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New Mac Minis after Labor Day?

freemacblog.com — Apple resellers are not allowing orders of large amounts of mac minis. Last time this happened the Mac Mini with Intel chips was announced shortly after.

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  • jfarrar, on 10/12/2007, -8/+36Just some added rumors:
    - Mac mini with built in iPod dock
    - Processor speed bump
    - Case colors
    - larger hard drive
    • shadowmoses, on 10/12/2007, -29/+15Added colors and larger hard drive would secure the deal for me!!!
    • flake, on 10/12/2007, -4/+17The iPod dock does make sense. At least on the originals, you could see connections/markings inside the case when it was taken apart that would have fit the full size iPod perfectly.

      A proc speed bump and larger hard drive are almost givens.

      What would be a deal sealer for me is a larger amount of supported RAM
    • aplardi, on 10/12/2007, -14/+72I think I'll add one more rumor:

      It makes its own gravey.
    • LegendarySock, on 10/12/2007, -24/+15I don't know why gravy is suddenly such a wanted feature, but hell lets throw another rumour in. Spinners.
    • theone3, on 10/12/2007, -33/+3perhaps people are just not buying minis? >_>
    • mastercheif, on 10/12/2007, -8/+36I think they might add a dedicated Graphics card to it. Apple has a huge potential market with gamers switching from windows, and the Mac Pro is out of reach for a lot of people, and they already have monitors so they dont need iMacs.
    • thehans, on 10/12/2007, -12/+1 I originally thought it would be a terrible design to add a dock to the top of the mac mini. But then Apple added a dock to the top of the Hi-Fi, which makes no sense to me if your going to use it as a boom box.
    • jackmaninov, on 10/12/2007, -7/+13Gravy would seal the deal!

      Also a better graphics processor!
    • thepol, on 10/12/2007, -5/+5I wouldn't be surprised if they come out with a totally new form factor, like an HTPC, that's bigger than current minis, but smaller than the mac pro (and probably horizontally-oriented) with a TV tuner (that frontrow 2 uses) and more expandability than the current mini offers. I've been hearing a lot of rumours about something for the living room, this seems like it could be it...
    • FluffyArmada, on 10/12/2007, -4/+19No... better yet, it's a new graphics processor; an extremly powerful one, and it is *cooled* with gravy, which is circulated by spinners!
    • Neourotick, on 10/12/2007, -8/+3and speaking of gaming and gamers......has anyone heard anything about why apple has been hiring game developers??? are we gonna see more game support!!??!?!
    • goat77, on 10/12/2007, -2/+15One word: Merom
      Cmon I'm amazed that I haven't seen a single comment that involves the obvious next upgrade for the mac mini.
    • notkevin, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9I don't care if they update the specs, if they drop the price to pre Intel prices ($100 and $200 more then the PPC versions) I would buy one.
    • trylleklovn, on 10/12/2007, -2/+11Will now ship with free Chuck Norris action figure?
    • tarjan, on 10/12/2007, -4/+1No action figure, but it does come with gravy made from the sweat of Chuck Norris. (Extra cooling prowess. Kicks the heat right out.)
    • rodeo40, on 10/12/2007, -4/+3Hopefully, it also can SPELL gravy!
    • danielwsmithee, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4"... has anyone heard anything about why apple has been hiring game developers???"

      There was the rumor a few days ago about Apple re-writing open-GL from the ground up on OS-X to be multi-threaded and be able to use multi-core machines. According to the rumor they were able to double the frame rate in WoW.

      http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2006/08/20060821223856.shtml
  • jfarrar, on 10/12/2007, -6/+5This also adds to the speculation for new mac minis

