$499 is great if I don't have to go out and buy a MAC specific monitor. I've already got PC LCD monitor I'd like to share with it. Anybody know? -Bill in Boulder, CO
That's the point. You can use almost ANY monitor. The Mac Mini uses a standard VGA adaptor or DVI (digital). You can also use any USB keyboard and mouse.
The mini mac will work on ANY video system. A DVI/VGA plug is on the back of the case and an S-Video adatper is included as well incase you want to use it with a spare TV.
Yes. Just plug it in. This is why I'll be buying one for my Mom to replace her aging Windows box -- and she'll be able to plug it into the same monitor.
There is no such thing as a "Mac specific" monitor. For the most part with computers, there are VGA and DVI monitors. Either platform can take either kind of monitor. Predominately, Macs use the DVI interface and PC's use VGA. However, many PC video cards are now using DVI, and my PowerBook came with a DVI to VGA adapter.
Yes, they really should have brought it in cheaper
I mean E-Machines is in Best Buy with Nforce2+ based AMD 3200 powerhouse machines, including all the extras this does not include (16X DVD burner, keyboard, mouse, etc.) for about $100 more. Price/performance comparison would be interesting. But this is literally created as an add-on for people who own an Ipod, hehe. A very exprensive accessory but an excellent marketing tact/niche for Apple to pursue. Kudos.
1) The new mini Mac lowers the cost of many people and schools who don't want to have to buy a new monitor and keyboard everytime they get a new machine.
2) Talk about making it easy to take your computer with you! Tell me one other inexpensive PC that you can put in your pocket and take with you.
As a quick test of price, I checked the Dell on-line store. Cheapest PC available, w/o monitor came in at $601. This was truely low-end, and only a 40 GB hard drive compared to the mini-mac $600 machine with an 80 Gig drive. Looks like about as good as it gets in terms of price.
The gumdrop and square box designs were really quite awful design-wise (hence the slump in sales/profits). This would help them a lot more if they offered it in colors like the original I-Mac. This off-white tone was nice for the ipod, but it really quite ugly for something that isn't hidden in your pocket the whole time. I am sure they will come out with more colors with much fanfare at the next "big" event. Maybe black is reserved for the set-top box version of this hehe.
Apple finally realizes it cannot rip people off by charging much higher prices for their so-so hardware, so Apple has to bend down on price. Also people who loves to use Apple products can no longer say they are "superior" to PC users just because they enjoy paying a premium to Apple. Way to go!
Anyone who claimed (not you) that Apple was superior just because they paid too much for it was just rationalizing a bad/ignorant purchasing decision. It never meant that the Apple hardware was actually superior in any way, shape, or form. I do like the G5 case and monitor designs though...classy. Expensive/way overpriced, but classy.
I guess Apple just likes to challenge themselves by making a smaller concept everytime. Like the old apple cube this thing is sealed on people wanting a cheap imac. Is this thing even upgradeable. Just asking. Got to give props to imac.
A silly question perhaps, but I am assuming it should be a piece of cake to connect a new Imac to an old 500Mhz Imac and boot from the new to improve speed. Correct?
I guess it's time for you PC users to switch to Macs now! It's easy. Just go here and you'll find out how, <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://" target="_newWindow">http://</a> www.apple.com/switch/... nice!
Even this computer won't get me to switch to mac. 1: It has sissy system specs (1.25 or 1.42 ghz w/ 256 RAM and 32MB Vid?!?!? thats just dumb). 2: Mac OS X is inconvenient when you are used to windows 3: Will not support ANY of the software titles I own (over 100, and most of them don't even have mac versions). 4: This computer cannot be upgraded. For the same price, you can get a PC with actually GOOD specs!
The specs are way to low. This is suppose to be a graphic computer company (Ala Commodore and the better computer AMIGA!!). There should be at least 64MB of Video Ram (and 128MB for the upgraded mini). And it is a bit annoying, but not that a big deal about the byokm. It's like those toys we buy where they should include the batteries, but they don't.
This will only be bought my MAC loyalists and newbies who don't know any better.
