Considering a Mac Mini, Have Questions

[Tempest2084]

Some background: currently I'm using a very old PC that I built all the way back in 2008 (Core i7-920 with 12GB of RAM) running Linux but booting into Windows 10 as needed. Since I'm using Linux it's still fairly usable even though it's now 17 years old, but it's beginning to show its age and parts are starting to fail (I just had to replace the power supply last month for example) so I'm looking to move to a new computer. As much as I've been appreciative of Linux keeping my old PC going for so long, I'm tried of having to do everything manually with it (the curse of Arch) and I really don't want to use Windows 11 with its bloat/spyware. I actually have my current Linux desktop looking as close to MacOS as possible and I have an old 2012 Mac Mini that I've been playing around with (using OCLP to install Sequoia) so I'm pretty sold on moving over to a Mac.

I'm what I would call a light computer user. I surf the web, stream some stuff to my TV, update my website, listen to music, etc. Nothing very CPU or RAM intensive. I don't game on my PC (I'm a console gamer), but I might check some newer games out if they had a MacOS native port. I think a Mac Mini would be perfect for me (I have a newish 27" monitor so I dont see the need for an iMac), but I need some advice.

1. Since I'm not doing anything too intensive I think I can get by with the base memory configuration but I was going to upgrade the internal SSD to 512GB since 256GB is stupidly small. However I'd like to keep this computer for at least the next 7-10 years so I'd like to do some futureproofing. I was thinking about upgrading to 24GB and waiting for the M5 Mini (assuming it's due out mid-2026) as I'm sure I can limp along at least that long. I know a lot of people suggest getting the base model and upgrading every few years but that seems wasteful to me. Will a configuration like an M4/5 with 24GB of RAM last me 7-10 years or is that just not going to happen? What I'd really like to know is if Apple is going to support the M series longer than they did with the Intel chips...

2. I also wanted to get a dock/hub for the Mini to add more hard drive space (a 2TB nVME drive most likely), an SD card port (I use a lot of them for various retrogaming purposes), and some USB A ports for legacy peripherals like my printer. I was originally considering the Satechi dock but I've heard really good things about the Beelink dock. Any dock suggestions?

3. I'm not a fan of the Magic Mouse or Keyboard. The mouse is too low profile for my large hands and the keyboard seems way overpriced for what you get and the keys don't have much 'throw' to them. I was thinking about getting a Keychron mechanical keyboard and a Logitech mouse for large hands (maybe a M650 L). Any other suggestions?

4. Are the built-in speakers good enough for watching videos and listening to music? Right now I'm using a super old pair of Dell speakers with a little sub woofer that are probably about 20 years old (Dell Zylux I think they were) so nothing too special. They work well enough, but now may be the time to upgrade. I think I also have a basic soundbar (Sony HT-S100F) that I got as a gift and never found a use for. Could I use that with the Mini or am I better off buying some speakers (really wouldn't want to spend more than $100 or so)?

5. Where's the best place to buy a Mac from at the best price? I've been told that getting a refurbished unit from Apple is a good idea as they're very carefully gone over and sold at a decent discount. Of course the problem with that is that you have to wait for a unit matching your desired specs to show up. I see that Microcenter seems to sell Mac Minis at a decent discount as does Costco from time to time (both are within driving distance from me). I think Amazon also sells Macs but I'm not sure I trust them.

 

[Kenny99]

I do the update to the new MAC's about 6 - 9 months after they are released. apple has a buyback plan that makes it a little easer on the $$ when upgrading. The Configuration - the most that I can afford. adding an external SSD drive for storage is easy and less $. Other Keyboards and Mouse work just fine on the Mini's as do the speakers on the laptops. External speakers are cheap and good. Let your $$ and needs speak for you. You might want to rethink and look at the apples refurbished store. they come with at warranty and you can still do the update thing with them.

 

[jdiamond]

You're spot on in that for a desktop machine, you can use an external drive perfectly fine. A Mac Mini with TB5 will be able to use an external SSD nearly as fast as an internal one, at about 6 GB/second. I agree - 512GB is still a sensible minimum for the OS, because every program will store stuff there. (I just checked - my OS partition is using 533GB, and I already moved my iTunes folder and a lot of my saved games to another partition.) For RAM - Macs are pretty good at scaling to what you have. 16GB is the new minimum - it should work okay at 16GB but you might want to go higher if you open a lot of web tabs. My laptop has 64GB, but I rarely use all of it - right now it's at 48GB used. I think 32GB would be quite plush. Remember, you can't do post updates anymore.

