Apple Mini Mac = Why is my PC so cluttered =(

[Stuey]

Ok, various analysts and computing experts have seen this coming. I read maybe two weeks ago, about a new budget Mac that might be coming out. Well, it's out and it seems as if it's going to put small form factor PCs to shame. The Mac-mini is simply beautiful. I want one. It's just so... small. The graphics quality and the limited number of ports will prevent heavy users from getting one, but think of all the college kids that are gonna want one.

I bought a laptop for my freshman year of college. I overused it so much that I rendered it unusable for more than 10 minutes at a time before it overheats. So about 65% through my undergraduate years, I built a PC for myself. Sure it's a hassle to transport it back and forth a few times a year when I have breaks of several weeks, but I need the durability and power of a desktop as opposed to a laptop. But man oh man I could really go for a mini-mac.

While looking at the mini-mac that my friend linked me to, I decided to check out their power macs. After looking at the pictures, I thought to myself, this is the most beautiful desktop I have EVER seen. The mini-mac comes in a close second. Forget about small form factor PCs, forget about custom PCs with glossy automotive shine, the G5 tower screams perfection. If I didn't like my PC so much, and I had the cash, I would order one right now. Eventually maybe I'll have a PC AND a Mac. Anyways, the inside of the Mac is just so... CLEAN, so immaculate.

I know this is a long post, but just imagine how this will effect the PC industry. I was considering for the longest time to build a small form factor PC as a home theater PC based from the Antec Aria case. The Aria case is still a bit big for my liking, and other SFF PCs are still quite big. All I know is that if they plug in surround sound (they already have TV support via an adapter), Apple will force their way into home theaters. It has much more aesthetic appeal than many SFF PCs, and from what I understand, it seems to be about the size of four video tapes, two stacks of two video tapes.

I know that my ranting portrays me as an avid mac user, but I haven't touched one since some time in high school, maybe 6-7 years ago. I hope that apple profits skyrocket and that many people convert into pc-mac users. If apple steals enough of the pc market, pc manufacturers will begin to notice and push forth with new products of their own. PC products need to combat the aesthetic appeal of Macs with their own visual improvements.

Visual appeal aside, from what I can tell just from Apple's gallery image of the inside of a G5, a Mac possesses better thermal dissipation than most PCs. My parents have a dell computer. I popped it open to observe its innards. There is one fan on the externally exposed side of the power supply, and there is a fan ducted to the CPU, blowing out the back end of the case. What does this mean? With heavy use, the temperatures of this system will shorten the lifespan of the components thus prompting my parents to buy a new computer when the parts start to go bad.

Ok, ok, next time I post a thread I'll lay off the caffeine. Hopefully I haven't bored anybody too much.

[Strider]

That is a nice looking beginners computer I have to agree.


The only thing that prevents me from buying an Apple Computer is my software, I am not willing to through out all the $$$ that I have on my PC and that Apple has a specific niche for power users (Graphic Designers, Video Editing, et...).

[Stuey]

Same here. Although I've heard that their emulation of windows is getting better. But that costs like $150 + windows or I think it's $250 w/o it.

[pam123]

I'm sure it's just the thing for my mother.
Maybe she'll let me use it sometime ?

[hobey19]

i am buying two, one for each of my sisters. they have a problem with screwing up my parents computers with all of the things they do. and since they just got ipods for christmas, this will be the perfect thing for them. they are completely computer illiterate, but seem to make it around fine on my ibook.

craig

[jimmyrules712]

if there wasa windows PC that small id buy it right off the bat.

[shazam]

I think that this the computer of the future. Space saveing is a plus. At least my wife thinks so. So my ? is (with out to much debate) why are so many people apposed to mac,s ?.

[Mac Medic]

Most people are used to windows, haven't really used OS X and like what they're familiar with. I think you'll see the budget buyer become interested in the mini, it'll save them an awful lot of problems, unless of course an all knowing PC user puts them off Mac's for no valid reason.

