mini Mac mini? or Mac mini squared?

[Zoidberg]

Interesting rumor via LoopRumors:

LOOPRumors has heard from reliable sources that Apple is in the production stage of new iMacs and Mac minis. The two new machines will be available within weeks, with no specific date given.


According to this new information we received, the Mac mini will see a dramatic change in its form factor, with a design that is 'less than half the size' of the current offering. The mini will also see modest speed increases, with significantly larger storage.

While the information we received on the iMac suggests the changes will be less dramatic, we do know the refreshed iMacs will be slimmer and faster incorporating the newest Penryn chips in the entire line.

Last week, we told you of rumors of the Mac mini and earlier this month rumors of the iMac, this information we received this morning comes from an independent source.

[pinkoos]

Regarding the minis...it makes sense that they can go to a smaller form factor as the Apple TV is essentially a somewhat dumbed down mini, right?

If those rumors are true, it seems possible that the new mini may be less upgradeable than the current form factor. Maybe the RAM will be fixed at 2GB a la the Air or something like that.

Sounds like Steve is not listening to his cult following...I believe most people would prefer a slightly bigger, more expandable mini rather than a smaller, "thinner," less expandable mini.

[rgG]

With all the discounting I have seen lately on the iMacs, I would not be surprised.

[Biff Lugnut]

I would think his cult following, meaning us, is probably a much smaller market than his target audience.

[pinkoos]

[quote Biff Lugnut]I would think his cult following, meaning us, is probably a much smaller market than his target audience.
Very true. I guess that's where the struggle lies...please "us" or please "them."

;-)

[rz]

I'd consider a new mini if it met the following conditions:

1) keeps the firewire port
2) memory could go to at least 4GB
3) price goes down $100 or more.

The big differences between the high-end mini and low-end iMac right now are:

- built in screen/camera (already have 24" screen and external iSight)
- limited memory expansion
- smaller/slower hard drive (I can expand externally)
- crappy graphics (not a big deal for me)

If they lose the firewire port, ala the MBA, that would be a deal killer.

[StingMe]

Glad to hear more buzz...been holding off on a purchase of both of these machines

[tenders]

I would like to see a Mini and an all-in-one monitor, stand, and port "dock" that a Mini snaps into that turns it into an iMac.

[Bill in NC]

New Mini - no optical drive unless you pony up $99 for the MacBookAir's external USB Superdrive.

Steve-o got tired of everyone moaning about the cheap combo drives, so he said "let 'em buy externals!"

[anonymouse1]

Here's what I'd do, for a "pro" mini:

New CPU (Penryn?)
Santa Rosa video--with dual video port option
up to 4GB RAM
Put an eSATA port on it, and offer with an option for no HD--let the buyer provide, or slap a RAID on there.
Add an ExpressCard slot

That's worth, oh, $800 to me.