Apple Special Event Today..

[mad_onion]

is it just me or did the iMac used to be only ?999 now its ?1049 i must be going craz:s:s

[BlueFiberOptics]

All I want to do is test drive OS X to make sure if I want a Mac Laptop. But no stores around here. :(

And now the Mac Mini is ridiculous. I'd be better off buying the iMac.

[sundayx Veteran]

a few things i have to question:

how does the mini perform compared to the imac

how the mini performs in terms of multimedia capabilities ie hd decoding

how rich and full is the sound from the hi fi

[BajiRav]

iPod Hifi :x

[illicit]

Man, all this excitement for extremely over-priced iPod cases ($99-what a joke)...and some other products that no one really cares that much about.

I pretty much agree with you on that.

[BlueFiberOptics]

I know Apple is happy that people are buying their products, but wow. $99 for a leather case? I know Apple is about quality but come on.

[betasp]

Wow, I didn't read what else was said in this thread, but this was a pathetic announcement. The Mini is basically a piece of junk. If mom and dad need a computer I guess it works, but it has no power at all in it. It can't even play HD with that video card. The cases are ridiculous. I put an invisible shield on my iPod and it looks better, for a fraction of the price, and doesn't have a single scratch on it (5g black). And the "iPod Hifi" is ridiculous. First off, it's ugly, second, it CAN'T be as good as they say if it can run of damned batteries. I know my computer speakers would drain 20 D batteries in 5 minutes, if they even lasted that long. And it costs more than an iPod itself!! I have a home stereo to be a home stereo, and an iPod to be portable. I don't need my iPod to be a home stereo too.

Okay, I'm done, that's just my thoughts on the whole thing. The new mini isn't worth it's cost, the iPod cases are too expensive, and the Hifi will flop.

I can't find anything that says your can't play HD on it, so what else do you want to do with it? It is not a gaming machine.

I agree the case is expensive, but who really give a fart. The speaker system remind me of the Altec Lansing one (that I have) but I am going to reserve judgement until I hear it. There are speakers out there that cost alot more that are not for the ipod. How does this sound compared to them?

[fudgetunnel]

So wait...they ramp up the price, tack on Frontrow, continue to exclude DVR functionality, then hobble the system with integrated graphics that leech from system memory, which is even more troubling when used on a RAM-hungry OS such as OS X. But they add another ram slot...yet I assume that it will still require a myriad of odd tools to even attempt to upgrade the ram yourself...or you could go the easy route and configure it via the Apple store with their obscenely overpriced memory.

Apple marketing are gods among men.

[betasp]

So wait...they ramp up the price, tack on Frontrow, continue to exclude DVR functionality, then hobble the system with integrated graphics that leach from system memory, which is even more troubling when used on a RAM-hungry OS such as OS X. But they add another ram slot...yet I assume that it will still require a myriad of odd tools to even attempt to upgrade the ram yourself...or you could go the easy route and configure it via the Apple store with their obscenely overpriced memory.

Apple marketing are gods among men.

All of that while making it faster, allowing me to play my videos and music from my mac streamed to the mini and allowing me to do it with a remote control. I can even add memory that is cheaper than what Dell sells it as an add-on for and I get all of the effects of OSX built it including the stupid ripple effect everyone gets their panties in a wad about.

Also, why does everyone think it should have DVR capability. In Apple's eyes, you can download the shows you want from iTunes...

[Elliott]

processor wise, but once again, not 64bit, cant compare gfx, since the g5 is alot better in that area, so it can take advantage of coreimage. Onboard gfx for leopard :/ i can see Leopard taking much more advantage of 64bit...i would still choose my iMac over it.

EMT64 technology on the Intel processors will allow them nice semi-emulation of 64-bit features. The G5 isn't superior just because it's true 64-bit.

