Mac Mini M1 - 16GB RAM, 1TB HDD

[Boro22]

Not sure why your monitors don't cut it, I've got 2 Dell P2419H's connected to a displaylink dock that work fine, am guessing your model is similar, have you got the right scaling in the display option in system preferences?

I got the u2419h. It just don’t seem as clear as I expect it to be. Maybe I am have the display models in apple shop as my benchmark.

 

[Boro22]

Not trying to be too pedantic, but like @Bigwaff said.. the Apple monitor(s) technically use a USB-C connection for display input. And over that connection, they support TB3 and DisplayPort AltMode to carry the video signal.

In other words, you actually don't need TB3/TB4 to get an image on the Apple Studio Display/XDR.

Thanks. Can you point me in right direction for a 4k monitor recommendation.

I am thinking £500 budget max. Preferably £300 but not sure what that will get me

 

[Yebubbleman]

Hi, just purchased a used Mac Mini M1 16GB, 1TB HDD for a relatively good price (when I compare to Ebay prices). In terms of the spec, how long can I expect this to last?

Good configuration!

I'd expect five more years of support for the latest macOS release at the minimum (especially since Apple still isn't finished dropping support for Intel Macs).

This is my first foray into Mac OS. Previously on Windows (but have all other Apple Products - iPhone, ipad, AirPods etc)

I was going to get the base spec M1 initially but thought i pay that bit extra for the higher ram and storage.

Yeah, that's a good idea seeing as you can't upgrade it later. As someone who owns M1 Macs with both 8GB and 16GB, I'll say that you're better off with the higher-end configuration (especially since, being new to macOS, you will instinctively want to close programs by clicking the red "x" even though, on a Mac, that only closes the window and not the application as a whole).

I could have got a used M2 8GB with 512GB SSD for roughly about £50 cheaper but thought I would stick with the older M1 chip and take advantage of the higher ram and storage.

You made the better call.

Main uses would be :


Browsing
Office
I want to start some video montage editing from my photos.

Yeah, that Mac mini ought to be plenty of power for those tasks.

thoughts would be appreciated. This seems like a really good site to build my Mac OS knowledge...

Eh...there are a lot of Mac fans on this site, but, relatively few actual experts. Just longtime fans that think their time with the Mac platform qualifies as expertise. Use caution.

 

[Boro22]

yeah, that's a good idea seeing as you can't upgrade it later. As someone who owns M1 Macs with both 8GB and 16GB, I'll say that you're better off with the higher-end configuration (especially since, being new to macOS, you will instinctively want to close programs by clicking the red "x" even though, on a Mac, that only closes the window and not the application as a whole).

thank you so much for your insight. Oh, I did not know that by crossing the red (X) it does not close the application. how do you close the application then?

few things I am trying to get my head round currently

1. I am using a Logitech MX keyboard from my Window days but the @ and " are the wrong way round. The @ sign is currently on the "2" key whereas it should be closer to the "Return" key. any ideas?
2. trying to get used to Ctl V and Ctl V to command V and C. The command button on my mx keyboard is in a more awkward position than the Ctl key. not sure if that's because I have not got the specific MX keys for Mac OS
3. I have started another thread but I now need a 4k monitor.

 

[Yebubbleman]

thank you so much for your insight. Oh, I did not know that by crossing the red (X) it does not close the application. how do you close the application then?

You either need to go to the program's menu in the menu bar and then select "Quit ::name of Application::" or, my personal favorite, press Command+Q on your keyboard. I quickly got used to that keyboard shortcut. Otherwise having to go to the menu bar to quit programs would've driven me away from the Mac platform.

few things I am trying to get my head round currently

1. I am using a Logitech MX keyboard from my Window days but the @ and " are the wrong way round. The @ sign is currently on the "2" key whereas it should be closer to the "Return" key. any ideas?

The "@" sign is traditionally on the 2 key on most U.S. keyboards. You can change your keyboard layout to that of a different region?

1. trying to get used to Ctl V and Ctl V to command V and C. The command button on my mx keyboard is in a more awkward position than the Ctl key. not sure if that's because I have not got the specific MX keys for Mac OS

On a Windows keyboard, the Command Key will be the Windows key and vice versa.

1. I have started another thread but I now need a 4k monitor.

That's pretty much standard. And you can get it to work either via the Thunderbolt port via USB-C or via the HDMI port. Both will get you to the desired end goal.

 

[Boro22]

The "@" sign is traditionally on the 2 key on most U.S. keyboards. You can change your keyboard layout to that of a different region?

Yep - I have it set as United Kingdom and it don't work. What is strange is that when I try to set it up, it says the Mac does not recognise my Logitech Key. It then tells me to press the button next to "shift" button and it recognises it.

It gives me three options to choose from. I choose the UK/Europe one.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Thanks. Can you point me in right direction for a 4k monitor recommendation.