Yes, the PC crashes more and the multitude of wires drives me crazy, but you get more bang for your buck w/a PC. Apple should outsource these and make 'em cheaper....
Make a long story short...the first poster had a point... Apple USED to make ADB ports for the Mac...in tradition to their "think different" idealogy, when everyone else was using DVI. Past couple years, Apple decided to SWITCH altogether to DVI, seeing how ADB wasnt popular at all. This Mac Mini will DEFINITELY open the floodgates to PC switchers...VERY good product Apple! How about a TIVO-type app for the Mac Mini so we can attach to TV as a DVR??
I think you meant ADC (Apple Display Connector) and not ADB. ADB was used to connect devices like keyboards and mice before Apple switched to USB (before anybody else I might add). ADC was a proprietary Apple connection that basically included DVI, power, and USB.
Great Price - Nice specs for Small Software Companies
This is a great price and product for small software companies, like I own, to purchase a Mac demo to test software. I have test PCs so a monitors, mice, and keyboards are laying around everywhere.
I believe this product will find a small niche with small developers wanting to test the latest Mac OS without spending 1000s of dollars.
If you mean USB keyboard and mouse, no problem. If you mean a PS2 (or old DIN-5) keyboard or mouse, then it's not possible (without some kind of adapter).
How does this config compare to run of mill PC... or, in other words, how does these specifications equal a PC? Just wondering if this is not a great PR stunt selling cheap products, or if we are not getting the latest/greatest... thanks.
As for getting the latest/greatest, you're not. But you don't with a cheap PC either. For example, the Mac mini uses a G4 processor. The G5 is considered the latest and greatest CPU (for Macs).
The Mac mini is good news for all personal computer users, because it increases competition in the mass market.
This is the first time in years that Apple has offered a computer at a price that the average consumer is willing to pay. The old iMac (with the conventional, not flat panel, monitor) was the last example. Its price hovered around $1000, which was appropriate for a basic personal computer in the late 1990's. Later iMac designs -- and even the eMac -- were too expensive to be a factor in the mass market. As companies like Dell were driving entry-level PC prices down, Apple was adding new features and raising the price of its entry-level offering. But at $500, the all-new Mac mini meets discount PC's head-on.
Obviously, current and future Macintosh users will benefit from this new, low-cost option. I predict that PC users will also benefit.
Now that Apple's iLife suite is available with a $500 Mac mini, PC manufacturers will put pressure on their operating system supplier (Microsoft) and their utility software suppliers (various). There's no feature deficit in the software that comes with a typical multimedia PC (media player utility, DVD/CD burner utility, audio editor utility, video editor utility, TV recording utility), but the software components don't have consistent user interfaces and don't always work well together. This will change.
And now that Apple's well-regarded technical support is available with a $500 Mac mini, PC manufacturers will have to improve their own support services. However, Apple's consumer satisfaction ratings will decline a bit, as the company begins serving users who lack the computer experience, the self-help financial resources, and the brand allegiance common in people who today spend $1500+ on a typical Macintosh. Apple has no recent experience with mass market computer support.
I do see one longterm drawback for consumers: the entry of the Mac mini will encourage them to worry even more about form and even less about function. Apple's promotional literature (<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.apple.com/macmini/design.html" target="_newWindow">http://www.apple.com/macmini/design.html</a>) criticizes the "Frankenstein machines" that PC manufacturers "slap together". Small, pretty components cost more, don't perform as well, and are harder to upgrade. For example, the Mac mini is built around a laptop DVD/CD drive ("'slim' form factor"). The desktop DVD/CD drives ("5.25-inch half-height form factor") found in discount PCs are faster and cheaper. When it's time to upgrade, replacements are also much easier to come by.
Overall I'm impressed with the Mac mini and glad to see a new choice in the personal computer marketplace.
Paul Marcelin-Sampson Santa Cruz, California, USA
Note: When I use the abbreviation "PC", I'm referring specifically to IBM PC-compatible personal computers. When I use "personal computer", spelled out, I'm referring to all types, including the Apple Macintosh.
Um, when will apple come out with something new? This type of case/computer has been on the market for several years now. apples version looks boring as usual.
