Anyone using a Mac Mini and MacBook Pro

[ricketysquire]

I'm thinking about picking up the 399$ Mac mini base model from Microcenter. Already have a MacBook Pro. Thinking about having it around as a secondary device to replace a mini PC. Anyone else have both devices?

 

[maflynn]

ITs a fantastic buy, but what will you use it for? I find that I'm largely a single computer person. I own multiple computers, but only use one.

What do you use the mini pc for and can the Mac Mini handle the apps/usage that the PC was doing?

 

[smithrh]

I have them both, and they work well together. The MBP gets used the most for sure, especially because it can travel but for some things that don't need to be mobile the mini is a great stationary unit. iCloud, screen sharing, Photos Library, backup etc.

If you're replacing a mini PC just make sure there are Mac equivalents for your apps.

One thing for sure, the Mac mini is unobtrusive and extremely power efficient. I also have a mini PC and would never leave that running ever.

 

[jasnw]

Not sure what your question is. I've had both for many years now, the Mini sits on my desk and my MBPro covers my traveling needs. The Mini is hands-down better than any comparable mini-PC I've seen lately, so that replacement makes sense. If you also need a mobile capability, while you can drag the Mini around to place you have a monitor, you can't use it on a plane, for example. You can also consider getting a good dock and just use the MBPro, but if you need an always-on system at home then you lose the mobile component if someone needs to use the home system while you're on the road. So, what are you asking?

 

[Mac_Professor]

I have a Mac mini M2 Pro and Mac M4 Max MacBook. I used to use both but it was a pain keeping both updated on a regular basis for what I do. So I went with an Ivanky dock and multiple monitors and made the Mac mini a file server, plex server and handbrake server for some video rendering of files. Attached a couple of ssd(s) and it works flawlessly. Also if my MacBook Max goes I can always switch back to using it as it supports 3 monitors. I spent too much time updating to keep everything uniform, now I focus more on work. I do use the Max M4 MacBook to go to client sites, but for traveling needs I have an older MacBook Air M1 which still cooks and does 90% of what I need and an iPad Air M5 I use. Don't want to take a $4500 laptop on a trip to lose it or drop it or it gets damaged in transit. Also it made no sense to spend another $2k for another Mac mini (would need to get pro with 48gb to be worth it) to let a $4500 machine sit on the shelf, I can use the money for something else. If you have a need for it get otherwise why waste the money. I also have an intel nuc that stays on with 32gb that I can run a few hyper-v machines on it and remote it.

 

[MacDaddyPanda]

I use that combo regularly. MBPM4Pro main daily driver, hooked to my A/V. Mac mini M4 Pro at my desk sharing a monitor with my WIndows Gaming PC. ANd Mac Mini M4 in the bedroom.

 

[TechRunner]

I had them both very briefly, but gave the Mini to a family member as I found myself totally engaged with the MBP.