    Apple to refocus on consumers post Labor Day
    http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1899
  • daurkin, on 10/12/2007, -23/+2I'll dig the link to appleinsider but I haven't heard of this source before and when his page starts off with a giant GET A FREE MAC MINI it looks like spam.
    • stukdog, on 10/12/2007, -3/+16Those are google ads at the top of the post.
  • neiltc13, on 10/12/2007, -26/+4You failed to spell Labour correctly. What the hell is that anyway and why isn't there a Conservative and Liberal Democrat day?
  • fitzfan, on 10/12/2007, -11/+3Isnt it a little early for another update? Could use a new ipod, iphone, or the rumored set top box, before a mini update.
    • windowsrookie, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8The imac was updated what 3 times in 6 months? So it's never too early.
  • marosnax, on 10/12/2007, -3/+10If anything make it more tivoishhh
  • embraceware, on 10/12/2007, -2/+31Talk about bad timing - I just ordered a Mac Mini this morning. I'm going to cancel the order and wait 10 days - anyone else think that's a good idea?
    • foolfromhell, on 10/12/2007, -3/+9Probably.
      I am waiting if and when Apple releases Core 2 Duo for the iMac or the MBP or MB. Then i might consider a Mac
    • windowsrookie, on 10/12/2007, -3/+11Yes.
    • CrankyMcGuy, on 10/12/2007, -2/+19It's always a good idea to wait for a product refresh before purchasing. The trick is knowing when that happens. Mini's are typically refreshed in the Fall along with iBooks. iPods are usually in November in time for Christmas buzz. iMacs and Powerbooks (now MacBook Pros) get refreshed in January. PowerMacs (now Mac Pros) at Apple's WWDC, though sometimes minor refreshes will occur in January.

      All that being said, I am planning on a Mac Mini purchase right after the next update. I was expecting them to be updated around MacWorld at the end of September. That's when the big announcements are made. Apple, of course, can always surprise us and has done so in the past, but those dates I listed are good guidelines to wait/purchase by. ;)
    • deff, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2The same-thing happened to me back in '03 when I bought my 12" PowerBook. I ordered it a couple days before the 1ghz and OSX update announcement. But when I went to cancel and reorder, I noticed that my order had already been updated to the new processor and a free coupon for 10.3 upon release.
  • crapplebees, on 10/12/2007, -15/+1the title is misleading cause labor day is so close. I could say new mac pros after labor day too and be correct.
  • foolfromhell, on 10/12/2007, -3/+42No white after Labor Day.....
    Meaning.... BLACK MAC MINIS!!!!!
  • windowsrookie, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8Waiting for my Core 2 Duo mini. :D
    • greenamp, on 10/12/2007, -4/+5Keep dreaming.
    • titlesaysitall, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7Actually it is possible, people have upgraded the Minis to a Core 2 it's just a matter of time when Apple gets them.
    • LilGator, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3You can buy a Core 2 Duo chip and slap it in the Mini right now... cake.
    • Kale, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I've heard you can, but does the MB allow full core 2 functionality, or does the core 2 just run in core duo mode?
  • Leakage, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Is it just me or is the linked site down?
  • foolfromhell, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5Digg Effected.
    Exceeded CPU quota....
    http://www.duggmirror.com/apple/New_Mac_Minis_after_Labor_Day/
  • samsoffes, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2lol. i hope i dont get submitted. thats depressing. you go to your site and its a cpu quota error. id cry.
    • stukdog, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2This happens right when the post gets really really popular...but it only lasts for a few minutes then it is usually good.
    • willynilly, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Were you absent from school the day they taught capitals and punctuation?
  • JayRod, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3I almost thought the title read new mac mints. I thought that would be cool though, apple flavor mints.
  • Jangles, on 10/12/2007, -11/+6I am an Apple guy...but holy damn the Apple rumor mill is one of the most annoying things about the community.

    Everyday there are new rumors and few ever come to fruition. Get over yourselves.
    • willynilly, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1It's beyond annoying. It's pathetic. Mac adherents will never have any credibility if they continue their nauseating fawning and despicable INABILITY TO LEARN. I mean, the boy who cried wolf is a fable easily understood by children. But not by Apple lemmings, apparently.

      Sad.
    • ZylogZ80, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1It's not so bad. There's plenty of stuff the rumor mill gets wrong, but there's some that turn out true as well.

