Apple Announces Wonderful Toys 735
XMilkProject writes "Apple just released 5 new products, all of which should show up on the Apple Store within minutes. You can already see the most interesting new product, the iPod Hi-Fi, a supposed high fidelity boombox for your iPod. Other new products are an iPod Leather Case and three new media-center-style Intel Mac minis which will hit the Apple Store within the hour."
"The most interesting new product"? (Score:5, Insightful)
And a freaking set of speakers and a $99 leather case for the iPod are the "most interesting"?
I love how the submission is like "IPOD SPEAKERS", "LEATHER IPOD CASE", and then at the end, "oh yeah, and media center Intel-based Mac minis, too".
What I want to know is what Apple's going to do with its new 107,000 square foot [bizjournals.com] Tier IV [upsite.com] data center... iTunes Movie/Media Store, anyone?
Re:"The most interesting new product"? (Score:2)
Also, at the time the story was submitted, only the HiFi was available on the apple site so far, the mini's hadn't shown up.
Re:"The most interesting new product"? (Score:3, Insightful)
Just giving you a hard time. And I got one of the minis too.
But but but!! (Score:5, Funny)
Don't you know you can get a machine from Dell with similar specs for about $100 less! A machine exactly the same in all respects! Well, I guess except a bit bigger. Well, quite a lot bigger actually. And heavier. But otherwise the same! Oh except it will be grey and kind of crappy looking. But the specs will be the same! Oh apart from running Windows XP rather than OSX. And without the iLife software. But otherwise exactly the same. You Apple fanboys are nuts!
Re:But but but!! (Score:2)
Are there any real competitors in the same niche?
Re:But but but!! (Score:2)
The Austrian Olympic team can take on anyone, without or without drugs.
Re:But but but!! (Score:4, Funny)
Data Center (Score:2)
What I want to know is what Apple's going to do with its new 107,000 square foot Tier IV data center... iTunes Movie/Media Store, anyone?
I have been thinking. Wouldn't it be interesting if they used this to offer paid hosting of websites and businesses (ala Rackspace/Dreamhost/CIHost/Whatever)? Now I realized that this is quite a bit out of their core market, but it would get Apple servers out there. And who better to know how to run a datacenter of Macs than Apple themselves. Rent your own partial XServe
Stick a better GPU in it, and you have an XBox (Score:2)
Re:Stick a better GPU in it, and you have an XBox (Score:4, Insightful)
Thats my biggest gripe about this new version:
Graphics and Video Support
* Intel GMA950 graphics processor with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory.
Shared memory? Yuck! If you could only get a 128mb or a 256mb I'd get one. However, I bet it would be more than $1,000, but I'd still be interested.
Mac mini (Score:3, Informative)
Still way overpriced though. Yes it is tiny, but laptops face the same issues and you can buy a laptop with similar specs just about anywhere for the same prices Apple is getting for a mini. Seriously, go price a laptop with 1.5Ghz Mobile Pentium (abo
Re:"The most interesting new product"? (Score:2)
Re:"The most interesting new product"? (Score:2)
The other problem with the minimac that they have fixed in this Intel version is the memory. Even a gig of ram in my MiniMac can be filled up no problem, the
Re:"The most interesting new product"? (Score:3, Informative)
Re:"The most interesting new product"? (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Don't see a model .... (Score:2)
Re:Don't see a model .... (Score:2)
Re:Don't see a model .... (Score:2)
Sooo.... (Score:2)
Looks like the new iMac could make (Score:2)
Re:Looks like the new iMac could make (Score:2)
USB/Firewire TV Tuners for Mac (Score:2)
I've never used them, so I can't comment on how well they work - but there is an option out there for Mac Minis.
Re:Looks like the new iMac could make (Score:2)
Re:Looks like the new iMac could make (Score:2)
New Mac mini video chipset! Made for Home theater! (Score:5, Informative)
http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/gma950/ [intel.com]
Re:New Mac mini video chipset! Made for Home theat (Score:2)
The choice of the GMA 950 is hardly something to get worked up about. In fact, it's a downright bad choice, seeing as ATI's X1300 series has MUCH, MUCH better video support.
-Erwos
Re:New Mac mini video chipset! Made for Home theat (Score:2)
yea...I agree the Nforce 2 would of been better, but it really depends on the PRICE that intel said they'd give apple
Re:New Mac mini video chipset! Made for Home theat (Score:3, Informative)
From ATIs 9200 specs [ati.com]: VIDEO FEATURES
Re:New Mac mini video chipset! Made for Home theat (Score:3, Informative)
'Hardware Motion Compensation' is one part of the MPEG2 acceleration capabilities available in GPU hardware (same as used with DxVA in Windows and XvMC in Linux). But, MC actually provides relatively little CPU offload.
