5 Reasons to Get Excited About the New Mac Mini

Nobody needs Apple intelligence. We care about the hardware thank you.

More ports.. obvious CPU upgrade... Of the graphics will remain low powered and stinky because as much as anybody would tell you Apple has not been doing great in that area.

Integrated graphics are still integrated graphics and they are weak compared to even low end discrete graphics.

What the hell good is efficiency if you still lack the power.

Other one is bring on the changes let's see them.
 
beyond my personal desires i think that the same way apple can erase the usb a ports, they can decide to erase the whole model, so if to keep the model alive they need to "cut corners" and make the economics work so be it.

that said if it throttles bad i will have to ask for tim cook's head lol
 
If the M4 Pro Mac mini is limited to only 32GB of DRAM I'll be greatly disappointed. But, I guess Apple may do that so people are forced to go to the Mac Studio.

Note that the M4's main competition, the Snapdragon X Elite, can take up to 64GB of memory.

Also, I agree with others that the Mac mini really doesn't need to be much smaller. A computer with the same footprint as the Apple TV would look very strange indeed. I'd be okay if they reduced the width/depth by about two inches (6" x 6" x 1.4" seems about right), but not to the size of the Apple TV (i.e. keep it thin and wide, not like a thick Apple TV).

I'm also okay with removing the USB-A ports. Although it might be nice to have one USB-A 10Gbps port on the front for the keyboard and mouse or maybe a USB-A thumb drive.
 
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Like many others, The size isn't something I care about. It can be the existing size or smaller.

I am not really caring about USB A either, Im surprised with how long its been out, that it hasn't already gone the way of the dodo.

The main thing is the RAM.

Putting 16GB in it with keeping it at the older price point is a make or break for me.
 
I would even be happy to see a couple of front panel USB-A ports with just USB 2.0 capability as to not waste the data channels needed to support USB 3/4 that an all USB-C port selection would entail. Amongst other things, the 2.0 ports would not have to be directly mounted on the PCB as is the case for USB 3/4 (and Thunderbolt).

One reason for USB-A peripherals hanging around for a while is that implementing the USB-B interface on the peripheral is much simpler than the USB-C interface. In addition, the standard USB-B connector is a lot more rugged than the USB-C connector.

As for the "Why don't you get a Studio", IIRC the minimum processor for the Studio is the Max, while I would be fine with a Pro. OTOH, 64GB would be nice.
 
CarAnalogy said:
OK fair point, there would be a good use case for a truly mini computer. But that leaves us with zero middle ground to just have a base model desktop Mac. I seem to recall we already tried tiny computers and nobody liked the truly tiny ones.
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You mean YOU didn't. "Nobody" uses desktop computers anymore. It's all niche. Stop pretending that your use case is more valid than others'. Most people with your described use case either use a Macbook or an iMac. Mac Mini is mostly used in cases where those setups for whichever reason doesn't make sense. I think they are very rarely used as a traditional desktop computer (which is not saying that this user base doesn't exist, but it's a small number).

People have been whining for years that Apple should make a NUC competitor.
CarAnalogy said:
The issue isn't just processing power, or limitations of the operating system. We do like ports on these types of things. They're designed to be plugged in to constant power, have peripherals inserted, be connected to wired Ethernet, etc.

If they leave the traditional Mac Mini form factor alone in addition to an optional smaller one, that would be interesting. But I don't see why they would want to compete with their own Apple TV.
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I don't see it competing with Apple TV at all.

I think a smaller form factor makes the lineup make more sense. Most of those using a desktop computer with more advanced use cases are what Apple thinks should be Studio customers. Yes Studio is expensive, but that is the Apple way.

I think you are making a big fuss over nothing. What you stand to lose compared to your current one is one USB port, and for the base model we don't even know if that's the case. And perhaps you need an adapter if you have a USB-A device. Maybe the base model loses Ethernet, but that's speculation. So the only thing you are losing with this design is structural stability, which can easily be resolved in installation. Arguing that a Mac Mini goes from a good device to an unusable device for your use case because of those drawbacks, is frankly ridiculous.
CarAnalogy said:
And my point about what they did to the Mac Pro still stands and the point is that that seems to be the beginning of a trend. I would like to see Apple do more to support and expand desktop computing rather than forcing it to be increasingly more like mobile. Again not in terms of raw power, but in terms of meaningful ports and interoperability that just isn't a part of the mobile paradigm.
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I think complaining that the Mac Pro is too simplified is much more valid than complaining that their simplest computer is too simplified. It's more a case of modern Apple understanding (or caring about) the mainstream customer much better than the niche customers. Like it or not, I am willing to bet that most Mac Mini's are connected to a monitor (if that), and maybe one or two USB devices. Outside of server use, probably 95% is on wifi. Even for home server use, probably more than half is on wifi. To quote the Upgrade podcast this week: Only geeks like us use Ethernet (I actually don't).
 
