New Mac Mini

[iaindxb]

Apple have just updated the Mac Mini, now including a HDMI and an SD slot.

New design also, definitely going to be on my Christmas present list this year as an ATV replacement.

Apple - Mac mini - The most affordable, energy-efficient Mac.

[michl]

Yep, but isn't the 320GB hard drive really too small these days, for use as server or ATV?

In the US one can custom-order to 500GB but that won't happen here...
Of course there is the server edition - dual 500GB! A lot more expensive though.

[iaindxb]

I am getting by with a 30GB ATV! I wouldn't know what to do with 320GB, lol! Can we not order custom builds here? I always assumed that we could but it would take a long time to order and ship it?

Also you could attach a external HDD.

[michl]

I am getting by with a 30GB ATV! I wouldn't know what to do with 320GB, lol!

Well I was just thinking of a complete family server solution. Our high-quality iTunes music library is already 150 GB. Pictures 25 GB and growing, movies "only" 20 GB so far but then I haven't taken the time to convert all the family DVDs by far... "Digital Life" indeed (thanks, Mr. Jobs!)

Can we not order custom builds here? I always assumed that we could but it would take a long time to order and ship it?

I think that issue is covered at length all over this forum... The short of it is that there is no Apple Store in the UAE, and then one cannot order from US store with a UAE address, etc. And I don't think iStyle et al do custom orders. So DIY.

Also you could attach a external HDD.

Yes, the external HD solution is even suggested by Apple on the Mac mini server page, viz a dual 1 TB raid system - now we're talking(!)

[iaindxb]

Has just occurred to me that it is a shame there is no BR. If this machine doesn't have it then I can see it being still along way off before any mac get a BR drive.

[michl]

Has just occurred to me that it is a shame there is no BR. If this machine doesn't have it then I can see it being still along way off before any mac get a BR drive.

Interestingly, early rumours mentioned HDMI and BR. The former made it, the latter didn't...

And what about iOS? Clearly this mini is neither here nor there... and not quite an ATV replacement just yet.

[fangpyre]

Apple is keen on NOT introducing BluRay, as it might tap into their iTunes revenue.
iTunes being the main source of HD content for Apple products.

I have heard the iOS rumors for the ATV, and I don't see it happening.
The iOS was made with a touch screen in mind.
In essence it has the OSX backend in it, they will need to change everything else to make it work with a remote.

[michl]

I have heard the iOS rumors for the ATV, and I don't see it happening.
The iOS was made with a touch screen in mind.
In essence it has the OSX backend in it, they will need to change everything else to make it work with a remote.

Unless Apple uses a Wii-like remote...