Buying Advice - Mac Mini vs. iMac vs. Macbook vs. iPad

[pilot1226]

Hi all,

I've been a member of the forums for a long time... rarely do I seek advice, but I am at a point of total confusion. I haven't owned a Mac computer since college (20 years ago!) when they were still PowerPC chips running OSX Tiger - just before the switch to Intel chips.

My current desktop solution is a homebuilt Windows from around 2011. I think it's running Windows 8. It's ancient by today's standards, but will perform any functions I need. I do not game on this computer (but I have dabbled from time to time, so occasional access to nostalgia gaming like Half-Life and other Steam content is a plus, but is not a requirement) - I am heavy into mobile gaming (SWGOH) so that is my primary focus.

I will accomplish nearly all my tasks via my iPhone 12 Pro Max, but from time to time I will need to type out a long e-mail or complete some spreadsheets that I prefer a full-sized keyboard, so that's where I am looking to upgrade.

I have 2 "backup" hard drives from everything we've saved before cloud storage became popular. By necessity, we subscribe to the iCloud 2TB plan. We're currently using about 300 GB of it, so it seems to be the ideal option right now.

I suppose I could migrate these backup hard drives to the iCloud storage over some painful days/weeks if I really wanted to. I can't remember exactly, but I may have set those two HDD's up as a RAID1 mirror in case one failed. Again, this was from ancient times before cloud storage of this magnitude was a thing. I have no problem with the long-term subscription costs of the cloud storage.

So, my desktop computer is in the basement. Aside from spreadsheets and e-mails, I will want to dabble in some web browsing as I play guitar as a hobby, so I like to pull up the tablature on the larger monitor (compared to iPad/iPhone) and use it to guide/compliment play (ultimate guitar is my main website.) And again, if I could get Steam loaded on here and play some games, all the better.

I am considering buying the Mac Mini when the M2 launches next year. I am also considering bumping the storage to 512GB instead of the base 256GB, assuming that doesn't change. To compliment the Mini, I will be replacing my 20" LCD monitor (which doesn't have HDMI, again, this was a "generation" of computing ago) with what is likely a 32" curved Samsung monitor (HDMI). Following that, I'll be purchasing the Magic Trackpad and the Apple Keyboard, probably without the numeric keypad.

I highly doubt my WD external HDD's can support it, but if I wanted to use Time Machine or some other backup, I'd like to try to get those working with the Thunderbolt port for the higher speed. I think they're USB 2.0 right now. I would also be willing to replace the external HDD with another modern unit to use for Time Machine.

An option my wife suggested was to just purchase a Macbook or MBP and use that most of the time. Is it possible to dock it when it's home so it becomes a psuedo-desktop until I need portability? I guess I'd have to connect the MB to the Video Miniport and then to the monitor. Will the laptop function on the monitor when closed, or does it have to be opened (seems distracting)? Can the Apple Keyboard/Trackpad be used as a separate keyboard as well?

I own the "third" iPad that existed, simply called "the new" iPad at the time. It is obsolete and can't really do much of anything now, even browsing the web. We used it for the kids on trips so they had some videos to watch in the plane/car/etc.

Would an iPad be a better option here instead of a laptop? I do occasionally need to complete some things at work using my own devices (not allowed to use the work devices for personal things), but I am wondering if the iPad will also accomplish these goals. Can the iPad screen mirror to a Samsung monitor? Can the iPad be connected via HDMI cable to a Samsung monitor, and then use the Apple Keyboard/Trackpad as needed to make a desktop experience?

So, final option would be to just buy the iMac when that also gets refreshed to an M2 chip.

Thanks for your input.
-Pilot

 

[Juicy Box]

I am considering buying the Mac Mini when the M2 launches next year. I am also considering bumping the storage to 512GB instead of the base 256GB, assuming that doesn't change.

I have the M1 Mac Mini, with 16GB RAM and 1TB Storage.

The MM is a great deal, even with the base model. With current retail prices, it is the cheapest Mac Apple has ever sold when adjusted for inflation. Not only that, it is the fastest entry-level Mac Apple has ever sold, having more single-core performance than any Mac prior to its release.

You can sometimes find the base model for sale sub-$500. A few months ago, someone on the forum was asking advice if a used $350 M1 Mac Mini on Craigslist was a good deal.

But, once you start adding options like more RAM and larger storage, the deals tend not to be as good.

As for performance, the M1 MM tends to be faster than the M1 MBP, M1 MBA, and M1 iMac in test results, but not by much, with the exception of the MBA (passive cooling) and base model iMac (only one cooling fan). This is with single-core, multi-core, and GPU related tasks, so the M1 MM tends to be the best among the non M1 Max and M1 Pro M1 Macs.

If adding a monitor, keyboard, mouse (or track pad), the M1 MM loses some of its advantages, as you could get all those things with a M1 iMac purchase, and the display in the iMac is probably a lot better than what you can find at your local Best Buy.

I highly doubt my WD external HDD's can support it, but if I wanted to use Time Machine or some other backup

Why do you doubt the WD HDDs would work?

I'd like to try to get those working with the Thunderbolt port for the higher speed.

TB might be faster than the USB2 it currently has, but not a lot faster than USB3. A USB3 enclosure would be a lot cheaper than TB, and probably just as fast as TB.