The other portion, iDCT (inverse Discrete Cosine Transform) offloads a LOT more CPU.
The Radeon in the old Mini could do both iDCT and MC (as can all Radeons, dating way back to when, the early 90's?).
But, neither matter anyway..
Re:New Mac mini video chipset! Made for Home theat (Score:2)
Re:New Mac mini video chipset! Made for Home theat (Score:2)
http://developer.apple.com/tools/ [apple.com]
Over-priced? If your time is worthless I suppose
Re:New Mac mini video chipset! Made for Home theat (Score:2)
Re:New Mac mini video chipset! Made for Home theat (Score:3, Interesting)
there are some jumps in the video at the higher resolutions, but i'd be willing to bet they're due to the HDD not being able to keep up.
$99 for a leather case? (Score:2)
I got a leather case for my iPod, with a microfiber lining for free. I've seen dozens of similar leather pouches for $5. What can a $99 leather case get me?
Re:$99 for a leather case? (Score:4, Funny)
Re:$99 for a leather case? (Score:2)
Its called style. Some people care more then others. If they want to look cool they pay a lot of money for it.
Re:$99 for a leather case? (Score:2)
Because you want shoes made by foreign laborers earning $1/hour instead of by slave laborers paid 5cents/hour?
Re:$99 for a leather case? (Score:2)
the same thing a $500 Mp3 player can get you
Re:$99 for a leather case? (Score:5, Funny)
Laid.
Intel GMA950 graphics (Score:3, Interesting)
Intel GMA950 graphics processor with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory
Memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs. Minimum graphics memory usage is 80MB, resulting in 432MB of system memory available.
How capable is this Intel integrated graphics? How does it compare to that in the old ($100 cheaper) PPC mini or the new Duo iMac?
That's what I was wondering, too. I need Quartz Ex (Score:2)
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Intel GMA950 graphics (Score:2)
Here's some tech specs: http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,182180
Re:And the most important graphics question is... (Score:3, Informative)
Two new Intel Mac Minis were announced today. (Score:5, Interesting)
Standard features: Tiger + iLife '06, Apple Remote + Front Row, Airport Extreme + Bluetooth, DVI Video Out, USB, FireWire, Gigabit Ethernet. This is nice because you don't have to get an upgrade to get Airport Extreme and bluetooth.
"All Mac mini models also include an integrated Intel GMA950 graphics processor with 64MB of shared DDR2 SDRAM(1), 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet, four external USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400 port, optical digital and analog audio in/out, and built-in mono speaker."
Optical out is a nice thing to have standard now, although I'm not sure about the video processor. The GMA950 is not capable of running games (see this Extremetech review [extremetech.com]). It uses a minimum of 80mb of the memory in the Mac Mini, further reducing what you can use for applications. In short, it's a major step down from the old Mac Minis, and not useful for those who liked running WoW on their Minis.
Low-end model: 1.5Ghz Core Solo 667 mhz fsb, 512mb memory, integrated graphics, 60GB drive, combo drive - $599 US, 699$ CDN reg.
High-end model with Core Duo - 1.67Ghz, 80GB drive + SuperDrive 8x (dual-layer capable) - $799 US, 949$ CDN reg.
They've also updated the iTunes and Frontrow capabilities; now you can stream any movies or music from any computer running iTunes, and it interfaces with the Frontrow software that is included (with a nice little remote).
A bettel looking option is the new universal dock + remote (about 100$) that lets you use a video iPod like a little media device attached to speakers or a TV. Very portable!
Re:Two new Intel Mac Minis were announced today. (Score:2)
I think that means I should be able to stream my rhythmbox 0.9.3.1 library on Ubuntu 6.04 to Front Row!
Cool Fast Mini's (Score:2)
The Apple store seems over loaded I'm getting 500 errors trying to get specs for the new mini. Does anyone have a full feature list?
Full spec list (Score:2, Informative)
more frontrow info (Score:2)
Is this finally what a lot of folks have been waiting for for a dvd jukebox server front end?
Re:more frontrow info (Score:2)
Not sure about multichannel sound offhand, but I'm pretty sure.
It'll also play trailers from the Apple Trailers site
Re:more frontrow info (Score:2)
More direct question. Rip a dvd into an ISO image, store all the ISO images on a linux box that has a samba share. Can the mini with front row (1) access this filesystem across the network and (2) play the iso image as if the dvd were in the drive with full menu and functionality through front row?
In other words can the mini EASILY act as a stand alone media device?