[Stuey]

Hmm... I think I know what would get a lot of people to cross over to the Mac side. An apple operating system for windows. It could be cheap, or have a 30-60 day trial period. I know that a lot of people don't want to put money down for a Mac when they can just replace their computer with another PC because of the learning curve and risky software compatability issues. However, if Apple allows people to taste the Mac environment through software, people might like it enough to put money down on some Mac hardware. At the very least, if Apple can create an operating system to compete with Windows as a platform for X86 architecture (I know this is Intel, but am not sure if AMD fits in here, but you know what I mean), then the consumer is guaranteed to benefit. We'll either end up with a choice when it comes to operating systems, or at the very least Microsoft will accelerate their efforts in producing an even better OS.

[colecifer]

Originally Posted by Stuey83 Hmm... I think I know what would get a lot of people to cross over to the Mac side. An apple operating system for windows. It could be cheap, or have a 30-60 day trial period. I know that a lot of people don't want to put money down for a Mac when they can just replace their computer with another PC because of the learning curve and risky software compatability issues. However, if Apple allows people to taste the Mac environment through software, people might like it enough to put money down on some Mac hardware. At the very least, if Apple can create an operating system to compete with Windows as a platform for X86 architecture (I know this is Intel, but am not sure if AMD fits in here, but you know what I mean), then the consumer is guaranteed to benefit. We'll either end up with a choice when it comes to operating systems, or at the very least Microsoft will accelerate their efforts in producing an even better OS.

I agree with what you are saying, but financially speaking its way better to have the operating system exclusive to macs. I know a big selling point of macs is OSX, if people could get OSX eslewhere for their pc they it would. One its less intimidating and two it would be cheaper. If mac made OSX available for all systems their number of hardware customers would most likely plummet and they would then make a lot less money.

[Iniamyen]

Ignoring other problems which both mac AND pc have, the one that stands out to me as my reason for choosing pc, as well as one of the reasons for that small computer, is accessiblility/upgradeability.

If there is something wrong with my computer or I want to upgrade, I want to be able to. And more importantly, I want to be able to without having a graduate degree in computer engineering. With a mac, you simply cannot do this. They have the edge in aesthetic appeal, there is no disputing that. I, however, do not care how portable or cute my desktop system is. I just don't. It's going to be under or behind a desk most of the time. And if something breaks, I want to open the thing up and fix it. If something cool comes out that I want to stick in the thing, I want to be able to.

I can understand the MAC LCD displays. I can even understand ipods with their issues because they just look cool. But I don't look at my computer box that often, so I don't care how cute it is.

Just remember, the aesthetic appeal is what you are paying a price premium for. I, personally, value my hard-earned money more than that

[RayH]

My Mac nephew wants something like a mini PC that he can gang to his Mac!

[shadowbreaker513]

I'd get one of them if macs were any good for gaming.

[colecifer]

Originally Posted by shadowbreaker513 I'd get one of them if macs were any good for gaming.

Even if macs were good for gaming, this one wouldn't be it only has a 9200.

[Mac Medic]

Originally Posted by Iniamyen Ignoring other problems which both mac AND pc have, the one that stands out to me as my reason for choosing pc, as well as one of the reasons for that small computer, is accessiblility/upgradeability.p

I've heard the very same thing said many times on this very forum about wintel PC's from OEM manufacturers, so it's not exclusive to the Mac Platform. But the fact is that Mac's, primarily powermacs, are just as upgradeable as your PC. I can upgrade HDD's, Video Card, Processors, Memory pretty much anything including the main board if I choose to. It's no where near as cost effective as a wintel but it can be easily done. The mac mini is a lot more challenged in this regard, but thats not the market Apple is aiming at with this machine. The mini is aimed at users who have no intention of opening the case, they want a machine to work out of the box and not require any fiddling with, or virus scanning, or spyware scanning. They want a platform where they can open their e-mail without being afraid they'll have to reformat the thing after doing so, a platform where their private information is just that, private, rather than fodder for any script kiddy, a platform that "just works"

It could also be aimed at the geeks who want to play with the best, most popular (by a factor of 3-1) UNIX distribution ever, OS X. The fact is, Apple have taken the best OS (UNIX) and arguably one of the most secure yet complicated to use, and made it accessible and useable by anyones grandmother. And that ain't a bad thing, especially now that M$ have admitted defeat and bought a spyware company because they can't patch the holes in their own OS.