      The switch to Intel was predicted, as were wide-screen 13-inch iBooks (turned out to be MacBooks, the name Mac Pro was predicted (though sort of obvious). Dashcode was leaked months ago, the Mac Mini was predicted (headless Mac rumors), iSights integrated into displays and notebooks was uncovered by rumor sites before they happened. Yeah, sometimes the rumors are way off (Where's "Asteroid?"), but they get a lot of stuff right too.
  • TheRealStyro, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7Apple doesn't have too much to improve on the mac mini...
    -- Better video - faster gpu and/or HDMI output (1080p HD!)
    -- CPU speed bump and/or Core 2 Dou
    -- Larger hard drive
    -- More base memory
    -- Media Center setup w/ DVR & software
    -- Access ports for upgrading memory / drive
    -- Something silly like case coloring or iPod dock

    I guess we'll soon see what, if anything, Apple will bring forth upon its flock.
    • titlesaysitall, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4I would like to see shuttle version of the mini and dual monitor support.
  • TheRealStyro, on 10/12/2007, -9/+2...
  • eboy, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4YES! Steve mentioned it himself at the wwdc......Frontrow 2 and Photo Booth 2. This new mac mini is the next big thing......
  • slantyyz, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4This will never happen, but a single eSata port would make the Mini more kickass than a CPU upgrade.

    The slow hard drive has always been the bottleneck on the mini (especially if you edit video or use iPhoto), and if you could have an eSata port, you could add a full speed desktop drive.

    There are plenty of times on my Core Duo mini where the CPU hasn't even broken a sweat, yet I'm still left waiting on a spinning hard drive. While booting off an FW400 external drive gave me a small performance boost, it would be nothing like having eSata available.
    • OrangeTide, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1an eSata port would be nice. A second ethernet port so the thing can be used as your internet gateway would be nice.

      Likely we'll see fancier audio/video outputs and possibly video input(s) so the Mac Mini can be a DVR/PVR. I think that would be the most widely usable addition to the mac mini. Only a few people want to use it as a router, and fewer still want to plug an eSata into it. (sure I want to do both of these things). But I think turning it into a DVR is something Apple has thought about for a while since it has such a universal appeal.
    • slantyyz, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1You can already use Parallels to virtualize a second NIC, which might be the better way to create a gateway, i.e. create a simple appliance. There are tons of router/gateway/firewall appliances already for VMWare. It wouldn't be too hard to copy the idea using Parallels.

      In terms of adding a NIC, Belkin is releasing a "gigabit" wired ethernet USB 2.0 NIC coming out (max speed is the same as USB 2.0's max bandwidth, somewhere around 480mbps). If you don't need that kind of speed, well any USB NIC should do.

      On the bright side, I believe there is now a TV card that has the same footprint as the Mini that can fit directly under it. The only problem is that it is quite spendy when comparing it to an equivalent product for Windows boxes. People have started porting drivers from Linux for existing "Windows TV Cards" to OSX, hopefully the shift to Intel will increase development activity on this front.
  • daldredge, on 10/12/2007, -3/+9I would love it if apple came out with a minitower that let you upgrade the graphics in it. And no a 2,300 USD mac pro doesn't count.
    • Sefirosu, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7I agree with that. There is a part missing in the "mid-range" space.
    • OrangeTide, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1what we need is PCI-express slot for portables. there is PCI-e Mini Card, but it's only 1x PCI-e. (it's like the ExpressCard without the little plastic case). The tough part is PCI-e 16x videocards often draw over 60watts. (and newer cards are going to be up to 150watts).

      I feel your need for a tiny Apple desktop. like 5.25" external bays and two internal eSata bays and maybe a PCI-e 16x and 8x slots. (you'd lose the 8x slot if you got one of those two-slot video cards). Of course the next complaint would be why can't this low-end desktop model hold 2 16x slots? it's never enough for you people.
  • bberg07, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Site is down. I didn't know BlueHost capped CPU usage. Good to know.
    • bberg07, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Correction: Site was down. Might be a little spastic now that the site has been front-paged.
  • bi0metric, on 10/12/2007, -27/+1Ladies And Gents! This is why APPLE SUCKS ASS! All you apple humpers are so dumb!
    • EochaidRiata, on 10/12/2007, -1/+12Hmm. Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

