Apple’s smallest computer: What is a Mac mini? Should you buy a Mac mini?
Apple last updated the Mac mini 2 years ago, but is it still worth buying today? What is the Mac mini, and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
The Mac product line has changed a great deal over the years. We’ve seen all-new Macs with new features and capabilities, refreshed hardware components, and all-new Macs for sale. However, along with all these new Macs, the Mac mini model also goes from strength to strength. So is Mac mini a preferable option? Can you buy a Mac mini?
What is Mac mini?
The Mac mini is Apple’s most affordable Mac desktop computer, starting at $699 in the United States. It combines advanced features, a compact design, and a wide range of ports. Apple introduced the Mac mini in 2005 and has since become a great choice for novice users. The latest Mac mini model was introduced in 2020 with the M1 chip.
It’s safe to say that the Mac mini’s biggest advantage is its size: It’s Apple’s smallest desktop model. This means it doesn’t take up much space on your desk and is easy to put away.
While some people might see the lack of a mouse, keyboard, or display as a negative, it’s a big advantage. It allows you to use whatever peripherals you want and doesn’t necessarily limit you to a specific set. It also helps keep the Mac mini’s selling price relatively low, as you only pay the price of the case if you already have the peripherals.
In addition, the M1 chip used in the Mac mini is one of the best in terms of performance and efficiency. Mac mini features the base M1 chip with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. Given that the M1 uses the Unified Memory architecture, you can also configure the device with up to 16 GB of RAM, which is even better than it sounds.
Mac mini disadvantages
Of course, with all these advantages, the Mac mini also has some disadvantages.
For example, using multiple displays with the M1 Mac mini can be challenging. Because the M1 chip only supports one external display, you need to use a USB-C and an HDMI ports to use multiple displays.
As mentioned above, the fact that external hardware such as a mouse, keyboard, and display are not included with the device can be an advantage, but it can also be a disadvantage. If you don’t already have them, you have to buy them separately, which can increase the cost.
On the design side, while the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro have gotten new designs, the Mac mini has yet to undergo a design refresh. So it’s still larger than what Apple needs to utilize the internal hardware. So, like the M1 iMac when it was refreshed in 2021, the Mac mini could undergo a major design change and slim down with its next major update.
Should you buy a Mac mini?
The Mac mini is obviously a good option if you’re in the market for a small and relatively affordable Mac computer. But you can also wait a bit and see the “possible new updated model.” Because it should be noted that Mac mini hasn’t been updated for two years…
FAQ
- “What is a Mac Mini?”
A Mac Mini is a small desktop computer made by Apple. It is about the size of a hardcover book and is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to set up and use in a variety of settings. The Mac Mini comes with a range of hardware options, including processors, memory, and storage, and can be customized to meet your specific needs.
- “How much does a Mac Mini cost?”
The price of a Mac Mini depends on the specific hardware and features you choose. As of 2021, the base model Mac Mini starts at around $700, and higher-end models with faster processors, more memory and storage, and other features can cost up to $1,400 or more.
- “What are the specifications of the Mac Mini?”
The Mac Mini is available with a range of hardware options, including processors, memory, and storage. The base model Mac Mini has an 8th-generation 3.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB of memory, and a 256 GB solid-state drive (SSD). Higher-end models are available with faster processors, more memory and storage, and other features.
- “What is the size of the Mac Mini?”
The Mac Mini is a small desktop computer that is about the size of a hardcover book. It measures 19.7 cm (7.7 inches) wide, 19.7 cm (7.7 inches) deep, and 3.6 cm (1.4 inches) tall.
- “What are the ports on the Mac Mini?”
The Mac Mini has a range of ports for connecting to various devices and peripherals. These include:
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- HDMI 2.0 port
- SDXC card slot
- Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- “Does the Mac Mini come with a monitor?”
No, the Mac Mini does not come with a monitor. It is designed to be used with a separate display, which can be connected to the Mac Mini using an HDMI or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cable.
- “Does the Mac Mini come with a keyboard and mouse?”
No, the Mac Mini does not come with a keyboard or mouse. These must be purchased separately. The Mac Mini is compatible with a wide range of keyboards and mice, including those made by Apple and other manufacturers.
- “What operating system does the Mac Mini run on?”
The Mac Mini runs on Apple’s macOS operating system. The specific version of macOS that comes with the Mac Mini depends on the model and the year it was released. As of 2021, the Mac Mini comes with macOS Big Sur, the latest version of macOS.
- “Can the Mac Mini be used as a server?”
Yes, the Mac Mini can be used as a server. It has a small form factor and low power consumption, making it well-suited for use as a server in a variety of settings. The Mac Mini can be configured with a range of hardware options, including processors, memory, and storage, to meet the specific needs of a server.
- “Can the Mac Mini be used for gaming?”
Yes, the Mac Mini can be used for gaming, although it may not be as powerful as a dedicated gaming computer. The Mac Mini has a range of hardware options, including processors and graphics cards, that can support a variety of games.