The good news is Apple Silicon has fantastic longevity. I'm using my 5 year old M1 Max, and yeah - it's only half the speed of an M4 Max, but there's not a hint of a performance issue anywhere. The advantage of waiting for M5 is you double the AI flops and probably improve the GPU.

So my recommendation for future proofing is 32GB RAM, 512Gb HD + TB5 External SSD. For external keyboard and mouse, suit to taste. I'm currently using a logitech mouse and a classic 20 year old Mac desktop keyboard I love to death.

 

[Basic75]

1. We don't know the future but if you're on an i7 920 today I don't believe that M4 or M5 will make a big difference.

2. Whatever dock you get, try to find out in advance whether it runs very hot, which many unfortunately do.

3. Apple's mice are famously bad, and any cheap standard office mouse with a scroll wheel is better for most people.

4. Apple puts surprisingly good speakers into most of their devices but not the Mac mini, use something external.

 

[radow]

What I'd really like to know is if Apple is going to support the M series longer than they did with the Intel chips...

No one knows...yet. They have no reason not supporting these M series longer considering how much vertically integrated they are at this point, but an arbitrary limitation is not off the table.

I was thinking about getting a Keychron mechanical keyboard and a Logitech mouse for large hands (maybe a M650 L). Any other suggestions?

I would suggest getting a Magic Trackpad if you can. It adds a lot to modern macOS experiences. Logitech mouse (or any mouse, really) work fine, just notice that default on macOS might feels a bit different than Windows or common Linux distro.

but now may be the time to upgrade

Audio equipments tend to age very well, you might not even need an upgrade. Try what you have.

Also while I do think a Mac mini would be perfect for you, there are lots of decent mini PC options (some of which are RAM/SSD user upgradable), and you can install Linux on these just fine.

 

[maflynn]

1. Since I'm not doing anything too intensive I think I can get by with the base memory configuration but I was going to upgrade the internal SSD to 512GB since 256GB is stupidly small.

We have no idea what the future holds with the M5 configuration. As it stands the 599 price tag for a Mac is stupidly cheap. However that price goes up real quick once you start upgrading the ram and storage. I would upgrade the ram over the storage any day. An external drive will fix the small 256GB.

3. I'm not a fan of the Magic Mouse or Keyboard

I myself use a wired keychron keyboard and love it. I highly recommend it. As for the mouse, I use an old cheap microsoft mouse, nothing fancy and it works great.

4. Are the built-in speakers good enough for watching videos and listening to music?

No

5. Where's the best place to buy a Mac from at the best price?

Microcenter if you have one close by

 

[colodane]

Looks like you are on the right path with configuring the Mini and already having a suitable display.

You DEFINITELY will need either speakers or headphones to listen to anything other than notification alerts and other system sounds.

The Apple mouse is something to avoid. The charging port on the BOTTOM is the biggest flaw. Lots of better options available.

I suggest giving the Trackpad a try. I've used one for years and it is a very good experience. A bit of a learning curve (couple of days), but far better than any mouse in my opinion. And it is not a big investment of $$, And you can also use a mouse as well if you prefer.

Where to purchase the mini? Directly from Apple will be your best purchase experience. Either the regular channel or their Refurbished site. If you have an Apple store near to you, you can have your mini (new or refurb) shipped there for pickup and avoid any anxiety with FedEx, etc.

Enjoy your mini and keep us posted on your choices and user experience.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

I'm what I would call a light computer user. I surf the web, stream some stuff to my TV, update my website, listen to music, etc. Nothing very CPU or RAM intensive. I don't game on my PC (I'm a console gamer), but I might check some newer games out if they had a MacOS native port. I think a Mac Mini would be perfect for me (I have a newish 27" monitor so I dont see the need for an iMac), but I need some advice.