IvyKing said:
I would even be happy to see a couple of front panel USB-A ports with just USB 2.0 capability as to not waste the data channels needed to support USB 3/4 that an all USB-C port selection would entail. Amongst other things, the 2.0 ports would not have to be directly mounted on the PCB as is the case for USB 3/4 (and Thunderbolt).
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Oh god no, one of the things that really annoys me with my Lenovo work computers is USB ports with different capabilities. This is one of the minor details I like most about Macs, all ports have the same functionality. Making the argument to keep USB-A around for compatibility, and then not supporting USB 3, makes zero sense.
IvyKing said:
One reason for USB-A peripherals hanging around for a while is that implementing the USB-B interface on the peripheral is much simpler than the USB-C interface. In addition, the standard USB-B connector is a lot more rugged than the USB-C connector.
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This is a time problem, and not for long. USB-C is currently being implemented in very, very cheap devices. You can get a USB thumb drive for less than 10 bucks. Even in audio devices like speakers, USB-C is quickly becoming the defacto connector instead of toslink, RCA and minijack etc.

Agree with the ruggedness, but that's just the way the world is turning. With that argument we should be using BNC...
 
I'll be tempted to get the Pro version even though I doubt I need the extra power. Hopefully will power will be strong and I just stick with the normal model.
 

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nt5672 said:
We don't need small, we need usable.

If the new mini slides off the desk every time you try to plug in something then it is not usable. We need power. If the new mini throttles for every workload because it is so small and has terrible thermal characteristics, then it is not usable. Please Apple give us a real computer, not a redesigned iPad without a screen.
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Current MacBook and MacBook Pro models show that the cooling requirements of the current SoCs are very low.
And a decent rubber base and adding some weights should be enough to ensure it isn't sliding all over the desk.
This feels like you're looking for a reason to dislike it rather than genuine concern.
 
I like the idea of this. A tiny computer with that much performance would be great for my hybrid working setup.
Even better if it can be powered with USB-C.
I hate using a laptop screen so I have my own monitor, keyboard and mouse at work anyway, so for the few days I'm in the office each week I can shove this in my jacket pocket and not lug around my laptop bag.
The MacBook Air has shown the thermals for M series chips are really low, so I'm not too worried about the form factor in that regard.
This could be a great option.
 
HobeSoundDarryl said:
Absolutely correct... and those bringing up ancient ports long-since retired are only playing the redirection game. Many/most of them were passionately arguing FOR keeping Lightning right up until Apple finally conceded. Too many of us seem to have evolving opinions based upon whatever we think Apple is wanting to do vs. genuinely what's best for consumers... going so far as to ridicule other consumers for having an opinion that doesn't align with what Apple wants to serve.

USB-A is abundantly in play in 2024. My guess is that USB-C might be as ubiquitous by about 2034. Between now and then, a mix of both is good consumer utility. Going all in on one and thus forcing adapters/hubs is not forwarding anything... just driving more revenue for adapters/hubs.

SCSI, Firewire, 30-pin, etc are all long gone. USB-A will still be very much in play for at least 5+ more years. Apple will vintage a brand new 2024 Mac in about 7.
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You are so right... I still have my Brother Printer, usb-a. Iphone has usb-a too - i have a adaptor for usb-c since my MBP 2019. Any common usb-drive has usb-a as well, here two too. Mac mini would be nice since i have a adaptor already. Phone is already downgraded to a Motorola International 2700 (it is so freaky tough to find a place with no cellular connection - that thing is insane...) I think i'll buy a second MBP I9 to hook up at the TV. They are not so expensive and a cable is always a klick away ;-).
 
DickieSmith said:
Current MacBook and MacBook Pro models show that the cooling requirements of the current SoCs are very low.
And a decent rubber base and adding some weights should be enough to ensure it isn't sliding all over the desk.
This feels like you're looking for a reason to dislike it rather than genuine concern.
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That's always a crowd pleaser here. Come up with a half dozen silly reasons why someone doesn't like it before they even know what it is - all to get people frothed up. Yeah...cats will be knocking them off tables worldwide. The sky is falling. TC needs to go.
 
Macalway said:
I'm very curious. All sorts of things, I won't list.

