Apple Releases Mac Mini With Unibody Construction

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[citation][nom]shin0bi272[/nom]While you cant do this with products in the "capitalist state" of PC's you can write a program that runs on windows or linux that will do what you want and then you can even (if you so desire) sell that program (or intellectual property) and make a profit. Where as I dont think there are a lot of people allowed to program for macs unless they work for apple.That is why you feel the way you do... Apple is fascist/communist/socialist/progressive and PC's are capitalist and you being (most likely) a red blooded American are an inherent capitalist who doesnt like to be tied down to one specific program or piece of hardware or even idea.[/citation]
Are you typing with your ass? What are you talking about you can't program for Mac unless you work for Apple? You should work in politics with misinformed propaganda like that.
 
[citation][nom]megamanx00[/nom]I think the point is, why would you want a Mac Server Farm? Sure, you should be able to do it, but why not just use cheaper PCs, or racks to save space, running FreeBSD rather than paying more for a Mac? I mean can you imagine a server room full of Apple Logos and silver cases? The thought just makes me lol.[/citation]

Do you know how expensive are the HP Proliant servers or the DELL Blade servers? Do you also know how much power they use to operate?

Anything with a small factor, a low power print is more than welcomed.
They need to make though 1U rack frames. You probably can place two of these servers in 1U space
 
[citation][nom]godwhomismike[/nom]For the tiny Mac Mini server. That's not a desktop computer, it's meant to be used as a lightweight power efficient server. Notice, it has a server OS on there. I read somewhere that it only draws 10W at idle.[/citation]

Then you read wrong its 11W.
 
[citation][nom]Euphoria_MK[/nom]Do you know how expensive are the HP Proliant servers or the DELL Blade servers? Do you also know how much power they use to operate?Anything with a small factor, a low power print is more than welcomed.They need to make though 1U rack frames. You probably can place two of these servers in 1U space[/citation]

You could hopefully get two wide and 4 deep of these horizontally in a rack(8 total), but at 3.6cm you only have 6mm of space to provide the top/bottom supports and room for cooling. Could be tough. Also, even 8 of these with C2D cpus would pale in comparison to a quad-quad Xeon server, in full-load power consumption, compute horsepower, and cost. Also there is no redundancy available for components on the Mini, if it fails it's down until you get your data off and throw it away. With a legit server, you have a backup NIC (or two) along with redundant, easy to replace hard drives.
 
[citation][nom]eyemaster[/nom]It's very small. I see no hot air exit, so how does the thing keeps cool?[/citation]

If you look at the picture of the back of the Mac Mini the slot that runs across the bottom is the hot air exhaust.
 
[citation][nom]bob_white[/nom]yikes $999 !could probably build a comp with way better specs for half the price[/citation]

Yeah and it would only be 10 times the size. Why are people so blind to the fact that what you are paying for here is portability.

It is extremely gorgeous to look at and specs well considering it's size. It's sturdier than any of the other plastic nettops out there, and is MUCH more powerful, too.

For around $100 you can upgrade the $699 model to have 4GB memory and a larger hard drive.
 
[citation][nom]tokenz[/nom]Then you read wrong its 11W.[/citation]

Actually you read wrong:

"World's most energy-efficient desktop computer.

Mac mini is even more environmentally friendly. When idle, it uses less than 10 watts — something no other desktop can do"
 
Just to prove my earlier point about being able to build something with well over twice the power for the same amount of money:

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss235/Mark3Website/toproveapoint.png

Also, keep in mind that the actual Mac setup was only their 'base' setup. It only gets more expensive.

Yes, I know that there are many uses for the Mac Mini due to its small size, and I really respect Apple for stuffing that much into a 3-cm high box. I'm just trying to get across that there are better options out there if you have $1000 to blow on an Aluminum PC. :)
 
[citation][nom]SomeGuyNamedMatt[/nom]Just to prove my earlier point about being able to build something with well over twice the power for the same amount of money:http://i579.photobucket.com/albums [...] apoint.pngAlso, keep in mind that the actual Mac setup was only their 'base' setup. It only gets more expensive. Yes, I know that there are many uses for the Mac Mini due to its small size, and I really respect Apple for stuffing that much into a 3-cm high box. I'm just trying to get across that there are better options out there if you have $1000 to blow on an Aluminum PC.[/citation]

Of course you could build something more powerful with the same amount of money but that's not the point of the mini. Most people don't build their own systems and most people want them to be small, quiet and powerful enough to do their job (as is shown by the number of people buying underpowered netbooks).