1. Since I'm not doing anything too intensive I think I can get by with the base memory configuration but I was going to upgrade the internal SSD to 512GB since 256GB is stupidly small. However I'd like to keep this computer for at least the next 7-10 years so I'd like to do some futureproofing. I was thinking about upgrading to 24GB and waiting for the M5 Mini (assuming it's due out mid-2026) as I'm sure I can limp along at least that long. I know a lot of people suggest getting the base model and upgrading every few years but that seems wasteful to me. Will a configuration like an M4/5 with 24GB of RAM last me 7-10 years or is that just not going to happen? What I'd really like to know is if Apple is going to support the M series longer than they did with the Intel chips...

16 GB should be plenty for your usage, but if you can justify the extra cost, 24 GB won't hurt and if anything, help resale value down the road. We can't predict what changes to macOS will happen over time that may add pressure to memory usage, especially if you are looking at as long as 10 years. Me... I'm on a 2020 M1 MacBook Air typing this with 8GB memory, and for my own light usage, similar to yours on this, I feel no urgency to upgrade.

3. I'm not a fan of the Magic Mouse or Keyboard. The mouse is too low profile for my large hands and the keyboard seems way overpriced for what you get and the keys don't have much 'throw' to them. I was thinking about getting a Keychron mechanical keyboard and a Logitech mouse for large hands (maybe a M650 L). Any other suggestions?

I am 100% with you on this. I have rather large hands myself and utterly loathe the Magic Mouse. On my iMac, I use a Logitech mouse (Mx Master) and keyboard (Mx Keys). I very heartily recommend these. I also do recommend connecting using the wireless dongle instead of Bluetooth. Unless this has changed in recent years, I have found that if you have to need to access a startup menu option using a keyboard shortcut, only Apple's wireless keyboard works if relying on bluetooth. Otherwise you need a wired keyboard, with keyboards like Logitech's using the dongle are effectively "seen" by the Mac as a wired keyboard.

4. Are the built-in speakers good enough for watching videos and listening to music? Right now I'm using a super old pair of Dell speakers with a little sub woofer that are probably about 20 years old (Dell Zylux I think they were) so nothing too special. They work well enough, but now may be the time to upgrade. I think I also have a basic soundbar (Sony HT-S100F) that I got as a gift and never found a use for. Could I use that with the Mini or am I better off buying some speakers (really wouldn't want to spend more than $100 or so)?

I have no opinion on this myself. On my iMac, I have long used Harman Kardon Soundsticks and am very spoiled by these. That said, Apple's HomePods sound AMAZING and when t's time for me to replace my iMac, I may get a HomePod or even a pair to replace the Soundsticks just to save some space and eliminate some wiring.

5. Where's the best place to buy a Mac from at the best price? I've been told that getting a refurbished unit from Apple is a good idea as they're very carefully gone over and sold at a decent discount. Of course the problem with that is that you have to wait for a unit matching your desired specs to show up. I see that Microcenter seems to sell Mac Minis at a decent discount as does Costco from time to time (both are within driving distance from me). I think Amazon also sells Macs but I'm not sure I trust them.

Yeah, I wouldn't trust Amazon either. Keep an eye on Best Buy's listings as an option.

 

[Basic75]

That said, Apple's HomePods sound AMAZING and when t's time for me to replace my iMac, I may get a HomePod or even a pair to replace the Soundsticks just to save some space and eliminate some wiring.

The HomePods are often not suitable for use with a Mac because of their atrocious latency.

 

[Fishrrman]

24gb RAM, minimum. 32gb would be better.
512gb SSD is minimum, but 1tb would be much better.
m4 (not m4pro) should be "all you need". The 2 cpu's are equally fast for "single threaded" tasks.

Get an m4 Mini configured like this... 32gb/1tb... and it should last you long enough until you decide that you want another one. 6-7, maybe 8 years, easily.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

3. I'm not a fan of the Magic Mouse or Keyboard. The mouse is too low profile for my large hands and the keyboard seems way overpriced for what you get and the keys don't have much 'throw' to them. I was thinking about getting a Keychron mechanical keyboard and a Logitech mouse for large hands (maybe a M650 L). Any other suggestions?

Keychron boards are generally nice, just make sure to read up on the switch choices. They also make great mice - I liked the M6, but it's on the smaller side. They have a bunch of options though.

 

[MacCheetah3]

1. [...] Will a configuration like an M4/5 with 24GB of RAM last me 7-10 years or is that just not going to happen?

