Minutes after the conclusion of Steve Jobs keynote of MacWorld, Apple is leading their new product announcements with an upgraded version of iLife. While the suite of digital lifestyle software is great I find it interesting that they have down played the significance of the Mac Mini, a tiny Mac ‘box’ that is the first Apple computer to be priced under $500.
Even though you still have to buy a keyboard, mouse and monitor, this is not an insignificant move for the line of computers that have traditionally been priced too high for the average consumer, but even that’s not the real talking point about the new Mac.
For the first time, I believe, the computer has become an accessory to ‘secondary’ device or computer peripheral — the Mac Mini is something you buy to use with your iPod. No doubt this new entry level Macintosh is a great way to get the platform out to the masses but I don’t believe this would have happened, at least not in this fashion, if it had not been for the phenomenal success of the iPod.
Perhaps the time of computers, as they have been defined them since the late 70’s, is over.
Join the fray by reading through and commenting at the end.
Actually, Greg, one has to consider the real possibility that people are accessories to their iPods.
I'm not sure if I'd go so far as "accessory" to the iPod (more like companion!)-- but your observation on the Mini is right on the mark. They're even marketing the thing as an accessory to your kitchen television!
If that ain't a revision in the perception of "computer"--nothing will be!
I don't like this future of computing. Back in the 80s, they were telling us we'd all have huge holographic displays already. I'd like one of them, thanks.
But seriously, the Mac mini is a Mac that is cheap enough and powerful enough to recommend in place of a PC. I might buy one for my folks this year, they are that good.
And I look at it and go "you know, if I buy an external hardrive... that's a decent home computer."
Hmm.
Even without the external HD it's a great home computer out of the box. And it includes iLife which retails for $79.
It's not iMac mini. It's just Mac mini. That aside, I don't think they're playing it down--I'm not sure where you get the idea iLife is what they're leading with. The Apple site showed Mac mini for me an equal number of times (remember, their site randomly chooses its focus per load).
I think they know how big Mac mini is.
regarding an external drive, you made me think of something. 3rd parties always try to match their devices to the apple "look". I can just see Lacie making an external drive that matches the dimensions of the Mac Mini so you can just stack them.
Lacie, if you make one of these I think I deserve a hat tip.
It would be nice if iWork was included on the Mac mini, but really it's a hell of a deal at $499 or $599. You might want to put a little more RAM in it, but if MacMall and all those places give you a free upgrade, what a deal. If you were waiting to move over to Mac, this is great: keep your monitor, keyboard and mouse and just buy a Mac mini. Add a KVM switch and you could be truly dual paltform. I need to find a few more Mac only apps that we need, so I can get the office to buy one of these.
I'm not sure where you get the idea iLife is what they're leading with.
I refreshed a number of times on a few machines and that's all that came up. My bad.
I'd expand the Mac mini's definition from "iPod dock" to "iLife hub." Since iLife came out, Apple's had a set of very nice (and what could have been fairly expensive) programs that they gave away for nothing. The only problem was, you had to buy a $1000 computer to run them.
If this iWork suite is any good, there will seriously be no reason to stay on a PC at home. For $500 or $600 you get a reasonably fast (up to 1GB of PC2700 RAM!) and beautiful computer loaded with what would have been thousands of dollars worth of software just a few years ago.
I imagine Apple is eating some money on this one, considering how much is packed -- physically and technogadgetally -- into that nifty little package. It looks like that extra iPod cash is gettin' put to use...
I'm excited because, to my mind, this is the first true "consumer" computer Apple has put out in some time. I've always thought the iMacs were better buys than equivalent PCs, but their sexiness -- for lack of a better word -- scared some "average" computer users I know away. (Really. They saw it as looking "too good" to be easy to use.) The Mac mini is fancy, yes, but may not be as intimidating, somewhat ironically, to the average consumer -- those who buy Dell boxes and may have an extra, unused CRT sittin' in the closet.
I wouldn't be surprised if Apple makes a wee dent in MS's market share with this one. Then again, Apple hasn't really had a bomb in some time...
Apple just ensured that I'll be retiring my primary Windows computer - quite gleefully, I might add - nearly a year earlier than I intended to. I use a Mac all day at work, and hate to use my home computer because Windows feels so archaic compared to OSX.
It's dorky as hell, but I'm mostly looking foward to using Expose' at home. Not a day goes by where I don't try to show all windows and get the freakin' Windows start menu instead.
