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How do these configs compare to previous versions? I don't believe the processor options have changed, but is the video card the same? What about the Superdrive...was it a BTO option before?

My work id "Dark"

Hang on, where's the 'upgrade'. You can't call doubling memory alone to what it should have been in the first place an upgrade, surely. Am I missing something or is that the only thing that has changed?

Where's the 64Mb graphics (at least - for full hardware acceleration)
How about Firewire 800 to enable fast external storage - (media server, anyone?)

First post?

'chance' - as in Apple are really chancing their arm with this one

The only difference with Mac mini is that it has 512 MB Ram standard and WiFi+Bluetooth on 1.42 GHz models.

Sadly, if you want a modem on you 1.42 GHz Mac mini, you'll have to BTO.

"Hang on, where's the 'upgrade'."

That's why the title of the Press Release is: "Apple enhances Mac mini with double the memory across the line."

Not to mention that the 1.42 GHz models come with WiFi+Bluetooth standard.

This is an 'enhancement', not an upgrade. No confusion.

At least MDN doesn't have to keep recommending people to upgrade the memory in their takes. They can just say "get your a$$ to an Apple Store already and get a computer that works.

Pretty sleazy advertising. I expect that from a car dealership, but not Apple. Looking at their home page, I was under the assumption that ALL Mac Mini's came with wireless.

Plus 512MB is a good start but with only one slot, you would still need to replace it if you want more. At least the 512 chip might fetch $20 on ebay.

Hopefully, Apple will redesign the motherboard to have built-in memory and an expansion slot when it gets a Pentium M.

OK, on the UK site I can now see that the price has dropped for the base model whilst 'doubling' the memory. The 1.42 has two options - with and without superdrive - plus they are throwing in the wireless card and bluetooth. This probably makes it the one to go for. Note that they're still charging over the odds for the 1Gb memory upgrade!

The shame is that 1Gb is really worth having so the fact they've doubled the standard amount to 512Mb is negated somewhat - you're just going to be throwing away twice the RAM essentially.

'island' - as in no Mac is an island

macnut222 you're splitting hairs. My point being that this has been a long time coming and feels a little short of the mark. Don't you think that when we start playing with the Intel crowd that an 'enhancement' of this order will just not cut the mustard?

By the way dicks get enhanced, computers get upgrades.

'addition' - as in 6" would make a nice little addition

This is what Apple is not doing: pushing FireWire 800. It could make it go head to head against USB 2 but it is not. Looks like they eased off Intel in that area to get the CPU deal they wanted.

Why do I mention this on a page about the new Mac Minis? Anyone can see that peripherals will be made especially for it. I have read about external hard drives and car installations all-ready, you can imagine what else will be made for it. I see Mini displays much like those LCD screens for PS2 and GameCube.

The best thing about the new Mac Mini is that it is wireless and small. Take away its optical drive and it could sold as Airport Super or whatever.

It is almost surprising that the new Mac Mini is not an Intel Mac. What better way to hog the software market to yourself if the competition has not ported their applications yet? Intel was showing mini PCs a few weeks before the announcement so the hardware design could be ready.

Useless upgrade!

We've had Tiger for months now, and the mini and iBook have been blocked out from using CoreImage because they only had 32MB of video RAM. And how much VRAM have these got? 32MB.

Pointless.

Right on Macnut222. It was always a pain to tell people they should get a Mac mini but "be sure you get 512 Mb of memory". It always made it sound like there were other hidden costs. Now if someone just gets the standard config they will be fine. Good deal. I am sure this is Apple responding to EVERYBODY IN THE WORLD recommending that you double the memory at least.

if they would have added a 64mb video option they would sell alot more of these =/

Apple must be holding off on the processor "enhancements" to make the Intel jump more appealing.

xan, you probably made the point that I was attempting. ALL Macs (new) - even the lowest of the low should be able to make use of the imaging/audio/whatever capabilities of Tiger. I wouldn't even mind if I had to pay for this as a BTO option. I don't think that a Mini with 64Mb at a reasonable price point would cut into Power Mac sales - if that's what they're worried about.

And again I refer everyone to Mr Jobs' WWDC speech (paraphrasing, perhaps..) '....and there are some great PowerPC™ products to come....'

'gives' - as in Apple gives it to us once more...

if they would have added a 64mb video option they would sell alot more of these =/

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and made less profit.. AMAZING!

Until the Intel machines come along in early '06, you're not going to see any major upgrades or design changes. It would be stupid for Apple to do such a thing at this point anyway with the new architecture coming in about 6-7 months. I'm just glad that they have 512MB standard now, that's the main thing. If you want something new and exciting, you'll have to wait for MacWorld 2006 in January. That's when you'll see new motherboards, video and processors for the Mac mini and iBook, but not until then.

Did the eMac get a boost, too? Or am I late on something?

This makes the mini worth while. The lack of memory was a problem with the previous mini, you were forced to buy on line as the store models could not be upgraded. You have your choice with wifi or dial up. You can always buy the Airport with a modem. Prior to this if you wanted these upgrades you were looking at $1,000 for another 300 you could get an iMac.

Future intel models may have the integrated graphics card with shared memory.

Seems like several things have been added. Wireless and bluetooth built-in. 512mbs of ram now standard. Now a fully optioned out Mini with a superdrive is only $700.00. It would have cost you $900.00 to $1000.00 before. I consider these to be enhancements and certainly not anything sleezy or misleading at all.

1- Thanks for making 512MB Standard at the same price.
2- The $599 Bluetooth/WiFi option is also nice.
3- The $699 SuperDrive/ Wireless model is O.K.

NOW
Can we have a proper graphics chip in the mini? An ATI 9200 w/32MB is kind of lame. At least OFFER a video upgrade on the SuperDrive models.

Magic word is 'almost' as in almost got it right.

bfd....this "upgrade" is not even worth a press annoucement.

people, wait for the intel inside version. it is not as if anyone needs a minimac.

Sad that the PowerMac I just bought comes with the same standard RAM as a cheap Mac Mini.

512 MB on a $2000+ machine.

Lame.

Standard built-in AirPort Extreme is the key. This makes it more of a digital hub component.

Could someone out there tell me what's the best resolution that the R-9200 card can deliver? Thanks!

This is a great deal! Our chain ordered custom built Mac Minis, the 1.42Ghz with 512Mb RAM bluetooth and airport modules, and Superdrive were priced at $1299 (included wireless keyboard and mouse) that is now $899, the wireless mouse and keyboard are $69 each, so that is still a savings of $262!

"Said" as in, that's what I said, uh huh!

This enhancement makes the last round of PowerMac G5 upgrades seem absolutely awesome!

"Could someone out there tell me what's the best resolution that the R-9200 card can deliver? Thanks!
"

1920x1200. So it will drive anything up to and including a 23" Cinema Display.