It’s almost that time of year again, friends. New movies are terrible, kids are sucking down popsicles, and my office is like a moist toaster oven. It’s nearly back to school time!

That means in our trivial world that it’s time for new gadgets and the Internet rumor mill is lining up quite a big show from Apple. It’s always this way. The rumors state Apple will do no less than reverse the rotation of the Earth and then Steve Jobs simply introduces a new high-speed interface. But let’s dance anyway.

A few rumors broke weeks back concerning new Mac Pros and Mac Minis. They stated that Apple was going to release new desktops powered by Intel’s latest CPUs of the Sandy Bridge variety. 9to5mac sort of confirmed that at least new Mac Pros are on their way and posted what they claim to be the SKUs. Unsurprisingly after the Xserver’s retirement, the new SKUs talk of a Mac Pro Server, which will likely feature a rack mountable case.

9to5mac also posted SKUs for what are supposed to be new 11- and 13-inch MacBook Airs. These models, if they really do exist, are likely also powered by Sandy Bridge architecture, which mean second generation Core CPUs and probably even Thunderbolt connectivity. Then just today, a new rumor hit that places a backlit keyboard in the MacBook Air. [image via zanoii]

Of course the new Mac Pros and MacBook Airs will rock the latest OS X release. Lion is set to debut this month although Apple has yet to announce the exact date. We’re expecting July 14, but what do we know?

There’s no word on a refreshed Mac Mini but the time frame is right for a new model. The current model debuted last June with a Core 2 Duo CPU; Apple still sells the year-old model. (Fun fact: Search for Core 2 Duo on BestBuy.com and seven out of the nine computers still using the Core 2 Duo are from Apple) Apple will likely bring its whole desktop line to the latest architecture relatively soon and that includes the low-cost Mac Mini.

The Back To School releases might also include a 3G-enabled iPod touch. A rumor broke last week that stated the fifth generation touch will feature a swapable SIM card for data services — like an iPad. The thought is that users will be able to use the iPod with VoIP and streaming services. The same rumor stated that the new model was going to drop this September, but it might come sooner. [Mock-up via iPhoneDownloadBlog]

This time of year is big for computer makers and even more so for slow but steady companies like Apple. The computers released in the second and third quarter are the systems that will carry them through the lucrative fourth quarter. Expect big things.

It’s about time, too. The iMac got in on the Intel Sandy Bridge party just last month with the top of the line model now packing more computing might than a much more expensive Xeon-packing Mac Pro. Intel’s latest chips are just that good. But this refresh isn’t just about the processor. Oh no, it’s a whole lot more than that.

The Mac Pro is looking a tad sad now. The current generation debuted on August 9, 2010 and are still shipping with the same hardware. Computer years are lot like like dog years — 1 year = 7 years — so this upcoming refresh is more than welcomed. Expect Sandy Bridge chips, but word hasn’t leaked concerning which line. The Mac Pro has generally been a server-sort of systems, packing Intel Xeon chips at the core. Apple could use the Xeon-E3 chips here — or the upcoming Core i7 six core consumer line CPU that lacks integrated graphics, but packs more process threads and L3 cache. Dedicated Thunderbolt ports are also likely to debut along side the Sandy Bridge architecture.

The Mac Pro might also get a slightly different case thanks to the Xserve’s discontinuation. It’s long been rumored, and pitched by Apple, that the Mac Pro can fill the need for a dedicated Apple server and the next generation would come with a rack mountable case.

The Mac Mini is also set for some new digs. Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt connectivity are also both likely here. Where the Mac Pro will likely get several Thunderbolt ports, the Mac mini will probably go the MacBook Pro route and force DisplayPort and Intel’s latest high-speed interface to share a room. Along with the new CPU platform, the Mac Mini will probably get bumps in standard hard drive size and the amount of RAM. The 320GB, 2GB that are currently standard do not fit the $699 price tag now that we’re halfway through 2011.

