Have you considered Wal-Mart? I know they may not be a tier 1 provider but they are the largest retailer (admittedly more in pickles than computers) but I'm sure they would love to start selling to large companies. Comparing systems on their web page it seems to be about $100 difference in price between systems that have Windows and those that don't.
A lot of the excitement for the mini is because it's not a Windows PC. People really want to try something different. And the mini fits that bill nicely. I'm sure tons of Windows copycats will be out in six months or less but I don't think they'll capture people interest the way the mini has.
In my first Build Challenge I set forth a challenge to build a x86 PC to compete with the Mac mini. I didn't get any great systems listed but we did have a good laugh about how sexy Macs are.
I've posted on other sites including The Tech Report and most of the responses tried to compare full sized x86 PC to the mini. I've said how this is crazy. I just want to compare the mini with SFF x86 systems.
That begs the question just what is a SFF system? I can't find a good definition on the web so I'll set my own.
SFF acronym for Small Form Factor: Computer system that is smaller than 925 cubic inches.
SFF system range greatly in size from the Shuttle SB59P at 915 cubic inches to the Cappuccino EZ3 at 63 cubic inches. The Mac mini is on the smaller side at 84.5 cubic inches. The price range also varies greatly as do performance and style. Lets leave out performance since it isn't really an issue for most people in our post megahertz era.
To narrow the challenge follow these criteria: Size: Must be under 925 cubic inches Price: Must be under $1200 Style: Must not be ugly
I guess we could argue that last one but I'll accept anything that at least tries to be attractive. Also it has to be ordered built and tested with Windows. Most people don't want to build their own systems and since you can't with the Mac mini it wouldn't be fair to compare it to bare bones systems. Also the systems should match the mini's configuration: 256MB RAM/40GB Hard Drive/Combo Drive.
No single SFF x86 PC meets the mini on all the factors so I'll compare it to three:
Even smaller than the mini. But more expensive and close to ugly.
Shuttle L 5600h Size: 680 cubic inches Price: $515
Style: 7 out of 10
Much bigger than the mini. But larger hard drive by default.
Hush Mini ITX Size: 452 cubic inches Price: $1159 Style: 9 out of 10
Great looks. But still bigger and way more expensive.
Compare these to the:
Mac mini Size: 84.5 cubic inches Price $499 Styles 9 out of 10
And I hope you can see why the Mac mini is the best system overall and the only one that is more than the sum of it's parts. Now for some the fact that it doesn't run Windows means they would never choose it. For others the fact that these systems run Windows means they would never choose them. Let's not have any flame wars over the OS. And I'm leaving out the bundled software that comes with the mini as a factor in the price. But it is a nice plus that you get iLife, iWorks, and Appleworks.
Please post any systems that are better than the three I've listed that meet my criteria.
My point is that most computer users don't want to build their own systems. The system I listed was built and tested which the OEM charged $35 extra for.
And looking through PriceWatch I don't think you can save much. Unless you go with a ugly case or a slow motherboard.
Logic Supply 3688 mini-ITX System - Power Supply Morex 60 Watt Power Supply - Operating System Windows XP Home - English - Motherboard EPIA MII 12000 1.2Ghz - Memory 256MB PC2100/DDR266 RAM - Hard Disk 2.5" 40GB Seagate 5400rpm - Color Silver - CD / DVD Drive Panasonic CW-8123-B Slotloading CD-RW / DVD - Build and test Build and test this system
Total: $710
The Cupid 3688 is the closest I could come in price, size, and style. It's still bigger and slower than the Mac mini and is $210 more!
I didn't see anyone else mention codecs which are vital if you want to
playback video. Instead of installing each by hand or using Nemo
Codec Pack try ffdshow.
It's based on the libavcodec used in mplayer and lets you playback
just about everything.
All e-mail is directed to the appropriate editor within ArchieComics Online. We love the mail we receive, and read every bit of it usually more than once.
Whenever you want to write us, be sure to send your e-mail to a specific address at archiecomics.com such as pt@archiecomics.com . (If you respond to this automated message, only a computer will reply!)
The CCM Update's Second Annual Year-end Countdown Top 15 Impact-makers of 1998
In a year of presidential scandals, landmark space flights and an unforgettable home run race, the Christian music industry saw few "firsts" or watershed moments. The exodus of key executives and industry veterans will likely be the year's hallmark, the impact of which will significantly impact 1999.
On the philosophical front, the debate that began in '97 on what makes Christian music "Christian" continued this year as more gray areas emerged and artists and labels further explored general-market possibilities. Christian radio was challenged to think deeply about the decision to add or not add a song and in an aggressive move, the Gospel Music Association went so far as to adopt a concrete definition of gospel music.
