The Amazon company also has an upgraded Mac mini on sale for $549.99 ($150 off) while supplies last. Refurbished 2018 iPads on sale from $284.99 32GB 2018 9.7' iPad (Wi-Fi Only) in Gold, Silver. The only Mac that has seen a refresh so far is the MacBook Pro, with MacBook, MacBook Air, and Mac mini updates still on the horizon for a fall launch. Falling Mac sales come amid stagnant growth. 2 days ago 2018 Mac mini Note: These are open-box Mac mini configurations equipped with Expercom-installed RAM, not Apple RAM. Expercom is an Apple Authorized Service Provider, so this does not affect.
Nov 22, 2018 For a limited time only, Apple authorized reseller Adorama is taking $100 off two 2018 Mac mini systems for the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. These deals, which can be activated with coupon code APINSIDER using the pricing links below and in our Price Guide, deliver the lowest prices anywhere on the newly released configurations. To snap up the discounts, shop. Testing conducted by Apple in October 2018 using preproduction 3.2GHz 6-core Intel Core i7-based Mac mini systems with 64GB of RAM and Intel UHD Graphics 630, and shipping 3.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i7-based Mac mini systems with 16GB of RAM and Intel Iris graphics.
In April, Apple killed off its entire networking product line. The company announced that it would be sunsetting the AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule. You can still buy the remaining stock (if you don't mind Frozen-era networking tech), and they'll still work. Just don't expect Apple CEO Tim Cook to pull out a shiny new next-gen Apple router on stage at June's WWDC keynote -- or any other time in the future, unless the company feels it can somehow truly reinvent the networking space.
While some have lamented its demise, the death of the AirPort line surprised absolutely nobody. By not updating its networking products since 2013, Apple had effectively waved would-be consumers farther down the aisle, on to newer, better products from manufacturers that were actually moving forward in the space with innovations like mesh networking -- Eero, Netgear and even Google, to name a few.
The death of the AirPort line is a stark contrast to the fate of the Mac Pro. Apple's highest-end computer was similarly left untouched for the better part of a decade. It had effectively been given up for dead by the Mac's creative community -- until the company revealed in 2017 that it would be resurrected in the future, completely redesigned from the ground up. Not only that, but Apple would be developing new standalone displays, too -- thus reversing its exit from the monitor business, when it had killed off the Thunderbolt display in 2016.
But what about those peers of the AirPort and the Mac Pro -- the other Apple products that have existed in limbo for years? They're not officially dead, but they feel impossible to recommend because 'Apple has to be refreshing them soon, right?' Will they get an unexpected stay of execution, a la the Mac Pro? Will they be marched to the gallows, like the AirPort line? Or will they continue to occupy some middle ground product purgatory, limping along without updates?
With the June 4 WWDC keynote only days away, the anticipation is rising. It's a perfect excuse to look at whether Apple will keep or kill these four products.
Editors' note: A version of this story was originally published April 30.
MacBook Air
Last updated: The Air was given the tiniest of CPU refreshes in June 2017, but the 'upgrade' was to a 2015-era fifth-gen Intel processor. Its basic design, meanwhile, is nearly unchanged from the version that Steve Jobs pulled from a manila envelope when introducing it back in 2008. But that's not a knock: Many consider it to be nearly perfect -- the apogee of laptop design.
The case for killing it: There are two Mac laptops designed to siphon off Air lovers: The 12-inch MacBook is designed to be the perfect coffee shop computer, while the entry-level MacBook Pro brings more power to the table. Both are lighter and have Retina screens that leave that of the aging Air in the dust.
The case for keeping it: The options above have three big problems: They're both more expensive than the $999 Air (though sales have been more frequent), they require dongles and adapters to use any old-school USB peripherals and complaints about their fancy butterfly keyboards continue to mount. What Apple needs is a new entry-level laptop that leans in to the Air design and dependability legacy, while bringing its specs up to snuff. A 13-inch version of the MacBook would fit the bill nicely -- so long as it brings a Retina screen, at least one USB-A port, and a throwback keyboard that can't be felled by a speck of dust.
The latest rumors: Published reports say that some sort of Air replacement is in the wings, and we may see it as soon as June 4. But keeping that $999 price tag is a must if it's meant to be a true successor to the Air.