I've been using a PC for 4 years now and quite frankly, I am getting real tired of Windows XP and can't believe Microsoft hasn't kept up their operating system to the level of modern day. The task bar is getting boring and I still have to install drivers for peripherals that should automatically be recognized. But it is the adware that has driven me over the edge. I just bought a kvm switch and will purchase an imac mini as soon as available. With all the talk lately about Apple's Unix operating system and how nice it is, I am getting kind of excited to try it. And now I can afford it. I can't believe how small this computer is.
Not to take anything away from your statement about going to the Mac mini (I'm toying with the idea too), but have you looked at other operating systems to install on your PC? If you are sick or XP, perhaps Linux would suit you?
Nobody complains about Apple's false advertising? Interesting......$499 does NOT include mouse and keyboard, that means customers are going to spend more than $499 for the whole system. Most stores who sell PC will mention "monitor not included", I really think Apple should put "mouse and keyboard not included" under $499 price tag to be fair.
Not including a keyboard or a mouse with the Mac mini was a smart move on Apple's part.
1. Over the years, personal computer owners accumulate lots of keyboards and mice.
2. Keyboards and mice are essentially free. One can buy a keyboard/mouse/speaker kit for $7.99, at Ross of all places! At various times of year, one can even get a keyboard and a mouse for free, after rebates, from OfficeMax or Staples.
3. The choice of a practical and comfortable keyboard and pointing device is personal.
I wish that more personal computer manufacturers, including Dell, would "unbundle" keyboards and mice.
Hi, I like your photos on Apple. The stories are so-so. I like this text on your photo caption: Mac Mini Apple's new Mac Mini takes up only a small amount of real estate, and at $499, is easy on the wallet. Credit: Apple Does this mean Apple gets credit for writing your photo captions? It sure reads like marketing stuff. It's really neat that you let Apple write your story captions. Do they pay to write these? APPLE RULES, MAN. MICROSOFT IS EVIL, EVIIIIL.
Whatever you want to do...Droid Does
-Bill in Boulder, CO
part with computers, there are VGA and DVI monitors. Either
platform can take either kind of monitor. Predominately, Macs
use the DVI interface and PC's use VGA. However, many PC video
cards are now using DVI, and my PowerBook came with a DVI to
VGA adapter.
schools who don't want to have to buy a new monitor and
keyboard everytime they get a new machine.
2) Talk about making it easy to take your computer with you!
Tell me one other inexpensive PC that you can put in your
pocket and take with you.
Cheapest PC available, w/o monitor came in at $601. This was
truely low-end, and only a 40 GB hard drive compared to the
mini-mac $600 machine with an 80 Gig drive. Looks like about
as good as it gets in terms of price.
on any other cheap PC).
should be a piece of cake to connect a new
Imac to an old 500Mhz Imac and boot from the
new to improve speed. Correct?
easy. Just go here and you'll find out how, <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://" target="_newWindow">http://</a>
www.apple.com/switch/... nice!
rorywohl" glitches???
For the same price, you can get a PC with actually GOOD specs!
This will only be bought my MAC loyalists and newbies who don't know any better.
Yes, the PC crashes more and the multitude of wires drives me crazy, but you get more bang for your buck w/a PC. Apple should outsource these and make 'em cheaper....
$299...now that would make me switch!!!!!!
Apple USED to make ADB ports for the Mac...in tradition to their "think different" idealogy, when everyone else was using DVI. Past couple years, Apple decided to SWITCH altogether to DVI, seeing how ADB wasnt popular at all.
This Mac Mini will DEFINITELY open the floodgates to PC switchers...VERY good product Apple! How about a TIVO-type app for the Mac Mini so we can attach to TV as a DVR??
ADB was used to connect devices like keyboards and mice
before Apple switched to USB (before anybody else I might add).
ADC was a proprietary Apple connection that basically included
DVI, power, and USB.
I believe this product will find a small niche with small developers wanting to test the latest Mac OS without spending 1000s of dollars.
Good Job Apple...
a PS2 (or old DIN-5) keyboard or mouse, then it's not possible
(without some kind of adapter).