Assumptions, future-proofing, etc is always going to be risk. With that said, I assume Apple won’t be selling 24GB as the base for at least 10 years. In other words, I’d guess that config should do fine, but make no promises, of course.

1. [...] What I'd really like to know is if Apple is going to support the M series longer than they did with the Intel chips...

No one knows. And there hasn’t been enough time lapsed since the M1 release to speculate based on historical data.

3. I'm not a fan of the Magic Mouse or Keyboard. The mouse is too low profile for my large hands and the keyboard seems way overpriced for what you get and the keys don't have much 'throw' to them. I was thinking about getting a Keychron mechanical keyboard and a Logitech mouse for large hands (maybe a M650 L). Any other suggestions?

If going non-Apple, go hardwired. As alluded by @Lifeisabeach third-party keyboards via BT (or even via some USB transceivers) are somewhat notorious for not playing well with Apple’s security (basically, the initial boot stages).

I haven’t used a traditional mouse in at least a few years. I use the Magic Keyboard with number pad plus Magic Trackpad with my Mac. For the PCs, I have a basic wireless (dongle) Logitech keyboard and trackball mouse as well as, optionally, a compact keyboard + trackpad combo (HTPC preference type of thing).

Anyway… Beyond the wired connection recommendation, whatever suits your preferences.

4. Are the built-in speakers good enough for watching videos and listening to music?

The built-in speaker is completely fine for most video watching and sufficient for music/movies. The top half/third of the frequency range is very clear. Vocals (whether music or, for example, social media) are generally great. In music, you’ll definitely miss out on the lower half (i.e., mids are slightly there, low-end/thump is non-existent).

4. [...] I think I also have a basic soundbar (Sony HT-S100F) that I got as a gift and never found a use for. Could I use that with the Mini or am I better off buying some speakers (really wouldn't want to spend more than $100 or so)?

If your setup area has the space, I would feel confident suggesting to at least start there. A quick search, where I picked one of the first listed videos, coincidentally has someone demoing the soundbar with a MacBook (presumably via BT). Operation and sound quality seem fair.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

The HomePods are often not suitable for use with a Mac because of their atrocious latency.

I wasn’t aware of the latency issue (not that it surprises me), but that is a good point to raise. As with most things, one’s usage scenario will matter. When playing games or watching videos, definitely a consideration.

 

[DDeanG]

I'm a similar type of user and was looking to upgrade from my 2018 I7/256GB SSD/16GB RAM (upgraded from 8GB) Mac Mini. The 256GB drive had 40GB avail after moving my Home Directory, Photos and Music to an external drive.

Watched the Apple Refurb Store for a few weeks and pulled the trigger on a M4/256GB SSD/32GB RAM for $850. It worked perfectly with the Dell Monitor, external drives and other stuff that had been connected to the 2018 Mini.

Purchased a 2TB SSD upgrade card from Amazon for ~$300. Total of $1150. A new M4/2TB/32GB machine from Apple is $1800.

Swapping the 2TB SSD for the original SSD isn't terribly difficult (will need another Mac get new SSD recognized by the Mini). The kit came with all the tools and instructions for the replacement process. There's lots of videos on the web detailing the process too. Have had no issues with the new SSD.

Planning on using this new machine for the next 7+ years just like the 2018 Mini.

 

[Basic75]

I wasn’t aware of the latency issue (not that it surprises me), but that is a good point to raise. As with most things, one’s usage scenario will matter. When playing games or watching videos, definitely a consideration.

If you watch a two hour video without seeking it's not a problem to wait two seconds for it to start; if you watch a bunch of short clips or skip around all the time, or for gaming, it's a deal breaker.

 

[Starfia]

Hi, Tempest – great detail in framing the questions. I'm impressed you've made a machine from 2008 work with such versatility for so long.

Here are my answers:

1) Apple's targeting habits around providing downstream OS updates for existing Macs hasn't really changed. Generally, the more powerful the Mac, the longer it will support major OS updates. Like yours, my secondary computer is a Mac mini from 2012 showing no faults – I think we can have the same confidence that today's Mac minis will hold up for years and years, persisting on the final supported major OS version. (For upgrading storage: don't forget that external storage is also faster, better and cheaper than ever; not to mention easily replaceable.)

2) The Satechi dock seems good to me; I think docks for Macs are really just about capability first, aesthetics second.

