GottaDEAL Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 <a href="http://www.gottadeal.com/Deal/11269" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0006HU2IM.01._SCTZZZZZZZ_.jpg" border="0"></a><br /><br />Apple has just released upgraded models of their popular Mac Mini. There are now 3 different models:<br /><br />1.25GHz / 512MB / 40GB / Combo Drive - <b>$499</b><br />1.42GHz / 512MB / 80GB / Combo Drive / 802.11g WiFi / Bluetooth - <b>$599</b><br />1.42GHz / 512MB / 80GB / SuperDrive / 802.11g WiFi / Bluetooth - <b>$699</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gottadeal.com/Deal/11269" target="_blank">New Updated Apple Mac Mini Desktops Now Available for Ordering - Apple Store</a><br /><br />
Brad Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 The middle version is probably the best value now. The $499 version is basically the same as it was except it just got an extra 256MB of RAM, but the $599 version got an extra 256MB, plus WiFi and Bluetooth.
mrn8 Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 Is the Combo Drive the CDRW/DVD-rom drive? Also, the $699 version doesn't list the video card. Is that still the Radeon 9200?
RossMAN Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 The middle version is tempting and would replace my iMac rev B. Is the video card sufficient to power my Dell UltraSharp 2005FPW (1680x1050)?
Brad Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 Yes, they all still have the Radeon 9200, which works fine on my 2001FP, so I'd think it would be fine on the 2005FPW, but you might want to do a Google search to make sure nobody has any problems with it. The $599 version is very nice, I don't think it's worth the extra $100 for the SuperDrive, and that could be a possibly DIY upgrade down the road.
RossMAN Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 The extra RAM (512MB instead of 256MB) and WiFi make it a bargain.
mrn8 Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 The $599 version is very nice, I don't think it's worth the extra $100 for the SuperDrive, and that could be a possibly DIY upgrade down the road.Is it possible to use any DVD drive to upgrade it to a "Super Drive?" I would want the DVD writing capability, because my wife would be using it for media and marketing materials when she does projects from home. Usually, I wouldn't buy work related items for home, but if she can do more work from home and be with the baby, I would think it would be worth it.
Brad Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 Yep. The 256MB of RAM on the first versions was not good. 512MB is really all you need on a system like this. Because of the relatively slow 1.4GHz G4, any advantage of having more than 512MB is minimal. As a comparison, MacConnection sells the previous 1.42GHz version with the BT and WiFi upgrade for $673 after $40 rebate, and that doesn't even have the extra 256MB of RAM.
Brad Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 Is it possible to use any DVD drive to upgrade it to a "Super Drive?" I would want the DVD writing capability, because my wife would be using it for media and marketing materials when she does projects from home. Usually, I wouldn't buy work related items for home, but if she can do more work from home and be with the baby, I would think it would be worth it.It uses a slot loading drive, so I have no idea how easy/what models you could replace it with. Of course you could also use a USB 2.0/FireWire external DVD burner which could also be used with any of your other PCs.
RossMAN Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 Any chance Amazon.com will have this? I'd prefer to receive triple Amazon.com points using my Amazon.com cc
Brad Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 Yes, I'd imagine Amazon will have these (as well as discounts/rebates on the 2 older models) sometime today or tomorrow.
mrn8 Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 Yes, I'd imagine Amazon will have these (as well as discounts/rebates on the 2 older models) sometime today or tomorrow.I think I'll keep my eyes open for that, and throw in some extra RAM. I probably have some spare sitting around already.
Brad Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 The previous versions are now on sale at Amazon. 1.25GHz is $479 shipped: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006HU2IM1.42GHz is $549 shipped: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006HU2ZU
RossMAN Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 I think the newer model is better especially due to the RAM, BT and WiFi but the older models are a bargain. Newer toys > older toys New hotness > :)
Brad Posted July 26, 2005 Posted July 26, 2005 Yep. The old 1.25GHz should go down to $449 to make up the 256MB RAM difference. The old 1.42GHz should be down at $499 because the 256MB, Bluetooth and WiFi are worth about $100.
i-bystander Posted July 27, 2005 Posted July 27, 2005 How many, or what percentage of, GDers use Macs? Own Macs? Do you have that stat, Brad?
Brad Posted July 27, 2005 Posted July 27, 2005 How many, or what percentage of, GDers use Macs? Own Macs? Do you have that stat, Brad?4.8% according to AWStats
i-bystander Posted July 27, 2005 Posted July 27, 2005 4.8% according to AWStats You own and use one yourself, right? Can the rest of you Mac Users please stand up? :)
mrn8 Posted July 27, 2005 Posted July 27, 2005 You own and use one yourself, right? Can the rest of you Mac Users please stand up? :)I'm not yet, but if Amazon runs some sort of special on the new Mac Mini, I will be.
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