Apple releases $499 Mac mini **EDIT** Now reviewed by Anand. **EDIT again** BTO Price drops

[LethalWolfe]

Originally posted by: mrgoblin

Originally posted by: LethalWolfe

Originally posted by: mrgoblin
great news for the people who didint want to blow all their money on mac hardware! Now all they need to do is lower their rediculious sw prices and wed be in business.

There have been a lot of off the wall reactions in here but I think this one takes the cake. How in the world can you say Apple's SW is over priced?


Lethal

Logic Pro 7 - 999
Reason 2.5 369 (I dont mention fruity loops because its awful)


I cant comment on other software because its the only one ive used. Reason 2.5 is the standard. Apple is overpriced in the software dept. Im sure there are others who know more about this than I do.

I'm not familar w/audio apps really so I can't comment on those, but...
iLife - $79 (you'd be hard pressed to find a comparable group of apps at that price)
FCP HD (FCP, Live Type, Cinema Tools, Soundtrack) - $999
- FCP alone used to cost $999, Cinema Tools used to cost $999, Soundtrack used to be sold seperately for $199, and Live Type, before it was bought by Apple, used to sell for several hundred dollars.
DVD SP 3 - $499 (very good DVD authoring software)
Motion - $299 (very good motion GFX software)
Production Bundle (FCP HD, DVD SP 3, Motion) - $1299
Shake - $2,999 for OS X version (much cheaper than before Apple purcahsed it, plus free, unlimited number of render-only versions)

At least in the video world Apple's low prices for high quality software has caused the entire industry to lower prices and offer more bang for the buck.


Lethal

 

[Eug]

Hmmm... Are these guys serious?

What is macminicolo.net?
We are a data center based, colocation service. We provide you with a menu of services including multiple redundant very high speed internet connections, remote control electrical power, a highly secure location to house your Mac mini, remote monitoring and remote human hands. You can then control your server via any remote protocol you like.

Originally posted by: Jeffyboy
Well isn't that the cutest thing. OS X is unix based too must be reliable I bet. Apple is getting their act together which is good to see.

Yes, like other *nixes OS X is extremely stable.

Originally posted by: LethalWolfe

Originally posted by: mrgoblin

Originally posted by: LethalWolfe

Originally posted by: mrgoblin
great news for the people who didint want to blow all their money on mac hardware! Now all they need to do is lower their rediculious sw prices and wed be in business.

There have been a lot of off the wall reactions in here but I think this one takes the cake. How in the world can you say Apple's SW is over priced?

Logic Pro 7 - 999
Reason 2.5 369 (I dont mention fruity loops because its awful)

I cant comment on other software because its the only one ive used. Reason 2.5 is the standard. Apple is overpriced in the software dept. Im sure there are others who know more about this than I do.

I'm not familar w/audio apps really so I can't comment on those, but...
iLife - $79 (you'd be hard pressed to find a comparable group of apps at that price)
FCP HD (FCP, Live Type, Cinema Tools, Soundtrack) - $999
- FCP alone used to cost $999, Cinema Tools used to cost $999, Soundtrack used to be sold seperately for $199, and Live Type, before it was bought by Apple, used to sell for several hundred dollars.
DVD SP 3 - $499 (very good DVD authoring software)
Motion - $299 (very good motion GFX software)
Production Bundle (FCP HD, DVD SP 3, Motion) - $1299
Shake - $2,999 for OS X version (much cheaper than before Apple purcahsed it, plus free, unlimited number of render-only versions)

At least in the video world Apple's low prices for high quality software has caused the entire industry to lower prices and offer more bang for the buck.

I don't think I'd want to run most of that stuff on a mini though. Actually, Motion won't even run on a mini, since it needs a GeForceFX 5200 or Radeon 9600 or better just to launch.

 

[Childs]

woohoo! Mine has shipped!

 

[Eug]

Bilrey says he was the engineering manager/tech lead for the Mac mini. He says that opening the case doesn't void the memory. w00t!

Just opening your Mac mini does NOT void your warranty. If you break something when doing so, you would void your warranty.

Here's the official line...

Apple recommends going to an Apple authorized service provider to upgrade memory or add AirPort and Bluetooth. If you were to damage anything while opening a unit, your Mac mini warranty would be voided.

 

[vailr]

I'd like to see a Mac mini with better graphics. Maybe I'll consider buying a Mac mini, when OSX Tiger, combined with a Radeon 9600 graphics (or better) solution is out.
What USB Mac keyboard can you recommend to go with the Mac mini? Either Apple brand, or a 3rd-party brand.

 

[Eug]

Apple's wired USB keyboard is US$29, and includes two USB ports. The Bluetooth keyboard is $59 though.

Microsoft also has excellent OS X drivers for their RF wireless keyboards. The wireless dongle-thingy for those keyboards are PS2, but also have a USB plug and will work via USB on a Mac after you install the drivers.

I dunno if the MS Bluetooth keyboards work with Macs though.

Logitech keyboards are also popular on Macs, but I've never used one. And of course there are a bazillion others.