Apple is likely waiting for OS 10.7 to launch the updated systems. Lion is set to debut in late July, which coincides with CNET’s Brian Tong’s tweets that these systems are set for a late July or early August launch. That time frame fits with Apple’s launch history and the back to school calendar. I just hope you don’t need to buy a new Mac until then since these upcoming models should be a rather hefty step forward from the current systems.

Adding to the minimalism that is Mac Mini, NewerTech has announced the NuShelf Mount case for mounting a Mini or Time Capsule under a desk. The case is made of clear thick acrylic and rear slots have been cut out for SD cards and cable feeding. There are two versions: single and dual device shelves. The single NuShelf mount costs $39.95 and the NuShelf Dual Mount costs $44.95. Buy them here.

Press Release

With the XServe gone and buried, there’s not much out there when in comes to 1U rackmount macs – or is there? This rack from Sonnet holds two Mac Minis in a rackmount enclosure that allows for full access to the CD drive, power LEDs, and even the IR port on the unibody Mini.

The kit costs $169 and includes wiring and ventilation systems so your Minis don’t get too hot. The rack will also secure your hardware in the server room, ensuring that even Sysadmin Gremlins can’t get at them.

For a long time, Apple® kept a secret that was well known to a lot of people—Mac mini computers make sweet basic servers. They even acknowledged this fact by creating Mac mini Servers with dual hard drives and no optical disc drive. Apple did not, however, mention how you should integrate Mac mini into a server rack. Setting them on a simple shelf is an option, but security is nonexistent—there is no built-in option to secure the computer, which limits the Mac mini’s potential for widespread use in server racks. Sonnet’s RackMac mini fulfills the potential, making it simple to install and secure one or two Mac mini (Mid 2010) computers inside a rugged, powder-coated steel enclosure that occupies a 1U rack space.

Product Page

Personally I enjoy color combo of a smoke white body and a steel logo. Although I’m not sure I’d spend $250 for the service. I know Colorware does a good job, but it’s almost half of what the computer costs. [Colorware]

Our friends at iFixit have taken the new Mac Mini apart to show us it’s insides. From the looks of it, it was a pretty easy break down, with not too many parts inside. And, it looks just as good inside as i does out – in true Apple fashion.

Here are the highlights:

* Departing from previous generations, the Mini’s unibody top enclosure is machined from a single block of aluminum.

* With a simple counter-clockwise twist, we were able to gain access into the Mini’s internals. Gone are the days of the putty knife. You will be missed, old friend!

* Removing the RAM is very simple this time around, requiring only the simple prying of two clips.

* The fan doesn’t have too much work to do, since the new Mac Mini is the most energy-efficient desktop, running on less than 10 watts at idle!

* There are two blind holes in the case of the Mini that are meant for the ends of Apple’s custom U-shaped logic board removal tool. We just used two Torx screwdrivers. We call them the “Mac Mini logic board removal tool.”

* In keeping with its space saving design, the fins directing air toward the vent hole are slanted to allow for better fan placement.

* The new Mini’s power supply churns out a minuscule 7 Amps at 12V. Compare that to the 25.8 Amps at 12V cranked out by the iMac Intel 27″, and you can understand how they fit the power supply inside the Mini.

* The Mini’s 3/8″ woofer dome won’t be popping ear drums anytime soon.

* Apple had to get creative with the antenna placement because they switched to unibody construction for this Mac Mini.

[via Gizmodo]

Last night, as we waited to pre-order the new iPhone 4, Apple had a surprise for us: a new Mac mini. Never having owned a Mac mini, normally this wouldn’t get me excited. But this one is different. This time, Apple decided to include a HDMI port and is highlighting the fact that you can easily hook it up to your HD television. In other words, it’s like an Apple TV on steroids. And it looks like Apple knows it.

If you go to the Apple Store website right now, you’ll notice that every big piece of Apple hardware is highlighted except one: Apple TV. If you’re looking for it, you’ll either have to do a search, or you’ll want to look way over in the lower left hand corner under “For iPod.” Yes, Apple is now classifying the device they’ve famously belittled as a “hobby” for so long as an iPod accessory. Ouch.

