Intel iBooks: apparently no. Intel Mac minis: apparently so.
By Ryan Block 
posted Feb 25th 2006 5:52PM
posted Feb 25th 2006 5:52PM
You'd think we have better things to do on a Saturday than report the latest in last-minute Apple rumors before
Steveie J. gets on stage
this Tuesday, but no, you're wrong. AppleInsider's latest sez that the Intel MacBook / iBook we reported about mere hours ago is
not to be (yet -- they'll be along, supposedly, this spring). Instead we should expect to see some low-cost Intel Mac
minis (among other things, we're sure).[Thanks, CoreyTheGent]
I'm lookin forward to this Tuesday.
I'm really hoping the MacBook is released instead of an Intel mini.
That is.... unless the mini has an "all new" FrontRow 2.0 i've been hearing about.
Cause a new mini would be pretty sweet for my new HDTV. :)
I've been expecting the Mini all along, it better be here.
I've been expecting the Mini all along, it better be here.
Mac Mini with an infrared controller and a Front Row? They'll sell like hotcakes!
I know a lot of people who have picked up a Mac Mini just because they're so affordable and are still essentially a Mac.
It's a great way of getting a taste of the Mac life, without actually "switching" with a big financial commitment of buying all the extras - the Mac Mini just works with what you've got.
oooh, hah i can't wait till tuesday so you guys can give us an update on what "new fun stuff" apple will be releasing :D
okay, appleinsider needs to stop with this now. they're just creating news to drive traffic to their site. i don't think they have any idea what's coming
This makes sense. I don't see anything extravegant coming out, but who knows. I don't think the iPod is happening or the Macbook, but an Intel Mini seems logical. It'll probably be a good way to get people to switch over from PC at a price PC users want.
is an intel mac mini "tivo" 2 much to ask for???
I really hope that Apple does release new Intel Mac Minis...I was planning on ordering one this week as a belated birthday present for myself to replace my piece of trash Dell Inspiron laptop (which cost about the same as a Mini would, but the Mini, I'm sure wont crash and burn the same way) but once I heard the news about the Keynote on the 28th, I figured I'd delay my transition to Mac for a week. So I'm really looking forward to seeing an Intel Mac Mini, if it really is released.
I imagine they'll release some pretty big stuff. They have to release something at Macworld, it's expected, so there is a chance they weren't quite ready. This time around, they've planned this media event, so they must have something big. Otherwise it'd be a waste having a big hub bub over nothing.
It's all about money and it's apparently so Apple says really fun.
I'd have to bet my two bits on a new iPod that is what is making them the most money and after a billion downloads in iTunes you can bet Uncle Steve won't be one to pass on that opportunity.
My second guess is the Macmini as I heard devout macheads months ago insisting they would need to go with the MacMini it's there simplest computer. Stuff a gee whiz option on an Intel Macmini and every one is primed for the main event in the spring while they get on with more challenging R&D.
...Richibald
damn, ya gotta put a warning on posts like this, you just made me fall outa my chair...
this is sooo cool. but im not buying any of it. too overpriced for me.
Please be a DVR type machine! My 1 year Tivo plan is about to re-bill and if I could replace this Series 1 box with a Mac DVR, I'd be ALL over it!
They could still announce an iBook Tuesday. Remember how all the rumour sites said there wouldn't be a video ipod announced in October 05?
I've read repeatedly that there won't be a 12" MBP at all. Do the people saying that mean there won't be any "small" mbp? Or that there will be a 13" instead?
I got my hands on a MBP yesterday, it was much bigger than I expected, because of the wide screen. Having seen how big it is I'd be extremely surprised if they didn't make one in a smaller form factor.
I bet the wait will be well worth it when they release the new Mac Mini powered by Viiv.
I'm not big on rumors but this is supposidely the 6th gen iPod.. could be fake, could be not :)
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=182770
Imagine a MBP without the screen, keyboard, iSight, and built-in stereo speakers, using 1 of the cheaper intel processors, a cheaper hard drive, with a better video and audio output, and add a few more USB ports and an iPod dock.
