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Long overdue Apple Mac desktops arrive today

Mar. 3, 2009 Paul Thurrott | Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows

As expected, Apple announced long-overdue and, in certain places, eagerly-awaited refreshes of its Mac desktop PCs, including the Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Pro. There are two separate announcements--and no special event, as often happens with Apple--one for the consumer Macs, and one for the Mac Pro (which is still a luxury item and not worth discussing).

Here's the consumer Mac announcement:

Apple today announced updates to its iMac® and Mac® mini desktop lines, including a 24-inch iMac that is priced more affordably than ever before and a Mac mini with powerful new integrated graphics. For the same $1,499 price as the previous generation 20-inch iMac, the new 24-inch iMac delivers a 30 percent larger display, twice the memory and twice the storage.

So. The iMacs are fine-looking machines, but then the form factor hasn't changed since the previous generation. Ditto for the Mac mini, which is still too expensive, by about $200 per model. And it's form factor hasn't changed ... ever.

Delivering up to five times better graphics performance, the updated Mac mini now features the same groundbreaking NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics introduced with the aluminum unibody MacBook family. The Mac mini is the world’s most energy efficient desktop, drawing less than 13 watts of power when idle.

Starting at $599, the Mac mini is an innovative, tiny desktop measuring only 6.5 by 6.5 by 2-inches.

Separately, Apple also updated its expensive wireless hardware:

Apple also announced that its popular AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi Base Station and Time Capsule now feature simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual-band networking for optimal performance, range and compatibility. An innovative Guest Network feature allows setting up a secondary network for friends and visitors with Internet-only access so you don’t have to hand out your WiFi password. Time Capsule combines an 802.11n router and server-grade hard disk for automatic wireless back-up with Time Machine, and is immediately available in two models: a 500GB model for $299 and a 1TB model for $499. The AirPort Extreme Base Station is also available immediately for a suggested retail price of $179.

Yikes.

Long story short, the Mac updates were overdue and don't change the value equation at all.

