Mac Mini Again Shipping Within 24 Hours in the U.S.

Monday July 29, 2013 9:01 AM PDT by Juli Clover
Last week, Mac mini shipping times slipped to 5–7 days, but it appears that Apple’s inventory has normalized over the weekend as shipping times (via 9to5Mac) for the standard Mac mini have returned to 24 hours in both the United States and Canada.

macminishiptimes
Mac mini shipping times for many other countries around the world remain at 5 to 7 days, as do shipping times for the Mac mini Server, so it is unclear whether or not there is a simple product shortage or if the continued 5 to 7 day worldwide shipping time is indicative of a possible refresh.

The Mac mini, which was last updated in October of 2012, is a potential candidate for an upgrade to Haswell processors. Several other computers in Apple’s lineup are expected to be refreshed with Haswell processors as well, possibly during August or September.

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tubular
75 months ago

I never really understood the point of the Mac mini to be honest.


Among other things, to not send a perfectly functional LCD screen to the landfill every few years just because it's literally welded to an outdated machine.
Rating: 16 Votes
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tubular
75 months ago

Not if you own an iMac.


Which first-time Mac buyers, who already have monitors, keyboards, and mice, don't.

For $1300 I can buy a 2.7GHz quad-core iMac with 8GB and a gorgeous screen I will later have to throw away as it is literally welded in place.

Or I can buy a pre-refresh Mac mini with 2.6GHz quad-core and 8GB, use my already-have-it screen, my already-have-it mouse, my already-have-it keyboard, and buy three hundred dollars worth of pizza and beer. After the refresh, this deal will probably be even better.
Rating: 4 Votes
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pancakedrawer
75 months ago

I never really understood the point of the Mac mini to be honest.


A top end mini will Geekbench as well as a top end rMBP. In the past it may have been a niche market but over the coming years, with the improvements in integrated graphics, it will be a much wiser choice than an iMac.
Rating: 4 Votes
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Asclepio
75 months ago
booooooooo
Rating: 3 Votes
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bbeagle
75 months ago

I never really understood the point of the Mac mini to be honest.


You don't understand the point in selling a computer without monitor, keyboard or mouse? Isn't that how MOST people upgrade computers, since they already own a monitor, keyboard and mouse?
Rating: 2 Votes
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Dan--
75 months ago

My situation too, sort of. I have a circa-2010 Core 2, and I'm itching for a couple more cores. [...]
The real kicker for me, the sticking point I keep returning to, is the idea that
the iMac is now literally welded shut. They may was well stencil on the back: No Repairs or Upgrades Possible.

A slightly larger case than the mini, with desktop parts instead of laptop parts, or a Mac Pro style cylinder with desktop, not server parts. I think either might work.

We need the tweener desktop model, as the iMac just does not do it for a lot of folks.

Dan
Rating: 2 Votes
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Razeus
75 months ago

You don't understand the point in selling a computer without monitor, keyboard or mouse? Isn't that how MOST people upgrade computers, since they already own a monitor, keyboard and mouse?


Not if you own an iMac.

And once you configure it not to have gimped hard drive speed and more RAM, the price now is that you might was well get a more powerful computer. Also, the lack of GPU is baffling this day and age.

----------

Thanks - needed a reminder to install Plex (already running Twonky and iTunes media server)


Apple TV is much cheaper.
Rating: 1 Votes
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Dan--
75 months ago
Boo. My mom needs a new computer. Her Core 2 Duo mini is getting long in the tooth, and I've got dibs on it for an iTunes server.

But you kind of need a back end computer to take full advantage of the AppleTV don't you?

I wish they wouldn't artificially handicap the ATV. Such a nice piece of equipment with good capability, but could be great with some relatively minor software changes.


Edit: You really should look at the Geekbench scores. The Mid ($800) Mini beats all but the i7 based iMacs. That means you have to spend AT LEAST 1699 for the 21.5" model with the 3.1ghz processor to match the "mid" range Mini. That's a lot of cash to spend on upgrades (even Apple's).

The mini has made some great strides as a desktop machine. However, I wish there was a model that traded some of its ultimate small size for some desktop grade parts.

Dan
Rating: 1 Votes
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ResPublica
75 months ago

I believe the Mac mini will be the last Mac updated to Haswell, with likely a new design. I predict first quarter 2014.

It really is too bad that I have come to loathe Apple re-designs. I hope my prediction is wrong and they leave it alone for another year, but I expect a glued shut case with limited ports... :(

2
The Mac mini currently has some features the iMac lacks; FireWire 800, HDMI, Line In and upgradeble memory. Apple's obsession with thin design could remove those.
Rating: 1 Votes
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Razeus
75 months ago

Interesting, so your $100 media box needs a $500 accessory to make it less crappy...and you can't understand the purpose of a mac mini. Nice.


...no. I don't NEED a $500 device to make it less crappy. I use it by choice. Don't be silly.
Rating: 1 Votes
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