I'm glad to see that Apple also "gets" it as a small business machine. Our business side is tied to management apps and Windows servers, but our editorial folks have no end of trouble working with the Mac-only production department and often-Mac freelancers, plus I waste a lot of time supporting the Wintel machines. I didn't want to throw away my existing monitor investment with all-in-ones and Power Macs were overkill. These things fit right in the sweet spot, and with a price point that gives me a fighting chance with the business manager. It won't replace my Powerbook at home - but it will replace some Dells in my office.
It's TEH Mac for switchers. People who already own a keyboard, a mouse and a monitor and couldn't afford to get a Mac in the past. Also it boasts some kind of digital media abilities in a PSX-esque fashion, but pity can't be used to record Tv shows on DVDs (at least AFAIK).
With the beautiful GUI and its ease of use, a family could plug it into to the television and enjoy browsing the Internet and playing movies/songs.
I'd expand the Mac mini's definition from "iPod dock" to "iLife hub."
Isn't the iPod the hub of our iLife?
With the introduction of "iPod photo" it seems the direction is set. The functionality of the iPod can only grow.
I would definitely find a place in my pocket for an iPod that contained my music, photos, and DVD collection. Yes, there are some DRM hurdles to be cleared before a iPod DV appears, but it seems like it is in our future.
Perhaps the time of computers, as they have been defined them since the late 70’s, is over.
How dificult would it be to produce an iPod that houses your entire home folder? You could read text documents, and e-mail on the small screen. Move from Mac Mini to PowerMac to iMac with your personal computing world in your pocket.
On one of the Mac mini pages a sidebar discusses the target audience(s) directly. One such blurb speaks to the programmer with a PC who wants a Mac. Apple says they should put it on top of the case and buy a KVM. That's a very non-Apple attitude, and I like it.
All I know is that I have been planning to buy a cheap pc soon for university and I think that those plans have just changed. That little thing is awesome.
I imagine Apple is eating some money on this one, considering how much is packed -- physically and technogadgetally -- into that nifty little package. It looks like that extra iPod cash is gettin' put to use...
Why do you think they are taking a bath on this?
An iMac starts at $1299 with it's build in LCD, and it is no less compact in it's componetry.
Not to mention Apple's cheapest display (currently listed in the Apple store on apple.com) is $999.
Considering that iWork is only $80, and it contains the only 2 programs that normal home users need (powerpoint/keynote and word/pages). That's a far cry from $400 for a program that you will only ever use about 1/3 of (office).
Mac = Good
The Mac mini is a gateway Mac, like marijuana is a gateway drug. Start with marijuana, end up with crack. Start with a Mac mini and end up with a super Mac, or sMac.
The Mac mini is definitely a transitional product for the Mac-curious. It doesn't hurt as much, financially, to blow $500 to try something new and determine that you don't like it than it does to blow $1300 on the cheapest iMac.
The campaign to convince the wife of this need has already begun.
The only thing I can think of is the G4 cube. If this works better than that, and it actually takes off, then they've got something.
The only thing I can think of is the G4 cube. If this works better than that, and it actually takes off, then they've got something.
Correct me if I'm wrong, as I'm not a Mac user, but wasn't the G4 Cube expensive?
Oh, It's to nice. I think Mike D nailed it on the head when he called it a "gateway drug".
I've already planned on getting my mother one instead of the iMac. Her PC just died and she's wanted a Mac (My uncle and I have always used Macs) but the price has always been some what of an issue. Now it's not a problem and she has more money to buy other Mac goodies.
It doesn't hurt as much, financially, to blow $500
Speak for yourself.
Anyway... I am a PC user (boo!) and I think this is a neat product but I really don't have a use for it.
I have spent ££££'s on software like Dreamweaver and 3D studio max and am not going to start over again for this. Also PC parts are much cheaper to buy. You may get a $500 computer but if something breaks it will cost you $600 to repair it.
I really can't afford to move to mac so I am going to continue to be an unhappy Windows user... hell... maybe longhorn will do better (laugh)
I'll tell you where I'm torn. The drive in it is a 2.5" drive. A laptop drive; a 4200rpm drive. And while I am a mac user, and a huge fan, this makes me sad. I want potential switchers to have the best out of box experience, I want them to be wowed! Now I fear when their fire up iMovie, the slow speeds will discourage them...
I'm gonna get me one of those iPod shuffles, that's for sure. I'm trying to come up with a good reason to get one of those Mac minis as well, because I really want one.
