Replies to post #28811 on Apple Inc (AAPL)

[tfigs]

MiniMac pricing

(Hmmm, decisions...)

I compared some prices (Canadian, ed.) for Mini (1.42) & iMac models I'm considering, outfitted similarly.

Interesting to note that the total cost is very close for roughly comparable systems. For example:
Mini: 1M RAM, 80M HD, Superdrive, keyboard/mouse PLUS 20" display = $2610Can
iMac: 1M RAM, 160M HD, Superdrive, (20" display) = $2579Can

(These figures use Apple store RAM prices, which are particularly high for the 1M mini's single 1M DIMM.)

So, how does the mini compare?

Cons-lower specs (CPU, HD size, max. Ram, no audio in, etc.)

Pros-Flexibility of the small, separate CPU.
The obvious example: one can use an existing monitor. (This may convince some switchers. In fact, I may try to convince a cheapskate friend who has basic computer needs and wants to replace an ancient Windows 3 PC.)

Perhaps a less obvious advantage of the Mini, for someone like me who has little need for on-the-road computing, would be its portability. (Throw it in a bag and take it to work, or a fellow musician's house, or a relative's..., where there is a already a keyboard and monitor--hooked up to a PC, perhaps.) The Mini could provide some of the advantages of a laptop, at a lower cost, and with the practically the compactness of an external hard drive.

(Notwithstanding the above price figures, I think it's brilliant of Apple to have a CPU on the market at a separate price of $499, as do their competitors. People aren't rational about spending--thats why prices are always "$x99", after all--and they do indeed focus on the $499, not the $1000 or so package total that gets them out the door.)