Mac Mini: Say GoodBye To My Little Friend?
According to AppleInsider, Apple may be closing the book on the Mac mini. Since it’s conception in January of 2005, the Mac mini has not seen as many updates nor as much attention as its fellow Apple members like the iMac and the MacBooks.
The smallest and least expensive Macintosh desktop around, the Mac mini originally ran the PowerPC G4 processor family, but later began to use Intel Core chips instead. Many users have complained that PowerMac-based software is incompatible with the Intel processor in the Mac mini and would like to see future updates and revisions.
Whether Apple is too busy working on their other masterpieces (like AppleTV) or not, a lot of Mac fans fear the demise of their little friend, the Mac mini. No official word has been reached as of yet but, it truly appears like the Mac mini has seen its last days.
What do you think? Do you have a Mac mini? Wouldn’t you like to see some more updates from Apple to the Mac mini instead of just neglect and lack of interest? Sure, Apple is doing things right and they can not please everyone but, what about the consumers who paid $800-1100+ on their Mac minis? Don’t their feelings and their future business with Apple (or lack there of) count? Your thoughts?
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Comment by av da on 26 May 2007:
very sad news.
Comment by Scott on 26 May 2007:
Hey, av da, thanks for dropping in, me and Everton really appreciate it! Please understand that I hate to be like be your boy from The Refugees and kill you softly with my song but, this time, it does appear that I am, indeed, the bearer of bad news. I promise to come next time with some better, more positive news, you’ll see. Take care, av da, thanks again for your input and I/we hope to see you around.
Comment by JHyde on 26 May 2007:
Yes, I’m disappointed. I’ve seriously considered picking up a mini and have been waiting on Leopard. There’s no need for me to rush atm. But with the cost of parts coming down since it’s last release, the mini, or something like it, should be upgraded with Core 2 Duo and larger HDD. The integrated non-ATI Intel graphics card is gripe of many, and I would prefer a unit with a PCI slot, without having to go to the needless expense of a Mac Pro. Also, with the cost of SATA drives today, there’s no reason not to have that, and with e-SATA to give speed beyond Firewire 800.
Even in it’s current form-factor, it’s a better buy than AppleTV, since you get the full functionality of a Mac. I would also like to see that Front Row is upgraded in Leopard to be something on par with Vista’s MCE.
Apple has a lot of challenges ahead of it to maintain it’s leadership in hardware and software. I also realize that a lot of resources have been allocated to the iPhone. It has the ability to be a revolutionary product, and if successful, will seriously be able to strengthen Apple’s Mac sales as a result, if it’s a users only glimpse into the functionality of Leopard. But if they don’t address the low and mid-range PC market, they’re missing the plot. The Mac still has something left of an “Elitist” stigma to break. The iPod has helped, the iPhone can help. Now I want to see them get their act together and bring Leopard to the masses.
Comment by kk on 14 July 2007:
Like many I’m chopping at the bit to get a mini for a PC/media center, waiting on Leopard, and twisting in the wind with the rumors of discontinuation or possibly Frankensteinian rebirth of a MApple MiniTV. (I would call it the “Media Mini Theater”)
Like Jhyde, I would also like to see some independent user-upgrade paths via a PCI/PCIe card (TV tuner cards coming in ‘08) or something similar for the Mini. An extra FW400 port would be nice, and a simple HDMI port and 7200RPM drive would be just what I need. A $699 price tag would easily be justified even with a core duo inside.
Does anyone know the likelyhood of a hybrid?
If there is going to be a upgrade or discontinuation, when do you think it will happen? I’m guessing news will hit around the release of Leopard, or worse, in Jan with other new hardware releases/upgrades.
Comment by MiniOwner on 1 September 2007:
I have a G4 Mac Mini and I was hoping Leopard would work on it. Does anyone know whether that will be the case?
Comment by seocontest2008 on 9 February 2008:
I was into buying a mac mini as it was so little. I really need a computer that takes really less time.
Comment by sjogro on 20 February 2008:
just like MiniOwner I own a Mac Mini G4 and I’m looking for information on compatibility with Leopard…. Anyone?
Comment by DKUVA on 20 February 2008:
It works great with Leopard. Of course, I upgraded the RAM to 1MB which I would suggest that you do. But I don’t think that’s necessary. Leopard has been really smooth with my older Mac Mini. There’s no reason to be afraid of using it.