Apple’s decision to add a HDMI output and highlight the TV-hookup capabilities of the new Mac mini is made more interesting by the recent rumors that they’re working on a new, cheaper cloud-based version of the Apple TV. It’s not clear when such a product would be ready to go, but you can bet that Apple is going to use the next few months to see how the Mac mini sells as a living-room compatible device.

And how it sells could make a significant impact on Apple’s future forays into the living room. At $699 (for the cheapest model), the Mac mini is well beyond a price point that most people would be willing to pay for a set top box. Hell, most people didn’t seem willing to pay the $229 that the Apple TV sells for. Earlier this month, Apple CEO Steve Jobs was quoted as saying, “no one is willing to buy a set top box,” when explaining the Apple TV’s lack of adoption. What he really means by that is that no one is willing to buy a set top box at the high hardware margins that Apple is accustomed to. But with the Mac mini + HDMI, they’re offering much more than they ever have before — so this may well be a bit of a test for Apple.

The rumors about the new Apple TV have the price at $99. That seems like a decidedly un-Apple price for such a piece of hardware. But now that they’re seeing main rivals Google and Microsoft entering the living room in a very real way, they may feel they have no other option. I still bet that eventually Apple forgoes the set top box route altogether and makes an actual television; a device which people are used to spending much more money on. And a device which (thanks largely to the cable companies) has an awful user experience.

I also think Apple may be pleasantly surprised by the number of people who buy a Mac mini for their high-end home entertainment centers thanks to the HDMI addition (people have actually been doing this for a while, but had to use converters — it was more of a pain). Had they included a Blu-ray player in the mix, the thing might have done even better. But Apple has made its position clear: physical media storage formats are dying — it’s iTunes or bust for content.

And seemingly for now in the living room, it’s Mac mini or bust for Apple.

[thanks Ajai]

The new computer comes in server and desktop versions. The server version lacks an optical drive and runs OS X Snow Leopard Server while the standard version has received an spec impressive bump.

Inside its sleek, compact enclosure, the new Mac mini includes the fastest integrated graphics processor on the market today. With 48 processing cores, the NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor delivers up to twice the graphics performance of its predecessor, making Mac mini ideal for graphics intensive applications or visually rich games. Mac mini comes standard with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 320GB hard and 2GB of RAM for $699.

The Mini hasn’t received a major overhaul in over a year and this complete sea change – especially the graphics support and HDMI port – point to this thing replacing Apple TV in the line-up.

Product Page

Apple® today unveiled a completely redesigned Mac® mini, featuring up to twice the graphics performance, a new HDMI port and a new SD card slot, all in an amazingly compact aluminum enclosure. Mac mini is the world’s most energy efficient desktop and starting at $699, is the most affordable way to enjoy Mac OS® X, iLife® or Mac OS X Snow Leopard® Server.

