Apple Mac Mini Core Duo

[Chris Gohlke]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://reviews.cnet.com/Apple_Mac_Mini_Core_Duo_1_67GHz/4505-3118_7-31762058-2.html?tag=nav' target='_blank'>http://reviews.cnet.com/Apple_Mac_Mini_Core_Duo_1_67GHz/4505-3118_7-31762058-2.html?tag=nav</a><br /><br /></div><i>"If you lamented the absence of media center features in Apple's first Mac Mini, lament no more. Announced yesterday, the $799 Apple Mac Mini Core Duo features not only the new dual-core, 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo processor, it also comes with Apple's Front Row media management software, Apple's remote control, and new network media-streaming capabilities. If it lives up to its promises, you'll be able to send iTunes media over your home network and to your television, via an attractive, low-profile piece of hardware."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/indextop20060228.jpg" /> <br /><br />The new features and super sleek form factor make this in to a compelling media center type device. A tuner and some DVR software would make it even better while HD support would really put it over the top.

[yada88]

So I don't mean to be overly insulting with this, but i kind of do. I mean, I know the bloody rumors. I know what we all dream the new products would be. But saying that added tv and hd functionality would really make it great is kind of like saying added some diamonds to my USB watch would really seal the deal. Apple has NO PVR program. Front row just plain doesn't do it. There is no reason to expect it will anytime soon. The more likely scenario for ipod videos and video ipods has apple signing contracts with content providers. If you could just record what's on tv how often would you really want to buy last night's 24? I just don't think the two scenarios are likely to go hand in hand. I know MSFT has the PMCs, but there's no real store alternative there. I just think that the comment made was a little too far flung.

[Chris Gohlke]

Your analogy is not the greatest. Diamonds don't add functionality to your USB watch. I think this device was clearly designed to be used in the living room and therefore, I think it is fair to compare to a media center type device as far as features I think should be present. But, to be honest, I do think it would be stupid for people to pay for a download of last nights episode of lost when they could record it themselves. Of course, this is because I own a DVR and already record stuff to watch the next day.