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What a genius idea the Mac mini is.
When the machine launched in 2005, it was billed as the most inexpensive doorway into the Apple ecosystem.
It was designed to appeal to Windows switchers, who would save money by reusing their existing monitor, keyboard and mouse. It initially cost $499, the cheapest Mac ever.
"We want to price this Mac so that people who are thinking of switching will have no more excuses," said Steve Jobs when introducing the machine.
It never really did catch on with Windows users, though. Instead, it became a favorite of current Apple customers, who often used it as a second computer, a media server or a kids’ machine. Some even filled small data centers with them.
For the last 21 years, the mini’s fortunes have waxed and waned. It tended to be the bastard stepchild of the Mac lineup, receiving infrequent upgrades and skirting close to being discontinued on a couple of occasions.
But these days, the Mac mini is more popular than ever. Apple has trouble keeping it on store shelves, thanks to its suitability as a dedicated local AI machine.
The good news is that Apple’s working on a great update, due this fall. Here’s the skinny.
Also in today’s newsletter:
Another machine Apple can barely make enough of to meet supply is the MacBook Air, even after a recent $200 price bump.
TBH, I wouldn’t have predicted Apple’s upcoming AR glasses as fitness devices, but a job posting hints at just that. What a clever idea.
Because Incogni advertises with us, I decided to try out its data-scrubbing service. To my surprise, it did a great job of helping me with an elderly relative who was getting scammed.
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My family had zero interest in soccer, but we all became obsessed after the World Cup. My son even bought himself a Harry Kane jersey. I think we’ll check out the Leagues Cup — a kinda North American version of the World Cup — which starts streaming on Apple TV tomorrow.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
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One more thing ...
This chokes me up. This really chokes me up. It was so clear that Lee [Clow of Chiat/Day] loved Apple so much. Here was the best guy in advertising. And he hadn’t pitched in 10 years. Yet here he was, and he was pitching his heart out, because he loved Apple as much as we did.
He and his team had come up with this brilliant idea, “Think Different.” And it was 10 times better than anything the other agencies showed. It choked me up, and it still makes me cry to think about it, both the fact that Lee cared so much and also how brilliant his “Think Different” idea was.
Every once in a while, I find myself in the presence of purity — purity of spirit and love — and I always cry. It always just reaches in and grabs me. That was one of those moments. There was a purity about that I will never forget. I cried in my office as he was showing me the idea, and I still cry when I think about it.
Today’s poll
Who's a fan of the Mac mini?
Results from last Friday’s poll:
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