MAC Mini Issues

I think you're referring to when Apple upgraded the mini, but didn't update the packaging to reflect it. Apple did that in order to clear out inventory of the old machines...if they suddenly upgraded the machine but didn't change the price, everyone who was planning to buy a mini would make sure they bought one of the new ones, and they'd have a ton of the older ones in inventory they'd have to sell at a reduced price (and therefore less profit).

Thanks for getting back so quickly...

How long ago did that upgrade happen? And what do you suppose are the chances of getting the original vs. getting the upgrade?

Thx.

Several months ago. If you buy a mini directly from Apple (e.g. from the Apple Store Web site or retail store) you're guaranteed to get one of the newer ones -- Apple has run out of stock of the older models (though some third-party vendors may still have some).

Thanks!

Also, you might be able to get a "guarantee" from where ever you buy it. Ask them if it is the one with 512MB RAM, and if you buy the better models, does it have WiFi built-in? The 512MB RAM stock is a giveaway that it is upgraded, as is the WiFi stock on 1.42GHz models. If a store won't guarantee that they are selling you a 512MB model when that is what you are clearly expecting to buy by voiceing it to them, then take your business elsewhere. If in doubt, have them open the package before you buy it and give you a live demo. Heck, if they balk at that, ask them about their return policy, then if it's a decent one, open the box the moment you pay for it and test it right there. If it's underspec, demand your refund. Of course bring witnesses and make sure other customers are around too...

Funny... we did just that tonight at the local Apple store. Not only would they not admit there was an issue, they would not agree that an upgrade had taken place, they refused to comply with our request to open the box and check the available unit, AND they advised there would be a 10% restocking fee if we bought the unit, found that it was the lesser one and asked for it to be replaced. The manager answered the questions with the same answers as the young person who was our initial salesperson. Answers were almost word for word.

I'm a long-time Mac person, but this was an astoundingly bad showing for Apple.

I'm very open to other options.

CompUSA and MicroCenter sell Macs, but I dunno how good they would be about this issue. I'll be buying a Mini from MicroCenter after I see what happens with the Apple announcements next month, so either I'll be getting a PPC Mini if the rumors are wrong. If they are right and if the prices stay the same, I'll be springing for a dualcore x86 Mini!