Ahh…disappointing day for the fanboys who have been anticipating a touch-screen iPod. In fact, these new toys aren’t too interesting at all! First, we have the new Intel-powered Mac Mini which is available in two different configurations.
The $599 Mac Mini features an Intel Core Solo processor, an 64MB Intel GMA950 graphics processor, 512MB of RAM, slot-loading DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive, 60GB SATA hard drive, FireWire, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the very much welcomed Front Row and remote control.
As for the $799 Mac Mini, it features an Intel Core Duo processor, slot-loading SuperDrive dual-layer DVD burner, 80GB SATA hard drive and the rest remains the same as the $599 config.
So why is this “not-too-interesting”? Why, the graphics processor of course! The old G4 Mac Mini features an ATI Radeon 9200 with dedicated 32MB memory, while this new GPU uses shared memory. Which means not only is it slower, it also means that up to 64MB of your 512MB RAM will be used up for the GPU. Bad move, Mr. Jobs.
Next, we have the new $349 iPod Hi-Fi, which probably made some iPod speakers manufacturers upset. The stereo system runs on both wall outlet power and six D-size batteries so you could jam this baby on the streets. It features a built-in Universal Dock made for your iPod, and it uses two 80mm mid-range drivers and a 130mm dual voice coil woofer with a ported bass reflex design for “crystal-clear, audiophile-quality sound”.
Lastly, we have the iPod leather case. A really expensive iPod leather case. The $99 leather case for iPod 30GB, iPod 60GB or iPod Nano is made from Italian leather that maintains its shape and fits the iPod snugly. It also features a little black ribbon that is cleverly designed for tugging the iPod out with grace.
Verdict of this press event: 
March 2nd, 2006 at 8:37 am
aweful stuff! I expected, or at least hoped, for yet another ipod to be released. The picture of the ones surfing the net was pretty nice.
March 2nd, 2006 at 10:59 pm
mose expensive crap from apple, wow what a suprise… not really!
March 2nd, 2006 at 11:18 pm
Mac Mini GPU – Seems fine to me for video playback, which is all you need for an HTPC. no less powerful than most laptop GPU
March 3rd, 2006 at 1:14 am
I knew the day would come…. PC parts in Macintrashes. Pretty soon Dell and Apple will merge and form the biggest ball of crap the world has seen!
March 3rd, 2006 at 11:39 am
For the Mac Mini, it really depends on how you look at it. The Core Duo really makes really large programs run much smoother like Photoshop and Garage band. The Mac Mini was also never meant to be used for gaming purposes, it is meant to be a cheap alternative to consumer PCs that Microsoft has infected to the communities. I’m more disappointed at the lack of the Intel iBook announcement. I do think however, they should of at least put in a cheap PCI Card in the Mac Mini, it’s really not that much more money.
March 3rd, 2006 at 4:02 pm
Stereo is how apple are marketing the gehetto blaster, seems a bit funny considering how far the speakers are apart. bring back the mac cube!!!
April 28th, 2007 at 4:17 am
Old news but still interresting.
Now Apple is releasing their new toy, the iPhone!
December 11th, 2007 at 4:40 am
So much has been released since the iPhone. All of the new ipods
December 15th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
i’ve never been a macmini guy, but that does look cool