I dreamed of it, Apple did it.
 

http://www.apple.com/macmini/

In 2005 I will buy my first Mac :D

Dinky

Diddy

Toy.

Sweet. (But remember the apple Cube, same theory, sold about 3 units...)

I do think this will go pretty well for Apple. Small form factor is a growing market right now and Apple has a whole marketplace of new fans after the iPod success. However, those same customers probably aren't yet ready to pay through the nose for a full fledged iMac, iBook, Powerbook etc. There's been a lot of rumour and talk of this lately and I am of the opinion that this has promise.

Sadly though, don't expect to pay anything like £275 for this, which is about what $500 converts to at the current exchange rate. Apple doesn't work like that and this will be closer to £500. Sure, pick one up direct from the US on eBay or on your next holiday but be prepared to run the customs risk on VAT, getting a power adaptor for 240V and voiding your warranty. :-(

[Edited on 11-1-2005 by phillc]

I have been waiting to see this as I want a media type machine in the front room, but am a bit disapointed. There's no 'video in', no 'digital audio out', ATI graphics will crash every few minutes & you have to pay extra for DVD writer.
:(

Oh dear, Since I'm off to Florida on Saturday morning (purely business) and was planning a trip to the Apple store for an iPod remote & car charger.

Think I may spend a bit more...and have this in the lounge on the plasma with bluetooth keyboard and mouse :)

I can't build a micro PC for that price. So I will buy my first Mac this year, based on getting a go on sunday...

On adaptors & Warranties, Apple are pretty good on sorting these out internationally unlike some vendors.

[Edited on 11-1-2005 by Mr_S]

I couldn't find any mention of bluetooth in the specs. Seems hugely shortsighted of apple, but then they missed the boat with iPods too and it hasn't exactly had much effect on sales...

Once you've splashed out for a bluetooth keyboard & mouse and a decent flatscreen you're almost up to the price of an iMac.

Looks pretty though. :)

Neat
 

The UK web site is quoting prices from £339

http://www.apple.com/uk/macmini/