As the Mac turns: MacBook Air delayed, Mac Mini coming soon?

Those who ordered a new MacBook Air with the regular hard drive might have to wait longer than expected for their new purchase to arrive.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET News)

Apple customers awaiting their new MacBook Airs may have to wait a little longer than they had thought, but potential Mac Mini customers should sit tight.

That seems to the state of the Mac this Wednesday, according to AppleInsider. The site notes that customers who ordered the new MacBook Airs with the 120GB hard drive option are receiving notices from Apple apologizing for a shipping delay.

The systems were expected to go out this week, but now won't go out until the end of November. Those who ordered the more expensive solid-state drive option have already started getting their new systems, which were updated as part of Apple's October notebook event.

But Mac customers hoping to see a new Mac Mini should be pleased to hear the story told by one AppleInsider reader, who reports hearing back directly from an Apple representative after e-mailing hardware honcho Bob Mansfield a plea to save the Mini. The fate of the Mac Mini has been up in the air a bit as we close out 2008, given the length of time since the last update, reports from Europe that retailers aren't getting further shipments of the current model, and Apple's statement that it won't be releasing new Macs before the end of the year. Macworld in January now seems a likely bet.

[bob1xxxx]

Uh who really cares , can anyone really afford a mac book air?

[lkrupp]

"can anyone really afford a mac book air?"

Absolutely. There are lots of people who actually work for a living, appreciate excellence of design, function, performance, and are perfectly willing to pay a premium for a superior product. Same goes for automobiles, home theatre, motorcycles, you name it.

Was there a point you wanted to make?

[goodspeed8701]

They might just set a record of selling 2 mac book air in 3 quaters. Like they set a record of getting into 8% market share in the US for more than 20years. "Get a mac" help them get another 1%. lol

[lkrupp]

What does market share have to do with quality? There are more cockroaches on the earth than humans. Does that make them better than humans? Windows fanboys (the cockroaches) always make laugh when they go on about how market share means "better". It's really the only argument they have since they can't win on quality, excellence of design, security, performance, features. Try telling an audiophile that the cheap Sony you bought at Best Buy is better than his McIntosh amp (pun actually intended) because Sony sells more of them.

[goodspeed8701]

No one is picking between cockroaches. But its a choice people have to take. When you speak of quality how is it better than HP, DELL, ASUS when you talk about design can you compare it to samsung. Well people who buy Big cars most of them dont use it. they use keep it in a show room and say look i got this its one of my collections. Apple sux. I hate them since i saw their misleading get a mac ads. i know much bout computers and i can detect all the lies.

[jaybarrow]

I wholeheartedly agree with you, lkrupp. As an audiophile myself I wouldn't run out and buy something because it's a bestseller, whether it's a computer or a novel. I grew up with PC's and just couldn't take the crashes anymore so I switched. Couldn't be happier. Of course I use mine mostly for work instead of gaming. You know, because I have an actual job. Check out goodspeed's post history: one of the bigger Mac bashers on these boards. Probably never even used one long enough and is probably overcompensating for something. Sorry, just stating the obvious.

[Ipopngraphics]

I have this picture in my mind... of "Joe's Apartment" (great movie!)... and in the middle of the room sits goodspeed and alex, glued to their joysticks, and the cockroaches are singing in the toilet....

@jaybarrow: you think goodspeed is the biggest basher? check out alex alexzander... he not only bashes, he pretends he's important.

[GarCorp]

I'm persistently curious why Admitted Apple haters, waste their time posting on these boards. I don't go on windows boards and rant. I don't have the time to waste. goodspeed8701, applesux and the ilk need a more rounded life, or maybe date or two.

Do you just like to hear yourself talk/type? You're not giving any pertinent information by ragging. And I for one, don't care if you think Apple sux. You won't convince me of anything with trash talk.

bla bla bla bla bla

[kelmon]

Roll on MacWorld 09! It makes a lot of sense that Apple is holding back on releasing updates to the iMac and Mac Mini so that they have something to demonstrate in the consumer-orientated show in January. Hopefully this will also see updates to iWork.

[aMUSICsite]

I'll be in line for one of the new Mini's, hoping they will still come with firewire!!!

[ddesy]

If Apple releases a new Mac mini with Firewire, I may just be putting one into my entertainment center...

[tipoo_]

they will probably release a new Mac Pro soon with Core i7 and DDR3.

[haub123]

I just got a macbook pro, and I couldn't be happier. I had to put windows on it (for school) and they both run great side by side. While both have their pros and cons, you cant deny that Apple has better design most of the time. And for the new mac mini, if it has Blu -ran (which I don't think it will) but if it does, it will be in my living room hooked up to my TV.

[capo689]

I have had a Mac Mini hooked up to my flat sceen TV for a couple of years now with a 1TB External. It runs all my Itunes for the house wirelessly and lets me watch VEOH and other downloads on the Big Screen. WAY better than just having Apple TV, but with all those features too. Bought my Refurb with 2 GB memory for $600. I have 6 apples and it has been the most reliable because I don't abuse it with big apps. Anyhow, this computer should stay in Apples line up, great machine, they should market it as the new Apple TV with a built in computer.

[AbkJoi8970]

Boy ol boy. For years I have been using the Mac for work. I forgot how much fun it was with Garbagesoft.
Ever morning I turn on my Mac Pro, I get my works done un-interrupted. This is so boring. I envy Windows users, who have to deal with all the excitements of virus scan, crashes, bla, bla... That's the way to go!!

[Drewg5]

I am always impressed by how many windows users come out to bash a system they know nothing about, it is very sad. I would love to see a new mac mini, I might even drop some cash on one when and if it comes out.