Apple Introduces $499 Mac, $99 iPod [Archive]

BarTopDancer

01-11-2005, 02:11 PM

Feh. No keyboard or moniter so be sure to add a couple hundred dollars to the price of that $499 Mac. Don't forget to add in the cost of the flash memory to enhance that 512k hard drive on the $99 or the 1mb hard drive on the $149 iPods.

By the time you're done buying the stuff you need to make those things worth while you coulda bought 1) an iMac or 2) a super nice PC.

mamabot

01-11-2005, 02:26 PM

A lot of times people upgrade their computers when their current technology is outdated. Most times, the only part of a computer that needs to be replaced is the hard drive.

I see the move to have just a hard drive available as a smart move. This helps the environment by not having keyboards,monitors and mouses (mice) sitting around in landfills when they still had many years of life left in them.

And, if you read the article, the new iPod is being launched in an attempt to nab a share of the flash market:

The new iPod falls into a category of music players that use "flash memory," like that found in digital cameras and some portable disk drives, rather than hard drives like the other iPod models.

"We'd like to go after the remaining mainstream flash market," Jobs said, noting that the flash memory-based digital player market is currently highly fragmented. "The products are all pretty much the same."

He also claimed the iPod holds a 65 percent share of the entire market for portable digital music players, up from only 31 percent a year earlier.

The article also discusses automobile manufactures wanting to have iPod capable systems in their cars. My boss has this option for her BMW. It sure beats an FM receiver for an iPod.

I think this is a good move by Apple.

NirvanaMan

01-11-2005, 02:42 PM

It's a good move, but genuis? To offer a computer without a monitor or keyboard? Uhhh...like everyone else has been doing that for like...uhh forever. :) Same with the flash music players. They have been around for years. Good move, but hardly genius. Rather late to the party actually.

The integration with cars is cool. BMW offers it, but it is expensive and the integration is very poor. Mercedes just announced a much better integration unit. In all, a simple phono jack is sufficient for most and that can be easily wired into any car stereo. Much better sound than you get from the FM modulators. I would consider this move far more "genius" than the other two. It actually is somewhat pioneering, partnering in an industry where they have not had a presense and ensuring that they will be the dominating force in portable MP3 players. Once again, Jobs is the man. Though, I'm not sure he is actually still running the show up north anymore. Does anyone know? Either way...I want his money.

mamabot

01-11-2005, 02:54 PM

My statement about Jobs being a genius was an all around statement. He has a unique vision that is fun to watch to see what more he can come up with.

Kevy Baby

01-11-2005, 02:58 PM

Tell me about it.Look here (http://www.apple.com/macmini/)

SusieP.

01-11-2005, 03:23 PM

The article also discusses automobile manufactures wanting to have iPod capable systems in their cars. My boss has this option for her BMW. It sure beats an FM receiver for an iPod.

My new car has a built-in port for an MP3 player, but I don't know how it works yet. It came standard. Maybe I should buy an i-Pod so I can check it out. Perhaps that would bring a touch of swank to my Honda Element!

BarTopDancer

01-11-2005, 03:46 PM

My point is if they are trying to attact a new segment for their market by offering a comptuer for $499 the segment (most likely PC users) will have to lay out the additional money for a moniter and keyboard which will increase the cost of the bare bones system.

As for mice and keyboards filling up landfills? Well I don't know about the rest of the computer using population but my mice and keyboards eventualy stop working. Until they do I don't see a need to buy a new one. And when I get a new system that comes with mouse and keyboard I will store them for when my old ones break (unless they are ikky).

Yes, they are trying to attract flash users with the flash drive iPod. However the flash drive users [that I know] have zero desire to have an iPod, and there are quite a few flash drive systems on the market for half the cost and a larger hard drive.

mamabot

01-11-2005, 04:32 PM

This is really an age old debate. We are not the first to discuss the issue of Mac vs. PC. If you would like to join the existing debate regarding PC vs. Mac, clique here. (http://www.xenarchy.com/LoT/showthread.php?t=20)

Their marketing people know who their target audience is. Just because you buy a whole system at once does not meant that there are other people out there who do not need to replace only certain components of their computers.

My mom is a perfect example of Apple's target audience. She has a fairly decent Mac setup, but her Cube (hard drive) is a bit outdated. Every other part of her system is in fine working condition. Since she works for a state agency, they tend to attempt to save money where they can. This new hard drive only option is perfect for someone in her position.

Everyone's situation is unique. Don't assume that since you have your own experience that your neighbor will ahve the same experience.