3) If you know you're a mouse person with opinions, then the best option for you is the best custom option for you, like that Logitech one. My only advice would be to make sure you're not overlooking the Magic Trackpad. Perhaps this isn't so much a thing in the Windows and Linux worlds, but I would say Apple has long since perfected the trackpad, and while every function is accessible without them, the multi-touch gestures are a real part of efficiently using a Mac today.

4) It sounds like you're not an audiophile (consider it a blessing). Though it's probably better than a built-in PC speaker from 2008, Mac mini speaker will let you hear what words are being said and what melodies are being played; not much richer than that. I can't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to try your speakers or sound bar with the Mac to start with. (To indeed wade into high-quality sound, things like Beats headphones and AirPods are also great these days.)

5) Apple Refurbished comes with quality and proper AppleCare for the year. If you're more than a little cost-conscious, I would at least feel out eBay with a few searches: new Mac minis are so good that old ones in most every configuration show up at lower prices sooner than ever in Mac history. The main reassurances are that sellers amass meaningful ratings, eBay guarantees you get what's listed as described, devices still covered by AppleCare reach you with any remaining coverage still valid, and certain listings qualifying as "eBay Refurbished" (usually from reseller outlets) come with a third-party warranty.

Good luck!

 

[Tempest2084]

Hi, Tempest – great detail in framing the questions. I'm impressed you've made a machine from 2008 work with such versatility for so long.

Here are my answers:

1) Apple's targeting habits around providing downstream OS updates for existing Macs hasn't really changed. Generally, the more powerful the Mac, the longer it will support major OS updates. Like yours, my secondary computer is a Mac mini from 2012 showing no faults – I think we can have the same confidence that today's Mac minis will hold up for years and years, persisting on the final supported major OS version. (For upgrading storage: don't forget that external storage is also faster, better and cheaper than ever; not to mention easily replaceable.)

2) The Satechi dock seems good to me; I think docks for Macs are really just about capability first, aesthetics second.

3) If you know you're a mouse person with opinions, then the best option for you is the best custom option for you, like that Logitech one. My only advice would be to make sure you're not overlooking the Magic Trackpad. Perhaps this isn't so much a thing in the Windows and Linux worlds, but I would say Apple has long since perfected the trackpad, and while every function is accessible without them, the multi-touch gestures are a real part of efficiently using a Mac today.

4) It sounds like you're not an audiophile (consider it a blessing). Though it's probably better than a built-in PC speaker from 2008, Mac mini speaker will let you hear what words are being said and what melodies are being played; not much richer than that. I can't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to try your speakers or sound bar with the Mac to start with. (To indeed wade into high-quality sound, things like Beats headphones and AirPods are also great these days.)

5) Apple Refurbished comes with quality and proper AppleCare for the year. If you're more than a little cost-conscious, I would at least feel out eBay with a few searches: new Mac minis are so good that old ones in most every configuration show up at lower prices sooner than ever in Mac history. The main reassurances are that sellers amass meaningful ratings, eBay guarantees you get what's listed as described, devices still covered by AppleCare reach you with any remaining coverage still valid, and certain listings qualifying as "eBay Refurbished" (usually from reseller outlets) come with a third-party warranty.

Good luck!

It was a good computer when I built it and I really don't push it hard. Honestly I could probably scrape by with it for several more years if I really wanted to but I think it's time to treat myself. Linux is a godsend for old computers.

My main concerns with external storage and docks are the speed versus the internal drive (although it mi l well most likely just be for storage) and reports that some docks (like the Beelink) have random disconnect issues.

 

[MacCheetah3]

I have no opinion on this myself. On my iMac, I have long used Harman Kardon Soundsticks and am very spoiled by these. That said, Apple's HomePods sound AMAZING and when t's time for me to replace my iMac, I may get a HomePod or even a pair to replace the Soundsticks just to save some space and eliminate some wiring.

The HomePods are often not suitable for use with a Mac because of their atrocious latency.

I wasn’t aware of the latency issue (not that it surprises me), but that is a good point to raise. As with most things, one’s usage scenario will matter. When playing games or watching videos, definitely a consideration.

If you watch a two hour video without seeking it's not a problem to wait two seconds for it to start; if you watch a bunch of short clips or skip around all the time, or for gaming, it's a deal breaker.