As in '97, there were a multitude of news-makers to pick from for this year's list, however the top 15 events best represent '98 and will inevitably be springboards for '99's impact-makers. The countdown begins:
...
13: Christian Music Sees Increased TV Exposure
Christian music saw increased TV exposure in 1998 as Time-Life Music advertised its first-ever Christian music compilation series, "Songs 4 Life," via direct-response TV ads. In June, David Sams Industries,, Family Christian Stores and Christian Network Inc. launched four weekly TV shows focused on Christian music and its artists. Home Shopping Network co-founder Lowell "Bud" Paxson also launched the seventh TV network, PAX-TV in August.
Slashdot Mirror
I tried to checkout their website but the Flash was horrible and the sounds drove me nuts.
Tip to UltraCade, your site sucks. If you want me to buy your stuff don't push me away when I try to.
Suck,
Have you considered Wal-Mart? I know they may not be a tier 1 provider but they are the largest retailer (admittedly more in pickles than computers) but I'm sure they would love to start selling to large companies. Comparing systems on their web page it seems to be about $100 difference in price between systems that have Windows and those that don't.
At least now I know it's possible.
We lost all our rights when we allowed our citizenship to be traded away for being consumer whores.
Now they teach kids about interest rates instead of their inalienable rights.
>And when I saw Jobs demo the WordPerfect, I thought, "So what's the big deal about Pages again?"
The biggest is the shift to a CSS like style system that should dramatically improve people's document consistency.
Doesn't Steve know you shouldn't open attachments?
A lot of the excitement for the mini is because it's not a Windows PC. People really want to try something different. And the mini fits that bill nicely. I'm sure tons of Windows copycats will be out in six months or less but I don't think they'll capture people interest the way the mini has.
After looking through all the pics I noticed one notebook that looks just like the iBook.
I posted a pic on my blog.
Asus makes the iBook. Do you think this is even the same plastic?
Why do PC notebook manufactures think more buttons and more lights equals better experience?
This is an area I would love for them to steal from Apple. Simple designs no damn lights. Elegance.
I know they don't use Intel but have you heard of a company named Apple?
They make some really nice notebooks and even use things like slot load drives which are A#1 cool.
Awesome. This is my first blog. Do you remember what your search was?
Thanks for the link. How did you find my site?
On my blog I have posted this:
In my first Build Challenge I set forth a challenge to build a x86 PC to compete with the Mac mini. I didn't get any great systems listed but we did have a good laugh about how sexy Macs are.
I've posted on other sites including The Tech Report and most of the responses tried to compare full sized x86 PC to the mini. I've said how this is crazy. I just want to compare the mini with SFF x86 systems.
That begs the question just what is a SFF system? I can't find a good definition on the web so I'll set my own.
SFF acronym for Small Form Factor: Computer system that is smaller than 925 cubic inches.
SFF system range greatly in size from the Shuttle SB59P at 915 cubic inches to the Cappuccino EZ3 at 63 cubic inches. The Mac mini is on the smaller side at 84.5 cubic inches. The price range also varies greatly as do performance and style. Lets leave out performance since it isn't really an issue for most people in our post megahertz era.
To narrow the challenge follow these criteria:
Size: Must be under 925 cubic inches
Price: Must be under $1200
Style: Must not be ugly
I guess we could argue that last one but I'll accept anything that at least tries to be attractive. Also it has to be ordered built and tested with Windows. Most people don't want to build their own systems and since you can't with the Mac mini it wouldn't be fair to compare it to bare bones systems. Also the systems should match the mini's configuration: 256MB RAM/40GB Hard Drive/Combo Drive.
No single SFF x86 PC meets the mini on all the factors so I'll compare it to three:
Cappuccino EZ3
Size: 63 cubic inches
Price: $823
Style: 5 out 10
Even smaller than the mini. But more expensive and close to ugly.
Shuttle L 5600h
Size: 680 cubic inches
Price: $515
Style: 7 out of 10
Much bigger than the mini. But larger hard drive by default.
Hush Mini ITX
Size: 452 cubic inches
Price: $1159
Style: 9 out of 10
Great looks. But still bigger and way more expensive.
Compare these to the:
Mac mini
Size: 84.5 cubic inches
Price $499
Styles 9 out of 10
And I hope you can see why the Mac mini is the best system overall and the only one that is more than the sum of it's parts. Now for some the fact that it doesn't run Windows means they would never choose it. For others the fact that these systems run Windows means they would never choose them. Let's not have any flame wars over the OS. And I'm leaving out the bundled software that comes with the mini as a factor in the price. But it is a nice plus that you get iLife, iWorks, and Appleworks.
Please post any systems that are better than the three I've listed that meet my criteria.