[jimmyrules712]

i would sooner go linux then mac, i like being able to control my hardware, and have an array of options for my OS to put on that hardware. Macs dont provide any of that.

did i mention linux is free

[Yuanji]

hmm apple G5 Tower's case looks just like a Lian Li case... i forgot which model.... anyways.... yeah, Macs are awsome but the few reasons that windows is better for gaming is mainly a software issue (drivers and supported games). also the fact that a Vid card for a mac costs so insanely much...

[colecifer]

Originally Posted by Yuanji hmm apple G5 Tower's case looks just like a Lian Li case...

thats because lian-li ripped off the G5 design, not the other way around as you seem to think.

[Yuanji]

Originally Posted by colecifer thats because lian-li ripped off the G5 design, not the other way around as you seem to think.

no i never said anybody ripped off anybody. just suggesting the idea if you only like the G5 powermac for the looks, you could get the Lian li case.

[shazam]

I feel both sides are right. People on this forum and other site as this want complet control of there pc,s. But most people i think especialy senior citizens just use there computer for email and surfing. They just want something out of the box ready to go. Apple may find a strong market with the seniors if they market it right.There are a lot of us out there.

[Iniamyen]

Originally Posted by oem_guy_2002 I've heard the very same thing said many times on this very forum about wintel PC's from OEM manufacturers, so it's not exclusive to the Mac Platform. But the fact is that Mac's, primarily powermacs, are just as upgradeable as your PC. I can upgrade HDD's, Video Card, Processors, Memory pretty much anything including the main board if I choose to. It's no where near as cost effective as a wintel but it can be easily done.

I didn't realize that upgradeability was feasible for an "average" user. The few times I've seen the inside of a mac, I get the impression they don't want you in there. It's similar to prebuilt pc's in that there's a lot of extra crap designed to keep you away from messing with the vitals of the thing.

It's also true that prebuilt pc's have some proprietary hardware limitations, which is why I prefer to build my own.

I also do realize the attraction of being basically a linux OS, in fact I do research at school with some fellows who use macs purely because of this. However, I would be willing to bet the vast majority of people interested in buying a mac don't care about the advantages of linux.

[Stuey]

Sure you can upgrade a Mac, but how many choices do you have? Not many. Sure you can also upgrade your average OEM PC. But how many choices do you have there? Not many either. I checked out my parents' Dell. There's not much room for hardware additions, and it probably runs hot enough anyways. Add in another hard drive and a higher end video card and the drain on the power supply will create even more heat wear and tear.

For my primary computer, I might never ever choose a Mac. I'm considering getting a powerbook eventually, or maybe even a powermac if I strike a high paying job that would justify it. My main gripe about Macs is the same gripe I have with OEM computers, I'm picky and don't want someone picking my exact components for me. In the PC OEM case, more often than not unless you pay more than average costs, or choose a PC with certain choice options, you get their choice of stuff. On many laptops, they offer choice between hard drive sizes and if you want an 8mb buffered 5400 or 7200 rpm drive, you have to buy it in addition to your laptop, unless of course you want to pay an extra premium for a costlier model.

The Mini-Mac is aimed at those who want a tiny and simple cheap computer. Ok, so it's not too cheap since you need to provide peripherals and a monitor, but it'll make a perfect addition to a PC household. Honestly, if I had extra funds, I'd get one as soon as it was available. I like to think that I have some restraint in spending money on frivolties. If something is below a certain cost, I'll buy it even if I don't need it. I already have two thumb drives which I use occassionally. If a 2 gig model was available for let's say $40, I'd try one b/c for that amount of money, I can't lose even if I barely use it. For $1500, I'm not going to try a Mac platform. For $500, one of these days I just might.