No iTablet? (Score:2)
iPod leather cases @ $99.00 (Score:2)
Dumb and expensive (Score:2)
To reall
Re:Dumb and expensive (Score:2)
There will never be a tuner in the mini; broadcast television is dying and Apple wants it dead (for selfish reasons).
The other things you mentioned are included in OS X - (games, integrated internet apps etc). This product obviously isn't for you though, so why not use any other SFF PC and run MythTV on it if you want to?
Mac Mini now a real computer (Score:3, Informative)
Well (Score:3, Informative)
Add to that Steve Jobs stating that "Yes you can hook it up to your TV" - well sorta. You can use the Apple DVI-Composite/SVideo adpater cable, but that doesn't necessarily look so hot.
What this thing has going for it is the integrated FrontRow, remote and it's super small form factor. I was interested in this as an XBMC Media Center replacement. Unfortunately it seems that Frontrow will only play videos that are compatible with Quicktime. This rules out most of what I have on XBMC. When you boil it all down, it's the old Mac mini + Frontrow w/intel inside.
Re:Well (Score:2)
Re:Well (Score:2)
Fairly disappointing... (Score:2)
Second, the iPod case, why doesn't apple leave this market to 3rd parties, they do just fine thanks.
Third, the boombox. The iMac mini can get music from your home
Re:Fairly disappointing... (Score:2, Informative)
Info on the Mini that's not immediately obvious (Score:3, Informative)
The new mini uses DDR2 SO-DIMM's. Must be installed in pairs, comes with 2x256 by default but is upgradeable to 2x1024. $188 to upgrade from 512MB to 2GB, which is slightly more than Newegg pricing when you consider you don't get any credit for the original 512-- but still, nowhere near as bad as the old ripoff memory pricing.
5400rpm SATA drives-- but you can upgrade to a 120GB drive for another $118 vs. the standard 80GB
64MB **Shared video memory.** Nuts. Intel GMA950 graphics chipset. This chipset is better suited for home A/V use though.
PXE boot? (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:PXE boot? (Score:2, Informative)
Re:PXE boot? (Score:3, Informative)
I've heard rumor that people have been able to get this to work using Ope
Re:PXE boot? (Score:3, Informative)
boot enet:XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX,yaboot
assuming yaboot (or whatever image) is the document root -- use back slashes between directories if it isn't. The XXXs denote the ip of the server.
Anyway, googling for "open firmware" is
The iPod stuff is disappointing. (Score:2)
The cases are also pretty but lame. No way to access the controls, no way to view the screen, and a $100 price tag add up to DOA.
I'm really confused why they would release these. I would think the market for these two categories of iPod add-ons is pretty saturated.
Re:The iPod stuff is disappointing. (Score:2)
Re:The iPod stuff is disappointing. (Score:2)
Re:The iPod stuff is disappointing. (Score:4, Interesting)
Apple iPod Hi-Fi (from Apple [apple.com]):
* Class D amp
* Two 180mm midrange drivers (acoustically suspended)
* One 130mm woofer (ported)
* Frequency response: 53Hz to 16kHz ± 3 dB
* Maximum peak sound pressure level: 108 dB at 1 m (AC); 102 dB at 1 m (DC)
Bose SoundDock (from Bose [bose.com]):
* 6.65" H x 11.91" W x 6.48" D 16.89 x 30.26 x 16.47 cm 4.56 lb (2.1 kg)
Can you show specs that demonstrate the Bose product to be superior? To anything? Can you even find specs for the SoundDock on Bose's site (beyond those shown here)? If so, trot 'em out, Bose-tool.
BYODKM (Score:2)
Re:BYODKM (Score:2)
Oh
Hit the store an hour ago (Score:2)
Sorry, we're all sold out...you'll have to come back in about a month when the new shipment arrives.
In the meantime, can I interest you in a new PowerMac G5 Quad with an NVIDIA Quadro FX 4500?
Intel mac Mini initial reaction (Score:2, Interesting)
I like that it has optical in and out, now, plus the remote control, wifi, and bluetooth are all now included. The superdrive is a dual layer drive (though certainly not as fast as the one in my current machine (NEC-3550A).
Here's what's really "interesting": memory. It's using DDR2-667. The price to upgrade from the default 512 Meg to 2 Gig is $300. So, search Newegg, an
Re:Intel mac Mini initial reaction (Score:2)
Mine will hopefully arrive tomorrow evening or thursday, and I'll hook it via HDMI/DVI cable to my HDMI HD Television. It looks like this graphics setup was designed especially for media center, with all the acceleration in the right spots.
Re:Intel mac Mini initial reaction (Score:2)
Re:Do you know what you're talking about? (Score:3, Interesting)
There are no hard drives that are firewire native. Internal drives or SATA attached drives will always outperform firewire ones, 400 or 800 doesn't matter. If you take a SATA or ATA drive and put a firewire translator board on it, you think it will yield I/O rates better than native attachment? It doesn't.