BarTopDancer

01-11-2005, 05:07 PM

I have no desire to join an existing Mac vs. PC debate. I am stating that I think these 2 new products aren't good ideas and I don't think they will do well if they do intend to target new users (which is the impression I got from the article). What ever happened to saving all the plastic involved in making this hard drive only option and just upgrading your hard drive? Or using an external hard drive (which is basically this.)

Don't assume that I know nothing about Apples target market. You have no idea what I know or don't know. TYVM.

Man, I can't believe how worked up Mac users get when being challenged by a PC user. Chill dudette.

Peace Out.

NirvanaMan

01-11-2005, 05:16 PM

My statement about Jobs being a genius was an all around statement. He has a unique vision that is fun to watch to see what more he can come up with.

Oh ok then...carry on. I just would not consider these products unique except for the fact that the little computer is cute and small. Like a puppy. I like puppies..mostly the soft kind. Then they grow up..and become dogs...and that's nice too, but they are most fun when they are puppies and chasing around a towel in your back yard and they are so small that they can fit in your hand...

mamabot

01-11-2005, 05:27 PM

Man, I can't believe how worked up Mac users get when being challenged by a PC user. Chill dudette.

Peace Out.
Not getting worked up, just presenting my side of the case. All I wanted to do was present an article about something I found to be cool with my friends. You can see it however you want to.

I did not say anything about you not knowing anything about Apples. All I was saying was that people should tolerate that other people do things differently. The same is true for an infinite number of topics available for us all to discuss and ponder.

BarTopDancer

01-11-2005, 05:38 PM

You said that I ooo look! SHINEY!

NirvanaMan

01-11-2005, 05:47 PM

My new car has a built-in port for an MP3 player, but I don't know how it works yet. It came standard. Maybe I should buy an i-Pod so I can check it out. Perhaps that would bring a touch of swank to my Honda Element!

Prolly a simple 1/8" stereo jack. Get a jobby like one of these http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=42-2387

and you should be good to go. You can jack in an mp3 player, or portable CD player or anything else with a headphone jack.

NirvanaMan

01-11-2005, 05:51 PM

This new hard drive only option is perfect for someone in her position.

For $500 I hope it comes with the whole computer...not just the hard drive! ;)

mamabot

01-11-2005, 06:02 PM

For $500 I hope it comes with the whole computer...not just the hard drive! ;)

Maybe this will answer your question a bit.

Introducing the Mac mini. Everything you need — and not an ounce more — to enjoy digital photos, music and movies. Get a fast G4 processor, slot-loading CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive and a reliable operating system in a body just 6.5-inches square and 2-inches tall. Simply add monitor, keyboard and mouse. You’ll be organizing music and photos, composing tunes and editing movies with iLife ’05 in no time. Surf the Internet with the peace of mind of the secure and stable UNIX-based Mac OS X operating system. And since Mac mini can do wireless, you don’t even have to put it near a phone jack. Configure your Mac mini with an AirPort Extreme Card, hook up an AirPort Express to your DSL connection or cable modem, and start surfing and printing wirelessly. Using AirPort Express and AirTunes, you can even listen to tunes from your Mac mini on speakers in a different room. Starting at just $499.

The combo drive is a great thing. I purchased an external floppy drive with my iMac, which I haven't touched in a year. Between email and CDs, I have no use for a floppy drive. Simplicity is a good thing. :cool:

Kevy Baby

01-11-2005, 08:02 PM

I am stating that I think these 2 new products aren't good ideas and I don't think they will do well if they do intend to target new users (which is the impression I got from the article).The same thing was pretty much said about:

The iMac
The iTunes Store
The iPod

Man, I can't believe how worked up Mac users get when being challenged by a PC user. Chill dudette.Probably because it happens far too frequently.

Monorail Man

01-11-2005, 08:05 PM

$500? I may buy one now. ;)

Kevy Baby

01-11-2005, 08:22 PM

$500? I may buy one now. ;) :eek: http://www.xenarchy.com/LoT/images/icons/icon14.gif

DisneyFan25863

01-11-2005, 08:24 PM

$500? I may buy one now. ;)

Wait a sec...did you just say YOU wanted a Mac? Hastin, the uber Windows geek? Wow.

Oh, BTW: The iPod Shuffle comes with 512 MB (not k) for $99. Considering that most 256 MB players cost more and don't have rechargeable batteries, thats a really good deal.

Oh, and the Mac mini is perfect for someone like me. I have a PC setup downstairs. Now, if I get the Mac mini, I just swap out the tower with the Mac and use my existing screen, keyboard and mouse. Though an even better idea would be for them to package each one with 2 free PS/2 converters :)

Isaac

01-11-2005, 08:26 PM

$99 for an iPod sounds good, but only 512MB is a problem for someone like me.

I have over 16GB of mp3s on my hard drive currently. I need the 40GB iPod.