I am thinking £500 budget max. Preferably £300 but not sure what that will get me

I'm partial to LG monitors. You get what you pay for, so be careful if you decide to skimp.

 

[ovbacon]

Thanks. Can you point me in right direction for a 4k monitor recommendation.

I am thinking £500 budget max. Preferably £300 but not sure what that will get me

As I indicated before I have two 4K monitors that are both very good.

- BenQ PD2705U (27" 4K) looks to be £399
- AOC U32P2CA (32" 4K) looks to be £420 but the 27" is £320

The BenQ has better color accuracy but is more expensive as I use it for photography and design.
The AOC is really nice and there is a 27" as well that is way cheaper and it works smoothly with mac.

I'm in the USA got them from Amazon and it looks like you can get them in GB.

btw, there are multiple threads on monitors for the mini so you can pretty much get all the references that you could ever need.

 

[Mity]

Welcome to the M1 Mini club. My M1 Air and Minis are my favorite Macs to date.

Some displays may not work properly with the M1 Macs. There is a running list of ones that play nice: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/mac-mini-m1-compatible-monitor-list.2282729/

In case you want to try a different dock, here is one that will be out soon that will give you 3 monitor support: https://appleinsider.com/articles/2...ock-lets-m1-mac-owners-have-three-4k-displays

 

[Boro22]

thanks both I will have a look into it

What is puzzling me at moment is when I try to plug the Mac mini via TB3 to display port (on Dell Monitor), nothing is showing on the Dell screen? any reasons why?

I want to free up the HDMI slot for second monitor.

 

[Mity]

What is puzzling me at moment is when I try to plug the Mac mini via TB3 to display port (on Dell Monitor), nothing is showing on the Dell screen? any reasons why?

Not sure. I connect my Mini to my TV using HDMI.

What cable do you have?

I use these for my Intel MBP and they work great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XTZZYKX/

Have you tried cables/dongles like these:
amazon.com/Plugable-USB-DisplayPort-Adapter-Resolutions/dp/B01EXKDRAC/
amazon.com/Plugable-DisplayPort-Thunderbolt-Compatible-Chromebooks/dp/B087V7BDYW

 

[Boro22]

I am just tried one of these into the Dell U2419h monitor and it did not work

uni USB C to DisplayPort Cable (4K@60Hz, 2K@144Hz, 2K@165Hz), 1m/3ft Thunderbolt 3 to DisplayPort Cable, Compatible for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, XPS15, Surface Book

uni USB C to DisplayPort Cable (4K@60Hz, 2K@144Hz, 2K@165Hz), 1m/3ft Thunderbolt 3 to DisplayPort Cable, Compatible for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, XPS15, Surface Book

www.amazon.co.uk

it works when I use HDMI but not display port.

I got 2 display ports

 

[Mity]

I am just tried one of these into the Dell U2419h monitor and it did not work

uni USB C to DisplayPort Cable (4K@60Hz, 2K@144Hz, 2K@165Hz), 1m/3ft Thunderbolt 3 to DisplayPort Cable, Compatible for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, XPS15, Surface Book

uni USB C to DisplayPort Cable (4K@60Hz, 2K@144Hz, 2K@165Hz), 1m/3ft Thunderbolt 3 to DisplayPort Cable, Compatible for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, XPS15, Surface Book

www.amazon.co.uk

it works when I use HDMI but not display port.

I got 2 display ports

I just tried the following in my M1 Mini and it worked.
amazon.com/gp/product/B07KB7NKR9/

Use your Dell's HDMI port with the dongle that I linked above. HDMI on monitor >>> TB on Mac.

 

[Fishrrman]

Boro -

I checked the specs for the Dell U2419H and it says that one of the displayports is an input and the other is a "pass-thru" (or something like that).

Did you try the cable you have with BOTH displayports?

If that doesn't work, something else you might try...
1st display:
HDMI out (Mini) to HDMI in (display)

2nd display:
USBc-to-HDMI cable, then
USBc out (Mini) to HDMI in (display)

No promises, just some thoughts.

 

[Boro22]

Boro -

I checked the specs for the Dell U2419H and it says that one of the displayports is an input and the other is a "pass-thru" (or something like that).

Did you try the cable you have with BOTH displayports?

If that doesn't work, something else you might try...
1st display:
HDMI out (Mini) to HDMI in (display)

2nd display:
USBc-to-HDMI cable, then
USBc out (Mini) to HDMI in (display)

No promises, just some thoughts.

I think you hit nail on head. I tried the other display port (where original one was) and it worked.

