Mac Mini Portability?

[DisraeliGears]

Hey y’all!

Really thinking about getting an M1 Mac Mini, but I’ve got a question. I would probably be carrying it to/from the office on a pretty regular basis. Does anyone have experience with hauling one around regularly? In particular I’m wondering if I’ll have issues power cycling it, frequently turning off and unplugging rather than just letting it sleep. I don’t particularly want to do the MacBook thing simply because I’ll have available monitors, plus the higher cost.

 

[LeeW]

Pretty sure the majority of owners power cycle their device rather than just letting it sleep, not sure why you would think there would be an issue with power cycling on a regular basis.

I have used the Mac Mini in the past as a portable device between home and office, worked really well. I know there are many that do it so no issues with it.

 

[Fishrrman]

This is certainly easy enough to do.

The only thing I'd be concerned about would be "wearing out the ports" by the repeated connections/disconnections...

 

[AZhappyjack]

Pretty sure the majority of owners power cycle their device rather than just letting it sleep, not sure why you would think there would be an issue with power cycling on a regular basis.

I have used the Mac Mini in the past as a portable device between home and office, worked really well. I know there are many that do it so no issues with it.

Perhaps. I have two - one (2012 quad core) is a media server that runs 24/7... the other one (2018 quad core i5) is a workstation for FCP editing. It also runs 24/7, and sleeps when inactive. Just don't see the need to power cycle them after every use.

to the OP's question, should not be an issue... if you want to schlep it around the city daily, go for it.

 

[Micky Do]

Used a Mac Mini as an occasionally easily backpack transportable device for a dozen years from 2005 until 2017, when I started to need something I could travel with most days. Then, also requiring a computer with more storage, I got a MacBook Air for work (as a teacher), and kept the Mac Mini for personal use on my desk at home.

Didn't have any issues with the Mini when moving it around, mainly using it with an LCD projector in class when away from home. Connecting and disconnecting could be done in a couple of minutes, not much longer than hooking the Air up to a classroom projector and PA system. The Mini is reasonably rugged, but the Air could take (and has taken) a few more knocks.

If you have a lot of travel in mind, I suggest go with the MacBook. For only occasional travel the Mini would be fine.... in my experience.