Read the CNET review: MacBook Air 2017
Read the rumor roundup:2018 MacBook Air: All the rumors on specs, price and release date
iPod Touch
Last updated: Except for refreshed storage upgrades in July 2017, the hardware is identical to what was released in July 2015.
The case for killing it: Apple killed off the final scrollwheel iPods back in July 2017, leaving the Touch as the only iPod in the company's lineup. But with its tiny 4-inch screen and aging A8 processor, it's underpowered. And that 4-inch display feels downright microscopic compared in a world where the screens of most iPhone start at 4.7 inches, and most Android phones at 5.
The case for keeping it: At $200 for 32GB, this is still your most affordable onramp to an iOS device: $150 cheaper than the similarly sized iPhone SE, and totally pocketable, unlike the iPad that costs $130 more. If a bigger 4.7-inch or 5.5-inch screen is off the table at this price, give this puppy iPhone 7-era specs, at least: an A10 processor and a 12-megapixel camera.
Read the CNET review: iPod Touch 2015
iPad Mini 4
Last updated: The current hardware was introduced in September 2015, but as of March 2017, it's sold only in a 128GB model.
The case for killing it: The fourth iteration of the 7.9-inch Mini occupies a weird place in the iPad line. The only iPad that's not compatible with the Pencil stylus is smaller and slower than the new $329 9.7-inch Apple tablet, but it's also more expensive, thanks to the fact that Apple offers only a single 128GB version at an artificially price-inflated $399. And interest in mini tablets has waned as smartphone screens expand into phablet territory: We may see a 6.5-inch iPhone in September, if the rumors are to be believed.
The case for keeping it: A refreshed 32GB Mini with an A10 chip would be a killer entry-level product for, say, $249 -- especially if Apple ends up axing the iPod Touch described above. That price isn't that much less than the $269 for which Apple offered the Mini 2 until last year.
Read the CNETreview:iPad Mini 4
Mac Mini
Last updated: The current version of the smallest, most affordable Mac was introduced in October 2014 -- and has been unchanged since.
The case for killing it: Despite a devoted following, this $499 desktop computer has languished with an ancient fourth-gen Intel Core i5 for almost 4 years. Apple's statements on the Mini's fate since then have been noncommittal at best. One gets the feeling that the company would probably prefer that you just buy an iPad and keyboard/case combo at this price -- or step up to a MacBook instead.
The case for keeping it: At the very least, the Mini needs a current-generation Intel processor to be considered more than an also-ran -- although the still-popular MacBook Air (see below) has a fifth-gen Intel CPU that's only slightly newer. That said, it would be cool to see Apple pull an Apple, and go for a complete redesign. It could either go upscale, with a Cupertino take on the Hades Canyon, or it could go even mini-er than ever: Imagine a Mac desktop that wasn't much larger than an Apple TV box, for instance. That's the direction that other PC competitors have gone in recent years, as shown in the photo above.
Read the CNETreview:Mac Mini 2014
WWDC 2018: All of the rumors and expectations in one place
iPhone 2018: Everything we know about the specs, release date and price of the next iPhones
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The Rundown
Our Top PicksBest Overall: HP Pavilion Wave
At first glance, it’s easy to mistake the HP Pavilion Wave for a stylish Bluetooth speaker or digital assistant. It’s actually both of these things, but it’s also a mini PC packed with plenty of features. And that unique design serves a purpose — the top of the Pavilion Wave is a parabolic speaker that directs high-quality audio (from B&O Play) 360 degrees around the room.
The Pavilion is powered by a 7th-generation quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and both a hard drive and solid-state drive that are 1TB and 256GB respectively. It delivers exceptional performance for the size, with plenty of power to spare for demanding tasks like video or image editing. This PC can easily handle 4K video playback, and multi-monitor support ensures that you can watch video on one monitor and multitask on another. Built-in Amazon Alexa adds voice control so you can check a calendar, create shopping lists, or ask questions without pulling up a browser.