I'll get one most likely. 16gb base is great, and will increase sales. An entry level version of this. with 16gb and 256gb, for around $500 to $600, would sell very well, imo. Reduction of the size will set a trend, and still retain it as the top contender.

That is, as long as it's black :)
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I don't know what "black" means. Perhaps you forgot this is Apple. Did you mean "Space Black?"
 
DickieSmith said:
Current MacBook and MacBook Pro models show that the cooling requirements of the current SoCs are very low.
And a decent rubber base and adding some weights should be enough to ensure it isn't sliding all over the desk.
This feels like you're looking for a reason to dislike it rather than genuine concern.
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Apple's rubber base and weights are probably going to cost over $100.00. That is just too much and I only use Apple accessories.
 
Velli said:
Agree with the ruggedness, but that's just the way the world is turning. With that argument we should be using BNC...
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TNC is better than BNC, but the DS999 are even better.

My point with the "low-speed" USB-A connectors is that would allow the USB-C connectors to be consistent.
 
I feel like there's a presumption that USB A old and slow, while USB C is new and rocket fast. I have a number of USA A flash drives that are USB A that are 3.0 (5gbps) while the iPhone 16 has a usb c port but a speed of (checks notes)... 2.0 (480mbps - approximately one tenth of the speed of the USB A).

USB A is still relevant. Probably be less relevant in 5 years, but still, it's relevant now.
 
turbineseaplane said:
I don't really understand your point

The lines between what's an iOS/iPadOS or macOS device are incredibly fuzzy and fully arbitrary now that they all run nearly the exact same ASi

Apple could very easily make a device that does it all ... the only reason they don't is they'd like people to be forced into multiple purchases
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Jesus, I really don't know how else to explain it to you without simply repeating my original comment. I was very clear, the phrase "iPad Pro in a small box" is a stupid phrase because that's not what it is, plain and simple. The only shared characteristic is the M4 chip. As much overlap as there is between Apple's product lines, they are still two different products. It's just a dumb phrase that someone thought sounded cool when in reality this new Mac mini is essentially the same as before. They're talking about it as if it's this novel product that needs explaining, like people aren't gonna get it, but it's the same thing as before, only smaller. It doesn't need to be described in a "cool way", especially one that does not make sense.
 
Clearly this is being positioned to be (among other things) the new entry point for Windows-to-Mac converters... which prompts an obvious comparison: it is very interesting to me that this new Mini is anticipated to be specced just barely below Microsoft's Copilot+ AI PC requirements. For those who don't recall or haven't been following the news on that side of the fence, the executive summary of those specs are as follows:
  • 16GB of RAM (requirement met by minimum rumored config)
  • 256GB of total drive space (requirement likely can be met, depending upon config)
  • An NPU capable of 40 TOPS (vs 38 TOPS rumored on these new Minis)
Of course, I'm sure that nobody expects either Apple or Microsoft to support running Windows natively on these new Minis in the near future, anyway... but it still makes for an interesting academic discussion. Apple has reportedly stated that they fully plan to support Apple Intelligence on Macs, even as far back as the M1 -- which I would hazard a guess can't do anywhere near 40 TOPS of neural processing. So, do you really need 40 TOPS, to effectively do AI stuff? Maybe... or maybe not. And perhaps Apple plans to demonstrate that you don't... if you architect your system better.
 
MacMikePro said:
Jesus, I really don't know how else to explain it to you without simply repeating my original comment. I was very clear, the phrase "iPad Pro in a small box" is a stupid phrase because that's not what it is, plain and simple.
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It's all good -- thx for circling back

👍
Cheers
 
One thing I am very curious about is the thunderbolt ports… my understanding is the M4 base has 4 thunderbolt processing units, meaning they have to jump.through some hoops (one of them ain’t a thunderbolt but some version of USB). In general I don’t care if it loses a USB connector, I already have some that go C to A USB, they are very small. It will be hard from going from a system with 2SSDs raided for boot and 4 other drives. Obviously I need to get another external NVMe drive for cloning my 1T internal drive (for the extra huge money it will cost from the wormy fruit.
 

5 Reasons to NOT Get Excited About the New Mac Mini​


You already have a Mac Mini M2 Pro and it does everything you need it to do
It's current design is fine, plus it sits under a monitor stand...so only the front is seen anyway
It has 4 USB-C Ports
It comes with 16GB Base RAM
It supports Apple Intelligence
 
Paddle1 said:
That's a good point. They say it will be similar in size to the Apple TV. I've heard that the current Apple TV overheats and throttles more easily under load than the previous model due to the fan being removed.
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Not in my experience. Never a blip of overheating.

When anyone says “I’ve heard….’, ignore the comment.
 
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