Concept PC pays homage to Mac Mini

AOpen unveiled a prototype of a miniature desktop computer at the Computex trade show this week in Taipei, Taiwan. The squarish metallic device, originally code-named Pandora's Box, was made through a collaboration with Intel.

Credit: AOpen

AOpen prototype

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Horray for originality!
I'm not a WinTel or Apple fanboy, but does anyone else out there
just get depressed of the lack of originality this industry has?

Apple comes out with the iPod, so everyone else just does the
same thing (small MP3 whizbang stuff). They come out with a
small, square, computer so Intel does the same.

There's plenty of of that all over the place, not just Apple ->
Vendor X.

Where'd all the creative folks go? I can't imagine they all work at
Apple.
Posted by (6 comments )
Reply Link Flag
So what exactly do you want?
So you would like a extra large MP3 player, or a triangle computer I take it?
Posted by (23 comments )
Link Flag
Sorry but...
Sorry but Apple followed others with the iPod. They may have done it better, but they didn't have the first MP3 player.

As for design of computer products there is only so much you can do. I remember a few years ago a company came out with computers that looked like pyramids and flowers and other crap. I guess those didn't do well because they went as fast as they came.

Robert
Posted by (336 comments )
Link Flag
it's about bravery
It's not so much the lack of creativity, but the lack of bravery.

The others don't dare to take risks. Remember all the comments when the mini came out, that it would be a flop, but it wasn't. So now they want to copy the idea. It's perfect for a lot of people.

The problem with the lack of originality or bravery comes from the fact that place like Dell or IBM or Intel do things for where they think the majority of their money will come from, usually big systems for gamers and engineers, slightly less powerfull systems for business people.

Well the majority of people out there fit none of those camps and are now becoming computer users. So far, Apple is the only one to try and address their needs. In doing so it gives them opportunities to pave the way. Then the other try to follow, usually poorly. Apple has more vision and is more willing to take the risks to find the hits.

Not everything Apple has done has been a success, but instead of giving up, they come out with a success based on what they learned from their failures. The others stick their toes in the water, usually not that original but copying Apple, and when they fail they give up.
Posted by kxmmxk (293 comments )
Link Flag
Its where the money is
If you take out the research and development costs, there is more profit to be made. Generally speaking, of course. That is why companies like Dell do so well financially. Hurrah for companies like Apple who inovate products. Horray for companies like Dell for copying them and selling me one really cheap.
Posted by ProjectGSX (27 comments )
Link Flag
The only thing Apple did
with the iPod was create the "Dial-A-Song" wheel. Other than that, they copied Creatives interface. That is why Creative owns the patent. They have prior artwork that goes back before Apple had an MP3 player.
Posted by SteveBarry687 (170 comments )
Link Flag
Horray for originality!
I'm not a WinTel or Apple fanboy, but does anyone else out there
just get depressed of the lack of originality this industry has?

Apple comes out with the iPod, so everyone else just does the
same thing (small MP3 whizbang stuff). They come out with a
small, square, computer so Intel does the same.

There's plenty of of that all over the place, not just Apple ->
Vendor X.

Where'd all the creative folks go? I can't imagine they all work at
Apple.
Posted by (6 comments )
Reply Link Flag
So what exactly do you want?
So you would like a extra large MP3 player, or a triangle computer I take it?
Posted by (23 comments )
Link Flag
Sorry but...
Sorry but Apple followed others with the iPod. They may have done it better, but they didn't have the first MP3 player.

As for design of computer products there is only so much you can do. I remember a few years ago a company came out with computers that looked like pyramids and flowers and other crap. I guess those didn't do well because they went as fast as they came.

Robert
Posted by (336 comments )
Link Flag
it's about bravery
It's not so much the lack of creativity, but the lack of bravery.

The others don't dare to take risks. Remember all the comments when the mini came out, that it would be a flop, but it wasn't. So now they want to copy the idea. It's perfect for a lot of people.