“The sleek, aluminum Mac mini packs great features, versatility and value into an elegant, amazingly compact design,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With twice the graphics performance, HDMI support and industry-leading energy efficiency, customers are going to love the new Mac mini.”
Created with the unibody construction process pioneered by Apple, the new Mac mini features a compact aluminum enclosure just 7.7 inches square and 1.4 inches thin. A new integrated power supply eliminates the need for an external power adapter, reducing overall system volume by 20 percent and keeping cable clutter to a minimum. A removable panel underneath provides quick access for memory expansion. Mac mini is incredibly versatile, effortlessly connecting to existing peripherals such as mice, keyboards and digital displays, while the new HDMI output connects Mac mini to an HDTV and the new SD card slot enables easy transfer of photos and videos from a digital camera.
Inside its sleek, compact enclosure, the new Mac mini includes the fastest integrated graphics processor on the market today. With 48 processing cores, the NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor delivers up to twice the graphics performance of its predecessor, making Mac mini ideal for graphics intensive applications or visually rich games. Mac mini comes standard with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 320GB hard and 2GB of RAM for $699.
With twice the graphics performance, the new Mac mini is still the world’s most energy efficient desktop.* The new Mac mini reduces power consumption by an incredible 25 percent to less than 10W at idle, less than half the power required by competing systems. Mac mini meets Energy Star 5.0 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold status.** The new aluminum enclosure is highly recyclable and Mac mini uses PVC-free components and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants and features material-efficient system and packaging designs.
Mac mini comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features iPhoto®, to easily organize and manage photos; iMovie® with powerful easy-to-use new features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand® which introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar.
Mac mini with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server fulfills all the server needs of a workgroup or small business including email, calendar, file serving, Time Machine® backup, Wiki Server, Podcast Producer and more. Mac mini with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server uses less than 11W of power at idle, a fraction of the power consumed in comparison to typical entry-level tower servers.*** Mac mini with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server is faster than before with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, two 500GB hard drives now running at 7200 rpm, 4GB of RAM and supports unlimited clients for $999.
Pricing & Availability
The new Mac mini is shipping today and will be available through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.
The Mac mini, for a suggested retail price of $699 (US), includes:
2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB of shared L2 cache;
2GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable up to 8GB;
a slot-load 8X SuperDrive® (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm;
NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated graphics;
AirPort Extreme® 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
Gigabit Ethernet;
four USB 2.0 ports;
SD card slot;
one FireWire® 800 port;
one HDMI port and one Mini DisplayPort;
HDMI to DVI video adapter;
combined optical digital audio input/audio line in (minijack); and
combined optical digital audio output/headphone out (minijack).
Build-to-order options and accessories include up to 8GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, 500GB hard drive running at 5400 rpm, Apple Remote, Aperture™ 3, Final Cut® Express 4, Logic® Express, iWork® (pre-installed), Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse, Apple 24 inch LED Cinema Display and the AppleCare® Protection Plan.
The Mac mini with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server, for a suggested retail price of $999 (US), includes:
2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB of shared L2 cache;
4GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable up to 8GB;
two 500GB Serial ATA hard drives running at 7200 rpm;
NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated graphics;
AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
Gigabit Ethernet;
four USB 2.0 ports;
SD card slot;
one FireWire 800 port;
one HDMI port and one Mini DisplayPort;
HDMI to DVI video adapter;
combined optical digital audio input/audio line in (minijack); and
combined optical digital audio output/headphone out (minijack).
Build-to-order options and accessories include up to 8GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, External SuperDrive, Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse, Apple 24 inch LED Cinema Display and the AppleCare Protection Plan.
*Claim based on energy efficiency categories and products listed within the EPA Energy Star 5.0 database as of June 2010.
**EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.
***Claim based on energy efficiency categories and products listed within the EPA Energy Star Small Scale Server database as of June 2010.

Most Apple fanatics have been counting down to June 15 as the date the iPhone 4 would be available for pre-sale. But Apple had another trick up its sleeve tonight as well. While everyone is distracted on the iPhone page, Apple has quietly refreshed its Mac mini line of computers. And it’s more than your standard spec bump.

The Mac mini has been given an entirely new slimmer (1.4 inch) aluminum case made using the same unibody technique that Apple uses on the MacBooks. More importantly, the thing packs a powerful processor and supposedly twice the graphics performance. But the big news is that the device has an HDMI output for the first time. You know what that means: this thing just became a lot of people’s media center.

Also new is that the Mac mini now has its power supply completely built-in. This means no more power brick. And it even has a removable bottom panel to easily upgrade the memory.

The new Mac mini comes with 2.4 or 2.66 Intel Core 2 Duo chip and start at $699. There’s also a new Mac mini Snow Leopard server that starts at $999.

Between this thing (which unlike the Apple TV, will give you access to things like Hulu) and the new ESPN Xbox Live service, you really should be able to kill off your cable service. I look forward to doing just that.

Now we might not see the HDMI Mac Mini that was rumored back in March — expect Blu-ray if we, but that’s a different post entirely — but it’s about time that Apple stuffs a Core i3 or Core i5 CPU into the small Mac. We’re almost have way through 2010 and the Core line has been out for about ten months already. Along with a new CPU, expect an updated GPU, a bit more RAM, and maybe even a storage bump.

