This is the solution. In my case, I use the Logitech mice and use a Microsoft Keyboard (ergonomic) with a USB receiver. Works perfectly. I have the M1 MBA though not the mac mini.
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Can't recommend M1 Mac mini to family members...
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I personally don't have any of those issues. My only small issue is that my external drive keeps turning off after like 30 seconds even when I disabled it in the settings. But I suppose that may be specific to my drive. I hope it's a bug though.
I’m also a big advocate of Mac mini, I have the 2014, 2018 & 2020.
But the usage is not intense, 2 are for different media centres and the other one for basic Office & internet browsing.
However, I did experienced BT issues with the 2018. It drove me crazy but Apple helped and found out it was my Hue bridge the culprit. I had also to use dongles and avoid USB-A ports. Since then, nothing of all the issues I can read here about the mini.
Thing is you know roughly the 3 big issues and you know the type of usage you’re expecting. Based on this and only this, you can make a wise choice.
The difficulty is here you tend to focus on all issues it’s inherent to all forums in the similar topic MR is.
Also you don’t hear much about people having no issues.
Ultimately, I think it’s what you expect from Apple. It’s damn expensive so you are entitled to have something that works flawlessly. You have 2 weeks to try it before returning it, you should have enough time to experience issues, at least the known ones.
Good luck but let us know in the end what you chose to do or not.
But the usage is not intense, 2 are for different media centres and the other one for basic Office & internet browsing.
However, I did experienced BT issues with the 2018. It drove me crazy but Apple helped and found out it was my Hue bridge the culprit. I had also to use dongles and avoid USB-A ports. Since then, nothing of all the issues I can read here about the mini.
Thing is you know roughly the 3 big issues and you know the type of usage you’re expecting. Based on this and only this, you can make a wise choice.
The difficulty is here you tend to focus on all issues it’s inherent to all forums in the similar topic MR is.
Also you don’t hear much about people having no issues.
Ultimately, I think it’s what you expect from Apple. It’s damn expensive so you are entitled to have something that works flawlessly. You have 2 weeks to try it before returning it, you should have enough time to experience issues, at least the known ones.
Good luck but let us know in the end what you chose to do or not.
I guess I was seeing it differently. If your brother is new to the Mac, then the two week return period is great. He can try it with no risk. Not sure many companies offer the same, but I’ve not looked recently.
The refurb store means you get the base 8/256 for 15% less and if he has a monitor, keyboard etc already, then there’s no other cost.
Adding Apple keyboard & mouse/trackpad adds cost if you don’t already have them (combined they’re almost half the cost of the MM) but other options work fine.
Not sure if there was a bad batch, or whether combination of software updates and benefit of early adopters’ experience in finding complementary hardware that works well with the M1 Mini means that problems can be avoided.
I was disappointed that the M1 Mini didn't have HDMI 2.1 at launch. Seems the almost 4 year old ATV 4k has better HDMI support. Previously had a 2012 Mini as a HTPC / home desktop with a 65" Plasma TV. Looking to create a similar experience now that I've relocated. I'll repurpose my existing bedroom ATV4k for the living room (new Samsung 65" that supports 120Hz), paired with a Sonos Arc (so Dolby Atmos support would also be ideal).
Maybe an M1 Mini Pro will have better multimedia support? Holding pattern until something better comes out.
Maybe an M1 Mini Pro will have better multimedia support? Holding pattern until something better comes out.
cause HP windows machines have no problems ?
I know 😊 ... But shouldn’t we hold Apple to higher standards? I know that’s why I switched from Windows to Mac back in the days (my first Mac was a 4 core classic 4,1 Mac Pro). I wanted the Mac experience; tight integration between hardware and software and not having to troubleshoot multiple times a week. And the M1 Mac mini is by far the most unreliable Mac I’ve ever owned - even though it truly is an amazing step forward in performance.
I bought one for my mom, who totally outgrew her 2014 mini. I was happy for that!