 

[barnett25]

I personally don't care that much for Apple's wired keyboard, it's just not enough for what you pay (I do have one BTW). I really like Logitech's keyboards. Or, if you want something a bit more flashy (although also overpriced if you don't need all it's features) you could get the Saitek Gamer's Keyboard. I really like it, but I play fps games.

 

[metalmania]

might want to tell you guys, the Apple keyboard with 2 usb ports usually DO NOT support USB2.0 devices. I tried different USB2.0 devices (256MB disk, 512MB disk, 20GB HDD), it always showed the power problem. You have to connect to the usb port on that mainboard to get enough power! USB1.1 devices worked though.

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

why is everyone going crazy over this thing? your all getting gitty over 4 year old hardware...

you can get an AMD64 XPC for the same price, and 2x the power. its obviously much larger,but you have infinite upgrade paths as a result.

am i wrong? help change my mind.

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: AWhackWhiteBoy
why is everyone going crazy over this thing? your all getting gitty over 4 year old hardware...

you can get an AMD64 XPC for the same price, and 2x the power. its obviously much larger,but you have infinite upgrade paths as a result.

am i wrong? help change my mind.

If you can't see the appeal then it's not for you. No one should have to convince you to change your mind.

 

[Childs]

Originally posted by: metalmania
might want to tell you guys, the Apple keyboard with 2 usb ports usually DO NOT support USB2.0 devices. I tried different USB2.0 devices (256MB disk, 512MB disk, 20GB HDD), it always showed the power problem. You have to connect to the usb port on that mainboard to get enough power! USB1.1 devices worked though.

I use my 512MB USB2 Lexar thumb drive in my keyboard.

Originally posted by: AWhackWhiteBoy
why is everyone going crazy over this thing? your all getting gitty over 4 year old hardware...

you can get an AMD64 XPC for the same price, and 2x the power. its obviously much larger,but you have infinite upgrade paths as a result.

am i wrong? help change my mind.

Yes you are wrong. There is no such thing as an infinite upgrade path.

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

Originally posted by: Naustica

If you can't see the appeal then it's not for you. No one should have to convince you to change your mind.

i'm searching for a valid reason for all this hype, and i can't see it. i was hoping to be given a reason that i didn't see. sorry for being unclear, i'm trying to be open minded and i'm not looking to start a flame war. i'm aware i'm tredding on thin ice,and i'm sorry.

as for infinite upgrade path, i was also unclear,but you also can see what i mean when comparing the expansion capabilties of the XPC vs the mini Mac.

 

[Eug]

Originally posted by: barnett25
I personally don't care that much for Apple's wired keyboard, it's just not enough for what you pay (I do have one BTW). I really like Logitech's keyboards. Or, if you want something a bit more flashy (although also overpriced if you don't need all it's features) you could get the Saitek Gamer's Keyboard. I really like it, but I play fps games.

$29 is too much for a keyboard with a built-in USB hub?

Originally posted by: metalmania
might want to tell you guys, the Apple keyboard with 2 usb ports usually DO NOT support USB2.0 devices. I tried different USB2.0 devices (256MB disk, 512MB disk, 20GB HDD), it always showed the power problem. You have to connect to the usb port on that mainboard to get enough power! USB1.1 devices worked though.

My Lexar 512 MB USB 2.0 pen drive works fine (albeit at USB 1.1 speeds). A 20 GB HDD is asking too much though.

 

[barnett25]

If you are the type of person that needs to be able to upgrade you computer every so often, then the Mac mini isn't for you. But really, if you upgrade your PC with a new Mobo, CPU, and Ram, you might as well have bought a new computer.

As far as all the hype. I think it is because you can finally get a computer that runs Mac OS X for a reasonable price. It doesn't have to be faster than every PC in that price range, because to some people speed isn't everything. To me the OS is the most important part of a computer, and I've found OS X to be the best out there.

You might want to check out some of the features of OS X 10.4 coming out this year to give you an idea of why some people like the OS so much.

 

[barnett25]

To be honest, I never used the built in hub because I had a powered hub already. I just didn't care for the feel of the keys mostly.

 

[addragyn]

Originally posted by: mrgoblin

Logic Pro 7 - 999
Reason 2.5 369 (I dont mention fruity loops because its awful)

I cant comment on other software because its the only one ive used. Reason 2.5 is the standard. Apple is overpriced in the software dept. Im sure there are others who know more about this than I do.

Reason 2.5 might be the standard for dance music, but your comparision doesn't really make sense.

Apple is actually notorious for dropping the prices of Pro-level software and making an inexpensive prosumer version available. For example Logic Express is $299.

 

[Eug]

Originally posted by: barnett25
To be honest, I never used the built in hub because I had a powered hub already. I just didn't care for the feel of the keys mostly.

Yeah, the new keyboard is not bad, but I preferred the feel of the old Apple Pro Keyboard, so I bought one off eBhey.

BTW, I just got a chance to play with iWork... Two of the (many) transitions in Keynote 2.0 don't work at all on my TiBook 1 GHz with Radeon 9000. They're the "burn" and the "flash" transitions. I'd basically never use something like that in a real presentation, but it's still irritating that I don't have the power to run transitions in a frickin' presentation program. I think these two transitions require a DX9 class GPU. Holy crap. Just for a program that competes with PowerPoint.

