Mac mini Muse - Tuesday, May 3, 2005

By Charles W. Moore Tuesday, May 03, 2005.
Tags: Blogs � Mac mini Muse �

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Mac Minis Could Make Converts
New Mac Mini Goes After Frustrated Windows Users
Tiger roars onto the Mac mini
The M9 Mac mini Module
Belkin HUB Complements Mac Mini
Interesting mini USB Sound Option, Pioneer Elite Receivers
Mini Ture_MacJournal Update
iHome & Mac mini APRIL Reflections
THE ROAMING Mac mini 1- The Mac Mini A Solution For All Seasons,And Conditions Of iRoaming
THE ROAMING Mac mini 2
iHome Action and the Mac mini
iHome & Amazing Mac mini
The Mac mini + automation + bots
The Mac mini + appliances + networks
The iHome + Mac mini a network of solutions

New Mac Mini Goes After Frustrated Windows Users
Tiger roars onto the Mac mini

Mac Minis Could Make Converts

CBS News's Larry Magid says:

"Hearing the hype about Apple's new $499 Macintosh gave me pause. Could Apple, which is known as the BMW of computer companies, really come out with a machine cheap enough to tempt Windows users yet still "Mac" enough to satisfy Macintosh aficionados? After unpacking and setting up the new machine, the answer is a qualified yes.

"Before I get into the evaluation, here are the basics. Aside from being the cheapest Mac, the Mac Mini is also the smallest. In fact, it's the smallest full featured desktop powered PC from any major computer maker. It measures only 2 inches by 6/ inches square though it comes with an external power adapter that's just as long and more than a third as wide as the computer itself. I could easily see someone taking this machine back and forth between home and work....

"So how did the Mac stack up? Apple sent me the basic $499 system except it was upgraded to 512 megabytes of memory, which turned out to be more than enough for every thing I threw at it, including Adobe PhotoShop.....

"While the Mac Mini won't suddenly make Macs a more popular platform than Windows, I think it may tempt many Windows users who are curious about the Mac and/or frustrated with Windows which is far more prone to spyware, viruses and security problems....."

Read more at:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/24/scitech/pcanswer/main668781.shtml

New Mac Mini Goes After Frustrated Windows Users

The Houston Chronicle's Dwight Silverman reports:

"When Apple Computer released its latest Macintosh, the Mac Mini, the company known for its rabid fans made it clear this was aimed at a tougher crowd — Windows users.

"Buoyed by sales of its iPod music products to non-Mac users, Apple sees an opportunity to tout its computer products to the curious or disaffected users of Microsoft's dominant operating system. Indeed, given how many Windows users are frustrated by and angry at waves of viruses and spyware, the relatively untouched Mac OS should be an easy sell.

"But walking away from something that's familiar is hard for most people. They'd rather suffer Windows' security problems than try something new. Still, the Mac Mini is compelling — relatively cheap, easy to use with existing PC hardware like keyboard and mouse, and downright cute.

"I decided to put Apple's strategy to the test. I tried to completely switch from a Windows XP box to a Mini for two weeks."

For the full report, visit here:
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/tech/weekly/3153193

Tiger roars onto the Mac mini

123macmini.com says:

"We installed Tiger on a 1.42GHz Mac mini and the entire process took around 50 minutes. Boot times with Tiger seem to be a little faster than with Panther, averaging around 40 seconds. Both Spotlight and Dashboard perform admirably on the Mac mini, however, there is no Dashboard ripple effect due to lack of Core Image support on the Mac mini. Here are few early reviews of Tiger along with some installation tips and pictures."

You can check it out at:
http://www.123macmini.com/news/story/298.html

The M9 Mac mini Module
Belkin HUB Complements Mac Mini
Interesting mini USB Sound Option, Pioneer Elite Receivers

The M9 Mac mini Module

engadget.com's Ryan Block reports:

"We’re seeing a lot of these Mac mini port replicator/external drive bays cropping up (any takers to whip one up with some video-in and media-center features, pretty please?). The latest by Macpower and Tytech Technology Co., the M9, features a 3-port USB 2.0 hub, 3-port FireWire hub, 3.5-inch hard drive bay, and active cooling system. It don’t look too shabby (or different from the others), too."