The problem with the lack of originality or bravery comes from the fact that place like Dell or IBM or Intel do things for where they think the majority of their money will come from, usually big systems for gamers and engineers, slightly less powerfull systems for business people.

Well the majority of people out there fit none of those camps and are now becoming computer users. So far, Apple is the only one to try and address their needs. In doing so it gives them opportunities to pave the way. Then the other try to follow, usually poorly. Apple has more vision and is more willing to take the risks to find the hits.

Not everything Apple has done has been a success, but instead of giving up, they come out with a success based on what they learned from their failures. The others stick their toes in the water, usually not that original but copying Apple, and when they fail they give up.
Posted by kxmmxk (293 comments )
Link Flag
Its where the money is
If you take out the research and development costs, there is more profit to be made. Generally speaking, of course. That is why companies like Dell do so well financially. Hurrah for companies like Apple who inovate products. Horray for companies like Dell for copying them and selling me one really cheap.
Posted by ProjectGSX (27 comments )
Link Flag
The only thing Apple did
with the iPod was create the "Dial-A-Song" wheel. Other than that, they copied Creatives interface. That is why Creative owns the patent. They have prior artwork that goes back before Apple had an MP3 player.
Posted by SteveBarry687 (170 comments )
Link Flag
Personally...
I think that the industry DOES lack imagination. I mean, Apple has come out with all of these creative ideas, whether good or bad, and everyone tries to copy (with a worse user interface. Look at ANY Mp3 player versus the iPod and tell me they're anywhere close).

Why, oh why can't we get some sort of originality? And why are there PC manufacturers still supporting floppy drives? It's called a zip/jazz drive or a CD burner. For Godsake, LIVE IN THE NOW.
Posted by (464 comments )
Reply Link Flag
What;s wrong with floppies?
I hardly ever use them (I did last week however) but why feel so strong about their demise?
Posted by Andrew J Glina (1673 comments )
Link Flag
Personally...
I think that the industry DOES lack imagination. I mean, Apple has come out with all of these creative ideas, whether good or bad, and everyone tries to copy (with a worse user interface. Look at ANY Mp3 player versus the iPod and tell me they're anywhere close).