That’s just our speculation and we’re clearly making up stuff as we go along.

This is actually a little surprising seeing Apple’s love affair with DisplayPort. The company previously seemed like it couldn’t care less about HDMI and all its benefits. It’s not found on any Apple product besides the AppleTV even though the interface is found on some low-cost netbooks. Something, if this rumor has some truth to it, clearly changed with Apple’s HQ. But hopefully the rumor’s true as HDMI not only supports all the picture goodness high-def has to offer, but also serves up delicious HD audio. The update would certainly make for some happy Mac fanboys.

Perhaps the addition of the HDMI has something to do with Blu-ray. After all it’s part of the Blu-ray spec to output the signal via an HDMI port to counter piracy concerns. If the Blu-ray Disc Association required Apple to have an HDMI port on one of its Blu-ray devices like the Mac mini, all the other Blu-ray-equipped Apple computers will likely have an HDMI port as well. Just saying…

This game really shouldn’t be that surprising anymore. It’s that time of year when Apple announces new models anyway. Plus there have been rumors circulating ’round the ‘tubes about updated iMacs and plastic MacBook, but this is the first we’ve heard anything about new Mac Minis. It makes sense though as the last update was in March. That model is past outdated. It needs a new GPU, larger hard drive, and more memory to be considered current. 120GB and 1GB doesn’t cut it for $599 these days – even for Apple.

The new iMacs and MacBooks however might get a complete makeover instead of just a hardware bump. They have been sporting the same overall look since 2007 and 2006. Hopefully price drops aren’t out of the question either. But at this point all we know is the current models are going to be very hard to purchase. It’s not like you would buy one of those anyway knowing that new models are imminent.

The latest Mac mini is barely a day old and already we are getting the first look inside the updated computer. Apple kept to the original design though which still requires the use of a putty knife and a bit of patience to open her up. It would be nice if Apple adapted a similar easy swap-out design that the new notebooks sport, but whatya going to do. Inside, there isn’t that much different besides the obvious new parts. Click through for a bit of circuit board pr0n.

The Mini follows Apple’s recent stance on going green too. It meets Energy Star requirements, comes with BFR- free internal components and PVC-free internal cables. Got to love this movement.

First up, the new iMac which is suppose to come in one 20-inch model and three 24-inch options:

• Intel Core 2 Duo (not a quad core): 2.66 Ghz, 2.93 Ghz and 3.06 Ghz
• 1x Display port
• 20″ 2 GB DDR3 memory, 24″ 4 GB DDR3 memory (max 8 GB)
• 5x USB
• 1x FireWire 800
• 1x mini DVI
• 1x Display poort
• Nvidia chipset (like the newest MacBook)
• starting at Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 Ghz
• 1 of 2 GB DDR3 memory (max 4 GB)
• 120 GB hard disk (max 320 GB)
• MB417: Entry level model
• MB418: “Mass market” model
• MB419: high-end model
• MB420: ultimate model

And for the Mac mini:

• Intel Core 2 Duo (not a quad core): 2.66 Ghz, 2.93 Ghz and 3.06 Ghz
• 1x Display port
• 20″ 2 GB DDR3 memory, 24″ 4 GB DDR3 memory (max 8 GB)
• MB463: entry-level model
• MB464 high-end model

Bets on whether these rumors will come true tomorrow? I got ten bucks that says they are fake.

The Mac Mini rumors are flying like toasters in System 7 these days, and this one is particularly robust. Although some image analysis on the original picture has shown it to be likely a fake, that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning out video of this crytogadget.

We know the new Mini will be using Nvidia’s Ion platform, but beyond that it’s mostly guesswork. This little box is small, sure, but I’m expecting something even smaller, or with a different form factor. This one looks like it was manufactured by Nestle Toll House. There’s a “giga bite” joke here somewhere, but it’s just not coming to me.

[via CNET]

You know it’s fake, right? Just want to make sure.