Mac mini reborn at MacWorld?
ThinkSecret is reporting that the Mac mini will be going through a major transformation in January; to be reborn into a digital hub device that will reside in the living room. Kaleidoscope (code name) will sport an Intel processor, an iPod dock and have TiVo-like DVR functionality.
If the device is going to happen, what specs and price points do you think would create the kind of phenomena that we've seen with the iPod? [Remember, everyone said that the iPod was too expensive and a niche device when it first came out; so don't fall into the trap of believing that Kaleidoscope has to have outrageous specifications and be sold at a loss in order to make it.]
I think that the specs and prices will be nearly identical to what is now offered:
$499
cheap processor
512Mb RAM
32Mb Video RAM
40Gb 2.5" hard drive
Combo drive
iPod dock
optional Airport Extreme
modem
$599
slightly better processor
same RAM
same Video RAM
80Gb 2.5" hard drive
Combo drive
iPod dock
Airport Extreme
no modem
$699
same slightly better processor
same RAM
same Video RAM
160Gb 2.5" hard drive (???)
SuperDrive
iPod dock
Airport Extreme
no modem
What do you think?
If the device is going to happen, what specs and price points do you think would create the kind of phenomena that we've seen with the iPod? [Remember, everyone said that the iPod was too expensive and a niche device when it first came out; so don't fall into the trap of believing that Kaleidoscope has to have outrageous specifications and be sold at a loss in order to make it.]
I think that the specs and prices will be nearly identical to what is now offered:
$499
cheap processor
512Mb RAM
32Mb Video RAM
40Gb 2.5" hard drive
Combo drive
iPod dock
optional Airport Extreme
modem
$599
slightly better processor
same RAM
same Video RAM
80Gb 2.5" hard drive
Combo drive
iPod dock
Airport Extreme
no modem
$699
same slightly better processor
same RAM
same Video RAM
160Gb 2.5" hard drive (???)
SuperDrive
iPod dock
Airport Extreme
no modem
What do you think?
Comments
However I doubt the hardware would be capable of the 1080p playback of Blu-Ray movies inside the Mac Mini given its current size. But who knows, if they will be transformed, then maybe they'll be given better hardware, albeit in a larger form factor. A man can dream can't he....
Originally posted by murk
If this doesn't revive Kormac, he's actually dead.
I thought the same myself.
Hope springs eternal,
Mandricard
AppleOutsider
Originally posted by marzetta7
Hmm, very interesting indeed. If this rumor is true, it makes me wonder if Apple plans on releasing a line of displays for the home as well. A 65 inch Apple LCD with at least 1920 X 1080 resolution with 1080p playback would have me sold in the living room coupled with a Tivo-like Mac Mini. It also makes me wonder if Apple is really serious about making a big splash in the living room, if the top end Tivo-like Mac Mini would have a Blu-Ray drive so that we could play high definition movies on our lusted after Apple movie displays....
However I doubt the hardware would be capable of the 1080p playback of Blu-Ray movies inside the Mac Mini given its current size. But who knows, if they will be transformed, then maybe they'll be given better hardware, albeit in a larger form factor. A man can dream can't he....
I just picked up a Westinghouse 37" 1080p monitor last weekend for $1,700. I seriously hope Apple does something affordable for my HD living room because I'll have something that can drive this monitor at 1080p within the next 3 months (only have 1080i from cable now).
Mac media center
1. Utilize Solo and Duo Core Yonah's
2. Make it larger and use 3.5' SATA drives.
3. Add HDMI connections include HDMI-DVI adapter
4. Add a TV Tuner
Micosoft has already announced CableCard support in Windows Vista, which means their Media Center PCs will support it as well.
Originally posted by elron
It seems to me that most people get HD programming from a set-top box through cable or satellite. I don't know anyone that actually receives HD over the air.
Most satellite users receive local HD stations over the air. Some cable operators monkey around with the data rates when they pass local HD stations through, causing (more) artifacting of the image.
Apple marketed to my need to manage my photos, music, home videos, and more, but for the longest ass time it seemed like Jobs was hell bent on denying me the ability to manage my favorite passtime, TV.