The reason I mention this is that the Mac mini's Radeon 9200 won't be able to display these transitions either.

 

[Dennis Travis]

Eug, how are you using your old Apple Pro Keyboard with your modern Mac? I have 4 of them and love them too, I was given with my G4 a little translucient blue divice with a USB Cable out one end and ADB port on the other. Is that what you have? Seems to work great. I can fly on the Apple Pro Keyboards. You are talking the ADB one correct?

This is what I use.

IMate


Oh and I don't mind the new Apple Pro USB Keyboard they sell for $29. Have one here and it's nice but the older Apple Pro and the old IBM CLICK were my favorites of all time. Real firm and the click. I can type maybe 15-20 WPM faster on either of them. Makes a big difference.

 

[IGBT]

..a minimal laptop with no keyboard or display??

 

[Eug]

Pics: Unpacking the Mac mini.

Originally posted by: Dennis Travis
Eug, how are you using your old Apple Pro Keyboard with your modern Mac?

It's not that old. It's the black Apple Pro Keyboard from maybe 3-4 years ago, and it's USB.

P.S. My modern Mac isn't that modern. It's a circa 2000 Cube I got off eBhey, but then I added a 120 Seagate Barracuda V, a GeForce2 MX, Bluetooth, and a 1.7 GHz CPU upgrade. I also added a base fan, but since the fan isn't running at full speed, the Cube is still silent.

 

[Dennis Travis]

Originally posted by: Eug
Pics: Unpacking the Mac mini.

Originally posted by: Dennis Travis
Eug, how are you using your old Apple Pro Keyboard with your modern Mac?

It's not that old. It's the black Apple Pro Keyboard from maybe 3-4 years ago, and it's USB.

P.S. My modern Mac isn't that modern. It's a circa 2000 Cube I got off eBhey, but then I added a 120 Seagate Barracuda V, a GeForce2 MX, Bluetooth, and a 1.7 GHz CPU upgrade. I also added a base fan, but since the fan isn't running at full speed, the Cube is still silent.

Ok, I thought you were talking about the real old one as they feel so nice. I have one like yours also.

Do let us know how the Mini works for you!!! That is your Mini correct??

 

[MScrip]

I know it's trendy to make things smaller.... but why? If your apartment is so small that you NEED a computer 6" square... maybe you need a bigger place. Our lives still revolve around normal sized appliances and stuff.

The same is true for plasma TVs. Cool, you can hang it on the wall, and it's only 4" thick. But what about the DVD player, VCR, cable box, etc. They are still normal thick sized.

If cell phones get any smaller, I'll swallow it.

I like the Mini Mac. But, if they put it in a bigger, not so crammed case, couldn't it be cheaper? And user upgradable? Or could it use desktop parts?

 

[Baked]

It's not about how well it functions, Apple's selling styling and looks, and people are eating it right up. Another job well done Steve.

 

[metalmania]

Originally posted by: MScrip
I know it's trendy to make things smaller.... but why? If your apartment is so small that you NEED a computer 6" square... maybe you need a bigger place. Our lives still revolve around normal sized appliances and stuff.

The same is true for plasma TVs. Cool, you can hang it on the wall, and it's only 4" thick. But what about the DVD player, VCR, cable box, etc. They are still normal thick sized.

If cell phones get any smaller, I'll swallow it.

I like the Mini Mac. But, if they put it in a bigger, not so crammed case, couldn't it be cheaper? And user upgradable? Or could it use desktop parts?

Because it's so integrated and small, it's so cheap. Apple fans will buy the $800 ibook instead of this mini, this mini is for PC users that wish to convert.

 

[Eug]

Do let us know how the Mini works for you!!! That is your Mini correct??

That's not my mini. I'm not buying one any time soon. I would have bought one had I not bought the Cube. That's for home at least. I'd consider one for work.

Originally posted by: MScrip
I know it's trendy to make things smaller.... but why? If your apartment is so small that you NEED a computer 6" square... maybe you need a bigger place.

I have a 1040 square foot condo. Yeah, I need a bigger place, but I don't have half a million bux to spare at the moment.

The same is true for plasma TVs. Cool, you can hang it on the wall, and it's only 4" thick. But what about the DVD player, VCR, cable box, etc. They are still normal thick sized.

A DVD player is what, 1 foot deep these days? My 34" widescreen direct CRT is frickin' enormous. I would have bought a 42" plasma had it been only $4000, but at the time I bought my TV, a plasma was $10000.

If cell phones get any smaller, I'll swallow it.

If cell phones get any smaller, I'd be overjoyed. I think even my Sony Ericsson K700i is a bit too big.

I like the Mini Mac. But, if they put it in a bigger, not so crammed case, couldn't it be cheaper? And user upgradable? Or could it use desktop parts?

Yes. I would have preferred 2 memory slots and a 3.5" drive, but Steve does his own thing. Still it looks like a fine product.