Why, oh why can't we get some sort of originality? And why are there PC manufacturers still supporting floppy drives? It's called a zip/jazz drive or a CD burner. For Godsake, LIVE IN THE NOW.
Posted by (464 comments )
Reply Link Flag
What;s wrong with floppies?
I hardly ever use them (I did last week however) but why feel so strong about their demise?
Posted by Andrew J Glina (1673 comments )
Link Flag
Original! Yeah Right !....
C'mon folks! Let the truth be told. it doesn't matter what box you get, its what its running! I've seen some pretty boxes(i.e., PowerMac, Dell 8500, & Mac Mini), some nightmare boxes, (i.e. Alienware & Cyberpower gamer Ultra SLI PRO). Its horrible that good designs are running XP! Now it seems that the copycats are at it again! Now, they are copying the Mini! it won't work as well, though. It doesn't have OS X. That's enough for me NOT to buy one.
Posted by Jon N. (173 comments )
Reply Link Flag
What's the big deal
This was shown a few months ago. It looked like a cheap
balsa wood prottype knock off of the Mac Mini then and it
still does or are there newer pictures?
Posted by kirkules (103 comments )
Link Flag
Original! Yeah Right !....
C'mon folks! Let the truth be told. it doesn't matter what box you get, its what its running! I've seen some pretty boxes(i.e., PowerMac, Dell 8500, & Mac Mini), some nightmare boxes, (i.e. Alienware & Cyberpower gamer Ultra SLI PRO). Its horrible that good designs are running XP! Now it seems that the copycats are at it again! Now, they are copying the Mini! it won't work as well, though. It doesn't have OS X. That's enough for me NOT to buy one.
Posted by Jon N. (173 comments )
Reply Link Flag
What's the big deal
This was shown a few months ago. It looked like a cheap
balsa wood prottype knock off of the Mac Mini then and it
still does or are there newer pictures?
Posted by kirkules (103 comments )
Link Flag
I agree with Stan....
It's not about originality, it's about who comes up with the better design. Small PCs have been around for years, but Apple brought it to us in a nice, pretty package. You all didn't think the PCers were going to sit around and do nothing did you? If there's a market for it, other companies will follow. In order to beat the Mac Mini, they need to make it in more colors like a Gameboy and give it better and faster hardware.
Posted by tahbasco (30 comments )
Reply Link Flag
I agree with Stan....
It's not about originality, it's about who comes up with the better design. Small PCs have been around for years, but Apple brought it to us in a nice, pretty package. You all didn't think the PCers were going to sit around and do nothing did you? If there's a market for it, other companies will follow. In order to beat the Mac Mini, they need to make it in more colors like a Gameboy and give it better and faster hardware.
Posted by tahbasco (30 comments )
Reply Link Flag
Price check on aisle 15!
It will now be interesting to see what the price will be for such a
gadget and then compare it to the performance and software
bundle found on the Mini. It seems to be recognized, despite all
the PC pundits' claims that the Mini's price is not competitive,
that the Mini's price-to-performance ratio is a benchmark to
surpase.
Posted by (4 comments )
Reply Link Flag
Price check on aisle 15!
It will now be interesting to see what the price will be for such a
gadget and then compare it to the performance and software
bundle found on the Mini. It seems to be recognized, despite all
the PC pundits' claims that the Mini's price is not competitive,
that the Mini's price-to-performance ratio is a benchmark to
surpase.
Posted by (4 comments )
Reply Link Flag
My God! They can't even copy right!
I can't believe how ugly that box is!
Posted by frankz00 (189 comments )
Reply Link Flag
Why do you buy a PC?
Do you buy a PC beacuse it's pretty or because it will help you accomplish whatever tasks you want to do? I guess the Mac people would claim that they have it both ways: a pretty PC that has a better OS and apps. If that's the case then why be worried about an ugly PC that may be running Windows? Doesn't seem like a much of a threat to a Mac user.
Posted by (16 comments )
Link Flag
Silly
the Intel
<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://news.com.com/Photos+Concept+PC+pays+homage+to+Mac+Mini/2009-1042_3-5726612.html" target="_newWindow">http://news.com.com/Photos+Concept+PC+pays+homage+to+Mac+Mini/2009-1042_3-5726612.html</a>

The mini
<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://i.askask.com/2005/01/mini.jpg" target="_newWindow">http://i.askask.com/2005/01/mini.jpg</a>

The Intel looks a little shorter but wider. Other than the inscribed lines it looks like a small box that the mini looks like.

I don't see how you can call it ugly when it is close to the mini which I assume you think is pretty.
Posted by Sboston (498 comments )
Link Flag
My God! They can't even copy right!
I can't believe how ugly that box is!
Posted by frankz00 (189 comments )
Reply Link Flag
Why do you buy a PC?
Do you buy a PC beacuse it's pretty or because it will help you accomplish whatever tasks you want to do? I guess the Mac people would claim that they have it both ways: a pretty PC that has a better OS and apps. If that's the case then why be worried about an ugly PC that may be running Windows? Doesn't seem like a much of a threat to a Mac user.
Posted by (16 comments )
Link Flag
Silly
the Intel
<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://news.com.com/Photos+Concept+PC+pays+homage+to+Mac+Mini/2009-1042_3-5726612.html" target="_newWindow">http://news.com.com/Photos+Concept+PC+pays+homage+to+Mac+Mini/2009-1042_3-5726612.html</a>

The mini
<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://i.askask.com/2005/01/mini.jpg" target="_newWindow">http://i.askask.com/2005/01/mini.jpg</a>

The Intel looks a little shorter but wider. Other than the inscribed lines it looks like a small box that the mini looks like.

