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Apple's littlest and most affordable Mac, the Mac mini, appears to be the forgotten stepchild of Cuptertino's computer lineup. Apple hasn't given the Mac mini a decent update since August of 2007, though the diminutive box has so far survived despite a handful of rumors regarding its future -- or lack thereof. One recent prediction of the mini's demise held that two major retailers in Europe said they couldn't order any more minis ... and that Apple might signal the end of the line during its latest financial earnings call.
Last chance for matte screen: Don't dump MacMini
Posted by: 4miler 2008-10-30 18:03:36 In reply to: Chris Maxcer
With the loss of matte screens from the iMac, and now from the MacBook Pro's -- remember that, in spite of Steve Job's spin -- most online polls show that between 45-65% people prefer matte screens. (Do a google search for "matte glossy poll"). The matte mini is the last refuge for people needing to use OSX with a matte screen, who cannot stand the large boxy form factor of the MacPro, or its cost. Apple have forced the matte-loving crowd into a corner, and if they remove the matte mini, there's nowhere to go. For some, particularly those who get eyestrain from gloss screens, it is not an option just to suck it in a buy a gloss screen. The Mac Mini has to remain.
As a software designer, my office has Linux, Windoze and Mac OS X via my Mac Mini. The Mac Mini is certainly the best box I have and is the most used. Currently, my Mac Mini is in my living room, hooked up to the big stereo w/subwoofer for recording HD TV via EyeTV and outputing video on my 47" HDTV. An iMac just doesnt cut it for configuration flexibility. Previously that Mac Mini was on my design desk, using the same screen and audio as the rest of the boxes.
I know on paper its under powered and I did get an external drive (for Video). Still it works just fine for everything except Final Cut Express.
I would buy another next generation Mac Mini, but will never buy an iMac. Could I get an eSATA post on the next one?
I know on paper its under powered and I did get an external drive (for Video). Still it works just fine for everything except Final Cut Express.
I would buy another next generation Mac Mini, but will never buy an iMac. Could I get an eSATA post on the next one?
you are misinforming your readers
Posted by: subtledoctor 2008-10-29 11:21:36 In reply to: Chris Maxcer
The Mini has DVI-out, and digital audio out. DVI and HDMI are two different plugs for the SAME video spec. They are 100% compatible and have the exact same capabilities in terms of HD signal transmission. You can go to Radio Shack and buy a DVI-HDMI cable for like ten bucks. With it, it is extremely easy to connect a Mini to an HDTV via HDMI. To the extent that your readers don't know that... maybe you should educate them rather then reinforce the wrong impression.
Other than that one point though, it's a good article.
Other than that one point though, it's a good article.
... check Amazon's bestseller list (i forget the URL). The Mac mini is in the top 5 and I've read that it's constantly there. How many of those buyers will move up to an iMac is the mini goes. I suspect they will more than likely move to a small-formed Linux box, maybe running MythTV.
