Mac mini 2018 Reviews Roundup: Long-Awaited Update Should Impress Fans and Pro Users, But Upgrade Options Can Get Pricey

[megascott]

None of those reviews talks about the performance of the entry level MacMini. Those review unit are most likely maxed out that cost almost 2 grand sent by Apple. What about that $799 base model i3 with 8gig of RAM, I wanna see how's that perform.

Did you read the reviews?

"Apple provided me with a base-model Mac mini to test"
https://sixcolors.com/post/2018/11/mac-mini-2018-review/

"Priced as configured, our unit runs $799, making it the entry-level version."
https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/06/mac-mini-review/

"To test the speed of the $799 Mac mini, we used the Geekbench 4benchmark tool."
https://www.macworld.com/article/3318501/macs/799-mac-mini-review.html#tk.rss_all

"I had some time with the "cheap" entry-level model, equipped with an Intel Core i3-8100B, 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD."
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/apple-mac-mini-2018-preview/

 

[dazz87]

Just pure greed starting off at $799.

 

[megascott]

I want one for audio recording (mostly voice, and I don't have the cash to build an isolation booth so I'll be sitting next to it). Any idea if the i5 would cause the fan to ramp up any more than the i3 would assuming I'm running Logic Pro with just a few tracks and barely any plugins? I assume the i3 is the way to go but I also want to future-proof as much as possible.

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

4 years and they couldn't change the intrinsic form factor ????

The mini 'shape' was based on the cd/dvd form , things have moved on

NOT impressed

This IS the iTunes gen after all !!!???

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgur...DeAhULVa0KHT1zBa4QMwiiASgAMAA&iact=mrc&uact=8

Any questions?

 

[Mydel]

Then don't buy it.

I won't obviously. Still off topic.

 

[theluggage]

Their "Enthusiast" model NUC has a 7th Gen i7 (quad core, not hex), ONE TB3 port, and is fugly as the day is long. Oh, and it STARTS at $883. Granted, it has 16 GB of RAM rather than 8 GB; but the rest of the machine is REALLY lame compared with the 2018 mini.

The NUC is actually the best comparison/contrast with the Mini. IMHO its not a clear victory either way. The version here: https://www.quietpc.com/sys-ultranuc-pro-i7 - comes in at about the same price as the i5/hex core Mac Mini (£1057 vs £1099) for 8GB RAM and a 256GB PCIe SSD.

Yes, its 4 core (8 virtual cores with hyperthreading) vs. 6 core in the Mac, and slightly slower memory, but its the 8705G with Radeon RX Vega M graphics - so whether its "better" or "worse" than the hex-core in the Mini is going to depend what you so with it - the Mini is going to win on things like Logic Pro or non-GPU-accelerated video encoding, the NUC will probably win on anything that relies on the GPU.

Its only got 2 TB3 ports (which is good going for a PC) but its also got a metric shedload of what Apple thinks are "legacy" ports, so you can hang a bunch of USB, DisplayPort and HDMI devices off it without "wasting" the TB3 ports.

Yes, the NUC is ugly alongside the Mac mini (I think it comes with a plain cover if you don't fancy the skull, though) and needs an external power brick.

If 8GB/256GB was the config I needed, and I wasn't looking for 32 performance, then I'd certainly pick the $1099 Mac Mini over the NUC.

However, if you need more RAM or more internal SSD, pretty soon, you're looking at the NUC being half the price of a Mini with the same RAM/SSD - OK the NUC specs say 32GB RAM max but 64GB may be a firmware update away, OTOH the NUC has two M.2. SSD slots so you can put 4TB of storage there and only need to sell one kidney. Or you could add an external SSD to the Mini, but then your Mini system has 2 boxes plus a wall-wart.

Its not a game of "top trumps" - it all depends on what features you actually need and what capabilities you personally prioritise. Like all Apple stuff, the new mini is terrific if you're the exact target demographic that Apple built it for, but choice is expensive.

I just think that for a computer that sells itself as being a mini (and one of its USPs has long been the lack of a PSU brick) every time you say "just add an external drive/gpu/hub/adapter" you take away part of the point of it not being an old-fangled PCIe mini-tower.

 

[Mydel]

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://cdn.cultofmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/MacStadium-MacMini-Racks-Apple.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.cultofmac.com/587718/youtube-video-inside-macstadium-mac-mini/&docid=KlsDjG8IsBv3xM&tbnid=Fv1qWWs4icWfWM:&vet=10ahUKEwjSz8LuusDeAhULVa0KHT1zBa4QMwiiASgAMAA..i&w=1600&h=900&client=safari&bih=930&biw=1680&q=mac stadium mac mini racks picture&ved=0ahUKEwjSz8LuusDeAhULVa0KHT1zBa4QMwiiASgAMAA&iact=mrc&uact=8

Any questions?

Again off topic

 

[dogslobber]

The NUC is actually the best comparison/contrast with the Mini. IMHO its not a clear victory either way. The version here: https://www.quietpc.com/sys-ultranuc-pro-i7 - comes in at about the same price as the i5/hex core Mac Mini (£1057 vs £1099) for 8GB RAM and a 256GB PCIe SSD.