I always thought it ironic that Steve said TV was where you went to turn your brain off when you would have to have your brain turned off not to take the money from me and my brain-dead brethren.
I'm such a pessimst at this point I know they will screw it up.
- New, larger form factor more like that of a DVD player
- Lots of jacks on the back
- Built-in cable TV tuner
- Apple remote with tuner buttons
- Full function DVR software
- Built-in Broadcom real time H.264 chip
- Full size 3.5" large capacity HD
- High speed DL DVD burner or Blu-ray
- Built-in Bluetooth and next gen AirPort Extreme 108Mbps
It just occurred to me that if it's to have a built-in iPod dock, it'd be best if it weren't on top. It'd be cool if a dock tray could extend from the front.Originally posted by Gene Clean
Caeser of ArsTechnica doesn't seem to think so.
I think Caesar is right. Forget DVR. Forget TV tuner cards. Forget grandiose plans of any kind!
The original Mac mini started the Mac world looking in the direction of the living room; with enterprising folks taking it further through lots of tinkering.
I believe that the next Mac mini will take a step into the living room, but only one step. Basically, I think that Apple will position the Mac mini as a great little box; which will offer a slightly-enhanced Front Row. It is clear that Apple wants to sell video; and they will make that concept more attractive to the media companies by selling a handy little box that connects to a TV, but without any risk to the media company's profits - or Apple's!!!
We won't see an Apple DVR. Period. We will see a media appliance that can play and stream music and video from iTunes, DVD projects from iDVD, movies straight from iMovie, photos from iPhoto, presentations from Keynote 2, etc. Really, the Mac mini can already do most of that, but it doesn't have Front Row yet. It also could use a form factor shift to fit better into the components in a home theater setup (i.e. pizza boxy).
Apple would NOT start selling shows for $2 on iTunes then create software that allows people to do the same for free. Having a media appliance like I mentioned above still doesn't allow for people to "turn off" their minds. It simply gives people another way to play their stuff -- bought or created -- on a display and audio system.
The choice really isn't Apple's. No DVR is going to equal no buy for many people.
Originally posted by hmurchison
Once you've watched TV through a DVR and reclaimed back %25 of your viewing time you won't want to watch TV without it.
The choice really isn't Apple's. No DVR is going to equal no buy for many people.
Isn't it true that the number of people who currently use them is still exceedingly tiny?
Originally posted by Gene Clean
Caeser of ArsTechnica doesn't seem to think so.
Man, this Caser guy seems to be out to confirm my pessimism, even mentioning my namesake in the article. So I'll try to be a little more positive-
The pros would seem to be-
1. If the content providers aren't signing up for the Applestore to provide video, Apple could just profit off of people wanting to record the shows for free (by buying a mac PVR). At the very least its leverage.
2. Integrating iTunes video with a Mac PVR on scren guide would be a natural way to get customers. Forgot to record show? Just click to buy.
3. Halo effect from video ipod would be much more strong if there was a mac who's main job was to put video on your ipod.
On the negative side I can see Apple screwing it up the following ways-
1. Subscription based TV guide.
2. Not letting you use external hard drives for more storage.
3. DRMing recorded shows.
4. No DVD burning option.
Originally posted by BRussell
Isn't it true that the number of people who currently use them is still exceedingly tiny?
With the CableCos installing new DVR by the thousands daily expect it to change. In fact my installation is happening today for Digital Cable and a HDTV DVR.
If the content providers aren't signing up for the Applestore to provide video, Apple could just profit off of people wanting to record the shows for free (by buying a mac PVR). At the very least its leverage.
Paying for TV shows and DVR recording can be mutually exclusive. Apple shouldn't be attempting to limit choice here IMO. They do so at their own peril.
2. Agree
3. People want more flexibility with their shows. The Halo effect of a killer Apple implementation could be huge.
1. Subscription based TV guide.
2. Not letting you use external hard drives for more storage.
3. DRMing recorded shows.
4. No DVD burning option.
1. .mac offers a bit of infrastructur but FREE as in beer would rock.
2. Please oh please put a FW or eSATA port on everything
3. Likely to happen
4. Wouldn't be surprised. Consumer rights are an afterthought.