New Intel-based Mac Mini.

[CougTek]

Same size as before, only more powerful. The 1.5GHz Single Core version sells for 600U$ while the 1.67GHz Core Duo goes for 800$. Both come with 512MB of 667MHz RAM by default and both use Intel's GMA950 integrated graphics. There's a DVI output.

IMO, you pay a lot for the small size feature. However, for people with space constraint, it might be appealing to pack a dual cpu system in sandwidtch-size box.

 

[CougTek]

sandwidtch-size box.

Ok, let's say a small cookie box instead.

 

[sechs]

How much of that price is for the OS?

 

[ddrueding]

It does look interesting as an HTPC, but I would install XP on it - is that possible?

 

[Sol]

I don't think so. I believe that due to the bios you'd have to wait for the release version of vista or for some serious modifications to XP, but I don't think anyone will bother with that in the short term.

 

[Mercutio]

More specifically, there is no BIOS on an Intel Mac. They use OpenFirmware instead, which Vista supports and XP doesn't.

I can't see using one of those as an HTPC. They can't possibly hold enough disk space and they'd need so much USB crap hanging off of them to get decent sound and video/tuner support that you would lose the advantage of the tiny form factor.

On the other hand, $800 for a dual-core intel would probably be pretty worthwhile if you copy lots of DVDs...

 

[CityK]

More specifically, there is no BIOS on an Intel Mac. They use OpenFirmware

They use Extensible Firmware Interface as opposed to Open Firmware

 

[ddrueding]

My HTPCs should really be called "media players". They don't store anything, and I dan't have cable tuners anywhere. All these machines need to do is be simple little computers capable of playing DiviX, XviD, MP3, FLAC, Google Earth, Worms World Party, and Firefox.

For this, the minis look pretty good.

 

[timwhit]

Kind of expensive, if that is all you are doing, isn't it?

 

[Mercutio]

Plus, they lack proper HDA-X-somethingorother sound output.

 

[Gilbo]

Kind of expensive, if that is all you are doing, isn't it?

The problem is that any PC, no matter how cheap its insides, that's going to look good, is going to cost a pretty penny. I've yet to find a decent looking case for an appliance PC at a reasonable price.

 

[Mercutio]

The Silverstone La Scala cases look pretty nice and aren't utterly insane for HT appliance use.

 

[ddrueding]

As far as size goes, they are really nice as well. I've heard that they run pretty quiet as well.

 

[CougTek]

Macworld[/url]]In fact, until Tuesday morning, Apple’s mini page had this to say about integrated graphics chips:

Go ahead, just try to play Halo on a budget PC. Most say they’re good for 2D games only. That’s because an “integrated Intel graphics” chip steals power from the CPU and siphons off memory from system-level RAM. You’d have to buy an extra card to get the graphics performance of Mac mini, and some cheaper PCs don’t even have an open slot to let you add one.

As this article was posted, the mini Intel Core page now reads:

Mac mini features a graphics processor integrated into the system, and one that’s no slouch, to boot. The Intel GMA950 graphics supports Tiger Core Graphics and the latest 3D games. It shares fast 667MHz memory with the Intel Core processor, for an incredible value proposition.

So, on Monday, February 27, an integrated graphics chip was something that stole power from the CPU and siphoned off system memory. As of February 28, it’s suddenly capable of supporting the latest 3-D games and is an incredible value proposition? Ah, marketing!

I hate Steve Jobs and Apple's marketing department.