I don't see how you can call it ugly when it is close to the mini which I assume you think is pretty.
Posted by Sboston (498 comments )
Link Flag
Sorry Wintel
Just look 2/3 years ago when apple iPod came out 'borrow' the
design from Creative 6Gb HDD mp3player uses 4XAA battery!
now iPod is no#1.....
Than 10years ago Palm came out with world 2nd PDA after
Newton than Window CE was never known ....Now PocketPC copy
again from Palm&#38;Newton was Apple design ....
Now 6"CPU box copy from Mac Mini ....
Will next Microsoft OS copy the Tiger since 1985 Microsoft have
copy almost 90% all of Apple GUI(icon) ...
In the end we can say Wintel world can ONLY copy&#38;can't
design...
Posted by joeyee (3 comments )
Reply Link Flag
Copying versus Innovation
If it were straight up copying, Windows and Mac OS would have equal market shares. The fact that Windows is used by more than 90% of the computing world makes it the clear market leader. The fact that the Mini didn't budge this market share much at all means that there's a niche out there being left open, which this box will probably fill.

Cry foul all you want, but if Apple had the better product, they'd lead the market.
Posted by Christopher Hall (1207 comments )
Link Flag
Sorry Wintel
Just look 2/3 years ago when apple iPod came out 'borrow' the
design from Creative 6Gb HDD mp3player uses 4XAA battery!
now iPod is no#1.....
Than 10years ago Palm came out with world 2nd PDA after
Newton than Window CE was never known ....Now PocketPC copy
again from Palm&#38;Newton was Apple design ....
Now 6"CPU box copy from Mac Mini ....
Will next Microsoft OS copy the Tiger since 1985 Microsoft have
copy almost 90% all of Apple GUI(icon) ...
In the end we can say Wintel world can ONLY copy&#38;can't
design...
Posted by joeyee (3 comments )
Reply Link Flag
Copying versus Innovation
If it were straight up copying, Windows and Mac OS would have equal market shares. The fact that Windows is used by more than 90% of the computing world makes it the clear market leader. The fact that the Mini didn't budge this market share much at all means that there's a niche out there being left open, which this box will probably fill.

Cry foul all you want, but if Apple had the better product, they'd lead the market.
Posted by Christopher Hall (1207 comments )
Link Flag
It's called free market...
And it's good for the economy. If Apple had no competition, there would be only one model of the iPod, and it would cost $700. As competitors enter the market Apple reduces it's prices and releases more affordable models like the "Mini" and the "Shuffle". Why complain?
Posted by Xiltheria (14 comments )
Reply Link Flag
It's called free market...
And it's good for the economy. If Apple had no competition, there would be only one model of the iPod, and it would cost $700. As competitors enter the market Apple reduces it's prices and releases more affordable models like the "Mini" and the "Shuffle". Why complain?
Posted by Xiltheria (14 comments )
Reply Link Flag
First True Mini
Well if you really wanted to get technical there is a company that has been around for years. If you want to see a small form factor computer take a look at this: <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.cybernetman.com/default.cfm?DocId=616" target="_newWindow">http://www.cybernetman.com/default.cfm?DocId=616</a> they have been around for 10 plus years and have been making Keyboard size computers for quite some time. I think we all just need to get off of our high horses and realize that this has been in the works for many many years.
Posted by (15 comments )
Reply Link Flag
step into the wayback machine Sherman
anybody remember the Ergo Brick from back in the 386 days like 1993 or so. It was about the size of a System 36 manual. They even made a 486 version, the Pentium ran way to hot to be used in them, but they were an fantasic machine for the time.

<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.xbrick.com/index.html" target="_newWindow">http://www.xbrick.com/index.html</a>
Posted by JuddF (2 comments )
Link Flag
Sigh,
That reminds me of my old Amiga.

