Since I upgraded, I don't regularly check the refurb section any more, but I'm now looking to snag a mini for a switcher. Just wondering how often those fleeting late night appearances still occur.

But I just might wait until MWSF and hope to be surprised but a mini ][.

They were showing up almost exactly a month ago - I snagged one for $499 after talking my brother to switch (back) to Mac after a short detour through what turned out to be XP Hell for him.

The $499 C2D 1.83GHz model was available during the past week for a short time. They 'pop up' every week or so but sellout quickly.

You can get the same model NEW from Amazon for $544AR shipped free and no tax. [www.amazon.com]

btw, Apple ADDS tax to your order for most states.
But I just might wait until MWSF and hope to be surprised but a mini ][.
...wouldn't hold my breath for that surprise.

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If you have any technical know-how, you can get a much better - and easier to upgrade - hackintosh for $400. Some of the cases look quite nice to me.

If Apple does not update the mac mini in early 2009, I will be making my first hackintosh as my G4 mac mini is getting long in the tooth as a media center machine.

A netbook Hackintosh might be fun, but in this case, I'd rather just get the full Apple experience. The switcher has been drawn into Apple stuff thru using an iPod touch, so a mini might make a good intro to replace one of his desktops.

Good to know they're still available, refurb or new, but Apple needs to update the mini.