my media in the living room with this App. I have a Mini & AppleTV attached to my home theater system. I'm not sure if there is a proprietary remote system that can control these devices produced by a 3rd party but it definitely eliminates the need for a fancy high-end Harmony remote (even though I do keep a low end Harmony around to control the TV and actual Receiver settings).
Not to mention all of the above Apps are updated regularly which is more than I can say for most standalone boxes.
Okay, I'm done defending my iPhone bill.
Let's talk about new Minis now!
Exactly, save money on the little things so one can buy the NEXT BIG THING that saves one money.
There are tons of products and services out there designed to suck one dry with monthly costs.
For instance, the iPhone for me doesn't justify it's $80 a month, as my $15 a month phone gets the same AT&T service. I have a MacBook Pro that gets me most of the information that can be had with the iPhone. Since I am within wifi most of the time, with $20 a month broadband, it makes more economic sense.
Of course if I was on the road or lived in a city, then small size of the iPhone and anywhere access to the internet without having to stop at a local coffee shop would be preferred provided I was making money to justify it's use.
The way I calculate it, by not getting a iPhone, I can afford to get a new MacBook Pro and a 12 megapixel camera every two years.
Why should I give my money to AT&T, when I can give it to Apple?
I see so many people who have the iPhone, but no justification for having it. Some have this "I made this mistake and now I got a high bill every month" sort of look on their faces. Some are a victim of their need to remain in super high contact with their friends and family, every little picture, every word etc. Others just want to appear cool or even snobbish.
In cities or on the road the iPhone is almost a must have. But if one is near a wifi all time, it doesn't really make a whole lot of economic sense to me. Perhaps a iPhone without the carrier contract!
Now Mac's save money and a lot of aggravation from Microsoft's incompetence inflicted "Stockholm Syndrome Effect". Mac's are a smart cost saving decision as they are reliable and secure. If someone has a Windows only program, there is either Bootcamp (comes with each Mac) or virtual solutions like VMFusion, Parallels that can run Windows on a Mac. This way one can minimal their internet use of Windows (where the malware mostly comes from) and clean any potentially infected files from others using OS X.
Laptops are better typing with than cell phones and the screens are bigger.
You sound like you're trying to convince yourself.
The Mini was "just" updated in March after such a long time of stagnation.
I'd be very curious if this was a speedbump or an architectural change. The former would be fun (and make me feel less bad about buying a March 09 Mini). The latter would make my jaw drop.
Looking at my Centris 650, the PowerMac G3 (B&W), and now my March 09 Mini I can second that.
However I would hope they update the AppleTV. The Mini is ok for 6 more months, but the AppleTV is really in a need for an update.
Typical refresh signs. Can't wait to see what they have up their sleeves.
More than a iMac refresh, this is a total makover, baby!!
Give the Mac Mini an HDMI port and I would be in complete heaven! I just could never get that overscan issue all figured out. My 1.66ghz Mini needs replacing as it's not coping with the advances in HD technology
Give the MacMini HDMI with blu-ray optional and kill the environmentally unfriendly, bastard step-child of Apple,
that iTunes Digital Jukebox, the AppleTV.
Agreed. Though the glossy screen on my iMac (late '07 24") hasn't been a problem, I prefer the matte screen of the 20" Cinema display I have hooked up as a 2nd monitor. While they're at it, make a matte version of the 24" LED Cinema display as well.
But that would take away their glass component which enables a higher environmental rating by the super efficient biodegradability of glass as added to the total mass of the product manufactured. Take the sheet of glass away and they become less "green" friendly.
Give the MacMini HDMI with blu-ray optional and kill the environmentally unfriendly, bastard step-child of Apple,
that iTunes Digital Jukebox, the AppleTV.
Second that. Put the AppleTV FrontRow features in the FrontRow app the rest of the line uses.
The Mac mini is really the platform to use for an HTPC platform if an Apple product is going to be used. iTunes home sharing makes syncing and using content between a home-office system and an HTPC easy. Open up FrontRow so that plug-ins for the likes of MythTV, eyeTV, etc. can easily be added and you've got full DVR going on. My Mac mini died a couple months ago and I've been waiting for something to happen in the mini/AppleTV space before re-committing.
4GB with a new 500/640GB HDD should be the biggest for US$599 or US$649, up to 8GB and 2.66 to 3.0 GHZ CPU should be fine also.
If Apple really wants get a lot (a lot not someones) of unsastified Windows Vista customers, iWork should be included at no charge for the Mac Mini, this way this entry level will be unbeatable and PLEASE, includes a HDMI with audio and video output, this will never compete with Apple TV, because its price is around half of the minis!
It doesn't sound like a hardware update is coming other than maybe a minor speed bump. If Apple chooses to move its iMac line to a Core i5/i7 architecture, I could conceivably see Apple clearing its supplies of older Core 2 Duos by putting them in the mini. Aside from that, my guess would be that Apple discontinued their low end mini and will move the current higher end one into its price point ($799 down to $599) and possibly leave just a single model mini much in the same way they kept a single model of white MacBook.
The audio through DisplayPort was an intriguing idea, but one that would require a refresh to the entire Apple cinema display line for it to make sense and thus far, it doesn't appear that Apple has given any indication if a pending update to those. So it seems unlikely to me that Apple would make such an update to it's computer hardware without concurrently releasing displays that can take advantage of it.
It would be easy enough to offer one model but with some upgrade options allowing for a more powerful configuration. I would guess the entry configuration being a 2.26Ghz processor, the 320G hard drive and 2gigs of RAM. Offer the 2.53Ghz processor as an upgrade, maybe 500G hard drive and of course 4gigs of RAM.
Of course it would be easy enough for Apple to offer a second configuration boasting the 2.53, and the 4gigs of RAM. I can only imagine that going from my current set-up to the upgraded mini would mean a massive performance boost. 1.83 to 2.53, better GPU and loads more RAM. I have to believe that such a machine would be so capable most would find it capable enough.
Matte options PLEASE dear Apple!
If matte does become an option, unfortunately it'll probably come at an additional $100 pricetag. Ka-ching! Kind of gives a whole new meaning to a 'greener' Apple.
Does anyone have any info on how many units Apple usually needs at launch?
Also, what do the production lines in China typically produce per day?
Given the inventory warning today, it should be a simple matter of math to work out when the new iMacs will be unveiled.
Keeping them crossed that the mini gets a little optional Blu-Ray loving and a some cpu bumps.
The Mini won't be getting Blu-Ray, so you can uncross your fingers now.
If it appears it will either be in the likes of a high-end iMac, or it will be a BTO option (likely sold with a frown-inducing markup) on professional product lines and perhaps the iMac as well.