This review has a few NUC compares:

https://in.pcmag.com/mac-desktops/126789/apple-mac-mini-2018

 

[harriska2]

Okay, that is what is really confusing to me, you will intentionally suffer with a crappy experience over a $65 dollar subscription to office 2016 but have 0 problem throwing down 1k or more for a Mac mini? Also win10 isn't that bad, either are the updates, btw some of the updates on win10 provide some pretty cool features.

I don’t do subscriptions. Period. And I think I can get office and win 10 via the uni for free. Still not worth the crappy experience that I’ve had for 20 years. Yeah, Apple is better. It just is. When I scoot over and use hubby’s computer I complain how it isn’t windows (screen print, hello?) but so many other things are just better, easier. I love windows, been a user since about 1988. Since before Windows 3 I fiddled with 2. But it is bloated. I’m tired of MS Office and again, I simply don’t do subscriptions.

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

I want one for audio recording (mostly voice, and I don't have the cash to build an isolation booth so I'll be sitting next to it). Any idea if the i5 would cause the fan to ramp up any more than the i3 would assuming I'm running Logic Pro with just a few tracks and barely any plugins? I assume the i3 is the way to go but I also want to future-proof as much as possible.

i7 FTW!

Twice as many Threads (the i7 is the only one of the 3 CPUs that supports Hyperthreading. This also can reduce latency in high-demand applications. Good for Lots of LPX Tracks!!!)

Turbo Boost up to a full GHz above the i3's clock (which does NOT boost!)

You can Upgrade the RAM, and add as much external storage as you want; BUT YOU CANNOT UPGRADE THE CPU!!!

I could go on; but I'd suggest the i7 model with minimum RAM and SSD. Have someone you trust help you upgrade the RAM to at least 16 and better 32 GB, and hook up whatever USB-C or TB 3 external drive(s).

You also MIGHT consider the 10 gig Eithernet option. It's only $100, and also works with the intermediate speeds of 2.4 and 6 Gb/s Eithernet (as well as the regular slower speeds). That way, you might want to get a fast storage pool or even another mini to do distributed stuff with LPX.
[doublepost=1541531736][/doublepost]

Just pure greed starting off at $799.

Really?

It beats all over the Intel "Enthusiast" NUC, which costs just a bit more, for a 7th gen CPU and ONE measly TB 3 port!

 

[tubular]

Mac mini was always an affordable Mac option for those who didn't want to / couldn't afford to pay for full package Macs like iMacs or MacBooks.
I can't see the target market and appeal for it anymore.

People like me who have been all but praying for the Mac mini quad core to come back since the day they’re killed it in 2014.

The Mac mini was two machines — intro/switcher and headless workhorse. In 2014 they killed the workhorse, to great cries of agony from its user base. In 2018 they brought it back, and I am definitely getting one — but in the process they killed the switcher machine. Why? Maybe they saw that it wasn’t doing what it was intended to do — maybe because they let it get so stale.

 

[BigBoy2018]

OMG!!!!

WHAT in the F DO YOU THINK ALL THOSE PORTS ARE FOR?!?!?!?????

THIS IS NOT A LAPTOP!

THIS IS NOT A TOWER!

THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH STUFF YOU CAN STICK IN A COMPUTER THE SIZE OF A HAM SANDWICH!!!!

I REPEAT: OMG!!!!

THINK!!!!!!
[doublepost=1541530528][/doublepost]
And you're RUINING this Forum.
[doublepost=1541530653][/doublepost]
It can. Wait until iFixit shows us how...

Dude, theres more internal space cubic inches wise, in a mac mini than there is in the current macbook pro. So THINK about that.

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

Again off topic

Sorry, no.

It neatly explains a VERY GOOD REASON why Apple KEPT the same FORM FACTOR for the Mac mini.

 

[harriska2]

Sorry, no.

It neatly explains a VERY GOOD REASON why Apple KEPT the same FORM FACTOR for the Mac mini.

I saw someone else note that there are server farms that use the mac mini. By keeping the same form factor it will help the server farm folk.

 

[Sabelonada]

It beats all over the Intel "Enthusiast" NUC, which costs just a bit more, for a 7th gen CPU and ONE measly TB 3 port!

Again, if you're referring to the Hades Canyon, it has 2 TB3 ports.

 

[D.T.]

Calm down. I've never seen a Mac mini before. It just doesn't make sense to buy a mini and then have to add all the externals to it taking up more spcae than a tower to get to the same place.

I like the form factor: plenty of folks use them without many external peripherals, and/or in use cases where there's a benefit to the small dimensions, some folks like myself aren't really that concerned the with size (you know, within reason ...) and like having external components that are easily arranged/stored/placed independently of the "core" machine. Cables/workspaces are easily managed, you've got some minimum cable needs (power/display) and if you're really into the most cable-free aesthetic, you're probably a candidate for an AIO.

I mean, I'm pretty neat with my desk, but I've got two displays (and their cables), a USB device or two, audio out to a little tube amp (wired HD650s). Two little boxes for the machine + eGPU isn't much different than one bigger box in terms of my overall cable-ness

 

[Spectrum]

How come no picture of this "cage"?

