Intel Flaunts Mac mini Knock-off 1092
Rollie Hawk writes "Remember how the Mac mini was designed by Apple to steal PC customers? Now Intel wants to steal them back. Adopting a shockingly similar lunch box shape and light-weight design, Intel's upcoming Mini PC features all the sleekness and portability (physical, that is) of the Mac mini with none of the Mac benefits. Well, at least it will probably have a faster processor. Now if only someone would make a Cobalt Qube knock-off for me."
cobalt qube? (Score:2, Interesting)
Interesting. (Score:3, Interesting)
...so long as it can pull its weight doing the media junk in the house.
I'm going to switch (Score:5, Interesting)
Sam
Didn't people learn w/ the iMac? (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:What Benifit? (Score:3, Interesting)
My favorite computer is my PS2 and my second favorite is my Cheap-n-crappy DVD player.
Jeebus (Score:1, Interesting)
A computer is a tool, not a toy, when did we see a shift from functionality to marketing spin?
Actually though, this may be a good thing for my business as I'll continue to purchase full featured tools from Dell, and I'll continue to thirve, while others buy cool little toys that cost more and do less.
Man, the world is a whacky place these days.
Re:Wow, Deja Vu (Score:3, Interesting)
There's a world of original ideas in the universe, but the PC world repeatedly chooses to steal Apple's designs.
The only reason there's PC cases in colors other than beige is because Apple created the iMac. The only reason there's a Windows "XP" is because there was a Mac OS "X". The only reason you can import and organize music with Windows Media Player is because Apple created iTunes. The only reason there's a Windows Movie Maker is because Apple created iMovie. The only reason there's slim lightweight Pentium M class laptops is because Apple created the PowerBook. And now, the only reason Intel is floating this mini PC is because Apple created the Mac mini.
Apple takes all the creative risks. Thank goodness for the innovations of companies like Apple, Google, and those Linux rebels. Or we'd all be using big beige boxes and Windows 95. (Heck! There wouldn't even be a Windows 95 if it wasn't for OS/2 and Geoworks!)
Sam
Intel Repairs Segmentation Fault ? (Score:5, Interesting)
Microsoft will doubtless resist the move: if it's not a "PC" then clients might not want "Windows", that clunky 19th century command center for a steam-powered computing box. Dell etc will also resist, because clients might get into the nasty habit of upgrading their CPUs only; even worse, some might dump laptops in favor of just taking their company "mini desktop" home in the backpack.
Summary - the Mac mini has broken Apple's hi-price policy, but it has also broken many of the unwritten laws of the PC cartel. Clearly, a form factor who's time has come !
It's the operating system, stupid! (Score:5, Interesting)
I would have NEVER bought a mac had they not released the mini because I was not about to pay a premium for hardware when I don't do any graphic design work or play many games. So all these companies that are trying to release a Mac Mini killer are barking up the wrong tree when they just release a traditional pc with a small footprint. It's the operating system, stupid! I don't have an answer for them because I just don't think linux is ready for prime time yet, but I am evidence that people are ready for an alternative, but it has nothing to do with the fact that our computers are too big now. If apple had released a $499 machine that was the size of a G5 tower, I would have bought that as well.
Re:it's an empty case (Score:5, Interesting)
This intel mockup is an empty plastic box with a wristwatch glued to the front. while Kevin could not fit in an optical drive, he got a lot farther than Intel did.
on top of that the Mac Mini has some extra room and an unused internal firewire connection that this week sparked speculation of possible future revision, or that the rumored built in iPod dock was in the plans at some point.
http://www.kevinrose.com/index.php/weblog/comment
Inspiration and Innovation (Score:5, Interesting)
At one time, Compaq, Dell, and even Microsoft could be expected to innovate. Just look at the original Armada. Visual Basic 3.0. the Pre-inspiron laptops. Ya, they weren't the best products ever, but they were very innovative, industry-changing ideas at the time.
Now they're just a slow evolution of an old idea. For people who don't like the press that Apple gets, and would like to see others garner some press time - well, what the hell has ANYONE in the industry done in the past 5 years?
Intel does not need to inspire the industry with a Mac clone. The industry has seen it - and is merely betting that people won't switch.
That's a good bet, but it shows me how much the PC industry has totally lost it's spark of innovation, despite loads of inspiration from a non-competitor.
Re:pathetic attempt (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:I'm going to switch (Score:3, Interesting)
Here's my bias: I've used PCs since I was a young pup and have recently had to use some Macs for school work and presentations.
Please note, the following is an opinion, based on personal experience. The usual Mac egotistic reply is not going to change my opinion, so please be insightful if you are going to reply. People always whine about their dislike of Windows, so don't flame me for a dislike of your prefered OS.