What's funny is that the Mac Mini is hated on by PC enthusiasts because enthusiasts would rather have a big custom built box instead but it's also looked down on by a lot of Mac enthusiasts because they think iMacs are better. In fact, people in Mac Forums have been predicting the Mac Mini's demise for many many years now despite the fact that the Mac Mini is usually the most purchased computer in the Amazon bestseller charts. The masses love them. Average consumers can't get enough of them but enthusiasts be they Mac or PC don't usually like them.
 
[citation][nom]builderbobftw[/nom]"For those who want to use Mac Minis in their server farms"LOL!Get a real server farm based off of X58 or AM3.[/citation]

You mention a "real server farm," then list two desktop socket types. I believe you meant to say "based off of LGA 1366 or G34."
 


No, Rack mount desktop mobos are greta for server farms.

They are very fast, and you can fit thousands in a small warhouse when stacked.
 
[citation][nom]Godfail[/nom]How often are you swapping SD cards? I'll never understand how people overlook clean design for the ability to see a port in the front one day out of every month. And if you consider reaching 8 inches hard, I suggest you hit the gym.[/citation]

Not swapping SD cards, put using it to download pics off the camera. I mean that's what it for, isn't it???
 
Just a few things to iron out here...

First, the $1000 version is the server, not the normal one. You get two 500gb hdds (2.5" hdds to boot), a faster processor, and more memory for that. Oh, and a Server version of the OS. I don't think that is too bad.

Second, Macs are expensive for their hardware, there is no denying that. What you are paying for is the cost of engineering to fit that much into such a small box and not have it explode. And the size isn't just for portability. I have seen a few around, and its tiny footprint gives you a lot of desk space back. My $500 custom built PC may be faster and have more graphical power, but it is huge in comparison. (not that I mind, towers ftw!)

Third, the MacMini server is aimed at small businesses who need something relatively cheap that they can throw on a shelf in a back closet and have it just work without having to set up the whole set or racks and air-conditioning. (I am not personally opposed to rack mounts, I have one in my bedroom.)

Lastly, Apple's closed system approach may not bode well with enthusiasts (of both groups), they build their computers for the consumer market. Most people just want to buy a computer and have it work. And while some of you might not agree with MacOSX, it does just that. As for the whole iEcosystem with iMacs and iPhones, and iPads, and iEverything it is true that they want you to only use their stuff. They are a corporation, they want your money. The exact same is true of EVERY computer company, they just use a different approach. Apple uses a tight-knit, closed system that allows them to control user experience in order to make it a better user experience. If you are here on Toms Hardware you probably wouldn't agree with that, and I can see why, but I just want to offer up that for the average consumer their method works.

So, what is my point? Please, please, please... Try to view things from the perspective of the people these things are targeted for instead of bashing on them because they don't fit your style. Just ignore it and move on.

-BV
 
The only "low power server" that matters is your home servers. Serious data centers use high power large capacity systems then virtualize dozens if not hundreds of servers into them. The total amount of capacity vs power usage vs space utilization is better then just loading a bunch of macmini's with a non-enterprise class OS into 19" racks in shelves.

Business IT is concerned about total capacity and availability (redundancy / downtime) vs cost and space / power requirements. Macmini's don't make sense in the above situation. Some Apple fanboys may do this "just to do it", but this is an enthusiast site so lets at least real.
 
Put my reply before your posted yours. Your not paying for engineering or other some-such-ness. Your paying for the nice looking Apple logo on the top. Building a low power / small mini-ITX (or Nano / Pico ITX) server isn't rocket science, I do it all the time. My personal favorite is the Via Nano line + Linux, but that's my personal preference. I have yet to have any of my box's, or the box's I built for other people explode or burst into flames. For those asking about the PSU, lookup PicoPSU. They have ultra small 40 ~ 90w PSU's that just plug directly into the mobo's ATX power. Putting a small AC-DC power converter inside is easy after that. Use a laptop DVD drive + laptop 2.5" HDD, or go smaller and get an ultrasmall 1.8" HDD. All that is left is either low-profile memory (laptop or desktop form factor) and ~poof~ lower power mini server.