Here from the video:

 

[Stephen.R]

but then your Mini system has 2 boxes plus a wall-wart.

That depends very much on what case/SSD you use. The vast majority should run on bus power.

the new mini is terrific if you're the exact target demographic that Apple built it for, but choice is expensive

I actually agree with you here. Seeing so many people complaining about the GPU choice Apple made (or didn't make if you see it that way) tells me they aren't who Apple is targeting with this machine.

To understand the market I think this is aimed at/suits, I suggest the following:

a) forget you know anything about the mac mini's previous versions, or the 'low end cheap mac' line.

b) watch the announcement video and/or go read through http://apple.com/mac-mini/

c) Realise this is Apple's first remotely pro computer that isn't obsessed with graphics.

Edit: clarify this is my opinion.

 

[harriska2]

People like me who have been all but praying for the Mac mini quad core to come back since the day they’re killed it in 2014.

The Mac mini was two machines — intro/switcher and headless workhorse. In 2014 they killed the workhorse, to great cries of agony from its user base. In 2018 they brought it back, and I am definitely getting one — but in the process they killed the switcher machine. Why? Maybe they saw that it wasn’t doing what it was intended to do — maybe because they let it get so stale.

As far as headless is concerned: I just looked at the chatter on the SecuritySpy forum from the software author “yes, for best performance when running headless, we would recommend a dummy HDMI monitor adaptor to make the Mac think it has a monitor attached, as this ensures that the hardware accelerated video is online”. Not sure that is required with the intel integrated video chip?

 

[Zdigital2015]

I was hoping they’d use the intel+Vega chip, the 8705G, or some maybe some updated version of it.

When Intel silently introduced the Radeon Pro WX versions of Kaby Lake-G, I was quite convinced Apple would be using those CPUs in the Mac mini - https://ark.intel.com/compare/148964,148963 - but I am grateful that they did not, because that would have meant either getting two Thunderbolt 3 ports and NVMe storage directly off the CPU or 4 TB3 ports and NVMe storage coming off of the PCH. Neither sounds particularly satisfying.

I would rather have cores and/or cores and threads than the dGPU, because I just do not think that Apple would have made anyone happy with their GPU choice. YMMV.

 

[sers]

Glad I didn't wait for this upgrade. Over $1000 CDN for a base mini? Really Apple? Your prices are becoming ludicrous lately.

 

[MacWorld78]

I'm very keen about the upgradability and obviously, I'm not very happy overall that the Mac Mini was meant to be "Service Upgradable" by a Genius Bar why should I pay more for this stupid overpriced? (SSD, RAM, Keyboard, Mouse or Trackpad) how much more money do they need to feel satisfied Tim Cook?

Why Apple has a well-deserved reputation for making its products hard to upgrade?

 

[groadyho]

I like the form factor: plenty of folks use them without many external peripherals, and/or in use cases where there's a benefit to the small dimensions, some folks like myself aren't really that concerned the with size (you know, within reason ...) and like having external components that are easily arranged/stored/placed independently of the "core" machine. Cables/workspaces are easily managed, you've got some minimum cable needs (power/display) and if you're really into the most cable-free aesthetic, you're probably a candidate for an AIO.

I mean, I'm pretty neat with my desk, but I've got two displays (and their cables), a USB device or two, audio out to a little tube amp (wired HD650s). Two little boxes for the machine + eGPU isn't much different than one bigger box in terms of my overall cable-ness

I don’t do subscriptions. Period. And I think I can get office and win 10 via the uni for free. Still not worth the crappy experience that I’ve had for 20 years. Yeah, Apple is better. It just is. When I scoot over and use hubby’s computer I complain how it isn’t windows (screen print, hello?) but so many other things are just better, easier. I love windows, been a user since about 1988. Since before Windows 3 I fiddled with 2. But it is bloated. I’m tired of MS Office and again, I simply don’t do subscriptions.

Thank you both for explaining things so very nicely. I see the value of it now.

 

[Sabelonada]

I'm very keen about the upgradability and obviously, I'm not very happy overall that the Mac Mini was meant to be "Service Upgradable" by a Genius Bar why should I pay more for this stupid overpriced? (SSD, RAM, Keyboard, Mouse or Trackpad) how much more money do they need to feel satisfied Tim Cook?

Why Apple has a well-deserved reputation for making its products hard to upgrade?

Because they don't want you to upgrade them?

 

[Stephen.R]

Why?

I honestly think the number of "switchers" like that is dwindling. "Average" individual (i.e. home/student/small business) users are moving to portable devices - either laptops or tablets.

I think the time of trying to convince PC users to switch to a Mac is kind of over - they're more likely to focus on switching those users to an iPad. I'm not saying this is the right or wrong strategy for Apple or the consumer, but its what I think they're doing.

There is/will be some collateral damage for some users. My parents just bought a 2014 model because their 2009 model (a hand me down from me) cooked it's CPU. If they'd been looking now, it would be a more expensive machine, which honestly they don't need.