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Well, that was no more helpful.

”as a developer” who talks about running 4-5 docker instances he recommends getting 16GB of RAM. That’s the same situation as the person talking about stuggling to run Final Cut Pro on 8GB of RAM. Completely unrealistic scenario with an obvious outcome.

Someone with modest computing needs can get along just fine with the base model without incurring the cost of a big upgrade. Someone who is pushing the machine more should plan to upgrade.
 
While refurbs can be a nice way to get a warrantied Mac, direct from Apple, for less than retail, I do want to say we've seen better deals at Amazon (and/or other retailers). No matter how you slice it, M2 Mac mini is a solid little nugget.

As a matter of fact, my 12 yo calls his Mac mini 16/512 Power Nugget. He is loving it, for what he uses it for most; Steam, YouTube and 3D printing. While I haven't spent a lot of time with it, I have been pretty impressed with what I've seen. Performance is pretty incredible. Working in multiple, fullscreen spaces, he's doing things like playing a heavily mod'd KSP, via Steam, full-tilt, whilst streaming YouTube and the the M2 almost feels bored. The form factor, something I didn't think much about at purchase, is pretty cool. Super clean and quiet. His 24" monitor sits nicely atop that little 7.5" x 7.5 x 1.4" block. And the price point - even for an upgraded 16/512 - worked.
What 24 inch monitor does he have?
 
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