Only if something like that comes out soon...
hopefully not just an intel ibook, or an intel macmini.. yawn, ho-hum. just new versions of existing products. hoping for something that's actually new: updated frontrow, new ipod??
or something a couple of bills cheaper!
Anyone hoping for a mini for HDTV should probably not get too excited. If they do release a new mini, chances are the mini is going to have a core uno, not a core duo...either way, I don't believe even the core duo would be powerful enough for running HDTV smoothly. There is no way this machine would run better than my dual 2.0 G5 powermac. Playing HD on it almost maxes out the CPUs.
My bet is on the video ipod, new minis and maybe new ibooks, along with full movie downloads on iTunes. What else would be "fun"?
Are these the same baboons that said a super cheap iBook laptop was to be released last month? Or was it the other baboons that said that?
btw, it is Core Solo and not Core Uno.
Though you are right about playing HD content on a core solo. But i'm pretty sure the core duo can play HD content....at least the iMac core duo can.
Given that the cost of the duo is only 30 dollars more than the solo, it'd be a shame not to have a duo in at least the high end minis. It's really is the difference between being able to play high res content, or not.
I predict that the Mini will be based off Viiv.
What ever happened to the content delivery network? Fold that into .Mac as well as the ability to book recordings over the internet (or SMS as Sky HD are prepping) and then I'll renue my subscription for sure. This is assuming it's not like the iTMS and europe has to wait a year for any connecting services to come along - I just got the new iPod and I'm considering getting a Zen to use BBC iMP.
And a Tivo killing mac mini-type machine was what a lot of the Viiv hype at CESwas about - it's be a great product for intel to show it off too.
Just like the macmini v. 1.0, the new macmini will not be any good for HTPC use until Apple updates their software DVD player. Have a look at the MAC home theater computer users group at avscience.com at all the negative comments from mac users about Apple's DVD software. In addition, Descaler or FFDshow video post-processing software have not been ported to OSX. These applications make a night and day difference in video playback quality.
I believe that Job right now is thinking "what does most ppl want us to realese?"...well that. "ok we'll release something else then"
lol
Playing HD content is not the problem, recording and converting it in real time IS the problem, for something in the mac Minis price range. People are already using the mac mini as a DVR of sorts, but usually as a front end, with heavier iron actually crunching the HDTV signal. Can VIIV cross this gap?
But maybe, with some helper chips in the GPU, you could make a mac mini that does HD well, between 500 and a thousand bucks.
And you could pop a port on top to load compressed content into a new larger screen video ipod (or Newton II)
i am a huge apple fan i have a powermac dual G5 and just bought an imac 20 inch, with an apparent 8 speed DVD burner, no matter what discs i use it WILL NOT burn at 8 speed and everywhere on the internet says the same thing, isnt it illegal to sell a product under false pretence, I have always liked apple as it does what it says on the box and has always worked for me. However the matshita drive in it is a complete joke, APPLE what are you playing at???? You have pure and simply ripped off a good customer, donot buy one unless you want to pay another £60 for a pioneer writer and external caddy, which i wanted to avoid taking up desk space, i am very angry, apple, you can kiss my ass!!!!!!
The Mac DVR is already here, geniuses!
It's call EyeTV 2 + MediaCenter + Any Mac that supports both of these.
Wow, Appleinsider says it's going to be a $300 Apple boombox? That thing better have a sweet lcd graphic equalizer and some visualizations with it for that money. And maybe wifi for streaming internet radio. Though an Intel Mac Mini is tempting...
A single G4 for $500 was kinda hot. If they drop the Core Duo hammer anywhere near that price point, are you seriously going to be complaining about the "same old" form factor? Recognize.
I hate these big announcement days. I just sit in front of my computer hitting Refresh for like 10 hours straight. It kills my whole day!
The reason Mac Mini will take over TiVo is the iSight camera and iChatAV. All media: iTunes, iPhoto, iDVR (the TiVo replacement), and iChatAv from one central location using a remote control. You can stop tv and have a free videoconference with your family in Denver from Chicago, where your 2-year-old can waive HI to Gradma and Gradmpa on the TV. Apple would not be able to keep up with demand if it adds TiVo features to Mini with FrontRow and iSight. No other device can do all of this.