M1 Mac Mini - spanner thrown into the works...

[danb1979]

I've thrown my own spanner into my own works... 😐😂

I was going to buy the 13" M1 MBP but I'm now seriously considering the M1 Mac Mini and a small monitor (24" etc)

I use my Mac for simple day to day tasks, no heavy usage apps at all.

I've had numerous Minis too and always loved them, but thought I wanted a 27" iMac, which had been great, but just sold it as its too big for my small desk...

Has anyone done this, gone for the Mini over the MBP?

And any recommendations for a decent 24" monitor that'll work with the M1 Mini?

I'm UK based FYI 👍🏼

 

[Scorned]

I have both. Use my MBP like an iPad and use my Mac mini for everything else. I prefer the Mini. There are a lot of 24" monitors that work. Measure your area and find the monitor with the smallest profile. I have mine wall mounted which also helps.

 

[djc6]

The new iMac is basically a mac mini + 24" monitor - why not go that route? And the new iMac is about as compact as possible for a small space - with the M1 mac mini you're going to need desk space for the mac mini + cables all over. I'm also intrigued by touch ID keyboard.

I love the mac mini, but I've been plagued with monitor wake/sleep issues since I bought it in 2018, especially using built in HDMI port. I bet half the threads on this sub-forum are monitor compatibility issues with 2018 and M1 mac mini.

The Intel 2018 and M1 mac mini both use the same MegaChips MCDP2920A4 DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0 converter to drive the HDMI port, so they seem to have similar issues. On the 2018 Mac Mini thats not terrible since you have four thunderbolt ports to choose from, and can use one of those instead - but on the Mac Mini M1 you only have two thunderbolt ports, should you run into issues using HDMI port.

I just feel like the built in iMac display is probably more thoroughly tested, and would reliably wake up.

 

[frou]

The new iMac is basically a mac mini + 24" monitor - why not go that route?

I agree, but the total price is only comparable assuming the standalone monitor would have been a pricey high-PPI one. Then again, the OP is already accustomed to Retina luxury from their outgoing iMac.

 

[djc6]

I agree, but the total price is only comparable assuming the standalone monitor would have been a pricey Retina-grade one like the UltraFine. Then again, the OP is already accustomed to Retina luxury from their outgoing iMac.

Well, there again the iMac has an advantage - if someone is seeking a 24" monitor and has space constraints. There are a number of debates on this forum of running a 4K display with a mac mini at scaled resolutions such as 1440p, and the clarity and performance penalties incurred. The ideal would be a 5K display ~27" with the resolution halved to 1440p - clear text, no performance impact. But these displays don't exist outside of the 5K ultrafine, which the M1 mac mini doesn't support and is super expensive.

The new iMac has a 4.5K display which when downscaled to 2:1, has no performance penalty since its integer scaling, producing an effective 2240x1260 resolution which sounds quite nice at 24" and simulated 109.36 PPI, but real PPI of ~218.

A standard 24" monitor at 4K to get integer scaling would be 1080p and I don't think thats enough screen real estate for me. The iMac display is also 500 nits - good for a bright room with windows - and apple's displays are usually pretty nice. I think its worth a bit of a premium.

 

[EdwardC]

I use a Dell P2419H Display which works quite nicely with M1 Mini (HDMI) and my 2018 Mini (T.B. to Display Port).

 

[djc6]

I use a Dell P2419H Display which works quite nicely with M1 Mini (HDMI) and my 2018 Mini (Lightning to Display Port).

I think you mean Thunderbolt to Display Port - Lightning is the connector found on the iPhone. Does this mean HDMI port on 2018 model had some issues?

 

[danb1979]

Cheers folks.

The wait for the 24" iMac isn't doable, been quoted mid to late June. That's too far off, more so as I need it for work!

A few days is fine, P&Q, but not 6 weeks 😏🤣

 

[danb1979]

The new iMac is basically a mac mini + 24" monitor - why not go that route? And the new iMac is about as compact as possible for a small space - with the M1 mac mini you're going to need desk space for the mac mini + cables all over. I'm also intrigued by touch ID keyboard.

I love the mac mini, but I've been plagued with monitor wake/sleep issues since I bought it in 2018, especially using built in HDMI port. I bet half the threads on this sub-forum are monitor compatibility issues with 2018 and M1 mac mini.

The Intel 2018 and M1 mac mini both use the same MegaChips MCDP2920A4 DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0 converter to drive the HDMI port, so they seem to have similar issues. On the 2018 Mac Mini thats not terrible since you have four thunderbolt ports to choose from, and can use one of those instead - but on the Mac Mini M1 you only have two thunderbolt ports, should you run into issues using HDMI port.

I just feel like the built in iMac display is probably more thoroughly tested, and would reliably wake up.

Thanks.

Had X3 Mac Minis and never had any issues like you've mentioned

But will keep it in mind

 

[danb1979]

I agree, but the total price is only comparable assuming the standalone monitor would have been a pricey high-PPI one. Then again, the OP is already accustomed to Retina luxury from their outgoing iMac.

It's a sacrifice I'm happy to make TBH.

The 27" iMac is just too damned big unfortunately, so it's gone!

 

[Moccasin]

I've thrown my own spanner into my own works... 😐😂

I was going to buy the 13" M1 MBP but I'm now seriously considering the M1 Mac Mini and a small monitor (24" etc)

I use my Mac for simple day to day tasks, no heavy usage apps at all.

I've had numerous Minis too and always loved them, but thought I wanted a 27" iMac, which had been great, but just sold it as its too big for my small desk...

Has anyone done this, gone for the Mini over the MBP?

And any recommendations for a decent 24" monitor that'll work with the M1 Mini?