The compact design weighs a nominal six pounds and measures only 9.25 inches in height.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Apple Mac mini
While Apple’s laptops and all-in-one desktops get all the glory, the Mac mini is a sophisticated and compact desktop-class computer. As with most Apple products, the mini’s design is the first thing you notice — available in Apple’s muted Space Gray color, the hardware measures a mere 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 inches and weighs under three pounds. At that size, it seems like the mini might have performance limitations. But that’s not the case.
Apple’s move to a solid-state drive ensures the mini will run faster, cooler and quieter. Buyers can choose between two 8th-generation Intel processors (i3 or i5) as well as up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. Note that the RAM is user-upgradeable after purchase, but the SSD is not. An Intel UHD Graphics 630 chip won’t satisfy most gamers, but it’ll work fine for basic gameplay and 4K video playback. Capable of powering up to three displays at once, the mini comes equipped with four USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports alongside HDMI and dual USB 3 ports.
Best Budget: Lenovo IdeaCentre 310S
With a striking design and affordable price tag, the Lenovo IdeaCentre 310S is a compact PC the whole family can enjoy. Packed with 500GB of hard drive storage, there’s more than enough space for pictures, videos, and applications. The IdeaCentre 310S also includes 4GB of RAM, an AMD A9-series processor, and AMD’s Radeon graphics card that can handle 1080p video playback with aplomb but probably won’t be able to handle 4K streaming.
If the lack of 4K streaming isn’t a dealbreaker, then the Lenovo has plenty of other convenient features. For one, it’s tiny — nearly 50% smaller than the average desktop-class PC. Measuring less than 3.5 inches wide, the hardware is easy to fit on or under a desk. However, the small size didn’t prohibit Lenovo from cramming in a bevy of ports. The front of the computer is adorned with four USB 2.0 ports as well as a built-in media reader for a variety of memory cards. Lenovo has even included a DVD/CD burner, which is often only found on full-size desktop hardware. The addition of 802.11ac Wi-Fi standards ensures the Lenovo can browse and download at fast speeds.
Best Alternative to Windows: Acer CXI3 Chromebox
If you’re looking for solid performance but don’t necessarily need Windows, the Acer CXI3 Chromebook is a terrific mini PC. It comes equipped with an Intel i7 processor (8th generation), 16GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Even browsing the web with 20 tabs open and streaming 4K video won’t slow you down. Chrome OS isn’t a gaming system, but it can handle some browser-based games.
The hardware itself falls firmly in the mini PC category. Measuring 5.9 x 5.9 x 1.6 inches in size and weighing only 1.2 pounds, it’s lighter than the vast majority of laptops, let along desktop units. The black plastic shell is low-profile and designed to hide the hardware components inside. The front of the computer is well-equipped with two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card slot, power button, and a headphone jack. The rear of the hardware adds in more connectivity with four additional USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, USB Type-C and Ethernet.
Best for Gaming: Lenovo Legion C530 Cube
Small but capable, the Lenovo C530 is a serious piece of hardware in a portable package. It has the latest 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, 32GB of RAM and up to 256GB SSD, making this computer a true powerhouse. Fully capable of handling the latest in VR-gaming, you have your choice of NVIDIA’s GTX 1060, 1050 Ti, or 1050 graphics card. It will also last you into future, which takes some the sting out of the premium price tag: the C530 is built with one-touch, tool-free access to all the inner workings you might want to upgrade later on.
The exterior of the computer is just as smart as the inside, with an integrated carrying handle that makes it surprisingly portable. A slew of HDMI and USB ports on the back can quickly become a cable nightmare, but Lenovo has avoided this problem by adding a cable organizer in the back (a rare find on mini PCs).
Runner-Up, Best for Gaming: MSI Trident 3 Arctic
MSI’s Trident 3 Arctic is a small yet powerful VR-ready PC — it's actually one of the smallest VR-ready PCs ever made. Weighing only seven pounds and measuring 13.63 x 2.83 x 9.15 inches, it’s about as big as an Xbox One. For a desktop-grade gaming system, it’s lighter and slimmer than most gaming PCs on the market. It can also sit horizontally or vertically, depending on preference.