Personally, I cannot stand the operating system. Unless you have a bunch of keyboard shortcuts memorized (-2 points for new users right there) and always have one hand on the keyboard, one on the mouse (please, no "where's the other hand" jokes), you lose a lot of efficiency. In Windows, everything's designed where it can pretty much be controlled by the mouse, with a need to sometimes use the keyboard for shortcuts or special functions, which I prefer. Keyboard shortcuts aren't bad, but I personally like being able to control from the mouse easily.
The way OS X handles windows and programs is a lot different, and I find it uncomfortable. Everything is based off the "Finder" and.. I forget the name, but "Docking Station" is close enough. Docking Station is the closest you'll get to a task bar with a Quick Launch type thing taking up most of the space. The Finder is the closest you'll get to a start button. Growing up on PCs, this is awkward to switch to, especially since to use the Finder, you have to get back to the desktop (or use some hidden keyboard command, I dunno). Finding programs not on the desktop and not in the Quick launch part of the Docking Station, is slightly painful (akin having a shortcut to the "Program Files" folder in Windows to run all your programs).
I love the software made by Apple. It's all pretty and can be efficient if you work with it a lot, but I just can't stand the OS. Apple used to be the industry leader, but nowadays PCs have caught up. There's no real reason to switch to a Mac unless you are really fed up with PC and want to try something different (which it sounds like you are).
Again, please just make sure you really work with the OS before you switch. No sense in throwing $499 down on a machine you won't ever use. Again, this is all just my personal experience, and may not reflect your enjoyment of the OS. If I had grown up on Macintosh, perhaps my opinion would be different, but if you're not prepared to learn a completely different way of doing simple tasks then a Mac probably isn't right for you.
Intersting (Score:5, Interesting)
2) Its not the power brick, powering this unit. But the cooling tower you also need to hang off of it! With the earplugs included in the box!
3) Intel been doing this "odd shape case thing" for years and no one has coppied them yet. Remember the Aztec pyrimid? Uggly shape and colors.
4) But Microsoft want to go to the "Teddybear" form factor case!
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=545
5) The "low heat" and also "low power" micro/Pico-ITX form factor MB are not made by Intel but are being driven by VIA CPU's and chipset!
6) And is this from the same Intel that was hyping so much bleeding edge stuff, over the last few years. That after X months usually said we can't do it?
Re:it's an empty case (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:it's an empty case (Score:4, Interesting)
dont a lot of the mac desktops have internal firewire ports? Im pretty sure the G4 towers did although I am not sure about the G5. I wonder how much the presence of one really indicates that they intended to use it for an iPod doc.
you do have to wonder why they would put one in the mini though. there is no hope of adding an internal firewire device.
Re:But where's all the software goodness? (Score:3, Interesting)
Not to mention the splendor of no Adware or a major risk of viruses.
I think the whole point of the Mac Mini is to offer a cheap Mac to pursuade users to move from Windows / Intel to Macintosh / Apple.. But I'll argue against what you've said as if it were more accurate.
Windows XP comes with a photo editor (Microsoft Photo Editor), movie editor (Movie Maker), and music player (Windows Media Player). I honestly don't know if Movie Maker does DVD authoring and I'm pretty sure there arn't any music composition apps included.
Now look at the target market. People who want cheap ass computers. Are they even going to be doing any kind of content creation? If so they probably need a better computer anyway. The people buying these caliber computers are going to surf the web, send email, and play music.
Adware / spyware / viruses. Fair enough. But none of my computers have had any of that installed on them for the past six years. And I've seen Macs degrade into a metal whirring box because of software that the user [i]wanted[/i] installed.
I think the Mac mini is pretty cool. I think OS X is pretty cool. But I think Apple has more refinement to do, which they are constantly on the chase. However, Intel and Microsoft, if they were to set their minds to it, could crank out one hell of a little box. Look at the Dell Axim or the other (HP, Toshiba) hand held computers. Barely larger than a cell phone and more computing power than something from just five years ago. They just need to [i]get it right[/i] instead of doing it half assed (like they useually do
YDL Briq (Score:2, Interesting)
Even companies other than Apple have done similar things with the G4 a loong time ago, does anyone here remember the YellowDog Linux Briq [macobserver.com]
This is not just an x86 issue, even Apple will have a hard time putting a G5 in it's current Mac Mini Case.
Its the result of deeply pipelined processor designs. More latches, more stuff to clock, more power consumption and heat dissapation.
Ah, the good old days of 4 stage processors.