And Tiger, don't get me started on that one. It's gonna be so great it's not even funny.
So, no anger from me today. Please come again.
The drive in it is a 2.5" drive. A laptop drive; a 4200rpm drive.
This is exactly why you get an external hard drive. I've got a 120GB LaCie just waiting to be used.
The Mini Mac would be the perfect must-have tool for the graphic design student who can't afford an expensive Mac, but can choose this as an affordable option. Plus, it comes out right in time after the holiday season where I bet many got an iPod for Christmas, or maybe have eyed buying an iPod, but now can opt fot the iPod Shuffle. Still get the iPod kind of device, but it's cheaper..
"I don't believe this would have happened, at least not in this fashion, if it had not been for the phenomenal success of the iPod." I don't completely agree with this statement. The simultaneous launch of a bargain basement iPod with the Mac seems to point to a consistent approach rather than one item affecting the other. I'm very happy to see Apple cover a wide range of prices for both the iPod ($99 to $599) and their computers ($499 to $15,000).
I'm still amazed at the price.
Maybe Apple is going hog wild on the Mac mimi because it still has a G4 processor in it? Just a guess.
I definitely want to get a couple of these for some of the guys at work. KVM switch sales have just gone up! Buy that Belkin stock!
If this thing can run games decently (9200 Radeon) I'd definately consider getting one. WoW and UT2K4 on a portable box of that size... *drool*
My girlfriends Dell lappy has a Mobie 9600 chip in it and it runs both beautifully, so it should suffice.
Come to think of it, is it just me or is anyone else totally confused at the lack of basic TV-out? Seems as if it would have fit in the mentality of the product perfectly.
Just bought some AAPL :)
Both the Stick and the Box are genius.
Peter: There are DVI to TV adapters. Apple sells them.
Woops, just came across it on their site too... spoke a little too soon. Thanks for the tip, Tomas!
Is it just me, or does the Mac mini remind you of the old Radio Shack Tandy models of the '80s. Before long, we will be using these things as coasters.
If this thing can run games decently (9200 Radeon) I'd definately consider getting one. WoW and UT2K4 on a portable box of that size... *drool*
With a 32MB video card I don't know that I would recommend it for the games you mentioned although Apple are advertising that you can play Halo with it. I'm spoiled with my 256MB Radeon so even playing WoW on the Powerbook is limiting.
One seldomly mentioned effect of the Mac Mini is that its arrival will wreak near destruction of the flourishing market of second-hand Macintoshes. Craigslist will be silent. Ebay will be like a morgue. No one will want old Macs. Not anymore, not since the Mac Mini is so inexpensive. Now, all owners will have to drive their Mac's into the ground because they won't be able to sell 'em.
I am not sure why everyone is so happy about a $500 computer with no monitor, keyboard or mouse and 256 ram. These new MINI's are lovely to look at but.. do you think that is all it will cost you? At least two folks wrote about getting an external hard drive which will add about $120 to the price. So what is the real price of a usable MINI:
512MB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 DIMM
• 80GB Ultra ATA drive
• Combo Drive
• AirPort Extreme Card
• Wired Keyboard & Mouse Set
• 56K v.92 Modem
• Mac OS X - U.S. English
• 1.42GHz PowerPC G4
Subtotal $811.00
That is what it will cost without a monitor. If you get an Apple sexy LCD you need another $999. Of course you can get an LCD from another company but what would be the point of that.
You can get a real power XP or even an iMac system with that kind of money. What I am saying is that those of us who love to use Apple products are blinded by the cool factor and forget that the real reason everyone owns an XP box is because you can actually get a pretty nice computer for under $700. I love my Apple stuff and the mini g4 is amazing but it still ain't cheap to get a mac.
Come to think of it, is it just me or is anyone else totally confused at the lack of basic TV-out? Seems as if it would have fit in the mentality of the product perfectly.
Or you can just get a T.V. with DVI in. :)
I see kids running off to college picking these things up like mad come this fall.
I'm getting one! What a great machine with 80gig HD, 512MB RAM and 1.42 Ghz Pocessor. What a great inexpensive machine. Finally, webdesigners can have an affordable machine to test with.
Ricardo,
That discounts the usage as a second computer connected to a KVM switch -- getting PC users to get more comfortable on Macs.
Also, if someone is in the market for a powerful computer, they would just get one that starts out that way, not try to pimp out a Mac Mini.