For the full report, visit here.
http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000200041443/

Belkin HUB Complements Mac Mini

123macmini.com reports:

"Belkin has introduced a new Hi-Speed USB 2.0 4-Port Hub, packaged in a white, compact shell that complements the iPod shuffle and the Mac mini, this Hub features a patent-pending, top-loading USB port for easy access with three additional ports in the back. The Hub connects up to two devices without a power adapter. The top loading port gives you easy access for quick, temporary connections of USB thumb drives, media readers, small accessories such as USB lights and fans, the Apple iPod shuffle, and more. The Belkin USB HUB retails for $29.99 and begins shipping in June."

For the full report, visit here:
http://www.123macmini.com/news/story/295.html

Interesting mini USB Sound Option, Pioneer Elite Receivers

machtpc.com reports:

"In what might be one of the more expensive USB audio solutions for the mini, it turns out several Pioneer Elite A/V receivers accept digital audio in over USB. The models I could confirm that accept USB are the, VSX-56TXi and the VSX-59TXi.

The 59TXi lists for gulp $4500.00 - not exactly a bargain basement solution, but the VSX-56TXi can be found online for around $950.00, again not for those on a budget, but if you were already in the market for an upper end A/V receiver, for use in a system with a Mac mini, this makes the deal a little sweeter."

For the full report, visit here.

Mini Ture_MacJournal Update 29 April 05

Mini Ture_MacJournal's Darryl John Bennetts writes:

Hi Charles,

Thank you very much for your kind assistances as always,

Some more wheat for the mill.

I would like to thank you for your featuring my articles on the Muse.

My simple blog page about the Mac mini and the iHome.

The latest I think is very much the go for the Mac mini and iHome development.

There was a new succesful feature yesterday.iHome Action and the Mac mini.
http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/04/ihome-action-and-mac-mini.html

Matt Bendiksen was very happy with the article and the web traffic he received from them in the last few hours. I believe what he has done for the iHome is a significant advance for the Mac into the intelligent automated connected home industry.

I believe the Mac mini deserves much more support from the mainstream non Mac press they keep typifying the device as a cheap PC replacement when it is much more. I feel for the developers who have put their livelihood on the line with such important development projects using the Mac mini. The most significant issue is that one Mac mini in a headless state can do in principle what I have been saying in the articles from February, regarding the Mac mini and the iHome, the Mac mini is more than just another low cost desktop it is another breed of computer altogether. It is actually an iAppliance and can be used as a headless iDevice in an iHome network.

These are not just jargon words as some have said but mean a great deal in the connected home industry, and perhaps the powers in many places did not realize the implications of Apple's excellent design decisions with the Mac mini. (I have had Apple.com as regular visitors along with IBM, Intel and many others

. For example in the last day and today the following have looked at the articles, I thought you may be interested Charles in who is looking at the site.

Yesterday was average of the 1000 page hits and 600 web hits There were many notables yesterday as there is every day. Some have multiple visits like Apple,Com

AND, uiuc.edu,francetelecom,lanl.Gov,af.mil,nrc.ca,northropgrumman.com,pentagon.mil,Roche.com,tiscale.de,epfl.ch,rcn.com, magma.com,nokia.com,helax.com,pacbell.net,sandia.gov,concordia.ch,ne.jp,dhl.com,fedex.com,motorola.com,ac.jp, inet.fi,co.uk,rima-tde.net,metlife.com,usherbrooke.ca,aiq.com,saic.com,netcologne.de,chello.nl,nasa.com, washpost.com auh.dk,panafonet.gr,redback.com and many many others.

It seems many European, and US firms and Government agencencies have interested parties in the Mac mini and the iHome.

Today many of the same are back on again - caltech.edu, ibm.com,virginia.edu,wi.us,corel.ca,stgarchitects.com, boeing.com, uoregon.edu,hss.edu,mnsu.edu,pnl.gov,lof.com,tellas.gr,saunalahti.fi,navy.mil,hawaii.edu,air-internet.com,tue.nl,apple.com,pacbel.net, AND I am being watched LOL, gov.au,com.br, apple.com,co.uk, bbn.com,oracle.com,tandy.com, just to name a few.

As part of my research I am collecting market interest data thought it may give a cursory view of the few but key of the reader base. I noticed last week stanford.edu and other education channels were predominant with many European and US government agencies.

iHome Action and the Mac mini.

http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/04/ihome-action-and-mac-mini.html

Matt Bendiksen is using a Mac mini in his automated connected home solution. His OSX application controls all of the automated functions for a connected automated house.