BTW, I started this as a I'm a PC user but ooh this new Mac looks sexy, hmm Macs are sexy, I wish my PC could be as sexy as a Mac but still be a PC, thread. Don't make this into a "Macs are better" "PCs are better" "that guy is wrong" thread. The fact is, nobody has the right to disparage either platform unless they have had EXTENSIVE experience with both platforms.

In the case of a right out of the box concept, when someone is completely new to computers, it doesn't make a difference if they use PCs or Macs, either option requires somewhat of a learning curve.

[Yoshimi]

The Mac mini is so awesome looking. If I had an Ipod and a Mac mini to go with it..... *drools. But realistically it would be convient to have an extremely portable computer with aquedate power to do basic tasks, such as supplement the Ipod that i would have along with it. But too bad i don't have money like that to spend
But I really like the clean looks of the mac's even though they're not as functional. As for learning curve, they seem like they can be a lot simpler to use for computer illiterate people. But the Mac mini is just too good looking to ignore completely.

[shazam]

What kind of technology are they useing to get everything in such a small space?

[Mac Medic]

Originally Posted by Yoshimi But I really like the clean looks of the mac's even though they're not as functional.

[Stuey]

It's just custom designed similar to how a tablet PC or laptop is. The power supply is probably an external brick, and the CPU will probably be cooled similar to a laptop. I imagine that the mainboard and graphics card are integrated together into a weird multi-tiered configuration. Not quite sure if the mini-mac can be upgraded. If anything, the ram slots and hard drive will be the only things accessible.The CPU probably has passive cooling, and since this is not a gaming rig, or even a high-performance rig, the graphics card will have a small heatsink of some kind. Perhaps the case will be used to help dissipate some heat.

[kg3]

I am wonder why people get upset if a company sees a good looking case on a mac and wants to put it out for the pc. I mean its not like the are takeing away any market share away from mac, i dont know anyone that would buy a 1500 G5 just for the case...but as far as the mini goes yes it dose look cool but i dont really have any use for word....and the thing about scannning for adware and such its not that big a deal it you are aware of it. well thats my 2 cents take it as you may
happy posting

[colecifer]

Originally Posted by shazam What kind of technology are they useing to get everything in such a small space?

Don't tell anyone i told you this, because its a secret. They use a shrink ray, orginally they were going to make it the size of the ipod but thought that would be to suspicious. They decided to start at the mac mini size and gradually make it smaller.

oh yeah, also sorry Yuanji i misinterpreted your post(i don't think i spelled that right).

[shazam]

colecifer I hope that was a joke.

[damontgo]

Originally Posted by Iniamyen Ignoring other problems which both mac AND pc have, the one that stands out to me as my reason for choosing pc, as well as one of the reasons for that small computer, is accessiblility/upgradeability. If there is something wrong with my computer or I want to upgrade, I want to be able to. And more importantly, I want to be able to without having a graduate degree in computer engineering. With a mac, you simply cannot do this. They have the edge in aesthetic appeal, there is no disputing that. I, however, do not care how portable or cute my desktop system is. I just don't. It's going to be under or behind a desk most of the time. And if something breaks, I want to open the thing up and fix it. If something cool comes out that I want to stick in the thing, I want to be able to. I can understand the MAC LCD displays. I can even understand ipods with their issues because they just look cool. But I don't look at my computer box that often, so I don't care how cute it is. Just remember, the aesthetic appeal is what you are paying a price premium for. I, personally, value my hard-earned money more than that

I've never ever had trouble with my Mac's hardware. Neither has my dad. The only thing that ever happened was that he left his iMac G3 plugged in during an electrical storm and the modem/network crad got fried. I think Mac hardware is just better. Even if you just take processing into account; RISC processing is infinitely better than CISC processing in PCs. I think the GhZ fool a lot of people into thinking that Mac's are overpriced and have only 1/2 the power of PCs, and its just not true. Their LCDs are great, the OS is flawless. I really think money spent on a Mac is money well spent. The only hardware problem it should ever have is getting outdated. PCs beat Mac in that field because you can crack them open and put new stuff in. I think Mac beats PC in every other field though.