Mac Mini + Tiger in Manila Apple Stores

[lamski]

I've always been a closet-mac fan. When the mini arrived (plus the fact that Tiger is bundled with it for free), I finally found my chance to switch... But here's the reason why I'm still using a PC:

Last Friday (May 6) I was about to purchase a Mac Mini from the apple store in Greenbelt when I found out that they still don't have stock of the latest mac minis with Tiger. If I bought a mini right then, I could avail of the free upgade to Tiger when new stocks arrive. But I would have to pay the shipping charges which would be around 700++ PHP. So I decided to wait.

I'm going for the higher-end model with everything installed but I found out that all minis sold in local apple stores don't have airport cards. They said that they don't have the tools to install the cards so it's not even an option!? :uh-oh: Would the new minis arriving in three weeks have airport cards installed?

[Dave_D]

Seeing that this is going to be your first mac, I honestly understand your hesitance to perform the upgrades yourself.

However, the lack of BTO (Build-To-Order) options that you want shouldn't stop you from getting a mini now (since it automatically qualifies for Tiger upgrade).

I figure, once you have the machine with you, the awe you feel toward it will fade and you won't be afraid to install the Airport Extreme card yourself.

The bigger issue (at least for me) is that Apple Center's prices are way to high considering the newer dealers (like Accent Micro) can offer the same model for less and includes internal Bluetooth as well...

If Accent Micro can just get the Tiger upgrade, I'd buy it from them.

[Carlo]

Yup. I was at Accent Micro today and was surprised at the price of their minis.

I'm not sure if are knowledgeable with what they're selling though.

I asked if they were an authorized service center and if they were capable of upgrading the units to 512MB without voiding the warranty. The sales people scratched their heads and called the supervisor who in turn said "tignan niyo na lang sa internet".

While waiting for a definite answer, a woman inquiring about iBooks was told that the "all the latest models have Superdrives".

As much as I was tempted at a bargain, I suddenly had images of the poor Mac mini being pried open with a screwdriver and a mallet. :uh-oh:

I still kept their number (just in case). :smooch:


[Edited on 5-8-2005 by Carlo]

[Sph1nx]

You can always try asking longbeard if he has one for sale

[Carlo]

Originally posted by Sph1nx
You can always try asking longbeard if he has one for sale

I did. Twice. But I guess he's very busy.

[Maccess]

These are the kind o things that should get forwarded to Junior Tan in Singapore.

--technododos selling macs.

In earlier times, PhilMUG spoke out to Apple against "resellers" who were just being signed up so someone could make his/her/its quota.

The movie on opening Mac Minis can be found here:

http://www.smashsworld.com/2005/01/taking-apart-mac-mini-how-to.php

[hubes]

Originally posted by Dave_D
I figure, once you have the machine with you, the awe you feel toward it will fade and you won't be afraid to install the Airport Extreme card yourself.

I purchased a Mac mini about a month and a half ago and I though it was going to be that easy. It turns out that the Mac mini does not come with an AirPort antenna built in. Yes, you could insert the AirPort card yourself but with the absence of an antenna the mini could not detect a signal from an AirPort base station. My "suki" had to order the antenna from Apple and it only arrived last week. I'll be bringing my unit to have it installed within the next few days and we'll see how it goes.

The following excerpt is taken from AppleInsider.com:
Bluetooth 1.1 and AirPort Extreme options are not part of the standard configurations for Mac mini; instead consumers must order Bluetooth or AirPort Extreme as a configure-to-order option. At the time of purchase, these options can be added separately. However, consumers looking to add these options after purchase will be required to purchase a Mac mini AirPort Extreme & Bluetooth Upgrade Kit, which includes both technologies.

The upgrade kit will be available from an AASP and will include an adapter mezzanine board, a Bluetooth board, a AirPort Extreme card, and antennas for both AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth modules. The kit is not user-installable and must be installed by an authorized technician. According to documentation, the mini's Bluetooth module is located on its own USB bus.

When configured with internal AirPort and Bluetooth modules, the antennas for AirPort and Bluetooth are located in the top of the Mac mini. More specifically, the AirPort antenna is located in the top, rear left-hand corner above the mini's power button, while the Bluetooth antenna is located in the top, front right-hand corner of the computer.

Due to the placement of the antennas, users who stack other computers or displays on top of the Mac mini may experience reduced wireless reception. For the best wireless performance, Apple suggests that users do not rest anything on top of the Mac mini, or stack other Mac mini's on top of one another.

[Edited on 5-8-2005 by hubes]

[booblanco]

How much is the Airport Extreme Upgrade Kit? If it's in the $150-200 range, the new eMac's fast becoming a more attractive proposition eh?

[hubes]

Originally posted by booblanco
How much is the Airport Extreme Upgrade Kit? If it's in the $150-200 range, the new eMac's fast becoming a more attractive proposition eh?

I didn't have to pay for the whole kit. My "suki" just asked me to pay for the AirPort Extreme card, which was P4900. Obviously, I'm embarrased that she didn't charge me for the antenna so I'll most likely insist that I make a payment for the antenna. I'll let you know how much she'll charge for the antenna once I go and see her within this week.

[HooHaw]

Hubes, that's very nice of your suki. Could you U2U your suki's name? Sure could use a friendly retailer like that.