Among the new announcements at the MacWorld Expo, Apple released the Mac mini. I haven’t been able to read any professional reviews or even examine the specs in detail myself, but it seems like a brilliant idea.

The key, of course, to this new child in the Mac family, is the price tag. Indeed, the price tag is what drew so many rumors and the ThinkSecret.com lawsuit fiasco. By Apple’s response, you would have thought that ThinkSecret.com spilled all the beans. But one element of the release that may seem simple–although simplicity is not to be underrated with a company known for its powerful leverage over simplicity–is the name of this new product.

Yes, naming it “Mac mini”, akin to the iPod’s younger sibling, the “iPod mini” is simply genius. Apple’s family of computers and MP3 players hasn’t looked more handsome in years. Have you read any articles suggesting that Apple should find ways to emphasize the success of the iPod by drawing iPod fans to Apple’s computer line? For those that the price point doesn’t draw in, the amazing size and style of the Mac mini will seal their fate.

And why not release a headless and affordable Mac? After all, converted Windows users won’t need the Mac to come with a monitor when they can just use their existing monitor from their now-defunct PC. ;-D

It’s enjoyable to read news and opinions about Apple in IT magazines–whether they are amicable or not–because it confirms that Apple is one of the “big boys”, eligible for the same criticism that all the other major tech companies receive.

This week, Apple receives commendation and condemnation in the same week: Commendation from Tom Yager for his great experiences with Apple hardware and software, condemnation from Ed Foster for its recent lawsuit against ThinkSecret.com.

Being that Tom Yager is the technical director for InfoWorld’s Test Center, his praises are something for Apple to be proud of. Read his praises in the article, Ahead of the Curve: Try as I might, I can’t wreck a Mac.

I hope it is believable when I say I am a bit underwhelmed by Mr. Foster’s article condemning Apple for its lawsuit against ThinkSecret.com. While nearly no Mac enthusiast is happy when Apple lashes out like this–especially when it is against “one of our own” in a Mac enthusiast site–we ought to recognize the validity of Apple’s concerns especially in this instance. If ThinkSecret’s reported rumors rang far too true to simply be rumors, Apple is wise for taking action and defending itself against unscrupulous individuals. Since such individuals keep themselves thoroughly concealed from Apple’s view, it is understandable that Apple pursue these individuals by attacking the organization that openly cooperated with such unlawful individuals. Anyway, enjoy his article at The Gripe Line: Apple As Big Brother.