Mac Mini 2018 For Sale
The Trident 3 runs on an 8th Gen Intel i7-8700 processor and an Nvidia GTX 1070 graphics card, which is enough power for playing 1080p games with ease. For a lower price tag, you can also get configurations with an Nvidia GTX 1060 or 1050 graphics card. The PC comes with 16GB of memory, a 256GB Solid State Drive and a 1TB hard drive, which is enough storage and memory for gameplay and multitasking with Windows 10. MSI’s proprietary cooling system means that when the PC is running, its fans are practically silent. But what’s most convenient about the MSI Trident 3 Arctic is its front-facing VR port, which makes plugging in VR headsets easy.
The only drawback is that the PC needs a pretty clunky external power adapter to work. But that aside, the MSI Trident 3 Arctic is a massively powerful VR gaming PC in a tiny, silent package.
Best Value: ASUS VivoMini PC
The ASUS VivoMini has long been a staple of the mini PC market and for very good reason. For home computing, the ASUS strikes an appealing balance between performance and price. Powered by a 7th-generation Intel i5 processor, the computer can also add up to 16GB of separately-purchased RAM and any 2.5-inch full-size SSD. Installing extra components isn’t for everyone, but the result is worth the time involved. That’s even truer when you consider the ASUS’ integrated 4K UHD graphics, built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0. Two front-mounted USB ports include fast charging for quickly powering up portable devices, and the four-in-one card reader provides yet another option for media downloads.
The 5.1 x 5.1 x 2-inch footprint is incredibly compact, and the VESA support for wall mounting makes it the perfect media machine. ASUS even saw fit to include their media streaming applications and Remote Go! apps for boosting its entertainment capabilities. It’s easy to connect the VivoMini to your HDTV using HDMI input or DisplayPort++ connectivity.
Best for Business: HP ProDesk 400
If you’re on the hunt for a capable mini PC for business, the HP ProDesk 400 is an excellent option. Packed with an Intel i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, the HP won’t buckle under pressure. If you require even more power, the ProDesk adds two bays and two half-height slots for expandable storage or extra RAM. At 6.69 x 13.3 x 10.79 inches in size, the computer easily fits underneath or on the side of a desk. A total of eight USB ports between the front and back means there’s plenty of inputs for multiple monitors.
As an investment for a small business, the HP is designed to hold up for more than 120,000 hours of use. “Sure Click “ technology protects against malware and viruses keeping both data and client information secure, and HP’s client manager is also included to defend against any data theft. Finally, HP Biosphere ensures that you’re always up to date with automatic updates and security checks.
Best Kit: Intel NUC8 Mini PC KitMac Mini 2018 Release Date
If you aren’t put off by the glowing skull, Intel’s NUC8 mini PC kit is a fantastic do-it-yourself option. The smallest NUC (Next Unit of Computing) Intel has ever created, it’s also the most powerful. Inside the compact hardware rests an 8th-generation Intel i7 processor with Radeon RX Vega M graphics with 4GB of dedicated memory. This kit is powerful enough for even hardcore PC gamers, so it’s more than capable of handling everyday processes like multitasking, streaming 4K video, or video editing. There’s even support for up to six 4K or 5K monitors with a variety of HDMI, Thunderbolt, USB and DisplayPort inputs.
As a do-it-yourself kit, getting the most out of this machine requires a little extra legwork. There’s support for up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, but it must be purchased separately. The same goes for solid-state storage, which is easily installed after removing a few screws. If you aren’t afraid of a little assembly, the NUC8 has a winning combination of power and price that makes it a great option for do-it-yourself types.
What to Look for in a Mini PC
Size -If you’re buying a mini PC, size is probably pretty important to you. While all the devices on our list are compact, some are more so than others, ranging from the size of a gaming console down to a deck of cards. Often times, the larger it is the more powerful it is, but the tradeoff is up to you.
Mac Mini 2018 For Sale
Processing power - You’ll find that most processors are made by Intel and their power depends on how many cores each processor has: the more cores and the faster the speeds, the more powerful the processor. Handr block 2018 for macomb. Depending on your use, though, you may not need the most powerful processor out there.
2018 Mac Mini Update
RAM - RAM, or random access memory, is the hardware inside your mini PC that temporarily stores data. RAM lets a computer work with more information simultaneously, which usually has a big effect on total system performance. So how much do you need? We recommend at least 4GB of memory, although PCs will have an option to add more via a microSD card or hard drive.
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