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Intel shows off Mac Mini-like concept PC
News.com ^ | March 2, 2005 | Ina Fried

Posted on 03/03/2005 7:14:44 AM PST by antiRepublicrat

SAN FRANCISCO--Intel on Wednesday showed off its living room PC of the future--and it looks a lot like the Mac Mini.

As part of a speech at the Intel Developer Forum here, Vice President Don MacDonald demonstrated several concept PCs, including the Sleek Concept Entertainment PC--a square, metallic-colored device that was immediately reminiscent of the desktop computer Apple Computer introduced earlier this year.

Intel mini PC gallery

It's unlikely that Intel itself would build such a device. The chipmaker often uses its twice-yearly developer events to try to spur creativity among computer makers. Past efforts have seen PCs twisted into all sorts of shapes and even embedded in an Ottoman foot rest.

An Apple representative declined to comment on Intel's concept PC.

Thus far, the concept PC is just a piece of plastic, literally, although its design showed a clock display and optical drive in front, with ports such as USB, optical audio and FireWire in the back.

(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy
KEYWORDS: apple; intel; mac; macmini; pc
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The old formula still applies: Mac today = PC two years from now. Apple leads, others follow.
1 posted on 03/03/2005 7:14:44 AM PST by antiRepublicrat
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To: antiRepublicrat

That metallic-looking box should have a hinged lid and a lot of candy inside. It would become an additional selling point.


2 posted on 03/03/2005 7:21:00 AM PST by GSlob
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To: GSlob; antiRepublicrat; Ernest_at_the_Beach

Unless it uses Fluorinert cooling or some other exotic, it could not do what the current computer on my desk does. My graphics chip alone contains over 222 million transistors. They have to eliminate heat somehow or use slower less capable chips.


3 posted on 03/03/2005 7:30:32 AM PST by RadioAstronomer
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To: antiRepublicrat
These aren't quite as small, but they take standard components, are available for Intel, AMD, AMD 64, you can buy them ready made or build them yourself with your choice of components, and plug in the lates hot video cards.

I've been building them for two years, long before the minimac.

4 posted on 03/03/2005 7:30:43 AM PST by js1138
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To: GSlob

I LIKE your idea!
LOL!


5 posted on 03/03/2005 7:30:44 AM PST by tiamat (Some days, it's not even worth chewing through the restraints.)
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To: js1138

You can install a power supply in one of those that can handle a 6800 ultra? Cool! :-)


6 posted on 03/03/2005 7:36:49 AM PST by RadioAstronomer
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To: js1138

I use 560W PS in my machines. When I build the dual 6800 ultra SLI with the 3.8 775 CPU, I am not sure what I am going to get for a PS. LOL!


7 posted on 03/03/2005 7:40:26 AM PST by RadioAstronomer
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To: antiRepublicrat

All the public needs in a pc is an O-N/O-F-F switch, a volume control, and a knob for changing channels and they'll actually be able to use them.


8 posted on 03/03/2005 7:41:36 AM PST by agitator (...And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark)
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To: agitator
and a knob for changing channels

Nawww! Replace the knob with a remote. You would up the segment of the population who would buy one. LMAO!

9 posted on 03/03/2005 7:43:51 AM PST by RadioAstronomer
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To: js1138
I really hate to say this because I am no fan of Apple's but does look alot like the Apple Cube that came out about 5 years ago.

Stupid things didn't like me, I had two users on my network with them and if I got within 10ft they stopped working. Maybe not every time but often enough for the dept. head asked me to call in advance before I stopped by.
10 posted on 03/03/2005 7:47:16 AM PST by Outlaw76 (Citizens on the Bounce!)
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To: js1138
Small, square form factor using desktop parts, hmmm, that sounds familiar...

Like I said, Apple today = PC tomorrow.

11 posted on 03/03/2005 7:48:05 AM PST by antiRepublicrat
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To: antiRepublicrat

The list of First's by apple is a long one. USB, FireWire, All in one, etc. If anyone has the list it is quite remarkable.


12 posted on 03/03/2005 8:00:48 AM PST by jeffsg4mac
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To: antiRepublicrat
No....In this particular case Apple was behind the curve.  I have no idea why the author is comparing this to the Apple.....probably out of ignorance.

PC case makers and motherboard manufacturers have been churning out the MicroATX, FlexATX and MiniITX form factors for several years.

Hell....Shuttle's been in the market for at least 3.

13 posted on 03/03/2005 8:06:32 AM PST by Psycho_Bunny (“I know a great deal about the Middle East because I’ve been raising Arabian horses" Patrick Swazey)
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To: RadioAstronomer

OK, maybe not the latest, hottest video. They don't take dual slot video cards, but they do take most of the ATI cards.

SLI is going single slot. I don't know if Shuttle has a PCI Express board yet, but they are moving right along. You can put together a really good AMD 64 machine for about $700, sans XP and video card. My son runs 3D Studio with the built in video and has no complaints. Games are something else.


14 posted on 03/03/2005 8:07:07 AM PST by js1138
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To: js1138

Which manufacturer's SFF case is the one in your photograph?


15 posted on 03/03/2005 8:08:01 AM PST by The Electrician
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To: antiRepublicrat
....not to mention those tiny HP internet computers that have been out for more than 5 years.
16 posted on 03/03/2005 8:08:43 AM PST by Psycho_Bunny (“I know a great deal about the Middle East because I’ve been raising Arabian horses" Patrick Swazey)
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To: Swordmaker

Ping...


17 posted on 03/03/2005 8:08:59 AM PST by tubebender
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To: antiRepublicrat

MISLEADING HEADLINE.

Should read: "Intel shows off small plastic empty box in the hopes that someone might be inspired to put a small computer inside."

All Intel has done is suggest it would be neat if someone made something like the Mac Mini, but used Intel chips instead.

To emphasize: IT'S AN EMPTY BOX. No contents, no prototype, no functionality.


18 posted on 03/03/2005 8:09:10 AM PST by ctdonath2
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To: antiRepublicrat

No comparison. Shutle computers work. You miss the most important point. You can customize them with standard off-the-shelf components. I can see that Mac users won't be impressed, but some of us like to have control over stuff.


19 posted on 03/03/2005 8:12:08 AM PST by js1138
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To: The Electrician

http://us.shuttle.com/


20 posted on 03/03/2005 8:12:55 AM PST by js1138
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