As for getting the latest/greatest, you're not. But you don't with
a cheap PC either. For example, the Mac mini uses a G4
processor. The G5 is considered the latest and greatest CPU (for
Macs).
This is the first time in years that Apple has offered a computer at a price that the average consumer is willing to pay. The old iMac (with the conventional, not flat panel, monitor) was the last example. Its price hovered around $1000, which was appropriate for a basic personal computer in the late 1990's. Later iMac designs -- and even the eMac -- were too expensive to be a factor in the mass market. As companies like Dell were driving entry-level PC prices down, Apple was adding new features and raising the price of its entry-level offering. But at $500, the all-new Mac mini meets discount PC's head-on.
Obviously, current and future Macintosh users will benefit from this new, low-cost option. I predict that PC users will also benefit.
Now that Apple's iLife suite is available with a $500 Mac mini, PC manufacturers will put pressure on their operating system supplier (Microsoft) and their utility software suppliers (various). There's no feature deficit in the software that comes with a typical multimedia PC (media player utility, DVD/CD burner utility, audio editor utility, video editor utility, TV recording utility), but the software components don't have consistent user interfaces and don't always work well together. This will change.
And now that Apple's well-regarded technical support is available with a $500 Mac mini, PC manufacturers will have to improve their own support services. However, Apple's consumer satisfaction ratings will decline a bit, as the company begins serving users who lack the computer experience, the self-help financial resources, and the brand allegiance common in people who today spend $1500+ on a typical Macintosh. Apple has no recent experience with mass market computer support.
I do see one longterm drawback for consumers: the entry of the Mac mini will encourage them to worry even more about form and even less about function. Apple's promotional literature (<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.apple.com/macmini/design.html" target="_newWindow">http://www.apple.com/macmini/design.html</a>) criticizes the "Frankenstein machines" that PC manufacturers "slap together". Small, pretty components cost more, don't perform as well, and are harder to upgrade. For example, the Mac mini is built around a laptop DVD/CD drive ("'slim' form factor"). The desktop DVD/CD drives ("5.25-inch half-height form factor") found in discount PCs are faster and cheaper. When it's time to upgrade, replacements are also much easier to come by.
Overall I'm impressed with the Mac mini and glad to see a new choice in the personal computer marketplace.
Paul Marcelin-Sampson
Santa Cruz, California, USA
Note: When I use the abbreviation "PC", I'm referring specifically to IBM PC-compatible personal computers. When I use "personal computer", spelled out, I'm referring to all types, including the Apple Macintosh.
years now"
Really? What are some examples of computers with this type of
case?
getting real tired of Windows XP and can't believe Microsoft
hasn't kept up their operating system to the level of modern day.
The task bar is getting boring and I still have to install drivers
for peripherals that should automatically be recognized. But it is
the adware that has driven me over the edge.
I just bought a kvm switch and will purchase an imac mini as
soon as available. With all the talk lately about Apple's Unix
operating system and how nice it is, I am getting kind of excited
to try it. And now I can afford it. I can't believe how small this
computer is.
1. Over the years, personal computer owners accumulate lots of keyboards and mice.
2. Keyboards and mice are essentially free. One can buy a keyboard/mouse/speaker kit for $7.99, at Ross of all places! At various times of year, one can even get a keyboard and a mouse for free, after rebates, from OfficeMax or Staples.
3. The choice of a practical and comfortable keyboard and pointing device is personal.
I wish that more personal computer manufacturers, including Dell, would "unbundle" keyboards and mice.
Paul Marcelin-Sampson
Santa Cruz, California, USA
<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.apple.com/macmini/" target="_newWindow">http://www.apple.com/macmini/</a>
I like your photos on Apple. The stories are so-so. I like this text on your photo caption:
Mac Mini
Apple's new Mac Mini takes up only a small amount of real estate, and at $499, is easy on the wallet.
Credit: Apple
Does this mean Apple gets credit for writing your photo captions? It sure reads like marketing stuff. It's really neat that you let Apple write your story captions. Do they pay to write these?
APPLE RULES, MAN. MICROSOFT IS EVIL, EVIIIIL.