So everyone knows now that the Mac Mini is due for a major overhaul. I'm hoping it will look like Hideo Takano's latest mod we featured, the Mac Pro Nano http://www.macmod.com/content/view/1276/205/.

What I think the real reason why (and a time frame for) the new Mac Mini is the economic stimulus package coming our way. Think about it for a second. If you're single, you're going to have $600 in your pocket (same price as a mini) and if you are married, you're going to have $1200 (iMac or MacMini pimped out with AppleCare). Throw some kids into your family and you could have enough to get a MacPro.

So Apple has a few months to gut the inside of the MacMini, repackage it, and get it out to the shelves by the middle to the end of May and pull in its share of the stimulus package.

I really didn't know what you were talking about until I searched for "economic stimulus package".

You'll get a note in the mail if you are going to get one. The IRS does a real good job of confusing you when you read it.

I'm Canadian, so I don't think its coming... but if it does I'll have to thank George Jr.

yea, I got the letter today, I think it would be wise for Apple to release something for this... All companies for that matter.

Hmmm...well I guess I'm screwed with the package. I hate the idea, as I don't want part of next years refund being applied to me now. I'd rather get it next year providing the dollar doesn't tank any further.

Getting on topic, I guess the wife and I could pickup a new laptop for her. It will be about 3 years of use on her current laptop plus she's hard on stuff. I'm surprised it's still working.

Then again I'd rather spend the money on a trip to europe.

The stimulus package isn't related to your tax return. AFAIK you will just get a check, period. I didn't know there was an option to defer and apply to taxes.

Well... The government might just be paying for a shiny new MacBook Pro 17, if thats the case. Usually though, I don't like when my government starts to make desperate attempts at restarting our economy. My friend used a pretty good analogy "It's like putting a band-aid on an arterial bleed, you need to do better."

My opinion is that it has nothing to do with your economy. I think it's so Bush can leave on a high note. Many leaders do similar things on their way out.(or om there way in, for that matter)

We need to stop printing money, make what we have worth more. The government needs to stop borrowing against it's self. And we need to start bringing back our industries. I'm in Utah, and they just sold off one of i think 4 remaining US steel mills to china. What ever happened to drilling for oil in Texas, Utah, and Alaska. Bring our economy back to the US and then our economy will get better. *Steps down from soap box* ahem.... sorry.