Another thought, if the HDDs are really old, it might be worth it to look for a replacement. HDD prices are really cheap now. You could always use your existing HDDs as a second back up, and just keep it as USB2.

Is it possible to dock it when it's home so it becomes a psuedo-desktop until I need portability?

Yes, I have done this in the past. It is called "clamshell mode".

To do it, it is super easy. You just need to have an external keyboard, external monitor(s), and a mouse or trackpad connected to the Mac laptop, and close it. You don't even need to open it again to restart the Mac unless you shut it down.

A downside to this is that there could be a little extra heat built-up between the display and the laptop keyboard. This doesn't really matter that much unless you do really long, CPU/GPU intensive tasks, gaming for example. This could reduce performance some.

In the past when I did this with an Intel Mac, the Late 2011 17" MBP, I used a cheap cooling fan, and left it plugged in 24/7.

The external fan probably isn't really needed with the much cooler AS Macs.

If you decide to go with the MBA, I think that would be fine for your needs, with the exception of gaming. With it having passive cooling, the MBA may have a performance drop if you decide to play any games.

I guess I'd have to connect the MB to the Video Miniport and then to the monitor.

Depending in the laptop you get, it could have HDMI on it. Otherwise, the USB-C to to HDMI cable would work.

Will the laptop function on the monitor when closed, or does it have to be opened (seems distracting)?

Already address this with "clamshell mode", it can be closed. I much rather it be closed as well.

If you decided to keep it open, you can mirror the laptop display to the external, or extend the desktop, creating more real estate. This can be configured in the System Preferences.

Can the Apple Keyboard/Trackpad be used as a separate keyboard as well?

Yes, but it doesn't have to be an Apple brand keyboard or mouse. 3rd party equipment works as well.

Would an iPad be a better option here instead of a laptop?

Totally a personal preference, but I would much rather use a Mac than an iPad.

My preference is this:

Desktop Mac > Laptop Mac (clamshell) > Laptop Mac > iPad >= iPhone

The iPad and iPhone depends on the situation, if I can have two hands on it, I much rather use the iPad over the iPhone.

But again, this is all personal preference.

Can the iPad screen mirror to a Samsung monitor?

Yes, using the HDMI adapter.

Can the iPad be connected via HDMI cable to a Samsung monitor, and then use the Apple Keyboard/Trackpad as needed to make a desktop experience?

I have never done it, but I assume this would not be a true desktop experience.

final option would be to just buy the iMac when that also gets refreshed to an M2 chip.

If you get the iMac, it might be worth getting the mid-tier one with ethernet and the extra two USB-A ports. While you may not use either, this model has a lot better cooling, and could be a factor for any gaming that you might do.

This is assuming that the M2 iMacs will be a similar design as the M1.

 

[SjoukeW]

For your usage an MacBook Air would also be enough, you can use it in clamshell mode most of the time with an external monitor and keyboard. Then you can also move it around and take it with you if you want. Might be something to consider because it adds flexibility.

 

[pilot1226]

Thanks for your responses. I am leaning towards the Mac Mini myself at the moment, I am intending to upgrade my monitor from the nearly 20 year old 20" Dell LCD (DVI/VGA) to the 32" Samsung Curved UHD version (HDMI) when it goes on sale this month for the holidays... I am a little surprised the Mini doesn't come with keyboard/mouse/trackpad, but it isn't the end of the world, as I plan to upgrade the ones I have anyway because they too have been running for 15+ years and some of the letters have worn away!

I'm looking at the MBAs and it looks like that would be around $1500, plus the keyboard/mouse or trackpad/monitor I would want to purchase anyway. I don't really need the portability, it would be nice, but that was part of the reason I chose to get a Pro Max series iPhone so it was easier to work on.

I don't really understand how all these systems-on-a-chip work, the last time I built a computer was when the Intel i7 was just announced in its first generation, this thing is a dinosaur now...

I am considering the 512 GB SSD upgrade for the MM regardless, and can supplement that with an external if really needed down the road.

Is there a significant/noticeable difference for typical usage to upgrade from 8 GB RAM to 16 GB? Or, is this more of a future-proofing type of thing.

I would pick up the Magic Trackpad and the Keyboard so that adds around another $250. Still, the $800+250 is far less than a MBA considering the portability is not my primary need here.

 

[it wasnt me]

I plan to replace my aging Windows stationary laptop with a Mac soon - preferably with one that won't take too much space on my desk (my not-so-small keyboard - pictured: not mine - requires a few inches). I'm basically torn between an iMac (but I'd want to wait for the M3 ones) with one external screen (I already own one) and a Mac mini with two external screens.

Requirements:

• "Enough" RAM for future needs (I'd probably choose 16 GiB).
• "Enough" disk space for development-related applications. My MBP has 256 GiB and I constantly have to delete stuff, so 512 GiB would be the minimum, I guess.
• At least four spare USB ports or one that could power four USB-A devices (I have quite a couple of devices, including one hard drive and two input devices, which need to be connected most of the time).

From what I understand, a recent Mac mini with one additional (good) display would still be the cheaper and better option than an iMac?

 

[AppleNooble]

Research compatible monitors. I know nothing about the Samsung, but Macs are very picky what monitors they will and won't work with for two reasons:

1.) https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...b.2276345/page-14?post=29888199#post-29888199

I had to buy an adapter to get my monitor to work.

2.) Research upscaling.