Discuss this Article 55

WebGuy3000
on Mar 3, 2009
One quick correction. The Mac Pro is a professional machine, not a "luxury item." There's a difference. If you need the horsepower it offers, and your time is worth anything, it's worth every penny.
Dipsh t Admin
on Mar 3, 2009
The price for the Time Capsule is actually pretty good considering it's basically a wireless NAS. The AirPort Extreme is certainly a rip-off though.
meason
on Mar 3, 2009
@WebGuy What so professional about wanting a decent gaming graphics card or a monitor you can replace the machine its connected too. Monitors tech wise last far far longer then any processing hardware.....
mikegalos@msn.com
on Mar 3, 2009
FYI: Several months ago I said that I thought the Mac Mini would be discontinued. I just thought I'd go on the record that I was wrong on that prediction and on my assumption that Apple was holding off on the rev of the iMac until they could use the Core i7 processors.
Lindy
on Mar 3, 2009
The new mini is going to make a really nice media center computer. Wireless N, and that new video card are nice. Dell/HP Mac Pro competitors are more expensive. Dual Band Time Capsule is slick as well.
Lindy
on Mar 3, 2009
Mike I congratulate you for stepping up and saying you were incorrect. Wow your a new man:) I thought the new Mini/iMac (basically Nivida through the whole line) would drop at Macworld 2 months ago so I was wrong as well. Snow Leopard will push grand central, which is in line with Nvidia Cuda, basically use every processor in the box to do work. So Apple basically had to hardware refresh to make sure its full line supports Snow Lepoard/Grand Central/Cuda. It also probably helps when your entire line of notebooks and desktops now use the same chipset/video cards (minis the mac pro)
Mum
on Mar 3, 2009
"One quick correction. The Mac Pro is a professional machine, not a "luxury item." There's a difference. If you need the horsepower it offers, and your time is worth anything, it's worth every penny." Double that. Judging from the increasing number of Mac-only professional graphic, audio and video software titles, Windows isn't replacing Macs in these industries anytime soon, and these happen to be some of the most demanding uses for a computer. The cost of these desktops is low enough to be mostly a non-issue, as users for these workhorses cost considerably more on a monthly basis.
mikegalos@msn.com
on Mar 3, 2009
Lindy, "Wow your a new man:) " Nah. I've always been good at admitting when I'm wrong. You just haven't seen it since it's so rare. :-)
mikegno
on Mar 3, 2009
I like the feature of the Airport Extreme that allows guest access without letting guests open access to your network. Don't need to plug a thumbrive into their computers with your key. Who knows what nasties they might have on their systems that could infect the key or try to worm onto the network..
panache1023
on Mar 3, 2009
LOL! Mike Galos! Good man, admitting you were wrong. Funny man claiming that it's rare ;) Good to see you posting.
Avro
on Mar 3, 2009
Here is another guy who uses the Mac Pro for work and there are a few of us here. So it definitely is worth discussing and a lot cheaper than the competition from Dell and HP>
subzerohitman721
on Mar 3, 2009
I am actually going to save my cash and buy the new Mini. Thats a great fusion of hardware and form factor. However, I do have to agree with Paul on the price. However, $599 isn't so bad. But $499 would let the Mini play better to the masses. However, I like the upgrade enough to give it a shot. What do I have to lose?
mikegalos@msn.com
on Mar 3, 2009
panache1023 "Good man, admitting you were wrong." Maybe it'll start a trend. Although for some after school posters it would virtually double their number of posts.
subzerohitman721
on Mar 3, 2009
Nice to see ya again Mike. Boards have not been the same. Hope all is well with you.
tayme
on Mar 3, 2009
At $599 plus the cost of KVM, the mini is not that great of a deal. I love the way that the link on Apple's site for "If you have it, use it." for the KVM takes you to a page selling everything that you need to complete the package - http://www.apple.com/macmini/accessories.html At the Apple Stores, you know that they will try to sell you on the most expensive accessories as well. Joe User will fall for it, too. --tayme
mikegalos@msn.com
on Mar 3, 2009
Subzero Thanks for the welcome. As I said when I left, I'll still post rarely. Note that my posts have NOT been on the software industry. I'm pretty sure none of these could be construed as "official communication" from Microsoft. :-)
tayme
on Mar 3, 2009
@mikegalos - "I'm pretty sure none of these could be construed as "official communication" from Microsoft." Press release -- Microsoft is rarely wrong...in their own mind, anyway. ;-) <-----wink, wink Hey, Mike...good to see you. --tayme
anonymuos
on Mar 3, 2009
"Guest Network" looks similar to "HomeGroup" as in limiting with whom you can share what.
Lindy
on Mar 3, 2009
@tayme the mini for what you get is priced well. From some price is not #1 on their list. The size of it, power, noise etc can be a big factor. Form me I have been holding out for the new mini instead of buying a Apple TV. The mini can do everything the Apple TV can do plus way more. Its half the size of a 360 or PS3 and probably quieter. The fact that it has blue tooth is nice because I can have a keyboard in my TV room as well.
