July 20, 2011 8:36 AM PDT

First impressions: Apple's new Mac Mini

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55 comments

All configurations of Apple's new Mac Mini lack an optical drive.

All configurations of Apple's new Mac Mini lack an optical drive.

(Credit: Apple)

Whither the optical drive? Apple has introduced the high-speed Thunderbolt port and a welcome CPU update to its latest iteration of the Mac Mini desktop, but the absent DVD burner in the newest model may stall purchases from those who like the Mac Mini chiefly as a home theater PC. While most software, and many movies are available for direct download, this move effectively out-modes the DVD collection of anyone interested in using the new Mac Mini in the living room.

For those who want to use the Mac Mini as a more traditional computer, the new software and hardware features will have more appeal. Buyers should welcome the update to Apple's new, well-reviewed OS X Lion operating system. The new, second-generation Intel Core i5 and Core i7 CPU updates should also help the Mac Mini stay competitive in terms of performance.

The benefits of the Mac Mini's new Thunderbolt port will be less obvious to consumers. Apple's new Thunderbolt Display can of course take advantage of the new port, but other Thunderbolt devices are either more specialized, like the $2,000 2TB Pegasus RAID array, or have yet to materialize. The updated $999 server edition of the Mac Mini fits logically with products like the Pegasus array. Buyers of the standard Mac Minis may have a harder time putting Thunderbolt to immediate use, but they can at least be thankful that Apple didn't add Thunderbolt at the expense of the HDMI port.

The new Mac Mini gets a Thunderbolt port, but also retains its HDMI output.

The new Mac Mini gets a Thunderbolt port, but also retains its HDMI output.

(Credit: Apple)

In all, Apple seems to have a two-pronged strategy with the new Mac Minis. The new operating system and CPUs come as relatively routine updates; leaving off the optical drive and adding Thunderbolt advances Apple's agendas in content and connectivity. With a new $599 starting price for the entry-level Mac Mini, Apple can claim some magnanimity from adding such a forward-looking feature alongside a price drop. We expect that those with large DRM-locked DVD collections would happily trade the new Mac Mini's Thunderbolt port for an optical drive.

Related links
• Mac OS X Lion review: A worthy upgrade for the price
• Apple updates MacBook Air, Mac Mini
• Apple unveils first Thunderbolt display for $999
• Apple quietly discontinues white MacBook
• Deals to be had on 2010 MacBook Air
• Can the MacBook Air replace the White MacBook? Maybe it's not trying to.
• Hands-on with the new 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air

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Topics:

Desktops

Tags:

dvd,

thunderbolt,

os x,

mac mini,

apple,

intel,

lion

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) Showing 1 of 2 pages (55 Comments)
by satcomer (189 comments ) July 20, 2011 8:49 AM PDT
I will be curious on how it will look on the inside with the lack of the optical drive. Plus third party superdrive makers are now seeing dollar sign for external superdrives.
Reply to this comment
by smurfocolypse (24 comments ) July 20, 2011 9:03 AM PDT
If they could double this as an AppleTV - they'd really mark a foothold in the Home Theater Computer niche.
Reply to this comment 5 people like this comment
by hotgrease (17 comments ) July 20, 2011 3:23 PM PDT
isn't that what front row is for? what can the apple tv do that the mac mini can't?
by schattenteufel (133 comments ) July 20, 2011 9:05 AM PDT
The Optical Drive is on it's way to see its old friend the Floppy Drive; on the island of obsolete media formats.
Reply to this comment 2 people like this comment
by silentbobdrummer (1162 comments ) July 20, 2011 9:15 AM PDT
Maybe but DVDs where more broadly used the floppies and people still have extensive DVD collections, especially for home theater use and some games.

It may be on its way out eventually but until broadband is more widely available or if Applications / games are available on a flash drive option (for those without fast internet), then optical drives will still be around in the near future, IMO.
2 people like this comment
by solitare_pax (5480 comments ) July 20, 2011 9:18 AM PDT
To be fair, the Mac Mini is aimed at people starting out with a computer, or trying out a second computer; the question is, will it catch on?

For me, I'm finishing packing up a wall of music & archive CDs that I've been slowly loading into my Mac, since the only time I use the optical drive is to burn a cisk for someone, or for the car. Optical may be going out, but like the typewriter we're going to see it for a good long while.
2 people like this comment
by silentbobdrummer (1162 comments ) July 20, 2011 9:38 AM PDT
@solitare_pax:

That is true, I'll give you that. And I had thought about picking up a new Mac Mini for my girlfriend to replace her desktop but since she plays The Sims a lot, it would likely be a deal breaker, though an external drive could be added. It's just disappointing. But the refurbed Mini for $450 looks appealing...
1 person likes this comment
by Orengeman (120 comments ) July 20, 2011 10:14 AM PDT
Not for a long, long, long time. As long as people continue to hold on to hundreds of CDs and DVDs in their collections, continue to acquire BlueRay disks (even if just for rental), purchase third party peripherals that come with installation disks, want to play old games that require the disk, etc., optical drives will stay out of the dust bin of history.

