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+--- Thread: So there's a new Mini, but I didn't see any mention about... (/showthread.php?tid=172322)
So there's a new Mini, but I didn't see any mention about... - GeneL - 10-17-2014
...RAM and hard drives, if they can be "do it yourself" upgraded.
Did I miss something? Is it possible to do upgrades to the new Mini?
How is the new Mini better than the last "top of the line" model? Speed, features, upgradeability?
AFAIK, the last previous models were somewhat easy to upgrade, weren't they?
So, what would be the best option, new models or last generation?
Which model would you choose?
Thanks for your thoughts...
Re: So there's a new Mini, but I didn't see any mention about... - RAMd®d - 10-17-2014
You have to cull through the various threads for from the looks of it…
Lew Z saw a mention when using the Apple Store app that if you wanted to upgrade the mini's 8G RAM to 16G, it had to be done at the Apple Store.
The mini can be ordered with a 500G HDD or a 1T Fusion drive. But to use an internal SSD it has to have a PCIe interface. This doesn't bother me much as I can settle for external USB3 storage.
Addition confirmation here: http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/laptops-computing/1401773/apple-updates-mac-mini-with-haswell-not-upgradeable
At this point, the only real improvement is the graphics- HD 5000 or Iris, depending on which mini you get. For most users, that may be more useful than going for 16G RAM.
iFixIt will probably open one up soon.
Re: So there's a new Mini, but I didn't see any mention about... - GeneL - 10-17-2014
Thanks RAMd®d.
I knew that it would be unlikely, but I thought it would be terrific if Apple saw that vast numbers of Mac Pro users would be thrilled to have a "little" version that was as easy to "play" with as the big brother.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if Apple had a vision of repaying the loyalty of so many Mac fans, by offering the ease of installing RAM upgrades, as well as user selectable hard drive options in the new Mini series?
I don't want to dismiss the fact that, at least, they have gotten rid of the power brick. A small, but to me, very attractive improvement. Now, how about making all of these other features part of the design upgrade?
It strikes me that this wouldn't be difficult from the design stand point, especially since they've had these options in past models. Both RAM and hard drives were accessible at different times in different models.
They would have to know how many Mac users were wanting these features, wouldn't they? Of course, they continuously decried the idea of a bigger screen on the iPhone, until they caved and made it seem as if they were for it all along. Ha! Are a removable battery and a micro-sd slot next? Don't hold your breath.
I guess, pleasing your fan base is not a priority to the new regime???
But how great it would be to be able to by a stripped down Mini and have it easy to install an OWC RAM upgrade and an OWC "Data Doubled" SSD+ a 7200rpm Spinning disk hard drive! I know that a lot of members would drool at the possibility!
As my friend N-OS X-tasy! would say, "it is what it is" :ohsnap:
Re: So there's a new Mini, but I didn't see any mention about... - Speedy - 10-17-2014
Apple doesn't care what you want and never has. They do want your money.
Re: So there's a new Mini, but I didn't see any mention about... - mrlynn - 10-17-2014
Speedy wrote:
Apple doesn't care what you want and never has. They do want your money.
And we do seem to keep giving it to them. Ergo, they must offer something we want, even if we bitch about it.
Odd.
/Mr Lynn
Re: So there's a new Mini, but I didn't see any mention about... - deckeda - 10-17-2014
If it is available with a HD, that HD can still be swapped out for a standard SSD. Also, two Thunderbolt 2 ports is better than the previous. Standard graphics are better.
The DVI adapter is no longer included. The base model is $100 cheaper now but other configurations similar to the last generation can be more expensive.
If you're in the market compare what's available. But if your heart is set on the older model be prepared to not find it or perhaps not for the price you want.
Option B is to embrace one of the laptops and call it a day.
Re: So there's a new Mini, but I didn't see any mention about... - C(-)ris - 10-17-2014
I just took a look at the service manual for the Mini....
The memory is soldered on the board, just like the Air. There are no slots. You must decide on memory when purchasing.
There is 1 hard drive slot, but it is buried deep inside and requires removal of most major components in the Mini.
Re: So there's a new Mini, but I didn't see any mention about... - rgG - 10-17-2014
C(-)ris wrote:
I just took a look at the service manual for the Mini....
The memory is soldered on the board, just like the Air. There are no slots. You must decide on memory when purchasing.
There is 1 hard drive slot, but it is buried deep inside and requires removal of most major components in the Mini.
Well, there you have it. Glad I didn't wait for the "upgraded" mini and finally broke down and bought the 2012 model.
Re: So there's a new Mini, but I didn't see any mention about... - Speedy - 10-17-2014
There are more than a few quad i7 Minis on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40%7CR40&_sacat=0&_sop=15&_nkw=quad+i7+%22mac+mini%22&rt=nc&LH_BIN=1
Re: So there's a new Mini, but I didn't see any mention about... - Black - 10-17-2014
C(-)ris wrote:Thanks, C(-)ris. Guess my 2012 quad core 2.6 just gained a bit of value....
I just took a look at the service manual for the Mini....
The memory is soldered on the board, just like the Air. There are no slots. You must decide on memory when purchasing.
There is 1 hard drive slot, but it is buried deep inside and requires removal of most major components in the Mini.