hamiltonstallings
on Mar 3, 2009
"Its half the size of a 360 or PS3 and probably quieter." Why would you compare a 360 or PS3 to an underpowered computer? Its true its half the size, but its about twice the price, if not more.
willowdale
on Mar 3, 2009
The guest option on the airports looks cool. Is this possible on any other routers?
gfryesc1
on Mar 3, 2009
way to jump all over it, thurrott. Now how about a post on Melinda Gates wanting an iphone but not allowed one by that authoritarian husband of hers?
WebGuy3000
on Mar 3, 2009
@willowdale "The guest option on the airports looks cool. Is this possible on any other routers?" This feature exists on some other routers. The Cisco 871W and Belkin N1 come to mind. It's really useful, especially on a corporate network where you'd like visitors to be able to access the web without risking access to your network.
Waethorn
on Mar 3, 2009
FYI: Mobile Nehalem processors aren't due until no earlier than Q3, so don't expect em in an iMac any time soon.
Lindy
on Mar 3, 2009
"Why would you compare a 360 or PS3 to an underpowered computer?" Because if you read my first post, the Mac Mini is often used as a media center computer, like the 360 and PS3 are. As in in your entertainment center. Its size and noise level are perfect for such a task. Underpowered? Yeah a 45nm 2.0ghz, 64bit dual core cpu is underpowered.
panache1023
on Mar 3, 2009
Mike Galos, Your shot at Robertsjoe...classic! You leave the board, and come back at least twice as funny as when you left! Nice!
Dipsh t Admin
on Mar 3, 2009
"Now how about a post on Melinda Gates wanting an iphone but not allowed one by that authoritarian husband of hers?" Is that really such a problem? Doesn't seem all too draconian to me...
Waethorn
on Mar 3, 2009
One more "innovation" closer to that MacBook Wheel: http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/03/apple-axes-the-numeric-keypad-on-imac...
daveinla
on Mar 3, 2009
The mac mini $200 too expensive !!???? Excuse me but a month ago when I was looking to replace my Macmini G4 as media center, I was inclined to go for the studio hybrid from Dell, but hey when I saw it for real I realized it was actually big, plus when you add everything you need (RAM, wireless) it comes out more expensive than the macmini for a machine that is less compact and less elegant ! So I went for a Macmini core2Duo 2ghz that I got used for $500 ... can't be more happy with my choice. Macminis are amazingly well designed, silent and reliable machines.
daveinla
on Mar 3, 2009
Hey Mike no more work from MS ? I guess we'll have to get used again too seeing you work full time over here as a MS advocate !! :))
Waethorn
on Mar 3, 2009
"So I went for a Macmini core2Duo 2ghz that I got used for $500" you got hosed!
subzerohitman721
on Mar 3, 2009
@Lindy, I have to agree with you about the Mini. It is pretty comparable to a media center PC and the same price as Dell's Studio Hybrid Desktops. Its very ideal in form factor and not far in CPU processing power to do what the 360 and the PS3 does. However, for my own personal use besides a media center PC, it allows me to directly delve back full time into the Mac world. Its perfect to run side by side with Windows 7 or any distro of Linux. Its cool to have the best of many different worlds. Besides, I'm running Windows 7 on a 1.9 Ghz Dual Core. I get a lot done with this specifically chosen power efficient dual core. So any decent 64 bit dual core is hardly underpowered. I really think a quad-core for most average users is overkill. As much as we spar on different issues, the Mini is a credit because we're seeing a copy cat effect of the Mini. Its not even Apple's hottest selling brand but a nice segway into the Mac Universe.
meason
on Mar 3, 2009
@Waethorn that's just sad, I guess accountants should not apply for mac usage.......
RunTimeError
on Mar 3, 2009
Wow. I really like what they've done with the MacPro both with specs and price (and no Paul, just like others have said: it's not a luxury item if your a hardcore media professional). Although dropping the FireWire 400 off of everything kinda cheeses me even if I can get FW400 - FW800 adapters. They should have left just *one* FireWire 400 port on the thing. Still, all around nice updates.
jeffsters
on Mar 3, 2009
I love the Mac Mini but there has always been something holding me back. All I think I need now is an HDMI and I would have my dream living room machine. I might still get one but I can dream right?
WebGuy3000
on Mar 3, 2009
@ jeffsters You can get a minidvi to hdmi adapter for about $20. http://www.hdtvsupply.com/mini-dvi-to-hdmi.html So you got no excuse, right? ;-)
Waethorn
on Mar 3, 2009
"So any decent 64 bit dual core is hardly underpowered" Just FYI: Every processor Intel makes now has both of those features, except for most incarnations of the Atom. Some Atom's are x64-capable, and one - the 330 - is also dual-core. We'll see next years Pentium dual-core (and maybe Celeron dual-core if they still carry them) offer the same speeds and FSB's as today's Core 2 Duo's, but with probably less cache. That's pretty much what's been happening the last few years anyway. Core-architecture Core 2's will be phased out as the Nehalem architecture hits mainstream and they bring out cheaper chipsets and more CPU's in that family.