I know what people will say in response: Why do you still own CDs? Why do you still own DVDs? Why not just buy a stand-along blueray player? Why don't you download the peripheral's software? Why are you playing old games?

The people who ask these questions already know the answers, they're just being difficult (or, maybe just playing davil's advocate).
by councilnet (14 comments ) July 20, 2011 11:08 AM PDT
What I like is that Apple makes a stand before it's absolutely "safe" to remove a rapidly non-essential function. As was said earlier, the primary purpose of the Mac mini (and despite many other folks thinking otherwise) is as an entry-level or small-footprint Mac. For that, CD/DVDs are non-essential. Apple understands who it's selling to.

BTW, I use the Mac mini as an HTPC server and initially reacted to the "omission" as a detriment but then, I am not Apple's target customer for the Mini either. There is no market for HTPCs in and of themselves.
by jr24ds (34 comments ) July 20, 2011 11:24 AM PDT
@solitare_pax:

Where are you getting that $450 referb mac mini price from???
by Motyoj (321 comments ) July 20, 2011 12:01 PM PDT
I dunno. What about burning CDs and other types media needed for sharing or whatever? I still like to burn my music so I can take it in the car or give to a friend. I look at it as way for Apple to push whatever media device to consumers and have them use Apple exclusively. It's much easier to pop in a disc than to have to navigate to something particular on an iDevice using Bluetooth or an adapter.
by QA_Tester (4104 comments ) July 20, 2011 12:08 PM PDT
@councilnet

Just because Apple removed the integrated optical drive from the case doesn't mean that they are taking risks. It is still possible to buy external optical drive right from their site.

With addition of external storage as an option when buying Mac Mini Apple is trying to position this particular device as media server. Of course most high end configuration (meaning fastest processor most memory and storage in the case) with external optical drive, 12 TB of external storage, wireless mouse and keyboard, and a few cables to hook things up will run $4,152. I got the numbers by configuring mac Mini on Apples site.
by jscott418 (855 comments ) July 20, 2011 1:10 PM PDT
With a lang lifespan with DVD's and CD's and users having large collections of this media. Apple has certainly put a hit in sales of the Mac Mini by not only selling a computer without a keyboard and mouse. But now forcing people to spend extra on a optical drive. Does this make sense today? No.
by wirelesscaller (996 comments ) July 21, 2011 12:45 AM PDT
It's only true as long as broadband stays unlimited or has a high cap. With everything moving into the cloud, more vendors offering hd streaming, and net neutrality getting overturned this can backfire on Apple.
by mhbyrons (1 comment ) July 20, 2011 9:09 AM PDT
I bought a mac mini last year and use it in my living room exclusively to watch Hulu and DVDs- I think it is a big mistake removing the DVD drive bah humbug!!!
Reply to this comment 7 people like this comment
by KRiedley (396 comments ) July 20, 2011 3:07 PM PDT
First, Netflix tries to kill the DVD. Now, Apple does this. I'm pretty sure the DVD is screwed.
by tappy727 (155 comments ) July 20, 2011 6:09 PM PDT
Blu-ray player will play DVD's along with the best HD quality Blu-ray movies. Nothing is getting screwed.
1 person likes this comment
by miniminiJin (13 comments ) July 20, 2011 6:54 PM PDT
You don't have to update your mac mini because neither of your purpose by using a mac would cost so much CPU usage.
by joebarron (1 comment ) July 20, 2011 9:16 AM PDT
"If they could double this as an AppleTV"

FrontRow works exactly like AppleTV, or is it the other way around.
Reply to this comment
by Dekim99 (59 comments ) July 20, 2011 9:41 AM PDT
It has been widely reported that Front Row is not included with Lion.
1 person likes this comment
by myles taylor (3395 comments ) July 20, 2011 10:44 AM PDT
Forget Front Row, I use Plex Media Server.
by tad0900 (52 comments ) July 20, 2011 9:18 AM PDT
Not sure DVD would be a concern for most consumers who frequently watch video as they probably already own a BluRay player that is hooked to their HDTVs.
Reply to this comment 2 people like this comment
by RGreer1177 (5 comments ) July 21, 2011 6:57 AM PDT
...except that it is a concern. Mac Mini owners have been hoping for a Blu-Ray drive for several years now. I'm neither an Apple fan or Apple hater...I own several Apple iOS devices, but don't rush to buy everything that Apple releases (and I can also acknowledge that other companies make good devices as well). The problem I have with Apple fans is that they think that just because Steve Jobs doesn't see the point in having a Blu-Ray player on a computer then there most not be ANYONE that could benefit from having it. There is a demand for not just Blu-Ray players, but also for optical drives in a desktop computer. You better believe that if Apple had invented the Blu-Ray drive then Steve would be up on stage in his black sweater and jeans telling everyone how essential and revoluntionary the Blu-Ray player was.

