Michael Knutson
06-17-2010, 07:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.livedigitally.com/2010/06/16/why-the-mac-mini-is-not-at-all-an-apple-tv/' target='_blank'>http://www.livedigitally.com/2010/0...ll-an-apple-tv/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Lots of musing yesterday that the new Mac Mini is a "Apple TV in disguise." It's not. Here's why:"</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1276747492.usr17748.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>Some of my thoughts on the (author's) reasons why the new Mac Mini is not really intended to replace an Apple TV:</p><ul><li><p>Price. The new Mac Mini is significantly more expensive than an Apple TV. Agreed.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>HDMI instead of DVI. Simply technology marching on, and nothing more. DVI = history.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Software. Front Row is not the software to foster a switch from AppleTV. Not now, at least.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Not the Apple Way. Apple doesn't often "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osborne_effect" target="_blank">Osborne</a>" their products.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Consumers. Many consumers won't spend this much money for an ‘add-on' to a TV. Agreed.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Content. Many consumers are satisfied by the content delivered or made available by their provider.</p></li><li><p>Price. Again, price.</p></li></ul><p>Apple has given no indication that they are ready to eliminate AppleTV, despite all the rumors. I personally own, use, and enjoy AppleTV, and believe that future versions will follow Apple's strategy of offering more technology for the same or slightly less cost. So, no, the new Mac Mini is NOT a replacement for AppleTV.</p>