Fetch, decode, execute, commit/writeback. That was it.
vprMatrix (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Wow, Deja Vu (Score:3, Interesting)
The only reason there's PC cases in colors other than beige is because Apple created the iMac.
Sorry, I was buying non beige PC cases way back in 1996.
The only reason there's a Windows "XP" is because there was a Mac OS "X".
If thats true, what about the AthlonXP?
The only reason you can import and organize music with Windows Media Player is because Apple created iTunes.
You do realise iTunes origionally started out as a third party player that Apple bought?
The only reason there's a Windows Movie Maker is because Apple created iMovie.
And MS couldnt have gotten the idea from the hundreds of other Movie creation software packages out there? And the fact that firewire capable home movie cameras were becoming highly popular, so something in the end was bound to happen?
The only reason there's slim lightweight Pentium M class laptops is because Apple created the PowerBook.
Now that really is just fanboiism. Thin and lightweight laptops have been available for years - well before the PentiumM, and as long as, if not longer than, thin Powerbooks. I recall owning a thin and lightweight Sony Vaio back in 1998 - based on a PII chip!
And now, the only reason Intel is floating this mini PC is because Apple created the Mac mini.
Intel have floated such concept devices beforehand - and dont even THINK that Apple created the mini PC market - as many have pointed out, see the Cappachino PC - hell, even Mini ITX systems.
I own two Macs myself - a Mac Mini and an Ibook, so Im in no way anti Apple. But everything you just said is nothing but blatant fanboiism pure and simple. Apple is NOT the be all end all of computing - and surprisingly enough it doesnt innovate as much as you would like to think.
Re:it's an empty case (Score:1, Interesting)
And he's better add an OS license into that figure, because FreeBSD and Linux are nowhere near close to XP or OSX for refinement and usability.
And then there's the bundled Apple applications (iLife) to replace...
Re:Uh... (Score:2, Interesting)
Help me undestand this (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:What's funny about this... (Score:2, Interesting)
Logically for me to respond to this comment, I would have to eat 3 soft boiled eggs with rye toast.
So to compete against the Mac Mini they should kill an entirely different product? I don't get it...and I defintiely don't get the logically part.
Re:Wait until someone trys to market one... (Score:3, Interesting)
Likewise, a computer the size of a Mac Mini is hardly original - people have imagined stuff like that for years. Apple is just the first company to pull it off on such a large scale.
Re:it's an empty case (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:it's an empty case (Score:1, Interesting)
P.S. I would really like to see the inbred dimwits that modded this informative... where is the information here?
Salaries (Score:5, Interesting)
But custom as opposed to commodity parts cost quite a bit of coin. Of course, not the amount that would make up for a large cost diference, perhaps fifty bucks per. I remember going to the plant that produced the NeXT cube and well as Linn tonearms, and the mold was pretty amazing. The final piece also required custom finishing, as molds have seams, and Steve wanted a seamless design. The stuff is more costly than you think. Which is exactly why so few companies invest in the processes, people, and long term commitments to producing excellent design.
Re:pathetic attempt (Score:3, Interesting)
cheap PC hardware isn't the point (Score:3, Interesting)
Getting another cheap piece of commodity PC hardware out into the markey isn't the point. The point is that this is a small, cheap multi-media piece of hardware.
FTA: Intel on Wednesday showed off its living room PC of the future--and it looks a lot like the Mac Mini.
This can easily play DVDs, mp3s, record TV (think tivo or myth for that matter). How long until either Apple releases the software for running your own Tivo, or importing TV directly into iMovie. This is meant to be the digital jukebox that you use when you're not "working", but instead enjoying life.
Re:it's an empty case (Score:1, Interesting)
Seriously, Microsoft office is practically a required purchase on both platforms. Yes they make office for the Mac! www.microsoft.com/mac
While I love clamwin, its not NAV/SAV! Windows requires a GOOD antivirus product with on access scanning. As for PDF support, you can literally create a pdf from almost any program on the mac for free! Its VERY easy. No software installations.. time is a cost factor.
As for the OS comparison, its fair to equate XP Pro to OS X. Why? Well for one you get the same file sharing capabilities (or better) on the mac with apple's modified samba install. Both XP Pro and OSX have a webserver built in (good for web developers like myself). Microsoft wants you to pay for IIS (if you do
To
(and you can play world of warcraft on either system! )
Re:Already done... (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:it's an empty case (Score:3, Interesting)
Apple has a very strong brand. They can make a white plastic box, slap a logo on it and it will sell. I am not saying that they don't have great design, just that they are only marginally better than designs from other manufacturers. But Apples are perceived to be much more stylish, because Apple is... "different".
Innovation? (Score:3, Interesting)