Apple Mac Mini user reviews (2.5GHz Core i5, Summer 2011)

1.5 stars

"No optical drive is a deal breaker" on July 22, 2011 by eye4bear

Pros: Lion OS and great looking design

Cons: Have to pay extra for an optical drive, keyboard and trackpad, might as well by a Macbookair

Summary: More over priced hardware from Apple.

1.0 stars

"Dooming a product" on July 22, 2011 by betomiller

Pros: A new version, but at a great sacrifice.

Cons: I was planning on purchasing a Mac Mini within the next few weeks, but after noting the decision to remove optical drive capability, I've changed my mind. Doesn't Apple realize that music and other media are still distributed on discs? And what about pr

0.5 stars

"Waste of money" on July 22, 2011 by douggdangger

Pros: Small size

Cons: Expensive paper weight

Summary: Many people buy Mac Minis as HTPCs. By removing an optical drive, people are stuck with streaming content. Until everyone's home has a gigabit connection to the internet, this is still a useless device.

If Apple inserted a bluray drive then I would really consider this.

On the other hand, I'm fine with my quad core htpc with a bluray burner for less than $500.

1.0 stars

""How to kill a product"
by
Apple" on July 22, 2011 by Jim Nielsen

Pros: Faster processor
Faster Graphics

Cons: No optical drive.
No burning optical.
No playing optical.
No need for the new Mini.

Summary: I have a Gen 1 Mini. I use it as a home theater device. I don't need to have extra players and additional components to clutter my HT area. At least give AN OPTION for optical (Blu-Ray burning and all of its assumed backward compatibility). The device no longer makes sense as an HT component. No optical just makes it a non-starter.

I have to agree with MarqBland - if there is enough room for another hard drive, then there was likely enough room for a slot optical.

I suppose the "choice" is a non-Apple device, which is not much of a choice at all. The Mini I have now will have to last, because there won't be another option now. Bummer.