Apple releases $499 Imac!!!

www.apple.com ^ | 1stFreedom

[1stFreedom]

For all us Windows fans who felt Macs were just too pricey, now there is good news. Apple has released the "mini Mac" for $499.

While the $499 model doesn't come with a keyboard or mouse, standard USB keyboards and mice (including two button wheel mice) will work with the unit.

See http://www.apple.com/macmini/ for more details.

[Ecthelion]

If I wanted sleek, I'd go build myself a shuttle box, or some other such midgit-box, and probably spend about the same amount of money for more system than the mini-mac can offer.

But for a generic computer, Dell isn't too bad. Have they gone the gateway route of, "Screw the consumer. He doesn't need to upgrade; he'll just buy a new one from us."?

[newgeezer]

but something more linux-like would be nice.

Linspire (née Lindows), perhaps?

[Revolting cat!]

[MississippiMan]

Total failure. Apple wants to take on Wal-Mart? Well, that's ok, I shorted Apple today.

Probably a bad move. I've never been a Mac man but this thing will sell like popcorn.

MM

[newgeezer]

Allowing people to use their existing keyboards and mice is just a cost-cutting move because a lot of people have them from an old PC.

Sure, as long as the old keyboard and mouse are USB. Granted, I haven't bought a turnkey PC in quite a while (I build my own) but, how long have (bargain) PCs been coming with USB mouse and keyboard?

Also, if PC converts are hoping to use their existing PC monitors, do Macs now have standard 15-pin VGA ports? They didn't back in 1995, the last time I owned one.

[MD_Willington_1976]

The monitor requires DVI input or DVI to DB15 adaptor...

So the bottom line is still not $499...

But it is interesting...

MD

[UseYourHead]

Dell's PCs are still easy to upgrade yourself. They are just so big now that if you have a problem, you can sometimes get lost in the system. They are selling a good 3gHz system with a 17" LCD for $599. For people who just need a PC to email and internet and maybe a little homework, you can't beat that.

Like you however, I build MY computer myself. It's still enjoyable for me.

[HAL9000]

The native video output of the new Mac is DVI video, and a VGA adapter is included. That should handle most industry-standard displays.

A adapter for S-video and composite video output (sold separately) will connect the new Mac to a TV set or projector.

[daviddennis]

Ah, I was hoping people wouldn't notice that :-). Yes, you have to have USB, and there are plenty of computers to this day that still use PS/2. True you can get an adapter, but it's as expensive as a whole new keyboard.

However, Macs have DVI connectors and come with DVI to VGA adapters, so yes, you can use your VGA monitor on any current Mac. The last Mac with the old adapter was the beige G3, which is now pretty much out of circulation.

D

[yevgenie]

I used to be what they called a "Mac evangelist," a person who really loved everything about the Mac and wanted to spread the good news. Back then, I would sometimes remind people that "Mac" is not an acronym. (It's 'Mac' not 'MAC' ;O).

No offense intended.

You mean like:

• Mac
• Always
• Crashes
• If
• Not
• The
• Operating
• System
• Hangs

?

[MD_Willington_1976]

Very cool...

Now if I only had some extra $$$...

[spodefly]

I work with a big KVM switch connected to 6 different X86 computers running Windows 2000, Fedora Core 3, QNX 6.2.1, QNX 6.3 and other stuff as necessary.

GEEK!!!

:)

[July 4th]

If you are looking for an mp3 player, the iPod shuffle is a pretty inadequate player for the price. No display, not that small, pretty much just a memory stick with a headphone out.

BUT, if you are looking for a USB storage device, if you spend about $50 more over the purchase price of a straight memory device, you get an mp3 player too. Not worth it, IMHO.

Note the disclaimers on the website:

Music capacity is based on 4 minutes per song and 128Kbps AAC encoding.
Do not eat iPod shuffle.
Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. See www.apple.com/batteries for more information.
Some computers require either the optional iPod shuffle Dock or a USB cable extender (sold separately).

[AFreeBird]

Total failure. Apple wants to take on Wal-Mart? Well, that's ok, I shorted Apple today.

Mistake, I'm very tempted. In fact, if I hadn't just plopped down a good chunk of change on a Canon 20D SLR, I'd go get one. I already have a KVM switch so the basic I/O devices aren't needed, and given the apparent size of it, it ain't gonna take up a lot of real estate.

[Richard Kimball]

From the Apple web site:

Connect. Plug. Play. Mac mini works with both Mac and PC-compatible peripherals, so it’s easy to upgrade from an older Mac or PC system. Simply connect your USB mouse and keyboard, then hook up your DVI or VGA display (adapter included). Next, plug in, turn on and say hello to Mac OS X, the world’s most advanced operating system.

[Tribune7]

If you have a PC with which you are disatisfied, you already have the keyboard, mouse and monitor.

[Richard Kimball]

I'm tempted, but I just bought a Canon 1DMII. Love the thing. Here's a shot from a game last week:

Macs make working with photos fun.

[Centurion2000]

bump

[MD_Willington_1976]

Yep already dealt with...

Carry on...

[avenir]

Good camera work.