Lindy
on Mar 3, 2009
DVI to HDMI adapter....$3.85 or less. http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419 @subzero I have a buddy that bought this... http://www.elgato.com/elgato/na/mainmenu/products/250plus/product2.en.html Plugged it into a his Mini under his TV, got a $80 ish HDTV flat square antenna and ditched his $90 a month cable. OTA HD looks better than cable HD IMHO. Eye TV integrates into front row, it has a guide that downloads, so you can setup recording times. He streams netflix, hulu, abc, cbs, nbc, fox HD full screen from the web, Rips his DVD collection to .mp4 with handbrake, all of it for no monthly fee. Of course there is iTunes which allows you to purchase a ton of video content as well. No cable bill, man that has to be nice.
hamiltonstallings
on Mar 3, 2009
"Underpowered? Yeah a 45nm 2.0ghz, 64bit dual core cpu is underpowered." Whoops. I wasn't aware that was the only part of the computer that accounts for its power and speed. Maybe I can configure one with less than 1 gig of ram, and maybe an even slower hard drive, since those things don't matter. $748 is a little to expensive for me for the base mac mini. Unless you don't need the protection plan, but I sure wouldn't take that risk.
subzerohitman721
on Mar 3, 2009
@Lindy, In a word, SWEET! My father, brother, and I are looking for ways to ditch the very expensive cable bills. For the digital tier with 1 premium channel set for Time Warner Cable is about $84.99. Ouch! My brother is paying over a hundred for AT&T U-Verse TV and Internet. Double Ouch! Thanks for the posting. I would love to piece that and tinker with that. I just got a 720p LCD and love watching HD. I just can't stand the price! The compression on cable does put a cramper on cable's HD. Its nice, but not the real deal. Thats why my bro's got U-Verse. Anything to kill cost is a good thing. When I get my Mini, it will be my next purchase. Thanks.
robertsjoe
on Mar 3, 2009
"Long story short, the Mac updates were overdue and don't change the value equation at all." True. Macs are just so much better than other hardware. You get what you pay for. In this case, truly excellent machines.
Lindy
on Mar 3, 2009
@hamilton I have 3 Macs, never bought AppleCare, maybe someday I will regret it. I have never bought a warranty for a PC either. Then again with all the money I saved I could buy another. The CPU is not the only component that makes up the speed.....but please link us to a computer that cost $599 that has the same size form factor with, that CPU, DDR3 1066mhz memory bus, that video card, gige, wireless N, bluetooth, dual video out, firewire, 5 USB ports, and a DL DVD burner....or better. If I were to get one, I would get the cheaper model them go to newegg and drop a 500gig drive and 4 gigs of RAM in it for half of what Apple would charge me. With 500gig I could record and play back a lot of HD programing. The only thing that comes close to it is that Dell Studio Hybrid but the video card blows for HD playback.
DRWAM
on Mar 3, 2009
MIke, I got ya beat. I predicted that the Apple TV would morph to replace the mini! I may as well play the lotto.
hamiltonstallings
on Mar 3, 2009
Lindy, I guess you are used to paying a lot for computers by now since you have 3 MAC pcs. I for one would never pay 600 for such low specs, I don't care that it has a small form factor, or that its shiny, and sleek. At the end of the day you get a semi decent processor, only 1 gig of ram, and a horrible 9400m. This would be great if it was $399. So unless your going to stare at it all day... But maybe I'm just used to higher end hardware for cheap since I assemble my own computers.
Waethorn
on Mar 3, 2009
"$599 that has the same size form factor with, that CPU, DDR3 1066mhz memory bus, that video card, gige, wireless N, bluetooth, dual video out, firewire, 5 USB ports" I think I'd rather hold out for the Ion platform. Super SFF, and energy efficient to boot. If I had my way, I'd order up builds of the reference platform and repackage it as a complete system. I hope that NVIDIA actually does buy up VIA and start mass producing the Ion to replace the horridly overpriced and underpowered anti-value ARTiGO systems.
tayme
on Mar 3, 2009
"Now how about a post on Melinda Gates wanting an iphone but not allowed one by that authoritarian husband of hers?" If she is a modern, independent woman, she would have one if she really wants one. --tayme
hamiltonstallings
on Mar 3, 2009
"If she is a modern, independent woman, she would have one if she really wants one." She is property of Microsoft Corp.
mikegalos@msn.com
on Mar 3, 2009
daveinla Sorry to disappoint you but I'm still quite happily consulting to Microsoft. As I said when I left, I'll post once in a while but not on anything that could be even remotely viewed as an official statement from Microsoft.
mikegalos@msn.com
on Mar 3, 2009
DRWAM If you don't play the lotto, you can't win and statistically, if you do play the lotto you can't win. :-)
techboy2000
on Mar 3, 2009
Why oh why can’t anybody but Apple make a small PC as elegant as the Mac Mini? I wish Dell or HP could simply copy the design and sell a similar quiet device with decent integrated graphics without the $300 dollar Apple tax. All I want: Small form factor, quiet, can play 720p video, 802.11n,

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