Apple uses a tight-knit, closed system that allows them to control user experience in order to make it a better user experience.
Can easily be turned into
Apple uses a tight-knit, closed system that allows them to control user experience in order to make it a more profitable user experience.
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or even (getting Orwellien here)
uses a tight-knit, closed system that allows them to control people experience in order to make them a better people.
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I'm assuming that's the same view you have on cars?

Who needs an overpriced Ferrari? Take a civic and turbo/nos it for a fraction of the price!

The thing is, you neglect the looks, the great engineering, the ease of service, and the warranty.

Have you seen tear downs of this thing? Someone didn't just place a bunch a parts together and call it a day, everything is engineered custom (except the ram) to fit in this ridiculously small size. All that and it also draws less power than a cfl lightbulb (I'll never understand that) while having some decent performance.
[citation][nom]palladin9479[/nom]Put my reply before your posted yours. Your not paying for engineering or other some-such-ness. Your paying for the nice looking Apple logo on the top. Building a low power / small mini-ITX (or Nano / Pico ITX) server isn't rocket science, I do it all the time. My personal favorite is the Via Nano line + Linux, but that's my personal preference. I have yet to have any of my box's, or the box's I built for other people explode or burst into flames. For those asking about the PSU, lookup PicoPSU. They have ultra small 40 ~ 90w PSU's that just plug directly into the mobo's ATX power. Putting a small AC-DC power converter inside is easy after that. Use a laptop DVD drive + laptop 2.5" HDD, or go smaller and get an ultrasmall 1.8" HDD. All that is left is either low-profile memory (laptop or desktop form factor) and ~poof~ lower power mini server.or even (getting Orwellien here)
uses a tight-knit, closed system that allows them to control people experience in order to make them a better people.
[/citation]
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[citation][nom]lauxenburg[/nom]That this is flippin small and pretty powerful...and good looking...but expensive as hell....I sort of like it. But I am disappointed they didn't put an i3 or i5 in there. Also disappointed its not AMD, but that was a given.[/citation]
An i3 would be slower than the C2D. Make no mistake, i3 is the Celeron of the intel lineup. Plus i3 or i5 would require a discreet gfx chip that could not be cooled in this form factor.
 
[citation][nom]xxsk8er101xx[/nom]Here's a perfect example on why I hate apple.With Snow Leopard Server it has "Mobile Access Server" - easily set up and manage secure remote access to your business network.I'm thinking in my head using my android phone to remote into my home network and do stuff. Sounds really awesome and something I'd consider doing. Yes I know there is s/w available for PC to do that. That's not the point.This is why I hate apple: "Mobile Access Server is designed to work with your iPhone and Mac"Instead of broadening Apple's technology they keep it within their circle. PC is successful because it's not in a closed circle. You can buy a PC, put unix on it, and make it do the same thing as Apples leopard server does.HATE apple with a passion.[/citation]
You're joking, right? Yes, you could buy a PC and put Apple's snow leopard server on it. You could also buy a Mac and run Windows or Linux on it.

Yes Apple designs products that only integrate with other Apple products. This is different from Microsoft, how?? There are hundreds of examples of Microsoft products that ONLY work with other Microsoft products. Office anyone? Exchange anyone? Active Directory anyone? Heck, even Windows Update is coded to only work with Internet Explorer, as are most of Microsoft's web offerings.

OSX is built from BSD Unix, and Darwin. Both of which are 100% open source. The entire source code is publicly available. OSX is also POSIX compliant, making it a true flavor of UNIX, not a simple clone like Linux. POSIX compliance makes it simple and easy to port applications from one flavor of UNIX to another. What open industry standards does Microsoft adhere to???
 
Anyway to add a USB soundcard to do 5.1 analog output? That's currently whats keeping my MacBook from replacing my Windows Desktop as my home theater PC.
 
Note that the mini comes with Xcode. Considering the price Visual Studio, that makes the little guy look pretty reasonable indeed.
 
The big thing selling macs is the operating system. One day Apple is going to wake up and go head to head with Microsoft. It's going to happen, then - - watch the sparks fly. I have a hard time understanding why they screw around wasting time on the mac mini with a total minority share of the pc market when they could own it like they are going to with the smart phone market. There is going to be a "NEW" pc bias next year with a instant on feature, my guess is that is going to be Apple's time to strike.
 
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