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Posted on 03/06/2006 6:20:47 PM PST by Panerai
Still think the Mac mini’s not a good value compared to budget PCs? If you want to compare Apples to, well, apples, you might want to have a look at Aopen’s new MiniPC, once it’s unveiled tomorrow at the Intel Developer’s Forum in San Francisco, Calif.
In 2005 AOpen generated interest when it unveiled its MiniPC, a Pentium-based Windows-compatible PC computer with a stunningly similar design as Apple’s Mac mini. Now AOpen is countering Apple’s Intel Mac mini introduction with its new MiniPC, the MP945. It costs a bit more, but sports some features the new Mac mini doesn’t have.
AOpen said the new MiniPC will be available in two configurations, a single-core MP945 model for $699 and a dual-core MP945-V model for $899 — $100 more than Apple’s offerings. The computer is based on Intel’s 945GM core logic — the same Apple uses in the Mac mini — and houses a Pentium M socket that can accept either Core Solo or Core Duo processors. The system’s graphics acceleration comes from the same integrated Intel GMA 950 chip that the Mac mini uses.
The MP945 still features a Mac mini-like form factor, measuring 6 x 6 inches, and shares many common features with the Mac mini — Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Gigabit Ethernet, slot-loading optical drive, audio in and an infrared remote control interface.
The new model also has a mini PCI expansion port and an S-Video interface built in, two amenities Apple doesn’t offer on the Mac mini. Apple offers a $19 DVI to Video Adapter for users who want to connect their Mac mini to a television set or home theater system.
AOpen plans to formally introduce the new PC on Tuesday at the Intel Developer’s Forum in San Francisco, Calif.
Architectural similarties aside, the biggest difference is apparent once you turn the MiniPC on: It comes equipped with Microsoft’s Windows Media Center Edition.
minipc pricier than mac mini ping
If it weren't for Apple, where would the Windoze world find its next "innovation?"
Hmm, and I thought the new Intel-based Mac minis were 'expensive'.
The Dual Core Intel chip is what drives the cost up. The chip costs more than a base Mac mini all by itself.
That said, I have no idea why the single core version would be $699.
Hate to say it, but its true. Windoze doesn't innovate very much. Its saving grace is low cost.
Alrighty. Who will be the first dope to politicize this completely technical discussion?
Bonus points if you work in a "gay" angle...
In before Hank makes one of his genius coments.
" Its saving grace is low cost."
Comparably equipped "apples to apples" (lol), even the cost argument has become less compelling. Throw the maintenance and security headaches into the mix, and there you go ... legacy software is basically all there is between MS and a slow, steady fall from relevance.
DVI does NOT equal "Digital Visual Interface". DVI = Digital Video Interface.
Was this a typo between the mag and posting, or is this a MacWorld error?
Well, if it's information about the "gay angle" of Apple products, FR does have its resident expert.
Any hams running MacLogger on a MacMini, if so how well? I'm thinking of getting one.
Alrighty. Who will be the first dope to politicize this completely technical discussion?
I can't politicize the discussion but I can be the first Dope!!!
So... What the H*ll are you guys talking about! LOL
As for the other thing, well I had a gay friend in collage, but that was the days when you loaded BASIC with punch cards.
Can anyone out there tell me how to do the equivalent of a DO loop in Excel? I would like to plot some formulas with summation in them.
Thanks!
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According to their website, upgrading the basic MiniPC from 512 RAM to 1 gig and the hard drive from 20 gig to 80 gig will cost $120. The Mac Mini has one advantage which is the ability to boot from an external Firwire drive which is faster than the internal 2.5 notebook drive.
Typed this using an HP dual core AMD XP 4200+, an ATI X300 PCI Express graphics card, and a 250GB Serial ATA hard drive with 3GB of PC3200 DDR RAM. I guessed I missed the product roll out when Apple introduced all these innovations.
Oops! Better make that "Firewire".
Typed this using an HP dual core AMD XP 4200+ processer, an ATI X300 PCI Express graphics card, and a 250GB Serial ATA hard drive with 3GB of PC3200 DDR RAM. I guess I missed the product roll out when Apple introduced all these innovations.
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