I'm UK based FYI 👍🏼

Like others, I was going to suggest the iMac, as that's what I'd get if I didn't also need a monitor that could be used with Windows laptops (for my/housemate's work). Getting rid of Target Display Mode was a very shortsighted decision by Apple (well at least in my view/for my use case).

I got the Dell P2421DC monitor (24") for about £280 - it's decent but like many monitors used with the M1 Mac Minis, it is only working on YPbPr (still pretty sharp but annoying). It has USB-C to charge/connect the Windows laptops and the Mac Mini is attached via a USB-C to DisplayPort cable.

I'm still trying to work out what speakers to buy, whether I need a webcam (and which one) and what hub I want for attaching backup etc. I'm using the Apple Magic Keyboard and trackpad from my old iMac (which is finally being sent off for trade-in today) to save ports.

If you do get a Mac Mini, don't forget to look in the refurb store - there are two 8GB models in there today - I bought mine from there (16/512) and got a boatload of BA Avios points too by buying it through the BA e-store

 

[EdwardC]

I think you mean Thunderbolt to Display Port - Lightning is the connector found on the iPhone. Does this mean HDMI port on 2018 model had some issues?

Oooops, I know better than that. Yes you are correct. Thanks for the heads up, I corrected my post.

Ed

 

[Nihilvor]

Yes, the refurbished store is the way to go. I saved $750 over an equivalent IMac (including reburb pricing and cash back on gift cards) on my entire M1 Mini setup (including a new monitor, keyboard, and external drive); plus I like the flexibility/repairability of not having the monitor and system combined. It's a good option.

 

[danb1979]

I think after all the reading and research I've been doing, I'm going to go for the M1 MB Air (16GB RAM) and will see how I get on with that and then may look to add an external monitor if I feel I need it

A lot of too'ing and fro'ing I know; but I'm investing c£1200 into a new Mac; I want to go fro the best I can in one package to begin with

 

[Nihilvor]

I think after all the reading and research I've been doing, I'm going to go for the M1 MB Air (16GB RAM) and will see how I get on with that and then may look to add an external monitor if I feel I need it

A lot of too'ing and fro'ing I know; but I'm investing c£1200 into a new Mac; I want to go fro the best I can in one package to begin with

I debated between the Air and Mini 16GB/500SSD. I went with the Mini because of price, the extra ports, and because it will be my main machine at my desk. I still feel like I need a good laptop at some point because I teach and carry around an old one with some wear. The MB Air looks amazing.

 

[danb1979]

I debated between the Air and Mini 16GB/500SSD. I went with the Mini because of price, the extra ports, and because it will be my main machine at my desk. I still feel like I need a good laptop at some point because I teach and carry around an old one with some wear. The MB Air looks amazing.

Well it will be my main computer as I work/run my business from home.

But it also means I don't need to splurge more on an iPad 👌🏻

If I'm out & about meeting with clients; then the MBA will be ideal for that; and then just back onto my desk and plugged in to work from

All I use is MS Office, Chrome & Safari and iTunes etc; so not a heavy user at all

 

[WC7]

I've decided to trade in my Intel stuff for the M1 stuff. So, I just ordered an iMac and a MacMini ... my mini is the back-up machine. I always like to have an independent machine just in case I have problems with one or the other. All I do is lite office work with the included Apple apps (not even MS office). I use an iPad Pro for my mobile stuff (previously, used to use a MacBook Air but I found I used it less and less). -base level configurations for everything with a HDD for Time Machine back-ups. Just a 1080p screen for my mini.

 

[hirsthirst]

I've decided to trade in my Intel stuff for the M1 stuff. So, I just ordered an iMac and a MacMini ... my mini is the back-up machine. I always like to have an independent machine just in case I have problems with one or the other. All I do is lite office work with the included Apple apps (not even MS office). I use an iPad Pro for my mobile stuff (previously, used to use a MacBook Air but I found I used it less and less). -base level configurations for everything with a HDD for Time Machine back-ups. Just a 1080p screen for my mini.

three new premium devices to use bundled office apps?

get a 2015 Air from eBay & send your money to UNICEF.

 

[WC7]

three new premium devices to use bundled office apps?

get a 2015 Air from eBay & send your money to UNICEF.

Hahaha. The only way I can justify the multiple machines is doing the trade-ins with Apple ... yes, a form of discounting, but also pretty much assured things get recycled properly and materials reused. The aluminum reuse saves energy in the new Macs/iPhones. Do auto manufacturers recycle their particular brand ... I know trade-ins but I mean in a remanufacturing sense, or is it still a junkyard business? Btw, I used to give my old machines to the local library and they would find a good home ... but sometimes they would toss them.

 

[usagora]

Hahaha. The only way I can justify the multiple machines is doing the trade-ins with Apple ... yes, a form of discounting, but also pretty much assured things get recycled properly and materials reused. The aluminum reuse saves energy in the new Macs/iPhones. Do auto manufacturers recycle their particular brand ... I know trade-ins but I mean in a remanufacturing sense, or is it still a junkyard business? Btw, I used to give my old machines to the local library and they would find a good home ... but sometimes they would toss them.

You don't need to justify your purchases to anyone here. I love it when people on forums get all self-righteous about how other people choose to spend their money. Enjoy your new Mac Mini and iMac!

 

[WC7]

You don't need to justify your purchases to anyone here. I love it when people on forums get all self-righteous about how other people choose to spend their money. Enjoy your new Mac Mini and iMac!

I like suggestions on how to spend money! Just never had much luck with eBay ... and used car dealerships.

 

[danb1979]

You don't need to justify your purchases to anyone here. I love it when people on forums get all self-righteous about how other people choose to spend their money. Enjoy your new Mac Mini and iMac!

Fully agree...

What an egotistical way to **** on someone's post, on someone else's thread!