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Apple Releases Mac Mini
cranesan writes "The rumors of Apple releasing a small PC are confirmed. The Mac mini can be found at Apple's website. As expected, the box uses a G4 processor. You can order one today; estimate 3-4 weeks shipping date. Base unit starts at $499."
That's right! If I didn't want one two days ago, re-running the front page story about it isn't going to make me want one today.
When you start with the 1.42 GHz, up it to a gig of RAM, a superdrive, bluetooth, wireless keyboard and mouse, and give it a 3 year warranty, it's up to $1422, you don't have nifty Mac stuff like video-in, and you have a CPU that compares to what was out a few years ago.
Is this really a good deal?
500GB of disk, 5TB of transfer, $5.95/mo
Actually, I'd buy a 339 quid Mac to run Linux on just to get rid of the big, noisy heat machine that sits on my desk at the moment. I doubt that the Dell would do anything for me in that department. As to the speed, well the G4 is so much better than the P4 it's not even funny; the P4 stinks even compared to Intel's other "weren't the 70's fun" chips.
OS X, on the other hand is of no interest to me at all. I've used it and I've worked with other people that use it and I can't see the point of it. Some of the apps for it are nice, though. Just not enough to make me leave behind the utility of Linux for a world of locked down gaudy nonsense and five year old versions of *nix utilities.
TWW
"Encyclopedia" is to "Wikipedia" what "Library" is to "Some people at a bus stop"
This is exactly the kind of thing I'd buy for my daughter -- one big problem! Its not PINK. Clashes with her color scheme.
Which sounds awfully like "we're closing the box with special screws or hidden latches so you can't open it without a special tool". Perhaps I'm being paranoid, but Apple have done it before (as my Mac SE can attest to) and they may well decided to do it again.
They tout their low $499 price, but the base model looks woefully inadequate for modern computing tasks. In order to get it up to snuff, they'll nickle-and-dime you to death, and it won't be inexpensive anymore!
By the time you get everything in that you need, you're probably looking at closer to $1000. By that point, you could buy a PC that's twice as fast!
Still... I've always wanted to have a Mac. It really is a superior design with a superior OS and superior software. I was thinking of buying an iPaq, but now I'm thinking about buying this instead.
How much is it to upgrade the OS to Windows XP sp2?
http://www.leadmagnet.50megs.com
Dude, you can install your own memory in ANY Apple computer and not void your warranty. If you break something, it's not covered, but you are free to install your own memory or HD or other "user-servicable" part, it's just not "recommended" by Apple. Believe me, it's true.
With the first link, the chain is forged.