The Mac Mini was originally designed to bridge the gap between Window devices and the higher priced Macs that kept users from jumping ship to Apple. By taking away the optical drive, Apple is making the Mini a far less attractive option for these types of consumers. Then by taking away the white MacBook, they are creating a scenario in which the consumer has to pay no less than $1200 to buy a Mac with an optical drive (an external drive doesn't work on a desktop as it takes away from the small form factor and "coolness" that makes Apple an attractive option in the first place). Although I'm sure the Air will still be a successful product for those looking for an ultra-portable, I don't see the new version of the Mini selling well at all. The current configuration could work if it sold for $400 or less but not at this price.
by Chasingu (55 comments ) July 20, 2011 9:30 AM PDT
Now, as a 2009 Mac Mini Owner, I wouldn't say that I use the optical drive that much. That being said, I have used it to install all my games on my Windows Partition of my Mac. So, I would still like to have the option of using it when I want it. Also, I have a question. Is there much of a difference, big difference, between 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 2.7 GHz i7?
Reply to this comment 1 person likes this comment
by mtmerrick (52 comments ) July 20, 2011 1:15 PM PDT
MASSIVE difference in performance dude. MASSIVE.
3 people like this comment
by rjthakid (84 comments ) July 21, 2011 6:35 AM PDT
The new gen processors are fantastic. My 2011 MacBook Pro handles any and everything I throw at it.
by tarzan1234 (3 comments ) July 20, 2011 9:32 AM PDT
I'm actually more curious about RAM updatability. Apple says RAM is "Configurable to 4GB or 8GB, only at the Apple Online Store." Does this mean you can't buy RAM and upgrade yourself anymore? Did Apple put something special to restrict this?
Reply to this comment
by famoussasjohn (119 comments ) July 20, 2011 9:54 AM PDT
From Apple.com, there is a picture that says, "Upgrade with ease. A removable panel lets you add memory with a twist" and shows the Mac Mini open at the bottom I believe. Looks pretty easy to do..
1 person likes this comment
by syrusdaver (10 comments ) July 20, 2011 10:02 AM PDT
The RAM is part of the motherboard, it soldered in so you cannot upgrade it.
by SUFan15NC (272 comments ) July 20, 2011 1:17 PM PDT
"The RAM is part of the motherboard, it soldered in so you cannot upgrade it."

False.
1 person likes this comment
by chestahab (1 comment ) July 20, 2011 9:38 AM PDT
Has anyone noticed that on the apple website they are selling their own programs on DVDs as "recommended accessories"? Ha
Reply to this comment 1 person likes this comment
by QA_Tester (4104 comments ) July 20, 2011 12:10 PM PDT
If people are willing to pay extra, why not?
by Orange_84 (1 comment ) July 20, 2011 9:39 AM PDT
I bought a mac mini 6 months ago and I love it. This configuration bothers me though. I rip all my movies and upload to iTunes to stream to Apple TV. I also use my Mac mini to play DVDs in my office. Until netflix starts streaming the entire library, the optical drive is not dead.
Reply to this comment 1 person likes this comment
by tommytamocha (19 comments ) July 20, 2011 9:51 AM PDT
Nerds may be smart, but they never seem to learn. Just because SOME geeks have a monster truck Mac mini, bad ass, audio video set up, doesn't mean crap to an average computer buyer who really may not miss having an optical drive.
Reply to this comment
by QA_Tester (4104 comments ) July 20, 2011 12:12 PM PDT
An average consumer is still able to buy optical drive directly from apple if they have the need to. Your statement is absolutely meaningless.
by wirelesscaller (996 comments ) July 21, 2011 12:36 AM PDT
The average consumer is not geeky enough to buy a separate standalone usb optical drive, I bet most of them never even heard of one. The average consumer most likely wouldn't know how to prep a restore usb pendrive, subscribe to a backup service, even have a home server to backup too, nor backup their computer to an usb hard drive. Without the optical drive the average consumer most likely will return the item after noticing it was missing an optical drive instead of exploring and implementing a different solution.
by mouth62 (26 comments ) July 20, 2011 10:18 AM PDT
Apple giveth ,Apple taketh away,glad I didn"t take the newest up date for Lion,who knows,it might have disabled my DVD drive? Is the I5 chip the Sandy Bridge chipset ? Think I'll wait on the Mini and get a Air.
Reply to this comment
by s_ve90 (2 comments ) July 20, 2011 10:21 AM PDT
Personally I won't miss the optical drive because of the DVD or CD sharing capability now incorporated into the Mini, which makes me want to buy it now. However, if I want to turn it into a home theater device, do Macs accept third party optical drives from netbooks?
Reply to this comment
by myles taylor (3395 comments ) July 20, 2011 10:45 AM PDT
I hardly ever use my optical drive anymore. It just doesn't happen. However I think it was a mistake to remove it from the mini. Maybe if they dropped the price to $499. But I use my mini for a media server and it's nice to be able to pop a DVD in.
Reply to this comment
by lawgone (106 comments ) July 20, 2011 11:02 AM PDT
From the sounds of it, many of you don't have a Blu ray player or just don't watch them if you do. A shame really. As nice as streaming video looks now, Blu ray image quality is much, much better (primarily due to less compression.) I know that would anger Steve but it's just the truth. I use my Apple TV or Mac to watch movies when not as concerned about image quality. But if you want the immersive "you are there" feeling to a movie, Blu ray is a necessity.
Reply to this comment 4 people like this comment
by QA_Tester (4104 comments ) July 20, 2011 12:15 PM PDT
Blue ray players don't make Apple any money. Selling media that does not require optical drive does.
by wirelesscaller (996 comments ) July 20, 2011 11:05 AM PDT
Too bad Argosy didn't upgrade their media tanks to sata, it would go well with this new mac mini.

