The ultimate Mac mini peripheral ...

[Brains]

... would be a new base for the mini (something that can snap into the place where the original base-plate fits) that holds:
- a replacement power supply pod
- space for a 3.5" hard drive that connects not via Firewire but directly to the mini's internal IDE100 connector (see the AMUG article that describes the 70-100% speed increases)
- four port Firewire hub
- four port USB 2.0 hub

If they released a miniMate in this configuration, I'm sure it would sell like hot potatoes. Until they do, I'm moving the guts from my mini into a nice-looking Shuttle PC case. Having state of the art grunt crippled by a 4200rpm internal drive is a bit nonsensical, to my way of thinking


Brains

[droopy1592]

I think they just did.

[pitt]

You basically described the Minimate and the M9 Pod.

[akeros]

Hi,

I think the original poster wants a direct connection for the hard drive, not using USB or firewire. And also a way to use the new base as a power supply.

I'm not sure that it will be feasible because that would mean a product that needs to void your mac mini warrenty or potentially could... (the power supply is fine but not the direct connection into the IDE port of the mac mini...)

Of course, if there is a product like this, with easy install then I'll be very interested as well
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Mac Mini 1.58Ghz 1Gb & Sharp Laptop PC
Ipod Shuffle 512Mb

[macmini]

"You basically described the Minimate and the M9 Pod."

Does anyone know if this product has been reviewed anywhere?

Thanks,
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Richard

[blazer]

I ordered the miniMate. I'm going to post some pitures if I ever get the GD thing! I haven't seen a review for either product.
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1.42GHz Mac mini
2.0GHz Core 2 Duo Mac mini
2.0GHz Core 2 Duo Mac mini (2009)
2.5GHz Core i5 Mac mini (2011)
24" Dell LCD & 42" Sharp TV
EyeTV 250 Plus
1G, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G iPod nanos
16GB 3G iPhone