Ahh, the good ole days...
Posted by Sboston (498 comments )
Link Flag
Lies, all lies!
You're telling me that Apple actually DIDN'T invent a concept they're using today?!

HERESY! ;)
Posted by Christopher Hall (1207 comments )
Link Flag
First True Mini
Well if you really wanted to get technical there is a company that has been around for years. If you want to see a small form factor computer take a look at this: <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.cybernetman.com/default.cfm?DocId=616" target="_newWindow">http://www.cybernetman.com/default.cfm?DocId=616</a> they have been around for 10 plus years and have been making Keyboard size computers for quite some time. I think we all just need to get off of our high horses and realize that this has been in the works for many many years.
Posted by (15 comments )
Reply Link Flag
step into the wayback machine Sherman
anybody remember the Ergo Brick from back in the 386 days like 1993 or so. It was about the size of a System 36 manual. They even made a 486 version, the Pentium ran way to hot to be used in them, but they were an fantasic machine for the time.

<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.xbrick.com/index.html" target="_newWindow">http://www.xbrick.com/index.html</a>
Posted by JuddF (2 comments )
Link Flag
Sigh,
That reminds me of my old Amiga.

Ahh, the good ole days...
Posted by Sboston (498 comments )
Link Flag
Lies, all lies!
You're telling me that Apple actually DIDN'T invent a concept they're using today?!

HERESY! ;)
Posted by Christopher Hall (1207 comments )
Link Flag
My New MAC Mini
I got sick and tired of the virus/spyware issue...there is none for
a mac running OS X...period...Yet.

So Intel folded up a lap top in an attempt to mimic a MAC....ok.
But its the OS Stupid that is driving us formerly loyal Wintel
users to the MAC.

Its stable as a ROCK. BTW

Had it about two months now ;-)
Posted by (4 comments )
Reply Link Flag
My New MAC Mini
I got sick and tired of the virus/spyware issue...there is none for
a mac running OS X...period...Yet.

So Intel folded up a lap top in an attempt to mimic a MAC....ok.
But its the OS Stupid that is driving us formerly loyal Wintel
users to the MAC.

Its stable as a ROCK. BTW

Had it about two months now ;-)
Posted by (4 comments )
Reply Link Flag
ypoc stac
If anyone cannot figure out what ypoc stac is, it means "Copy
Cats"...I purposely encoded the message to make sure Intel does
not copy my idea also...What nerve, what
integrity....what a disgrace and an insult to innovation
Posted by (2 comments )
Reply Link Flag
ypoc stac
If anyone cannot figure out what ypoc stac is, it means "Copy
Cats"...I purposely encoded the message to make sure Intel does
not copy my idea also...What nerve, what
integrity....what a disgrace and an insult to innovation
Posted by (2 comments )
Reply Link Flag
God, America, and Apple computers
Apple has driven the engine of computers easy to use. Apple
has NOT always done things for maximum profit and they have
over the years paid a price for it. Yet look at the elegance and
ease of use of OSX. Look at PC users with one-year old laptops
that have always run hot, and now need a new hard drive. In a
very real sense, Apple represents the best in American ingenuity
and spirit. It's just true;....
Posted by (2 comments )
Reply Link Flag
God, America, and Apple computers
Apple has driven the engine of computers easy to use. Apple
has NOT always done things for maximum profit and they have
over the years paid a price for it. Yet look at the elegance and
ease of use of OSX. Look at PC users with one-year old laptops
that have always run hot, and now need a new hard drive. In a
very real sense, Apple represents the best in American ingenuity
and spirit. It's just true;....
Posted by (2 comments )
Reply Link Flag
I think it's cool
this mac replica is awesome, it's about time someone was innovative in portability like apple
please send me more. Thanx!

- Justin
Posted by trivialgenius (2 comments )
Reply Link Flag
 

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