Why no "n" for Mini?

Question

Is there some reason the Mac Mini is the only computer that does not have the "n" wireless capability?
"n" has been out for over a year now and the Mini still does not have the "n" technology. Why Apple?
I know it can be done as people have used the Airport Card from other devices and installed it in the Mac Mini. This is documented on some web sites.
I am running an Intel Mini with the "g" technology but this is slowing down my entire network.
Yes, I know, I could hook it up to an Airport Express Base Station and turn off the mini's airport but this seems ridiculous to me.
I know we are not allowed to speculate on Apple products but not having "n" in the entire computer lineup seems ludicrous to me.
Almost everything is "n" including the new Time Capsule and the new Apple TV..
The only items that are NOT "n" are the Mac Mini's and the Airport Express Base Stations?
I know I am not the only one wondering why.
Personally, I would buy a new Mac Mini and 2 new Airport Express Base Stations if Apple ever releases the "n" technology for these devices.
It sure would be nice to have my entire network running the "n" technology.
Anyone else?
   Joseph Kriz

Answer 1

You're correct in pointing out that we aren't allowed the freedom to speculate on Apple products, nor on Apple's policies, thus while it's perfectly reasonable to assume that at some stage the mini will gain 11n compatibility, the fact that it does not at present is simply a matter of fact, and the reason it does not is no more complex than that Apple choose for it not to have 11n.
Given that it's an entry level system, and that by far and away the broadest market for it is hardly likely to care about 11n or need 11n speed, I'd suspect Apple don't feel the need to make any change to it. Given that 11n would do little other than to help it compete against AppleTV v2, because that's about all the extra speed would assist, it might even be argued that there's good reason for it to be held at 11g! All in all though, the only thing it is possible to reliably know is that Apple intentionally set the specifications for the system, whether we understand what considerations they took into account.
In terms of the potential for users to upgrade it themselves - it is certainly possible, and one or two regulars who post here have done it with great success, but it should be noted that performing such an upgrade renders any remaining warranty at risk should a future claim against it be made. If that doesn't bother the individual, the upgrade is neither expensive nor difficult.