It's fast, but I agree about it being glitchy. She was JUST showing me some artifacting issues it was having on the desktop (but not in any programs, oddly enough). A couple days after I bought it, I had to switch her monitor from displayport to HDMI because it wouldn't wake from sleep. We've had to restart it a couple of times due to other glitches. This one's not Apple's fault, but I also noticed Firefox would completely lock up after an hour or so on it.
So yeah, I agree, not a perfect experience. Plus I think the computer completely crashed once.
Not surprising though. Apple's first gen stuff is always glitchy right in the beginning.
It's fast, but I agree about it being glitchy. She was JUST showing me some artifacting issues it was having on the desktop (but not in any programs, oddly enough). A couple days after I bought it, I had to switch her monitor from displayport to HDMI because it wouldn't wake from sleep. We've had to restart it a couple of times due to other glitches. This one's not Apple's fault, but I also noticed Firefox would completely lock up after an hour or so on it.
So yeah, I agree, not a perfect experience. Plus I think the computer completely crashed once.
Not surprising though. Apple's first gen stuff is always glitchy right in the beginning.
Thanks for sharing! Did Apple rush the M1 Mac mini to market? One would think that, during such a groundbreaking development process, testing the connection between a display-less computer and external displays (through a wide variety of connection/cable combinations) would be top priority. And one would also think that Apple, by now, would have solved the issue had it been software related?
I wouldn't say they rushed it to the market as much as under thought the amount of external peripherals that would be used with them. Most of the complaints have been with external devices not playing well with the M1. Bad cables. Bad drivers. Bad whatever you want to insert here.
Pretty sure the devices were perfect if never connected to anything Apple didn't sell within the last year as new. But what did they get? A bunch of people connecting whatever they had laying around to the house to them. Trying to connect far more than the device was touted to even support. Picture the extension cord with the extra outlets attached to the overloaded outlet. It was pretty comical if you think about it. Buying a Pinto and then trying to use it like a RAM truck.
I can't wait to see what happens when the supposed workhorse computers are released... either it's going to be a complete utter letdown (price versus performance) or another circus. It's funny, but I don't recall buying my first Mac and trying to make it run a marathon the very first time I booted it up... and yet, the first 24 hours of these babies existence was a non-stop marathon of just how much can I make it do before it implodes. Yeah, I always buy things with the thought of trying to break them at the time of purchase.
As for recommending a Mac to a Windows user? Never do it. It's like politics and religion. You're better off letting them come to the decision on their own because in reality, all switchers that stayed in the Mac ecosystem came here on their own. They weren't sold on the idea of buying a Mac, they were fed up with owning a Windows machine. There is a difference. If they are really looking for a change, they won't need your recommendations.
So, by that logic, every customer who buys the M1 Mac mini should also buy an Apple XDR Display at 4,999 USD? And "whatever they had laying around"... like an all digital perfectly standard DVI-based 30" Apple Cinema Display (like the one I have)?
I wonder why only some Mac mini M1s have problems like you describe. I've seen none of these problems. Maybe Apple doesn't recognize these problems because they only materialize when certain peripherals are connected. (P.S. I'm using Apple Magic Mouse, Magic keyboard, and an LG 32UD99 display).
I'm running my M1 with only an Apple Magic Mouse 2, Apple Keyboard and a Dell U2419HX display. No other peripherals or 3rd party software other than Log Me In. Have BT issues from time to time and the failure for the display to get a video signal after wake up.
You're supposed to be able to plug in YOUR monitor and YOUR keyboard, within reason, and just get to work because it just works. Right????
I'm not going to cut Apple any slack. Tight hardware/software integration should be a given. At least, it is my expectation for the money spent.
Do I know that the first gens have some trouble? Yes. Yes, I do.... But there is some sort of flaw in their organization that keeps this happening. I'm thinking Newton, the first PowerMacs, the Cube...
Now I will concede that I do temper my expectations a bit. I'm not pushing any envelope on my current Mac Mini 2012 I used wired Apple USB keyboard, an old logitech USB mouse, and an LG 24 inch flat panel.
I'm not going to cut Apple any slack. Tight hardware/software integration should be a given. At least, it is my expectation for the money spent.
Do I know that the first gens have some trouble? Yes. Yes, I do.... But there is some sort of flaw in their organization that keeps this happening. I'm thinking Newton, the first PowerMacs, the Cube...