Matt Bendiksen quote:- "Indigo, the software we develop, works great on the new Mac mini. I bought one myself to use as a home control/automation server.

iHome & Mac mini APRIL Reflections
THE ROAMING Mac mini 1- The Mac Mini A Solution For All Seasons,And Conditions Of iRoaming
THE ROAMING Mac mini 2
iHome Action and the Mac mini
iHome & Amazing Mac mini
The Mac mini + automation + bots
The Mac mini + appliances + networks
The iHome + Mac mini a network of solutions

iHome & Mac mini APRIL Reflections

Mini Ture_MacJournal says

"It is has been a highlight of my working life my long time with the Macintosh and Apple products generally. There are no better friends than I have in an Apple dealership in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia called:-

"The many good friends who work within this Company are in my estimation the most efficient and likeable group I have known in my whole experience with Mac products.

"There is a need to look at the adaptive mechanisms of all systems in an iHome and also the use of hand held command and control handsets in whatever form they may take. There is also a reasonable need to limit the intervention by users of iHome adaptive systems and very common and simple environmental scenario based sequences."

For the full commentary, visit:
http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/04/ihome-mac-mini-april-reflections.html

THE ROAMING Mac mini 1- The Mac Mini A Solution For All Seasons,And Conditions Of iRoaming

Mini Ture_MacJournal says:

"Have you ever sat back and listened to PC aficionados? Well in my family that is not hard. While two sections of my extended family uses Macs the others can use both but mostly use PC's because of choice and type of business, they work with PC's at work. Tonight I sat back and listened to what my Son and my youngest daughter , both bought up on Mac's but use PC's in their work environment were saying about PDA's, Laptops and desktop computers. Principally my son a warehousing database consultant is thinking about a laptop of a small size really roamable and one with a 17" screen. My youngest daughter studying architecture in her final year, has a very large screen PC laptop which really is a desktop in disguise and it is not easily able to be carried around because of its size and weight and large powerbrick. Mac mini owners note that some supposedly PC laptops have large powerbricks as well.

"The discussion turned to PDA's verses small carryable notebook-pda from one with a 4.5 " screen to those easily carryable.

"I had showed them the Mac mini and we spoke of what screen minimum size would be readable for internet surfing. For me this was good switcher data and convinced me that for many who have used Macs are committed by their work environments to use PC, may switch if the form and power is right.

"But the key question that arose. 'Was small form powerful systems good enough to work on and to surf on?'"

For the full commentary, visit:
http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/04/roaming-mac-mini-1.html

THE ROAMING Mac mini 2

Mini Ture_MacJournal says:

"Many University faculties and colleges do have older Apple or other brand monitors which would suit roaming students with Mac mini's. Small research Laboratories need only to supply a bank of monitors and power with ethernet or a wireless communications zone, if each student brings a mouse, keyboard and a Mac mini or as I have in this picture at a University Post graduate meeting today been able to bring a very low cost light keyboard which is quite sufficient to roaming research needs.

"The keyboard is light and from a PC reseller, and cost me only Aust. $29 and weighs 0.75 lbs. In all the light load of the Mac mini 1.42 MHz 80 GB HD 512 MB Ram and very light mouse and keyboard was very much appreciated.

"The options for Mac mini iRoaming have been for me a complete success."

For more information, visit:
http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/04/roaming-mac-mini-2.html

iHome Action and the Mac mini

Mini Ture_MacJournal says:

"Matt Bendiksen is using a Mac mini in his automated connected home solution. His OSX application controls all of the automated functions for a connected automated house.....

"Perceptive Automation INDIGO is Mr. Matt Bendiksen's web site he provides a detailed description of what the software does and he sells INDIGO, an intelligent home control server which integrates an assortment of popular x10 hardware automation devices.

"Indigo supports the PowerLinc USB interface and is a Mac home automation solution system that does not need costly USB to serial adaptors."

For the full report, visit here.
http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/04/ihome-action-and-mac-mini.html

iHome & Amazing Mac mini

Mini Ture_MacJournal says:

"Implications of the form genre of the Mac mini.

"The RESEARCH Mac mini 1 on my white table top or otherwise known as my handy roamable iDevice will be used this year in many research, teaching and family situations, of that I am certain and it will soon have a companion, the second Mac mini will be used as an idevice, 'Mac mini 2', will be for multi media use and testing components of the iHome, bluetooth enabled iPoints used for environmental measurements.

