Hands On With Apple's New M4 Mac Mini

[steve333]

I was under the impression that if it is plugged in, the Magic Keyboard works as wired?

This is the keyboard I'm thinking of buying

Macally Wired Keyboard for Mac (USB C + A) - Large Print and Backlit for Apple - 107 Key Full Size Large Letters USB C Keyboard for MacBook Pro/Air, Mac mini, iMac

Discover the Ultimate Typing Comfort with the Macally Large Key Keyboard – Your Gateway to Effortless Typing and Enhanced Visibility Elevate your Mac typing experience to unparalleled heights with the Macally Large Key Keyboard, expertly crafted to merge the traditional Apple aesthetics with inno...

www.amazon.com

 

[erihp]

This is the keyboard I'm thinking of buying

Macally Wired Keyboard for Mac (USB C + A) - Large Print and Backlit for Apple - 107 Key Full Size Large Letters USB C Keyboard for MacBook Pro/Air, Mac mini, iMac

Discover the Ultimate Typing Comfort with the Macally Large Key Keyboard – Your Gateway to Effortless Typing and Enhanced Visibility Elevate your Mac typing experience to unparalleled heights with the Macally Large Key Keyboard, expertly crafted to merge the traditional Apple aesthetics with inno...

www.amazon.com

to each their own! quite the board.

 

[steve333]

to each their own! quite the board.

I don't like wireless, and the Apple keyboard is ridiculously expensive

 

[erihp]

I don't like wireless, and the Apple keyboard is ridiculously expensive

if you are open to other keyboard suggestions, for the price keychron makes some good stuff

 

[polyphenol]

This is the keyboard I'm thinking of buying

Macally Wired Keyboard for Mac (USB C + A) - Large Print and Backlit for Apple - 107 Key Full Size Large Letters USB C Keyboard for MacBook Pro/Air, Mac mini, iMac

Discover the Ultimate Typing Comfort with the Macally Large Key Keyboard – Your Gateway to Effortless Typing and Enhanced Visibility Elevate your Mac typing experience to unparalleled heights with the Macally Large Key Keyboard, expertly crafted to merge the traditional Apple aesthetics with inno...

www.amazon.com

Afraid I find that lack of symbols for control/option/command annoying. Perfectly capable of recognising them but find I like having word and symbol on the keys.

 

[steve333]

if you are open to other keyboard suggestions, for the price keychron makes some good stuff

I looked into those, look interesting, they have such a selection it can get confusing, such as brown keys, red keys, etc. Also a little pricy.

 

[steve333]

Afraid I find that lack of symbols for control/option/command annoying. Perfectly capable of recognising them but find I like having word and symbol on the keys.

Just noticed that, the one thing I don't like is the fn key. I'm used to control-option-command.
I just started thinking about just keeping my current old keyboard and using a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Is there a chance that it won't work well with the new Mini for some reason?

 

[IvyKing]

Just noticed that, the one thing I don't like is the fn key. I'm used to control-option-command.
I just started thinking about just keeping my current old keyboard and using a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Is there a chance that it won't work well with the new Mini for some reason?

I'm using the same keyboard with my M4 that I used for my M1 Mini. My guess is that your old keyboard is more likely to work than not.

FWIW, I don't like wireless either.

 

[erihp]

Just noticed that, the one thing I don't like is the fn key. I'm used to control-option-command.
I just started thinking about just keeping my current old keyboard and using a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Is there a chance that it won't work well with the new Mini for some reason?

old keyboard should work fine!
i think this is the best bet, use what ya have!
but instead of an adapter/cable, consider a cheap usb-c 2.0 hub for a few bucks more. This will free up those valuable ports when you want other slow speed USB-A devices attached.

 

[steve333]

old keyboard should work fine!
i think this is the best bet, use what ya have!
but instead of an adapter/cable, consider a cheap usb-c 2.0 hub for a few bucks more. This will free up those valuable ports when you want other slow speed USB-A devices attached.

I thought about that but I have a USB-A hub and kind of looking forward to not needing to use a hub. I can also use the adapter for the current hub if need be.
The one thing I like about the new MacAlly keyboard I posted a link to is that the letters and numbers on it are very large, and my eyes have gotten worse over time.
I may order it to see if I like it better than my current one and return it if I don't.
Amazon has $100 off the Mini right now. I don't know why I feel leery about buying a computer from them, maybe because their delivery drivers are not exactly careful with merchandise a lot of the time.
The good thing would be I wouldn't have to trade in my current 2018 Intel Mini to Apple for $115 as I was considering keeping it as a backup in case the new Mini needed to be brought in for a repair.