AirPlay uses a buffer to improve overall quality. However, as @Basic75 notes, this buffer causes a delay, which can be annoying if you’re frequently adjusting the audio source. When you change volume level, scrub or otherwise move the playback position, change tracks, start or stop playback, etc, there’s a couple second delay before the result.

Some further explanation here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/HomePod/comments/su3sh6/why_has_audio_airplay_such_a_big_delay_compared

The only app I’ve had — at least can recall — a problem with is VLC media player. Every time I watch a video (with the HomePod as the sound output), the audio eventually shifts out of sync. There may be settings to compensate for this, but I’m not motivated enough to research and experiment. Using QuickTime or other Apple software does fine.

 

[M4th]

Not sure if you're near where this one on CL is (supposedly brand new, caveat emptor):

Looks like the specs you want, as well. Can't advise on your other concerns, but agree with most suggestions already given.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

The HomePods are often not suitable for use with a Mac because of their atrocious latency.

I disagree, having always used full size original HomePods for music. For bookshelf-sized speakers they are pretty amazing at self-balancing, and sound better than all others in difficult spaces. Many others are better if one has a nice clean soundstage setup. But in a room with a windows, etc. the HomePods cannot be beaten.

That said, music does not require short latency. You may be right about not using HomePods for gaming on Macs, IDK. Other than gaming, where does latency make HomePods unusable?

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Some background: currently I'm using a very old PC that I built all the way back in 2008 (Core i7-920 with 12GB of RAM) running Linux but booting into Windows 10 as needed. Since I'm using Linux it's still fairly usable even though it's now 17 years old, but it's beginning to show its age and parts are starting to fail (I just had to replace the power supply last month for example) so I'm looking to move to a new computer. As much as I've been appreciative of Linux keeping my old PC going for so long, I'm tried of having to do everything manually with it (the curse of Arch) and I really don't want to use Windows 11 with its bloat/spyware. I actually have my current Linux desktop looking as close to MacOS as possible and I have an old 2012 Mac Mini that I've been playing around with (using OCLP to install Sequoia) so I'm pretty sold on moving over to a Mac.

I'm what I would call a light computer user. I surf the web, stream some stuff to my TV, update my website, listen to music, etc. Nothing very CPU or RAM intensive. I don't game on my PC (I'm a console gamer), but I might check some newer games out if they had a MacOS native port. I think a Mac Mini would be perfect for me (I have a newish 27" monitor so I dont see the need for an iMac), but I need some advice.

1. Since I'm not doing anything too intensive I think I can get by with the base memory configuration but I was going to upgrade the internal SSD to 512GB since 256GB is stupidly small. However I'd like to keep this computer for at least the next 7-10 years so I'd like to do some futureproofing. I was thinking about upgrading to 24GB and waiting for the M5 Mini (assuming it's due out mid-2026) as I'm sure I can limp along at least that long. I know a lot of people suggest getting the base model and upgrading every few years but that seems wasteful to me. Will a configuration like an M4/5 with 24GB of RAM last me 7-10 years or is that just not going to happen? What I'd really like to know is if Apple is going to support the M series longer than they did with the Intel chips...

2. I also wanted to get a dock/hub for the Mini to add more hard drive space (a 2TB nVME drive most likely), an SD card port (I use a lot of them for various retrogaming purposes), and some USB A ports for legacy peripherals like my printer. I was originally considering the Satechi dock but I've heard really good things about the Beelink dock. Any dock suggestions?

3. I'm not a fan of the Magic Mouse or Keyboard. The mouse is too low profile for my large hands and the keyboard seems way overpriced for what you get and the keys don't have much 'throw' to them. I was thinking about getting a Keychron mechanical keyboard and a Logitech mouse for large hands (maybe a M650 L). Any other suggestions?

4. Are the built-in speakers good enough for watching videos and listening to music? Right now I'm using a super old pair of Dell speakers with a little sub woofer that are probably about 20 years old (Dell Zylux I think they were) so nothing too special. They work well enough, but now may be the time to upgrade. I think I also have a basic soundbar (Sony HT-S100F) that I got as a gift and never found a use for. Could I use that with the Mini or am I better off buying some speakers (really wouldn't want to spend more than $100 or so)?

