Apple Revamps Desktops, Laptops, and Adds Multi-touch 'Magic Mouse'
mac mini posts
Apple Upgrades iMac, mini, Pro, and AirPort
We'd heard rumblings about computer upgrades from everyone's favorite Cupertino-based company, but we didn't expect anything this soon. This morning, Apple announced new updates across its desktop computer and router lines. Although there aren't any significant aesthetic changes or redesigns to the models, the Mac Pro, Mac mini, and iMac all received spec upgrades (e.g. faster chips, improved graphics cards, and more storage), and there are even some welcome price downgrades. Click after the break to get the quick rundown of the new items (available now on the Apple store) and new features:
New Mac Mini To Debut at Macworld?
It seems like the signs are pointing to a refresh of the Mac mini when this year's Macworld rolls around. According to a press release by SeeFile, their new (version 4.6) Web server software can be purchased bundled with a Mac mini server with 1 terabyte of storage -- which is odd enough, since the largest internal drive that ships with the thing is 120GB. And how about the release itself, indiscreetly titled: "New Mac Mini Hardware to Be Supported by Revolutionary SeeFile Web Sharing DAM Software." Of course, this could all be mere speculation, rumors and innuendo. We'll find out soon enough, won't we? [Via Yahoo]Mac Mini Update Rumors Flare as Apple Sales Dip
Although Apple just posted some ridiculous quarterly numbers, it doesn't seem like it's going to escape the current economic conditions in the US unscathed -- like pretty much everyone else, monthly sales are down in Cupertino, according to the NPD Group. The drop is only one percent total, but it's against a two percent rise in overall PC sales, which could indicate that Apple's premium pricing is hurting it as shoppers turn to netbooks and other bargain machines. That dovetails nicely with chatter we're hearing today about updated Mac minis making a debut at Macworld -- although Steve famously proclaimed that Apple doesn't "know how to make a $500 machine that's not a piece of junk" during the last earnings call, it sure sounds like he's going to try, with a $499 2.0GHz mini in a new MacBook-esque unibody enclosure rumored to arrive onstage in January. If you believe Wired, it'll be accompanied by a $700 2.3GHz version with NVIDIA graphics, and both models will feature mini DisplayPorts -- nothing shocking there. We'll see when we see -- we've been waiting for the mini to be updated forever, and while Apple did just uncharacteristically slam rumors of a new model, times like these could lead to drastic measures.Read - Mac mini rumors
Read - Apple monthly sales drop
R.I.P. Mac Mini?
AppleInsider is declaring the Mac Mini dead. Citing unnamed sources, "for whom AppleInsider holds the utmost respect," the Mac-centric tech site is predicting that the budget-priced computer is headed to the gallows because of slow sales and a lack of commitment from Apple.
Since its introduction in January 2005, the Mini has been never really been given the respect the rest of Mac line gets -- either from consumers or from Apple itself. Apple has never been in the business of selling economically-friendly computers, which always made the Mini stick out a bit like a sore thumb.
AppleInsider speculates that the Mini was actually devised to appease shareholders who saw an opportunity for Apple in the sub-$800 PC market. As a result, Apple paid little attention to its bastard child, updating the line only four times throughout its lifespan.
Once upon a time people saw hope for the Mac Mini in the living room, where its diminutive form factor would make it ideal as a Media Center PC. But, Apple had other plans a la the AppleTV.
So, we wouldn't be surprised if AppleInsider's peek into the crystal ball proves to be true. After all, Apple has been known to let a product line or two die on the vine. G4 Cube anyone?
From Apple Insider
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