Well I am knew to this whole Apple thing since I am only 14 year old... But It does seem to be a great transition from my XP environment... Plus since I am a student and have an older sister in University I can get the "usable" MINI OF:
512MB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 DIMM
• 80GB Ultra ATA drive
• Combo Drive
• AirPort Extreme Card
• Wired Keyboard & Mouse Set
• 56K v.92 Modem
• Mac OS X - U.S. English
• 1.42GHz PowerPC G4
Subtotal $811.00
For a lower price:
• 512MB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 DIMM
• 80GB Ultra ATA drive
• Combo Drive
• AirPort Extreme Card
• Wired Keyboard & Mouse Set
• 56K v.92 Modem
• Mac OS X - U.S. English
• 1.42GHz PowerPC G4
Subtotal $775.00
Not a big differnce but great for me...
In the back of my mind I still think the iPod is the trojan horse here. I don't think Jobs wants to ultimately be remembered for creating the best MP3 players in the world -- I think his heart and soul are still in the bigger picture...the platform...the OS...the superior computing experience. Any 2-bit hack can take out these small MP3 player companies in the marketplace...but there are precious view that can take aim at Microsoft in the OS arena. The classic battle continues in my mind. Jobs has now left the comforts of the designer castle and is now marching out to the mass market battle field.
Behind closed doors I believe they are absolutely cheering the iPod's success, not necessarily for what it is, but for the doors it has opened in the minds of PC users everywhere. Jobs, in my opinion, is being extremely patient in letting the iPod phenomenon unfold and now as it is maturing and entering a second, more mass market oriented wave (with the Shuffle) the PC-user market is really starting to open their eyes with Apple.
And at the moment, Jobs unassumingly releases the Mac mini. This might -- *might* be one of the most well-timed opportunities to really bring over a chunk of the mass market to Apple...we'll see...
Oh, and I was bored at work today, so I created this infographic that decribes what I'm talking about: Apple's Tipping Point: Macs For The Masses. (Nothing like a little self-promotion spam on your site Greg.) :)
Sid you should get a Macintosh. Using a PC at your age could lead to a life of crime, drugs and forget ever finishing high-school.
Nix, fantastic work!
Don't want to end up like that... I am gonna go a head an order one tomrrow after school... Plus my mom said that if I get some good grades in Chem. all year long I may have an Apple Cinema Display for Xmas this year.
Is it just me, or does the Mac mini remind you of the old Radio Shack Tandy models of the '80s. Before long, we will be using these things as coasters.
It's ironic that this was said as I told my friend, who is angry with Apple but loves the mini, that he could throw a mousepad over it and use it as his mousepad :)
Oh and concerning the usefulness of iPod at home that someone mentioned before, the mini could almost make that obsolete due to it's size. However you could just do the smart thing to get the same effect: get an iBook/PowerBook! :)
I realize that the Mac has a different way of processing graphics, but on a decent PC (1.8gHz AMD, 256MB gForce4, 1GB RAM), I get some hiccups with Movie Maker and PhotoShop.
How is it that a Mac with 256MB RAM, 32MB GPU, and 4200rpm hard drive "totally pwnz0rs" a PC for the same price at things like PhotoShop and iMovie. It just doesn't sound very reasonable for me....
How is it that a Mac with 256MB RAM, 32MB GPU, and 4200rpm hard drive "totally pwnz0rs" a PC for the same price at things like PhotoShop and iMovie. It just doesn't sound very reasonable for me....
Because of all that spyware on your computer. hehe
Also PC parts are much cheaper to buy. You may get a $500 computer but if something breaks it will cost you $600 to repair it.
Not true--this isn't a machine that's proprietary, like a lot of models of Compaq machines, etc. Plus, AppleCare, which I think a lot of the target consumers will buy, will cover any repairs needed (which the thing probably won't need anyway). Any repairs required won't cost $600--that I can guarantee.
No, seriously. Is it really that much better, or is this computer not comparable to a mid-level PC?
Panther is a huge improvement in Mac OS X. Graphics are much faster.
Unless you start doing intense Video or Graphic Work (ie. Very large files in Photoshop, InDesign, or iMovie), 32MB of Video should be more than satisfactory. However, if you like to keep a lot of Applications open without losing speed, I'd recommend increasing the ram to 512MB.
This machine isn't aimed at the Graphic or Video Artist. If you're using iLife (any app), MS Office, Email, Safari or anything like that, the standard setup will run great. Graphic artists would spend the money on a G5 - those things are unbelievable with Adobe Creative Suite.