    • titlesaysitall, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7So when Apple updates their products they suck? I bet you still use a Commodore 64 right?
    • Sefirosu, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6Enlarge your PC. Click here.
  • monkeybutler, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4Replace "Mac Mini" with "Macbook" and i'll do a backflip.
  • adolfojp, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5How about a decent 3d accelerator?
  • JustinGN, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I personally would love to see a dumbed-down version of OS X Server preinstalled on a Mac Mini for $100 more. See Apple break into the consumer server market, with maybe some SATA connections on the back of the Mac Mini for external storage. Priced right, that'd be a great central home server.
    • windowsrookie, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6Apple already includes apache on every Mac. A mac mini makes a great consumer server.
    • drlha, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Regular Mac OS X pretty much is a dumbed down version of OS X server. What server functions do you require that the current OS X doesn't provide?
    • hardkoretom, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3since it has bsd, cant you install any kind of server functions if you wanted to? im sure somebody out there can.
    • rkm28, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0You might like the Freemacblog server series which has tutorials on using your regular Mac OS X machine as a server: http://www.freemacblog.com/category/server-video-series/
  • dave98, on 10/12/2007, -5/+0sweet.. an updated mini could make a nice first OSX based system for me

    OSX hasn't really impressed me that much but hey, if I end up not liking it, it'll make a decent folding box
    • mww2, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4OS X will impress you if you use it regularly.
  • gambl0r, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10Dear Apple,
    Release a Mac Mini with a TV Tuner, Digital Audio Out (the new minis have this already), and as much hard drive space as you can fit in there while still keeping it affordable like you should have done from the first day the Minis were released. I could care less about a dedicated 3d card. Also, build in TV controls into front row. You have a system with such potential to be used as a HTPC, so market it as one! I will buy one immediately.
    Thank you.
    Signed,
    Everyone waiting for a Mac Mini HTPC
    • mikedaul, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2A faster gpu would help with decoding hd-rez video.
    • spam4jan, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1the Intel integrated video is actually pretty good for accelerating video. I recall a few reviews when the Intel Mini first came out saying that the dual core versions had no trouble doing 1080. Sure a better GPU would take even more off the CPU but most people aren't going to be recompiling their kernels while watching a movie.

      Regardless, yes I would love a Mini with an upgraded video card.
    • darxpryte, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0This is already possible:
      http://www.elgato.com/index.php?file=products_eyetvmain2&countrytogo=33&signal=all

      In fact the Miglia TV MAX fits right under the mini with the same form factor and everything. EyeTV2 integrates with FrontRow so there's really no reason for Apple to delve into the world of dvr's (and the additional support headaches they'll incur because of it).

      The Mac PVR is already here. Users just need to find it.
    • Qoogirl, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I like those ideas. I'd like a Mac mini HTPC just for absolutely no reason other than LOST on a 40" LCD TV.
      Other than that, I no idea why I would buy a Mac mini...it seems overpriced since it doesn't even come with a keyboard or mouse. I won't even dare ask for a monitor, but a keyboard? C'mon, part of the fun of using a Mac is a keyboard with a cute apple on it for shortcuts. =) Besides, if Mac minis are for new computer users, do you really expect them to buy everything separetely and be OK with that? ....
  • ross., on 10/12/2007, -0/+5http://freemacblog.com/wp-content/images/wall.jpg

    Thats my kinda great wall!
  • yuriw, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1How about two different mac mini lines, one for the TV media needs, and one for general computing. The media one would have HDMI, digital sound output, TV tuner etc, while the other one would have dual monitor support and a graphics card. Am I on to something? Each branch would have two models. One solo, the other duo.
  • aleatorystories, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1I heard its gonna have its own certified Starbucks© mocha machine built in as well.

    Barista optional....
  • Chiphort, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1I swear.
    If the mac mini has the 2 duo (64 bit) yeah
    and A REAL GPU.