5. Where's the best place to buy a Mac from at the best price? I've been told that getting a refurbished unit from Apple is a good idea as they're very carefully gone over and sold at a decent discount. Of course the problem with that is that you have to wait for a unit matching your desired specs to show up. I see that Microcenter seems to sell Mac Minis at a decent discount as does Costco from time to time (both are within driving distance from me). I think Amazon also sells Macs but I'm not sure I trust them.

• Like others have suggested, try the trackpad for a week or so. I also have XL hands, hate mice, and went from Kensington's largest track ball to the Apple Magic Trackpad years ago.
• The Mini should be a good fit for you.
• RAM demands always increase. Always. Folks talking about what they used last year are irrelevant; a new Mac is only used in the future. Yes,
a configuration like an M4/5 with 24GB of RAM should last you 7-10 years. The Mac OS will make limited RAM work, but operation will just get sub-optimal over time. How soon that sub-optimizing happens will depend on how much RAM you buy, what apps you use and how much you multi-task. YMMV.
• Like you I consider short life cycles to be wasteful (and a PITA), but I have found that Macs tend to age out at ~7 years for all kinds of reasons. I find that ~7 years to be a pretty solid number. Folks who get more than 7 years are often tolerating all kinds of subtle lameness.

 

[IvyKing]

I'm also of the opinion that you should consider a trackpad. I bought an M1 Mini as a low cost way of working with the M series processors and bought a Matius keyboard and a no name mouse - already had a Thunderbolt display. After about a month with the mouse, I went out and bought the Magic Trackpad. 12 years of working with MacBook's got me very accustomed to the trackpad, along with an aversion to trackpads on Windows laptops.

After 3.5 years of using the Matias keyboard, I upgraded to a Keychron Q6.

 

[Basic75]

Other than gaming, where does latency make HomePods unusable?

Anything real-time, a Facetime call, a YouTube session with some seeking around in videos gets annoying pretty quickly, even system sounds if you don't disable them. Just browsing the web with all the autoplay crap, you open three new tabs and when the sound starts you have to check which one it was because it comes so late.

And I never said anything about sound quality, how you can disagree with my take on latency by pointing out how great it sounds? That's a completely different question.

 

[TumbleDryer]

Logitech MX Master 4 for Mac (mouse) all day long! I have the version 3 and it the best mouse I've ever owned. I used to stick with the Apple Mouse because it was/is a beautiful thing but after hours of use it really is bad for RSI. So after many years I bought the MX Master 3 and its SOOO much better, my RSI has also gone.

 

[Danorak81]

Oh my goodness, I'm so vanilla with my setup on this thread its laughable.

I went from a '13 iMac to a 2022 M2 Mini with a Satechi USB HUB. Both Mini and HUB were perfectly capable/matched. I sold the M2 Mini & Hub less than a year on whilst values were still reasonable and replaced with the current M4 Mini due to the spec upgrade. My current is the base model, 256GB/16GB RAM

1) I am also a light surfer/emailer. I use Music/TV and Photos the most. The Media element is all stored on external SSD's and basically feed my Apple TV. Photos are also stored externally as I take a lot and edit a lot. The Mac is more than capable of this task even with the Photos being stored externally. I occasionally do some design work on Affinity Designer & Photos: the Mac tackles both of those with ease.

2) In relation to hubs, I'd have no hesitation in buying another Satechi, but I don't quite have the need for it at the moment. I would have no hesitation in recommending in the future.

3) Keyboard-yet more vanilla: I use the an Apple keyboard with touch ID (wireless), and matching Magic Mouse. I picked up both in a bundle, new, on eBay. No issues for me using those.

4) Sound-Mac Mini speakers are fine for notifications and the odd tutorial video, but if listening to something for longer, I either use my AirPods if other people are about, or I use my (now very old!) Bose Soundlink speaker. Works a treat.

5) Not sure due to your location, but here in the UK, the Satechi occasionally appears on Amazon with about £25 off. In a few years time I may consider this route and popping an SSD in there: I've always run my Macs lean with everything stored externally, and have no issue adding storage to the Mac this way Equally, the Sabrent enclosures and Crucial SSD's are cheap and run really well with my Mini, so I'd happily add another in the furture if a Hub wasn't necessary. In terms of longevity, if I could have afforded the 512GB storage I would, but couldn't. Happy with the RAM combined with the M4, it has been super fast.