[macro]

All of that while making it faster, allowing me to play my videos and music from my mac streamed to the mini and allowing me to do it with a remote control. I can even add memory that is cheaper than what Dell sells it as an add-on for and I get all of the effects of OSX built it including the stupid ripple effect everyone gets their panties in a wad about.

Also, why does everyone think it should have DVR capability. In Apple's eyes, you can download the shows you want from iTunes...

Wait..... so you're saying it DOES have the ripple effect?!?! Are you...... sure?

*prepares to order*

[sundayx Veteran]

i wonder how AAPL is doing OH LOOK -3% :rolls eyes:

[gigapixels Veteran]

EMT64 technology on the Intel processors will allow them nice semi-emulation of 64-bit features. The G5 isn't superior just because it's true 64-bit.

The current Intel Core processors are not 64-bit whatsoever. That's not until further down the road.

[betasp]

The current Intel Core processors are not 64-bit whatsoever. That's not until further down the road.

That may not actually be true...

http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/intel/intel...sers-153822.php

[dp123]

So wait...they ramp up the price, tack on Frontrow, continue to exclude DVR functionality, then hobble the system with integrated graphics that leech from system memory, which is even more troubling when used on a RAM-hungry OS such as OS X. But they add another ram slot...yet I assume that it will still require a myriad of odd tools to even attempt to upgrade the ram yourself...or you could go the easy route and configure it via the Apple store with their obscenely overpriced memory.

Umm, it's a processor that's in such short supply some PC manufacturers aren't using it yet and is and will be for a time more expensive than existing lesser CPUs, they made sure the GPU is Quartz Extreme compliant (the system doesn't "leech" the GPU: it's called GPU-acceleration, Windows will have it in a year )maybe)), they've added features to Frontrow, they've added a remote, they've added ports, if you think a screwdriver and/or a flat edge is a "myriad" of tools I pity you...

[macro]

Umm, it's a processor that's in such short supply some PC manufacturers aren't using it yet and is and will be for a time more expensive than existing lesser CPUs, they made sure the GPU is Quartz Extreme compliant (the system doesn't "leech" the GPU: it's called GPU-acceleration, Windows will have it in a year )maybe)), they've added features to Frontrow, they've added a remote, they've added ports, if you think a screwdriver and/or a flat edge is a "myriad" of tools I pity you...

Thanks for the info! :)

[Powerless]

The hi-fi thingee, hmmm!

If they made that like the Sonos but cheaper and with iPodoctivity then they'll be onto a winner!

...Imagine, 5 of those things throughout the house, one with an ipod, over the wireless...

[fudgetunnel]

Umm, it's a processor that's in such short supply some PC manufacturers aren't using it yet and is and will be for a time more expensive than existing lesser CPUs, they made sure the GPU is Quartz Extreme compliant (the system doesn't "leech" the GPU: it's called GPU-acceleration, Windows will have it in a year )maybe)), they've added features to Frontrow, they've added a remote, they've added ports, if you think a screwdriver and/or a flat edge is a "myriad" of tools I pity you...

Yeah, except I was referring to it leeching system memory, and made no reference to Quartz Extreme (or Windows) at all. Perhaps saying a myriad of tools was a mistake, but it's certainly less than user-friendly. I can't recall the last time I had to use a putty knife to upgrade a computer, but I suppose you'll think that's a "feature". :rolleyes:

[macro]

Yeah, except I was referring to it leeching system memory, and made no reference to Quartz Extreme (or Windows) at all. Perhaps saying a myriad of tools was a mistake, but it's certainly less than user-friendly. I can't recall the last time I had to use a putty knife to upgrade a computer, but I suppose you'll think that's a "feature". :rolleyes:

A Mac is not a regular PC, it's a Mac, designed for style and size, not for upgrading/swapping parts all the time. (Especially a Mac mini) It doesn't make sense to regular PC users but to regular people it does. You don't want to open it up for upgrades, you just wanna use it and have it work. I think Mac users don't really upgrade, they just buy new computers after a few years. It's different than Windows boxes so you have to look at it from that perspective. That's my take on it at least.

