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Apple Upgrades Mac mini, Doesn't Tell Anybody
echomancer writes "Think Secret is reporting that Apple has released a slightly updated version of the Mac mini, but has failed to tell anyone. Some Mac minis may now include a 1.5GHz processor, 64MB of VRAM, and an updated 8x superdrive but these new machines are being shipped in boxes reflecting the original specs. 'The motivation behind this is to help clear current inventory without lowering prices. Essentially, customers are promised that the Mac mini they purchase will have specifications at least equal to the label, but that their system may exceed those.'"
Reported here:
In a swift and decisive move, Dell Computers announced today that it will begin shipping all systems with intentionally mis-labeled specifications on the boxes. In what is being seen as an obvious attempt to play catch up with Apple computer's brilliant move to sell its Mac mini systems with specs that may "meet or exceed" those listed on their packing, Dell took the move one step further.
"We feel the average consumer is becoming bored with the computer buying experience." says Dell's Chief Marketing Officer Mike George. "They no longer wish to choose an item, pay for it, and have that item arrive at their front door. It's predictable. It's what their parent's would want. Today's consumer needs the element of surprise to add a bit of excitement to the table."
To that end, Dell plans to ship all of its consumer desktop models and its Inspiron 6000 and 1200 model laptop computers with wildly off-base specifications. "We've actually created a random number generator which is responsible for listing the model number and processor speeds. Even WE don't know exactly what is in those boxes. It really is exciting." says George.
We recently had heard in the office over one of the Yellow Machine that's made by Anthology Solutions.
So, is it time to insist on Sell By Dates on electronics? That sounds a like a good way to avoid purchasing stale products.
Oh well, what the hell...
YMMV
No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. - Winston Churchill
Apples upgrade you!
"Ze whole point of upgrading ze specs is lost if eet is kept secret. Vhy didn't zey tell ze vorld, eh?!?"
Specialization is for insects. - R.A.H.
Give it time though. Then you can start complaining ;)
In a new ad campaign Sun has said that they are '100% more random then dell' and has begun including only a random 12 parts in each box, you could get an entire server or 12 mice.
I propose we all donate so that Slashdot story submitters don't have to live under a bridge and can get back on top of tech news (instead of two weeks behind)...
I think, therefore I am...I think.
This is an outrage! This PROVES that Apple obviously has no respect for it's customers, and this is just another example of how the high and mighty have falle--
...
...shit, I give up. Carry on.
Whoa, wait a minute...this is a good thing? Arrgh, goddamn it. I blew my rant load for nothing...
What will I do now?
Guess I could...maybe do a cliche? Let's see... In Soviet Russia, you upgrade Apple's specs? Nah. Upgrade Natalie Portman's specs? Nice idea, but no. Not after Episode 3.
Hrm...
BytesTemplar.com
...the new model is much snappier?
Worst. Analogy. Ever.
"macs" spelt backwards is "scam" .
So.. you're saying that macs are the complete opposite of scam?
Forget price, efficiency, speed, reliability or looks. No, I wash my clothes in an underground cavern, and if I can't eat my dinner by the light emanating from the ol' Kenmore, then I don't want it.
Seriously, man, of all the features I've never desired in a consumer product, that's right up there. What on earth are your requirements that this seems like an important checkbox?
Dewey, what part of this looks like authorities should be involved?
"If me and a friend walk into an apple store and buy Mac Minis, I expect that mine will be just as good as his."
Why don't you just get a ruler and measure?
Integrate Keynote and LaTeX
That's not a bug, it's a feature.
The app stays in memory. That's why Macheads say that it's "Snappy". The OS doesn't load the software from scratch every time you want to use it.
Annoying whem you have a 1GB limit on the mini mac.
Democrats or Republicans. They are both taking us to the same place and they are not afraid of us anymore.