Along with new iMac models (see related article), Apple today also increased processor speeds on both models of the Mac mini, delivering dual-core performance across the line at no additional cost. The $799 model now includes a 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, up from 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, and the $599 model now includes a 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, up from a 1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo processor.
The new Mac mini models are here.
Related article:
Apple iMac line gets Intel Core 2 Duo processors; pricing starts at $999; new 24-inch model debuts – September 06, 2006
G-Spank, I doubt the Core Solo would cost $200 less than the low end Core duo, plus I think the low end Mini is about as “Bare Bones” as you can get.
Worthless for schools or anywhere somebody can take it at a 5 finger disount.
Now I could see a mm hooked up to a HD TV…if all the other parts of that media center puzzle were in place.
But that is what next weeks event is all about!
the new furry minimac is awesome
“Peter Noone will buy these? I had no idea he was such a Mac zealot!
Mr. Jobs, you’ve got a lovely computer!”
Yes!! Macca, I always wanted to make that comment after someone misspells “no one”. I’m sure you’ve left a lot of people scratching their heads.
Wally Wallet : Now I could see a mm hooked up to a HD TV…if all the other parts of that media center puzzle were in place.
What are the parts of the media centre puzzle that are missing?
Anyone hooked a mini up to a LCDTV ?
The recent article about wireless HDMI suggests to me that Apple may have an Airport Express HDMI on tap. Paired with a Mini with a 160gb hd, and you have a pretty kick-a** media center.
“Hell hath no furry like a woman scorned”
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There are definitely some bells and whistles Apple could cut to bring the price of a mini to 399, or at least back down to 499. Start with wireless and blue tooth. Plenty of people looking for a basic computer don’t need those in a desktop. And someone else pointed out that just by making the mini a LITTLE bit taller, Apple could put in cheaper 3.5″ drives. Why bother? For the same reason Apple sells a $79 Shuffle–plenty of people considering a brand would like to try it at the least financial risk possible, and it’s crazy not to compete in that part of the market if you can do so profitably. Apple doesn’t need to go down to the VERY bottom–there are $49 flash-based mp3 players, after all. But offering a product at the lowest price level possible with a Core Duo (or Solo) would help Apple explode the “Dell is less expensive” myth for good. A lot of people will keep believing that until the low-end mac is more price competitive.
Jake
@ pog : I agree with G-Spank. The $599 price point will kill a lot of mini sales; it was a 20% cost increase when the mini went Intel. $399 is even better and dropping the wireless would help to achieve that price point.
@ Jake : Using a 3.5″ might require a beefier power supply for the mini.
“No one wants a mini.” “Everyone wants laptops.” “minis are just for switchers.”
BALONEY!!
My 3-year-old 1GHz G4 PowerMac is getting a little long in the tooth. As soon as Leopard is available, I’d like to replace it with a new Intel Mac. I’d like some additional speed and prettier graphics (Dashboard ripple effect and all that). I’d also like to be able to take advantage of Parallels or Boot Camp if necessary.
But the new Intel MacPro is way way WAY too much computer for me. I don’t need anything near that powerful and I could use the extra $1000 on something else.
Since I already have a gorgeous LCD monitor, the $799 Core Duo Mac mini is perfect! It should be something like 6 times as fast as my current machine. Plus, with the money I’ll save, I can easily afford to throw an extra GB of memory into it. With 1.5 GB of memory installed, the integrated graphics won’t be an issue.
So I’m getting one of these babies just as soon as Leopard hits 10.5.1.
10.5.1, …a year is a long wait, and who knows what hardware offerings will be available?
“Useless.” You parents obviously named you correctly, but thanks anyway.
I don’t belive this is going to happen any time soon if ever. But there is a small (very small) possibility that Apple may release a new product that is like a Mac Mini, but only more basic, and possibly taller. Considering the momentum Apple is having right now with Mac sales, they don’t exactly want to sell too many. Wait until the intel transition is officially over (there are still some key programs that need universal binaries) to see where Apple goes with its marketing strategy. This model, which would be an even lower-end computer than the mini, would still have to tout the out-of-the-box experience.
As for the barebone models—no—. Apple is all about the out-of-the-box experience. Too many uniformed average computer users would end up buying the cheap models and then start complaining about Apple’s quality unaware that it was not intended to be used out-of-the box. Rumors about Apple’s quality would spread, etc.
Mr. Trousers, You also get a remote, mighty mouse, monitor, and keyboard. The Mac Mini sucks. BTW, Get a Macbook Pro!
Hmmmm, I was only comparing the two mini variants, neither of which come with mouse, monitor and keybaord (all of which I have already). The Mini doesnt suck BTW, and yes the macbook pro is nice and all that, but its not a fair comparison. I dont have the $2000+ to spend, and it would be overkill for what I do, so a mini is perfectly fine thanks.
For the record, I have a friend who has a mini and bought a macbook pro, and while he enjoys he macbook, he uses the mini more. He says he like having a desktop for more comfort while computing, larger screen (he has a 20″ cinema screen), separate keyboard … go figure huh.
Would the MacBook (Not Pro) be a fair comparison?
I’m REALLY disappointed! I am SOOOO surprised that Apple didn’t upgrade their entire computer line, and then offer their “obselete” inventory for free to all those that were obviously waiting for something better.
I’m going to start shopping at the DELL page. I can’t believe that this has happened to me again.