Hopefully, I can get one of those for $99.

libraryvixen

01-12-2005, 12:17 AM

$99 for an iPod sounds good....

Hopefully, I can get one of those for $99.

If you find one.. let me know!! ;)

Monorail Man

01-12-2005, 12:21 AM

Wait a sec...did you just say YOU wanted a Mac? Hastin, the uber Windows geek? Wow.

Hey, $500 for a computer isn't anything, especially when you just want it to try out the Mac. :)

DisneyFan25863

01-12-2005, 12:24 AM

Hey, $500 for a computer isn't anything, especially when you just want it to try out the Mac. :)

And I'm sure it'll last longer than that 500 dollar screen in a box thingy you got :D

PS: If you do buy one, go with atleast 512 MB of RAM. You can upgrade it at home if you want, but having Apple do it is so much simpler (espically if you can get it for free off them, which is what I got on my Powerbook ;) )

SusieP.

01-12-2005, 10:26 AM

Prolly a simple 1/8" stereo jack. Get a jobby like one of these http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=42-2387

and you should be good to go. You can jack in an mp3 player, or portable CD player or anything else with a headphone jack.

Thanks for that, but it's some kind of USB-type port. I'll have to actually get the book out and look it up at some point. I'm sure the folks at the Apple store will be happy to help me, esp since I'm thinking about an i-Book, too.

Disguy

01-12-2005, 10:42 AM

I've always hated Mac's but hell for 500 I could see trying it out. Who knows I may just be the next guest at Mac World ;-)

NirvanaMan

01-12-2005, 10:57 AM

Hmm that's interesting. I tried to look on Honda's site for you, but man, they have one of the worst automotive websites out there. What a terrible freaking mess that site is. I couldn't find any info on the mp3 port. Sorry :(

BarTopDancer

01-12-2005, 02:49 PM

To back up my point about the new iPod in the Flash market

From MacWorld (http://www.macworld.com/news/2005/01/12/notafraid/index.php)

Virtually all of the manufacturers MacCentral spoke with pointed out that the iPod Shuffle lacks the feature sets found in their products.

"There isn't a comparable flash player in our line. The closest thing is the original MuVo we released four years ago. The iPod shuffle does not have an LCD screen, which is something consumers definitely want. If you consider the capacity of the iPod Shuffle to a Creative flash player, we hold about double the amount of files in the 512MB or 1GB player," said Creative's Vacante, referring to the smaller Windows Media format that Creative and other players support but Apple does not.

Yea, $99 + accessories that come with other flash players. :rolleyes:

DisneyFan25863

01-12-2005, 04:34 PM

To get twice the amount of songs, like Creative is claiming, in WMA, you probably have to convert it to like 32 kbps, which makes any song sound like nails on a chalkboard.

BarTopDancer

01-12-2005, 04:43 PM

That you probably do, and I agree it sounds like crap. The iPod rocks. Don't get me wrong, I love it and I will be buying a 40gig as soon as my finances allow. I just don't see this one taking off when it is behind the times technology wise and below the game with included accessories. I think that Apple is putting to much weight on the iPod name (which is a great branding method) but I think in the end it will bite them on the butt.

DisneyFan25863

01-12-2005, 05:18 PM

BarTopDancer

01-12-2005, 05:31 PM

It comes with a neck strap, which is something I would rather use than an arm brace, eaiser to change songs and volume.

Humm.. Maybe it's me, but I don't think I could run with a MP3 player around my neck. Bouncie bouncie, that would hurt. That's why I'm talking about an arm band.

And really, in the grand scheme of this thread, or the new iPod what it comes with is at the bottom of the things I'm not liking about it.

Just my opnion. I do hope it takes off and I am proven wrong, I never want to see any decent product fail.

blueerica

01-13-2005, 07:21 AM

Here's the way I see it:

The $499 Mac is a great way to upgrade a PC. As it seems to be saying on it's literature, it's an upgrade kind of thing. Someone with a perfectly functioning PC likely isn't going to be purchasing this. Someone with a PC clunking around, and who's heard things about Macs is probably who will purchase this. I think that for my general needs, it would need a serous memory upgrade, but otherwise it's a dandy little machine. It comes with a G4 Processor, which works pretty fast. My old laptop, though I have it laden with all sorts of things, and it's processor isn't as powerful, is a G4 with that much memory, and it rocks a lot of computers, particularly those that have become sluggish. It targets the market that maybe got hit by virus after virus. It also targets a Monorail Man market who just wants to have one because he's a techie, however, if MM gets one, I suggest a memory upgrade, because he really knows his computers!!