Don't forget to add $200 for an iPod bluetooth adapter.
n av iplay.php
http://www.tentechnology.com/products/products_
Plus just like with the Shuffle you won't have a display.
My new Mac mini blog:
http://macmini.blogspot.com/
Come check it out.
My point is that most computer users don't want to build their own systems. The system I listed was built and tested which the OEM charged $35 extra for.
And looking through PriceWatch I don't think you can save much. Unless you go with a ugly case or a slow motherboard.
Build an equivalent Windows PC. Here's the best I could do:
/ 29/products_id/114
http://www.logicsupply.com/product_info.php/cPath
Logic Supply 3688 mini-ITX System
- Power Supply Morex 60 Watt Power Supply
- Operating System Windows XP Home - English
- Motherboard EPIA MII 12000 1.2Ghz
- Memory 256MB PC2100/DDR266 RAM
- Hard Disk 2.5" 40GB Seagate 5400rpm
- Color Silver
- CD / DVD Drive Panasonic CW-8123-B Slotloading CD-RW / DVD
- Build and test Build and test this system
Total: $710
The Cupid 3688 is the closest I could come in price, size, and style. It's still bigger and slower than the Mac mini and is $210 more!
I don't own a TV.
I have a 15" Powerbook hooked up to nice speakers for iTunes and DVDs.
When I have company or if I'm going over to a friends house I just use my DLP projector and have a huge screen.
I didn't see anyone else mention codecs which are vital if you want to playback video. Instead of installing each by hand or using Nemo Codec Pack try ffdshow. It's based on the libavcodec used in mplayer and lets you playback just about everything.
Thanks for writing!
Your submission is greatly appreciated!
All e-mail is directed to the appropriate
editor within ArchieComics Online.
We love the mail we receive, and read
every bit of it usually more than once.
Whenever you want to write us, be sure to
send your e-mail to a specific address at
archiecomics.com such as pt@archiecomics.com .
(If you respond to this automated message,
only a computer will reply!)
Write us again, soon!
Your Friends at ArchieComics Online
Found this on http://www.ccmcom.com/ccmupdate/ 98_12_21/news.html
The CCM Update's Second Annual Year-end Countdown
Top 15 Impact-makers of 1998
In a year of presidential scandals, landmark space flights and an unforgettable home run race, the Christian music industry saw few "firsts" or watershed moments. The exodus of key executives and industry veterans will likely be the year's hallmark, the impact of which will significantly impact 1999.
On the philosophical front, the debate that began in '97 on what makes Christian music "Christian" continued this year as more gray areas emerged and artists and labels further explored general-market possibilities. Christian radio was challenged to think deeply about the decision to add or not add a song and in an aggressive move, the Gospel Music Association went so far as to adopt a concrete definition of gospel music.
As in '97, there were a multitude of news-makers to pick from for this year's list, however the top 15 events best represent '98 and will inevitably be springboards for '99's impact-makers. The countdown begins:
...
13: Christian Music Sees Increased TV Exposure
Christian music saw increased TV exposure in 1998 as Time-Life Music advertised its first-ever Christian music compilation series, "Songs 4 Life," via direct-response TV ads. In June, David Sams Industries,, Family Christian Stores and Christian Network Inc. launched four weekly TV shows focused on Christian music and its artists. Home Shopping Network co-founder Lowell "Bud" Paxson also launched the seventh TV network, PAX-TV in August.
found this on http://domainame.com/wwwboard/mess ages/1522.html
travel.tm
Posted by David Sams Industries Inc. on February 11, 1998 at 00:38:19:
make us an offer we can't refuse
this url is priceless
found this on http://www.directresponse.com/Sec tion53-West.html
Video/Multimedia/Electronic Marketing Infomerical Producers:
David Sams Industries Inc. * 505 S Beverly Drive Suite 1017 * Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Phone: 310.440.2550 Fax: 310.440.2552
Registrant:
David Sams Industries (VERONICA3-DOM)
505 South Beverly Drive, suite
1017 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 US
Domain Name: VERONICA.ORG
Administrative Contact:
DiAngelo, Rio (RD4076) rio@HIGHERSOURCE.COM
310 -281 -8434
Technical Contact, Zone Contact:
Web Sites Now Hostmaster (HRA11-ORG) hostmaster@WEBSITESNOW.COM
310-553-7000x260
Fax: 310-786-8349
Billing Contact:
Sams, David (DS9384) mrhit@AOL.COM
310-772-0770 (FAX) 310-772-0714
Record last updated on 15-Dec-98.
Record created on 04-Nov-97.
Database last updated on 15-Jan-99 07:09:42 EST.
Domain servers in listed order:
NS1.WORLDSITE.NET 209.134.30.4
NS2.WORLDSITE.NET 209.134.30.5