Apple's new $500.00 Mac

Post by **jhoneycutt** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:19 am

Post by **super8man** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:22 am

Sign me up...looks like the perfect thing I need...heck, you could even bring it to work and hook up your work inputs/outputs if need be.

Very cool. And I'M A PC GUY!

But never politically correct!

Thanks!

Post by **S8 Booster** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:37 am

Wonder if the thing is aimed at use with a modern HDTV as a "monitor" as they will be there anyway?
Putting it there with the TV + using wireless keyboard & mouse?

Results are said to be overwhelming according to those who have tested a similar setup.

R

Post by **reflex** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:24 am

I was on the Apple site earlier tonight. I priced out the $599 Mac mini with a DVD drive, wireless networking, and 512MB memory (I think it only has 1 memory slot) -- it came to about $850 without keyboard, mouse, or monitor.

Final Cut Express has been updated to HD. There's another $300.

Sigh. I want one.

Post by **super8man** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:25 pm

It takes pc2700 ram so the cost of ram is the cost of ram: pc=mac...get it. So that's a push.

I don't see the need for an internal 4x dvd burner nor the need for 80GB since the WHOLE point of this box is to be small. Attach a firewire or usb 200GB drive if you want to...this can be done for under $200 buy buying an external box and a drive of your choice (check out NEWEGG.COM).

So, let's see: $499 (no shipping since it's free) + Sales Tax (probably) and that's it. Like I said, upgrade the RAM but this is no different than if you had a PC and upgraded its RAM.

What I really want is one of those CINEMA screens - a 20 inch would do.

Cheers,
m

Post by **reflex** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:26 pm

super8man wrote:Attach a firewire or usb 200GB drive if you want to...

You're right. I'll think small and simple.

I just checked out the cost of 1GB DIMMs at Tiger Direct. Much more reasonable than Apple. You're probably right about the DVD burner - Easy enough to transfer files around using my iPod if I need to.

I noticed that there's a small educational discount for those who're students or teachers/faculty. It brings down the price to $599 (Canadian) with free shipping.

reflex

Post by **super8man** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:00 pm

Yeah, I noticed a $479US price for students here in the USA.

Post by **soundboy** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:02 pm

reflex wrote: I just checked out the cost of 1GB DIMMs at Tiger Direct. Much more reasonable than Apple.
reflex

The problem is you will need an apple tech guy to install it, It's not easy like a PC to pop open and install i've heard.

Post by **timdrage** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 1:03 am

Ah, looks really cool, tho I don't trust all these super-miniaturised new macs... those slot loading drives and such. I hope these are more reliable than the early Titanium Powerbooks for example! :evil:

Post by **crimsonson** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 1:14 am

All internal upgrades [memory, drive, Blue Tooth, etc] must be done before shipment of the product.
Opening the case is probably not impossible, just a bit difficult. The bigger issue is likely voids your warranty.

Post by **soundboy** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 1:23 am

crimsonson wrote:All internal upgrades [memory, drive, Blue Tooth, etc] must be done before shipment of the product.
Opening the case is probably not impossible, just a bit difficult. The bigger issue is likely voids your warranty.

After adding the DVD-R and a Gig of Ram to the 1.4gig model, it puts the price up to high.
Better off saving for a G5 or buying a fully moded 64bit PC.

Post by **super8man** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 3:07 am

Just to belabour the point a little bit more...you do not need to increase RAM or upgrade to a dvd burner...just add an external box for your dvd recording needs.

Here's how I envision it...you have some really cool footage you want to share with family and friends but are really tired of LOADING SOFTWARE on other people's devices just to find out they have crap for a computer, etc. What to do...hmmm...let's see....OK, I know: pack this 3 pound thing inside your carry-on luggage or in your backpack and go visit the relatives. Carefully unplug their monitor/keyboard/mouse (though I would bring your own mouse) and VOILA (that's a bit of French I learned way back) you can now show that 10GB avi movie to all those folks. Most importantly, you have now become and travelling side show! Super cool.

Still, I would wait a few months or more...let the early adopters discover any glitches and the price can only come down...even if in the early months it goes for a premium like the Mazda Miata did when it first came out...

Cheers,
m

Post by **reflex** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 5:00 am

super8man wrote:Just to belabour the point a little bit more...

Yep. In some ways, I'd treat a Mac Mini like a laptop - dragged from place to place, depending on where I'm working.

I guess I'm excited because I'm not likely to drop $1500 on an iMac (even though they are really sweet), but $500 might be manageable. I imagine there are many others who feel the same.

Post by **S8 Booster** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 5:13 am

In the old days all macs came with instructions on how to safely install RAM etc. HavenÃ‚Â´t checked the new ones but IÃ‚Â´d be surprised if that violated the warranty.

Some samples from the Apple support WEB:

PowerBook G4 to PowerBook G4 (1 GHz/867 MHz): How to Install an AirPort Card
PowerBook G4 (17-inch): CIP Instruct

R

Post by **timdrage** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 12:48 pm

Opening the case is probably not impossible, just a bit difficult.

Most macs open up very easily, tho sometimes only once you know how! It's possible that this one will be intentionall non-user-openable, but most macs I've had have super well designed insides with bits that swing open elegently, things that slide neatly into place etc!

Filmshooting

Apple's new $500.00 Mac

Apple's new $500.00 Mac

Not so fast...

Re: Not so fast...

Re: Not so fast...