The iPod Shuffle, I would never use in a million years, but again, that's because I'm used to a certain "standard" of things, and I've been into MP3s for a long long loooong time. I need to carry a LOT around. However, someone who's new to this, who just might want to carry that "Book on MP3" or a few songs, and wants the iPod name will carry this around. The neck thing, in a word: stupid, if you're running, but maybe not so bad if you're on a bike.

NirvanaMan

01-13-2005, 12:21 PM

There are plenty of PC's already on the market from name brand guys like Dell for $499 or even less that also include a monitor and keyboard etc...

blueerica

01-13-2005, 01:56 PM

There are plenty of PC's already on the market from name brand guys like Dell for $499 or even less that also include a monitor and keyboard etc...

I understand that, but I guess what I'm trying to say is this:

From my experiences, quite a few people seemed to have been affected by the last few major viruses, my mother included. I have never suggested to my mom that she get a Mac, and she came up to me just the other week, and said "Erica, I think my next computer is going to be a Mac. I'm tired of watching out for every little virus, and my computer hasn't really ever recovered."

While I gently let her know that I run virus checks on my Mac at least 2-3 times a week, we talked about it, and I actually had her stick it out a little longer. The $499 Mac is perfect for someone in her shoes.

She didn't need the investment of a Mac, even though eMacs and most iMacs aren't too expensive. That's your market for the Mac mini. Someone who wants to give it a try.

However, I'm still not going to jump and have her rush to get a Mac. I'm not into pushing people into doing something. I'd like to see her with one, but no push, no rush.

BarTopDancer

01-13-2005, 02:11 PM

Wouldn't the mini Mac cost as much as an iMac after the moniter, mouse, keyboard?

NirvanaMan

01-13-2005, 02:36 PM

She could just run antivirus software coupled with some firewall software. Or just not use outlook.

blueerica

01-13-2005, 03:45 PM

She does.

The computer that had the virus never recovered from the initial incident. Her other PC just becomes more sluggish with each "Service Pack" I mean, give me a break! Each time one of those comes out, her computer is more sluggish...

And she never used Outlook. But isn't that called Outhouse?

Kevy Baby

01-13-2005, 04:05 PM

Wouldn't the mini Mac cost as much as an iMac after the moniter, mouse, keyboard?If you buy all from Apple, it would be a LOT more - their least expensive monitor is a $999 20" flat screen (KB & M are only $58). If you go to the Apple On-line Store, there isn't even an option to add a moniter to your Mini order (but you can add the Apple KB & M). (On a side note, I use both a Mac and an HP PC. I will say that the Mac has a much better feeling KB than the HP. Not saying that just because I like Macs, it really does have a nice feel to it.)

But Apple is (presumably) recognizing that people either A) already HAVE a M/KB/M, or B) can get them inexpensively through a local resource (such as Fry's). I wouldn't be surprised if they have less expensive monitors at the brick and mortar Apple Store.

Just for giggles, I configured a Mini with an 80 GB HD, 1 GB of RAM, a Superdrive, Bluetooth, Wireless G card, and a wireless mouse and KB: $1,352 http://home.mindspring.com/~kevin_elder/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/laugh.gif

BarTopDancer

01-13-2005, 05:29 PM

I still think I can fix your moms computer. I have no idea why it gets sluggish after the SP installs. Mine is fine, never sluggish.

She does.

The computer that had the virus never recovered from the initial incident. Her other PC just becomes more sluggish with each "Service Pack" I mean, give me a break! Each time one of those comes out, her computer is more sluggish...

And she never used Outlook. But isn't that called Outhouse?

BarTopDancer

01-13-2005, 05:44 PM

Monorail Man

01-13-2005, 08:07 PM

Media Center PC failed

I honestly don't think the whole Media Center thing failed, not yet. In fact, Microsoft still looks at MCE's as more of a thing for the nerds out there, and is just now in the phase of really pushing it. MS has just been testing the water for 2 years, to see how the nerds would like it.

DisneyFan25863

01-14-2005, 04:42 PM

The article here (http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1751281,00.asp) says what the MacMini is and isn't. They mention that Apple released it to compliment the iPods and are tackling the market where the Media Center PC failed. They also mentioned that Apple is trying to find a new niche and grow with it.

(See, I can do more than just bash Macs, I can give credit where it's due).

Now if they had an iPod doc on it, or some serious speakers I'd totally see it as an extension of the iPod and I could see it flying off the shelves and fit perfectly in a living room.

An iPod dock on it would ruin the syle. 2 huge (by comparision to the size of the Mac Mini) chips (one for iPod, one for mini) sticking out of the top ruins the look.

And, like every other computer ever made, it has audio out so you can plug speakers into it (presumably the ones from your old computer, or your home audio system)