"Sensors will be logging back on my Mac mini with accumulated data for light, temperature, air, movement, noise and many other environmental characteristics to test for the health of the iSpace and its ability to provide sustainable comfort in measured environmental changes.....

"The Mac mini enabled X - iHome may well reflect the new iNode appliance and the appliance may then reflect the aesthetics of the the iHome and hopefully form will indeed follow functional necessities but please with a true flair like all of Apple hardware designs."

For the full report, visit here:
http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/04/ihome-amazing-mac-mini.html

The Mac mini + automation + bots

Mini Ture_MacJournal says:

"The intelligent home is not a myth but an available super iAppliance available in a huge number of forms. The house has ceased to become an art decor decorative expression of some imagination but has moved into the genre of an iAppliance itself.

"Each contemporary home has in many cases lost the machine like living in aspect and shell like protective nature attributed by the twentieth century.

"The traditional space of repose but has begun a new metamorphosis. The contemporary artefacts of invention surround us and so we have so many new items around us that we use in a way to govern our lives so that sometimes the real expression of home and hearth is lost.....

"Appliance cuteness come also with form factor I am sure if the robot was 7 feet tall there would not be the same interactive response by the children.

"I like the Mac mini because of its form factor and small is not just cute but its hand size humanly tangible as well. There is something about size and threat, and about smallness and acceptance. Convenience is also a significant factor. We see automation appearing in the New Tiger OSX as a bot like image, yet it has been in Panther but more hidden. The future will see many more automated systems come into the open, that already existed, coming into our software interfaces and hardware forms because it is interestingly useful and intrinsically satisfying."

You can check it out at:
http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/05/mac-mini-automation-bots.html

The Mac mini + appliances + networks

Mini Ture_MacJournal says:

"Convergent peripherals and interactive communications are reinforcing our need for the organization of all these types of threads into a system which not only manages our scenes and scenario's but also has crisis, and system failure care programs built in as well. There are so many different systems and standards emerging but eventually demand and other salient market forces will resolve for us some definitive solutions.

"The management of many interconnected systems occurs in simple dialog controls as shown above and can be set in scene modes with hand held keypads.

"Within the INDIGO system some control points are mentioned which may be set within a scene and the scope for environmental management is significant and we may with the small form silent Mac mini truly map out our life style occasions."

For the full report, visit here:
http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/05/mac-mini-appliances-networks.html

The iHome + Mac mini a network of solutions

Mini Ture_MacJournal says:

"Last year as part of my University research investigations I was fortunate enough to visit the three days of the 2004 Intelligent Home Show in Melbourne Australia. But for me there was something missing last year, some Mac 12" powerbooks in the Adobe tutorial venue. but for me I was deeply contemplating to see how Apple would answer the media centre blitz of the PC environment regarding the iHome situation. A few months later and we have a solution and few realized except the 'Think differently Mac mini aficionados and of course those who designed the system.

"Some of the iHome guru's at last years Intelligent Home Show in Melbourne Australia were multi media and automation developers and iHome specialists who had taken the PC media centre as their panacea, while some kept to their proprietary systems, but there was one Australian Mac developer who was touting his design of an OSX based media centre and that was truly interesting.

"What was missing was the amazing Mac mini but it was still secreted away in development.

"There was too much emphasis on the centre of a house being a media centre and whole house control and that to me was not taking account of the massive rise in appliance technology which manifests throughout a home in a decentralized way. I could see that what was needed was the decentralized iNode and the media managing systems of the excellent OSX in discrete node points around the home.

"The network iNode Mac mini when used as a iAppliance in fact resolves many of the issues of interface and connectivity and with products like INDIGO, XTension and SMARTHOME connected home experience may become a new experience. There is a simple and low cost Mac answer to the media centres of the world and the amazing Mac mini is a key to that solution."

For more:
http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/04/ihome-mac-mini-network-of-solutions.html

***

Charles W. Moore

Note: Letters to Mac mini Muse may or may not be published at the editor's discretion. Correspondents' email addresses will NOT be published unless the correspondent specifically requests publication. Letters may be edited for length and/or context. Opinions expressed in postings to Mac mini Muse are those of the respective correspondents and not necessarily shared or endorsed by the Editor and/or Applelinks management. If you would prefer that your message not appear in Mac mini Muse, we would still like to hear from you. Just clearly mark your message "NOT FOR PUBLICATION," and it will not be published. CM

Tags: Blogs � Mac mini Muse �

Mac mini Muse - Tuesday, May 3, 2005

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