Edited February 28, 2006 by macro

[Chicane-UK Veteran]

I'm a bit of an Apple fanboy these days but I must say that this didn't quite live up to some of the previous product announcements.. I wish they'd just gather a whole bunch into an enormous anouncement or just trickle them out gradually rather than having all this fanfare for relatively unexciting products.

That said i'd still really like a Mac Mini. The majority of stuff I do these days would easily be handled by one of those and it'd take up far less space than my big old ageing Athlon XP2600+ :)

[betasp]

Yeah, except I was referring to it leeching system memory, and made no reference to Quartz Extreme (or Windows) at all. Perhaps saying a myriad of tools was a mistake, but it's certainly less than user-friendly. I can't recall the last time I had to use a putty knife to upgrade a computer, but I suppose you'll think that's a "feature". :rolleyes:

"The Intel GMA950 graphics supports Tiger Core Graphics and the latest 3D games. It shares fast 667MHz memory4 with the Intel Core processor, for an incredible value proposition."

Also, when I worked for an SGI reseller, we had to use rubber mallats to get the doors off those machines because they used compression clasps. The WAS considered a design feature at the time. Oh, and the rubber mallat was not included.

[jackwanders]

Dammit. I just looked at the price for a good mac mini (more hdd, memory), and it's $1024.

I'm still better off building my own media center w/ an XPC. And with Shuttle's newer smaller form factors, I might as well price out one of those and see the comparison.

[fudgetunnel]

I like Apple products too, and have owned MANY of them. But this just seems like a cash grab on their part. The Mini made a really good bare-bones PC for doing the basics. But trying to morph it into a half-ass media center while knocking on more full-featured products deserves ridicule. I'd rather see them put out products that perform their intended purposes well, than see them try to spread their products too thin and do it mediocre.

[OrangeSoul]

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/02/28/0...0.s9e712zb.html

Apple Computer unveiled a new mini-computer designed as a hub for digital entertainment, and a home stereo system linked with its popular iPod music player.

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs showed off the new-generation "Mac Mini" and the "iPod Hi-Fi" at a press conference at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California.

As expected, the new Mac mini PC will run on microprocessors made by Intel Corp. Apple is switching all of its PCs over to Intel chips, a process that Jobs has said will be completed this year.

The mini PC is Apple's answer to the so-called digital media hubs that run on Microsoft's Windows Media Center platform.

Apple, Microsoft and makers of consumer electronics are all seeking a share of the nascent market for devices that can run entertainment applications that are either downloaded from the Internet or transferred from other digital media.

"Now, the performance just goes into the stratosphere," Jobs said before showing how the new computer can be linked to a television to play shows and music.

Jobs also demonstrated how it could be linked up to another computer in the room with a remote control and wireless connection software called "Bonjour."

Using "Front Row" software, the Mac Mini can be linked to other Macintosh computers to play any movie or music stored in one of the devices, Jobs said.

The Mac Mini Solo was priced at 599 dollars and the dual-core Mac Mini Duo at 799 dollars, Jobs said.

Jobs then turned to a second black-cloth draped pedestal and uncovered a "audiophile" quality home stereo base for Apple's internationally top-selling iPod music players.

"This thing is a lot more under the hood than it seems like," Jobs said with a with a wave toward the compact iPod Hi-Fi, which was priced in the "iPod economy space" at 399 dollars.

"I'm an audiophile," Jobs said. "I've had stereos costing, well I won't say because you'll think I'm crazy. But, costing a lot more. And, I'm thinking of getting rid of mine for this."

[moloko]

After seeing better photos of the Hi-Fi, I would think of getting it if it was good sounding. I would put it in my bedroom. Pop my ipod into it and wake up to some good tunes. 350$ though. I will need to have a really good tax return or the speakers sound like velvet poonanny.