http://forum.videohelp.com/threads/262587-Media-Tank-3-5HDD-DVD-rw-USB-Media-card-All-in-one-case
Reply to this comment
by usastrong1 (6 comments ) July 20, 2011 12:38 PM PDT
I couldn't believe they dropped the optical drive. I am personally so sick of tech companies telling me what I need instead of giving me choices on what I want. A tech company who drops an optical drive while espousing a move to the cloud is like a barber telling you that you need a haircut. I have numerous TV series on DVD which I watch often. I have an older Mini and an iPhone and I want to be all Apple but I wish they would stop telling me what I have to do and give me some choice.
Reply to this comment
by jscott418 (855 comments ) July 20, 2011 1:02 PM PDT
So I know some can argue that you can just buy a external optical drive. But does that not defeat the small form factor of the Mac Mini? I bought my first Mac Mini because of its small form but still had the functions of a big desktop. So now Apple tries to defer costs and eliminate the optical drive.
I really think they (Apple) will hurt Mac Mini sales with this move.
Reply to this comment
by jaybee75 (111 comments ) July 20, 2011 1:59 PM PDT
I think this is the thing that gets me the most, the all in one form factor always appealed, but now with the external drive the benefits aren't as great (two boxes, extra cables, etc). I was waiting on this update so I could finally get a Mac Mini and now I am stuck with the choice of old model with internal drive or new model with improved graphics performance but no dvd drive.

Right now I might just stick with my Windows laptop (I have a Windows desktop as well), the Mac OS doesn't offer a compelling reason to buy (in my situation) and I can have the internal DVD drive.

It would have been interesting to see Apple offer two models side by side, one with & one without the dvd and then see where the preference is for the consumer. They won't do it as they would risk the numbers showing them to be wrong, but now they can say they are right because they sold X units without a drive (more because there is no choice).

Though if someone offered the equivalent of an all in one Super Drive/Time Capsule box in the same form factor/color it could be interesting.
by RGreer1177 (5 comments ) July 20, 2011 1:31 PM PDT
I was considering making the jump from Windows to Mac after this update to the Mini. I use my phone and iPad for most of my computing needs, but still use my Windows laptop as a "server" for my digital media and use it's optical drive to rip my CD's and Blu-Rays. Despite being fairly tech savy and up-to-date on the current technology, I'm still a "dinosaur" in that I like buying CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays. I RARELY actually listen to music from a CD but I like being able to rip my music in a lossless format of my choice. An optical drive also gives me the option of ripping my DVD's and Blu-Rays.

I'm convinced that Apple is less concerned with giving their customers what they want (a blu-ray drive to make the mini a true HTPC option) than they are about forcing customers into their ecosystem (download your movies from iTunes). I will not be buying the Mini now.
Reply to this comment 2 people like this comment
by Waam (322 comments ) July 20, 2011 2:21 PM PDT
Instead of not offering us the Blu-Ray, they take away optical completely. I will not be getting one of these.
Reply to this comment 1 person likes this comment
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