    I WILL BUY IT. The Ultimate model
    if it has the intel integrated crap, i will pass.
  • StatusQuoRules, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1They should get rid of the integrated graphics and core solo for ATI X1600 or something and Core 2 Duo then they could say they have an all dual lineup :)
  • imack, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4For us non-USAers, when is Labor Day?
    • designerjoe, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4The first Monday of September.
    • bikeham, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Yeah, I wanted to know that too, I was sure it wouldn't be the same as the Australian labour day, which is in the *real* world.

      Try http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/
      or just believe me when I tell you it is September 4 this year according to the above source.
  • neiltc13, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I think the most likely thing is that they'll match the processors with the MacBook. 1.83GHz CD base and 2GHz CD higher end.
  • Gesiwuj, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I've been putting off buying a Mac Mini because I just knew that as soon as I bought it a new one would be imminently released. What I'd like to see (but probably won't :p):

    - Core 2 Duo (or at least a processor speed upgrade)
    - An actual graphics card (like the iMac).
    - Lower Model with 80GB HD and Higher Model with 120GB HD (instead of lower with 60 and higher with 80).
    - Easy to upgrade RAM and Hard Disk (like the G4 cube offered, instead of chipping it with a putty knife).

    I've been eager to switch to a Mac and I'm finally very close to my saving destination, so hopefully the Mac Mini v3 will be for me!
  • SVPirate, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Been waiting on this. I'm tapping my fingers waiting for an update. I was expecting 2GHz Core Duos, but Meroms would be nice, but that would mean the iMac and MacBook Pro would have to be updated too. Either this is a big update, or it's just a speedbump.

    Another possible party-pooper could be failure to fill demand. They've been struggling on the laptops and the mini is based onthe same technology.
  • esork, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3How about adding SCREWS on the bottom so you don't have to attack it with a paint scraper to get the thing opened!



  • jcdickerson, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1OF COURSE a new Mini will be out after Labor Day - I just ordered one. IT NEVER FAILS for me - I buy a new Apple product and they upgrade it almost immediately afterwards. Oh well, it won't make my new Mini stop working...
  • Topher06, on 10/12/2007, -8/+4Who cares, its a Mac Mini.

    Honestly, Apple need to pull their heads out of their asses and release a non-pro version of the Mac desktop. Apple f*cks around by either forcing you to pay $3000 if you want something with decent specs, or you pay $600 for something with a crap ass embedded video card and lousy features. Apples wants to ensure the pro and high end users pay $3000 for their top of the line Mac Pro's, and not cheap out and buy a wholey adequate mid-range Mac, and this is why I can't stand them as a company.

    Apple makes good *****, but they force you to pay through the nose for it, or offer some crap ass substitute that is still overpriced for what you get. If Apple was every serious about getting into computing, then release a mid-range fully customizable and upgradable Mac desktop using Intel Core 2 Duo and/or Extreme to compete head to head with mid / high end PC's. Anybody buying a Mac Pro and isn't a graphics designer or video editor is wasting too much money on features they will never use, like 16gb of RAM and support for 4 independent video cards.

    It doesn't take a f*cking genious to know thats how to do business right, but Apple is too f*cking scared to get more then 5% marketshare, so they keep rolling out crap like iMac's and Mac Mini's that will ensure they will never dominate against Dell and Microsoft.
    • Rodzirra, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4"It doesn't take a f*cking genious to know thats how to do business right..."

      Dude, when's the last time you took a look at their profit statement and balance sheet? I think they're "doing business" just fine.
    • bsummersett, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I can understand what you're saying, but I think you have to understand Apple's philosophy. Making everything upgradable for the sake of being upgradable doesn't trump aesthetics or ease of use in Apple's eyes, and this is partly how Apple products "just work".

      I think Apple's primary goal isn't to be the #1 PC retailer; especially with their transition to Intel processors, the thing that separates them from other companies is their design. This is why they are typically more expensive then something comparable.

      BTW I'm not an Apple whore... Just feel something needed explaining
  • locnguyen, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I'm not sure if anyone is "forced" too angry man.
  • gxcdesign, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1if they update the graphics I'm selling my month old Mac Mini
  • julian02392, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I hope this is true, I still do not understand why they never switched to Core2 Duo...
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