Which you have now confirmed is a passthrough which makes perfect sense. thanks again

so I have my set up as follows

Dell monitor
- MIni Display - Mac Mini
- HDMI - Dell WD15 Hub

Acer Second MOnitor
HDMI - MAC Mini
VGA - Dell WD15 hub

this means I can have the Mac and Dell Hub (which controls my personal and work laptop) to have two screens

 

[Boro22]

As I indicated before I have two 4K monitors that are both very good.

- BenQ PD2705U (27" 4K) looks to be £399
- AOC U32P2CA (32" 4K) looks to be £420 but the 27" is £320

The BenQ has better color accuracy but is more expensive as I use it for photography and design.
The AOC is really nice and there is a 27" as well that is way cheaper and it works smoothly with mac.

I'm in the USA got them from Amazon and it looks like you can get them in GB.

btw, there are multiple threads on monitors for the mini so you can pretty much get all the references that you could ever need.

am I right in thinking if I get a 4K monitor, everything will be smaller but I can scale all the text/icons back up?

are there any drawbacks of 4k monitor 27, vs 24 1080p?

 

[ovbacon]

am I right in thinking if I get a 4K monitor, everything will be smaller but I can scale all the text/icons back up?

are there any drawbacks of 4k monitor 27, vs 24 1080p?

You can change resolution as you want.
I'm not able to say if there would be any drawbacks on a 4k screen...

 

[Mity]

am I right in thinking if I get a 4K monitor, everything will be smaller but I can scale all the text/icons back up?

are there any drawbacks of 4k monitor 27, vs 24 1080p?

4K on anything smaller than 43" is too small for me. On 32" 4K monitors, if you scale up, you'll quickly discover that 4K with a smaller monitor will not be worth it as you'll run out of space on the screen. But if you look mostly at images and media, yes, it will be much more crisp.

For productivity work, I use an LG 43UN700 as my main screen and two 32UN880 in portrait mode. The 43" is the best for all around use. Text is crisp and so are images. It's like having 4 FHD screens. If you have to get only one, get a 43" 4K monitor. Once you see text on 4K, your eyes will never allow you to go back to FHD.

Whatever monitor you decide, check that list of M1 compatible monitors. My M1 Mini flickers with my Samsung TV but it doesn't with my LG monitors.

 

[Boro22]

4K on anything smaller than 43" is too small for me. On 32" 4K monitors, if you scale up, you'll quickly discover that 4K with a smaller monitor will not be worth it as you'll run out of space on the screen. But if you look mostly at images and media, yes, it will be much more crisp.

For productivity work, I use an LG 43UN700 as my main screen and two 32UN880 in portrait mode. The 43" is the best for all around use. Text is crisp and so are images. It's like having 4 FHD screens. If you have to get only one, get a 43" 4K monitor. Once you see text on 4K, your eyes will never allow you to go back to FHD.

Whatever monitor you decide, check that list of M1 compatible monitors. My M1 Mini flickers with my Samsung TV but it doesn't with my LG monitors.

thank you, I think you I know what you mean. it does make you think whether I should just go for the Apple Studio (but its so pricey!)

would you agree with the comments made by this person here

 

[Mity]

thank you, I think you I know what you mean. it does make you think whether I should just go for the Apple Studio (but its so pricey!)

would you agree with the comments made by this person here

You mean the Studio Display? If you work in the arts and you need accurate color reproduction, then I suppose you can justify it but I don't think you need to spend that much money to get a good monitor. Any LG or Dell 43" will be fine.

 

[meson]

thank you, I think you I know what you mean. it does make you think whether I should just go for the Apple Studio (but its so pricey!)

would you agree with the comments made by this person here

I disagree with that assessment. Yes, Apple’s 218 ppi offers some of the best looking displays out there, but the conclusions that scaled resolutions are inherently bad and that 110 ppi is better than 140 ppi or 163 ppi is just wrong.

I’ve ran displays at 110 ppi or lower alongside my retina MBPs for years including Apple’s own 21.5” non-retina iMac. I can assure you that text on my 32” LG 4k monitor looks way better, even in scaled resolutions than it does on any of the lower res monitors I’ve used over the years. Choosing a monitor preset that emphasizes sharpness will make the text look terrible. Sure, things look a bit better on my wife’s 5k iMac, but then again, I could buy 5 of my monitors for less than one studio display.

If the performance impact were a problem, or if scaled resolutions looked bad by default, people would be told to take their MacBooks out of the default resolution, which is a scaled mode. The impact that I see for running in a scaled mode on my 16/256 M1 mini is 3%-8% gpu usage and similar for my 13” 16/1TB MBP.

4k monitors are fantastic as long as you come in with reasonable expectations.

 

[StoneJack]

Thanks. Any recommendations on which one to buy?

In terms of additional accessories I would like to connect are:

Logitech MX keyboard and mouse (use USB dongle)

Webcam (for FaceTime)

I would like a SD card reader

Yeah, logitech combo is great.
For facetime logitech as well. I have a similar setup, works just fine.