My Thoughts (Score:2)
I find the Minis more interesting. I like the decision to offer two speeds: one a core solo and one a core duo. I think it is sad that they only come with 512MB of RAM still (especially since they now use Intel
As a media geek, this is exactly what I wanted (Score:4, Interesting)
Once I saw Front Row, I always said, if Apple were to release a version for Mac Mini, I'd buy the little box immediately. Just did.
To me, this fits perfectly with what I want: quiet, small, cheap, able to play a large DVD collection. I'll have to save them as MPEG4s, but that's no big deal. The fact that it can play videos across the network from both Mac and PCs pretty much seals the deal.
With a wireless keyboard and 1 GB of RAM my box came out to $750 (employee discount). The video card is pretty crappy, but otherwise it fits perfectly with what I want. I'm not a Apple fanboy by any stretch of the imagination (I like all machines, and run a ton of different boxes/OSes in my home), but this is a very nice product for what I need to do.
Where'd the design go? (Score:3, Interesting)
If you ask me, that's not the kind of innovation or design that we're used to from Apple.
Note to VIA... (Score:2)
Apple Ad? (Score:2)
shattering announcements. Perhaps next month will be a Sable iPod
case.
*sigh* (Score:2)
*shrug* maybe I'm just spoiled/jaded at this point.
e.
Damn stock price... (Score:2)
eww... (Score:2)
5.1 sound output? (Score:2)
I feel a great disturbance in the Force. (Score:2)
This is the absolute WORST 'announcement' ever. (Score:4, Interesting)
A leather ENVELOPE for ONE HUNDRED dollars.
Mac Minis for one hundred extra bucks, and a neutered video card.
This is just CRAP. Why was there even a show? This stuff should just appear on the Apple store, not have a friggin' party.
Ugh. Is this what the Intel Transition is bringing me? Is Apple delirious?
Apple needs to leave the accessories market to the little companies and crappy eBay sellers, and stick to what it was good at.
Why did Steve even show for this one? Has he lost immunity to his own Reality Distortion Field?
This is truly disappointing - I expect weak crap like this from someone who's copying Apple, not Apple themselves.
I hope anyone who buys the iMoBviouslyaNiDiot box starves, because I really don't want that in the gene pool.
Before an Apple Zealot mods this down, please note. I have more Macs than you.
User-installable memory? (Score:4, Informative)
Max memory too low! (Score:3, Interesting)
I can see replacing my G5 tower with a decendent of the current dual core mini in a few years, I just hope they increase the ram ceiling by then. Realistically my computing needs could be met by a maxed out dual-core mini with a couple of mini-stack 3.5in HD enclosures connected by FW.
My one plea: Ever since I've switched from windows, the ONE(!) app I miss dearly is Irfanview. My now fellow macheads don't understand, because showing it run under emulation cripples it horribly, but I'd pay a LOT for a Mac port of Irfanview.
Re:Wonder how it compares to... (Score:2)
Well, one out of two ain't bad
Re:Wonder how it compares to... (Score:2)
There's a reason Bose stands for "Buy Other Sound Equipment". They shell out a lot of money of marketing on technology that is way behind the current standard, and it's because of this impressive mass marketing that people think their products are at the "cutting edge". They're not. Bose 802s are a nightmare speaker to deal with, requiring their own controllers and EQs made buy Bose...for little to no gain to sound fidelity, for a lot of the price. Their personal hi-fi equipment is not much bette
Re:oxymoron... (Score:2)
Re:New Products (Score:2)
Oh, I would, for sure. I can't wait to spend money on a high fidelity system to listen to sub-CD quality songs piped from a portable device.
Bye bye stereo!
Re:Umm... Touch Screen Video Ipod? (Score:2)
same thing that happens every keynote, rumored != supposed to
especially in the case of apple announcements.
Re:Umm... Touch Screen Video Ipod? (Score:2)
Every Apple rumor you read anywhere is completely made up by the author with no real information whatsoever. You may think the ones that turn out to be true are proof that the writers had actual inside information, but they're just a statistical certainty given the number of rumors. If someone predicts literally every product Apple could possibly release, a few o
Re:How... underwhelming! (Score:2)
Re:How... underwhelming! (Score:2)
This time around, however, the stock dropped 3% [yahoo.com] since today's opening price (as of 2:45pm EST anyways). I think this time around people are less impressed. It's now "business as usual" for Apple to be deliver new products in a timely fashion (everyone expected the mini to arr
Re:iPod hi-fi? (Score:3, Informative)
With 60GB of space, I could fit my entire music collection in lossless format.