Now I will concede that I do temper my expectations a bit. I'm not pushing any envelope on my current Mac Mini 2012 I used wired Apple USB keyboard, an old logitech USB mouse, and an LG 24 inch flat panel.
I am always confused reading stuff like this. I have been using an M1 Mini since November (which would make it one of the first batches) with zero issues other than being annoyed it required a physical keyboard for the initial install. Use Chrome, some light photo and video editing, email, social media, and Office, but I am a HEAVY user, I am probably on the computer 12-15 hours a day with work.
Never had a problem with start up or shut down or crashing.
I am using a Logitech USB keyboard/mouse but use BT for my Airpods and have never had any problems there either walking around the house listening to music..
Memory pressure gets a little high sometimes with a lot of browsers open but I get that on a work Windows PC I am running too.
If you have a computer that has a ton of issues, why aren't you taking it in while it is under warranty?
EDIT: Also my entire family is running minis and my son has an M1 as well, and nobody has encountered these types of problems.
Never had a problem with start up or shut down or crashing.
I am using a Logitech USB keyboard/mouse but use BT for my Airpods and have never had any problems there either walking around the house listening to music..
Memory pressure gets a little high sometimes with a lot of browsers open but I get that on a work Windows PC I am running too.
If you have a computer that has a ton of issues, why aren't you taking it in while it is under warranty?
EDIT: Also my entire family is running minis and my son has an M1 as well, and nobody has encountered these types of problems.
But I mean, a $1000 34" monitor isn't some random piece of crap off the street. It's a known LG monitor that came out with pretty solid thunderbolt support 5 years ago lol.
I truly wish that had been my experience as well
And I too get confused: Are there bad batches and good batches out there? And should we assume that Apple has enough data based on customer error reports to make a public statement about what’s going on - or even better: solve the issue if it’s a software one?Mac Mini > HP. Some of you might have problems with the Mini, but I don't think the grass is greener over on HP's side of the fence.
My monitor worked fine with the M1 Mini. And so did my Apple keyboard/mouse.
My monitor worked fine with the M1 Mini. And so did my Apple keyboard/mouse.
I did have that glitch. But was only on the startup screen. I almost thought it was an effect because it was fairly subtle for me at least. A couple blocks of pixels on the startup screen would flash now and then.
I tried an Apple Magic Mouse (Bluetooth) once. Absolutely hated it. Have used the Apple wired keyboard and Logitech G203 Prodigy (wired) gaming mouse since.
Wireless keyboards and mice are a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.
I disagree. Wireless isn't typically necessary and does have its disadvantages/annoyances; however, I have enough cables running around. Removing/reducing some of that clutter is indeed helpful and, at the minimum, more visually appealing.
I respect the originality/creativity of some of Apple's mice, but have never been a fan. I currently use the Apple Wireless Keyboard (Alunimum) and Magic Trackpad 2 -- the auto-syncing and charge while in-use abilities of the Lightning connector are indeed useful. I just wish they weren't so expensive -- I know, I shouldn't complain, premium gaming and premium productivity input peripherals can go into the hundreds of dollars.
I know my wired mouse/keyboard opinion is hugely unpopular. I'm pretty much a Luddite when it comes to this one though, lol.
I've just never had the need to move my mouse or keyboard away from the keyboard platform on my desk. And I'm really into dependability/response time and I hate worrying about batteries.
I've just never had the need to move my mouse or keyboard away from the keyboard platform on my desk. And I'm really into dependability/response time and I hate worrying about batteries.
USB peripherals take up USB ports... 😊
Also: Wouldn’t it be nice if Apple’s mouse/keyboards just worked with Apple computers? If Apple doesn’t like bluetooth and can’t make it work, why don’t they invent their own wireless technology instead of relying on bluetooth? They could still keep bluetooth for people who like that technology.
Would make it so much easier to recommend the Apple eco system to friends and family (and myself in the future).
I hear you. But I solved the issue with low-cost USB hubs. I have three Anker 4-port hubs which can be daisy-chained, cost: ~$35.