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Will Mac mini Lead the Charge to Smaller Desktops?
elecngnr writes "Maybe size doesn't matter. ZDNet has a story about how the Mac mini may shift consumers away from the larger tower style desktops to smaller ones. Other computer makers, such as HP, have so far been unsuccessful in marketing small computers to consumers. However, Apple does have a history of leading the charge in paradigm shifts in certain aspects of consumer products (e.g. GUI's, color changes, the iPod, and the list goes on). It is also important to recognize that they have been wrong at times too (e.g. the Cube, the Newton, and the one button mouse). Time will tell which list the Mini will belong to."
The only thing the Mac Mini is going to lead the way in is cheap pyramid scams, much like the iPod.
Firewire and USB2 give the expandability of peripherals, and they're bundling video and sound chipsets that don't suck. RAM and internal drives can be upgraded (although the optical drive would be a trick I'm sure), so that leaves the cpu and mainboard. Non-geeks aren't going to attempt to upgrade those.
Firewire and USB external DVD writers are not supported natively by iDVD and you have to use a third party "patch" to get it to work. Doesn't seem very useful there.
As far as RAM and internal drives being upgraded... Yeah, you can, but you void your warranty and it takes two putty knives and some good luck to open the case. Not exactly what I would call easy.
Don't give me any of that "buy a new one" crap, I say it is retarded for a company that is supposably tech savvy to keep such an outdated concept as a one button mouse. It is easier to use a second mouse button then to have to hold down a control key, and it makes them look really stupid to just make things more complicated for their users.
And what is less confusing and awkward, having to have a hand on the keyboard to hold down the option key when you click the first mouse button, or just clicking the second mouse button?
Here is an idea for them, they can drop the one button mouse, come out with an at least two or more button mouse, add a scroll wheel, and claim it to be another Apple Innovation(TM) like they always do.
His point being, Apple have supposedly specifically said that opening the case will not void the warranty. He was asking for a reliable source to confirm this rumour.
I want a valid source (in writing -- not quoted from some phone conversation with an Apple rep) that says that no matter what you do when you open that case (including breaking the clips) you won't void the warranty.
Why would you create something that is so difficult to open?
Windows requires only the Ctrl, Alt, and Del buttons.
This post was overrated because I said something valid? Give me a link on apple.com that says that I won't void my warranty.
Quoting some Mac Rumor website with "I talked to the lead Mac Mini Foo and he said it won't so I believe him and so should you."
No. Fuck that. Show me where it says it officially from Apple and I'll believe it.
Anyone who thinks the one-button mouse is a failure has clearly never tried to talk a n00b friend or relative who bought a cheap Windows PC through troubleshooting it over the phone.
The conversation usually goes something like this:
You: "Okay, now right-click on 'My Computer' and choose 'Properties' from the menu that pops up."
Them: "I clicked, but it just made the little picture go dark. I don't see any menu."
You: "No, no, *right* click on 'My Computer.'"
Them: "What do you mean, 'right-click'?"
You: "Right-click, as in 'click the right mouse button.'"
Them (completely astonished): "You mean it does something else???"
~Philly
Nobody cares dork.
Contrary to popular belief carrying a Powerbook around does not make you smarter, more attractive or more creative.
It makes you look like a pretentious little fuck that couldn't possibly configure an operating system that doesn't hold your bony little hand through everything.