Removing the USB-A port is really about time. Do I have USB-A port devices? Yes, but I am also happy to move on.
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Mac Mini to Lose Its USB-A Ports Later This Year
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I've certainly bought recently-released hardware in the last few years that wasn't USB-C - and much new stuff I've bought that was USB-C only supported USB 3.1 speeds and works just as well on a USB-A port.
However, replace the USB-A and other so-called "legacy" ports on desktops one-for-one with USB-C and I won't complain - but that's not how it tends to work: the total number of ports has a nasty tendency to go down.
It costs Apple less money to build a smaller computer. It costs Apple less money to ship a smaller computer. It is all about profit.
It's hard to believe that the Mini will turn 20 years old next year. And although it's slightly changed over the years, it's still a typical Apple design: a rounded square, like an iPhone icon.
I can’t remember the last time I held an optical disc in my hand. Ten years ago?
Despite the snark, it's actually not a bad idea
Tons of people are buying BTO anyhow, in order to get more RAM/SSD
The ultimate "change for the sake of change" .. and one that requires people to purchase more cables, adapters and dongles
This from the "Eco-Concious" company
Although I have mostly usb-a accessories- I’ll be using at least two existing hubs maybe more to connect everything… cameras keyboards music keyboards mouse printer etc tons of usb-a gear - happy to see the new usb-c ports - way to go Apple 🍎!!!!!
Umm I guess you don't have speakers connected to your machine. For me the USB A port is connected to the USB B port of my audio receiver/DAC. Thus, I hope Apple does not drop the very useful USB A on newer Studio ultras.
I think that they should have started the design with the iMac power/ethernet brick. Build a whole series of dongles so the whole thing looks like a squid.
Smaller parts can cost more, though, and more effort/cost needs to go into cooling it, so it's probably a wash. Removing two USB-A ports, meanwhile, probably saves 50 cents.
I have the m1 mini original. First time I’ve had a mini. The ports in the back are annoying.
I rely on my little hub adapter. So much easier to grab.
I wish Apple would Mack the mini like a two tier block (think ps2). With an all black base to hold the usb ports at the front.
I rely on my little hub adapter. So much easier to grab.
I wish Apple would Mack the mini like a two tier block (think ps2). With an all black base to hold the usb ports at the front.
Counter proposal: give me a USB-A port so I can use this:
SanDisk 128GB Ultra Slider USB Type-C flash drive, USB stick, memory stick with fast performance, up to 400 MB/s read speeds, USB 3.2 Gen 1, retractable connector, keyring, Black
The SanDisk Ultra Slider USB Type-C Flash Drive delivers speedy, simple storage for your USB Type-C devices. From vacation videos to work presentations, you can easily transfer and access your files at read speeds of up to 400MB/s (128GB and 256GB models only). Enjoy worry-free, on-the-go storage...amzn.eu
Sure it’s bigger than a wireless adapter but Sandisk and co can’t bend the rules of physics
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It is more about a new design, to motivate people to go out and buy “the shiny new” thing. Smaller sounds better than larger. And a really radical change of the shape would probably scare off more customers than attracting more sales.
VGA on any motherboard in the year 2024 is a complete cop out. Servers are a different beast, but I’ve come to expect the PC builder market to be at least 10-15 years behind the rest of the world when it comes to embracing new ports. Try getting more than just USB-A and maybe one USB-C on even high end motherboards isn’t a slam dunk. Thunderbolt is even harder.
How hard is it to replace that cable with a USB-C to USB-B cable? Answer: not hard at all.
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If some people here had their way we would all still have parallel ports too.
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I don't think they will.
Apple would definitely be the company to segment its desktop line-up in such a way that more ports and a bigger variety of ports is a "Pro" feature only available in the Mac Studio and Mac Pro.
Like with iPads and iPhones, I also see this shift to an all-new, smaller Mac mini to underline how the mini is the budget desktop Mac and increasing the discrepancy in value and price between the different Macs.
I think this new mini will be decently impressive initially, especially considering its price.
But only in the vacuum that exists before Apple updates the Studio and Pro to M4.
After the mid-tier and high-end M4 Macs drop, this new M4 mini will look very "SE".
It’s a desktop that doesn’t get moved around just use a hub or inexpensive adapter
And don’t get me started on the floppy drive. I’ve been waiting since 1998 for Apple to reverse their ridiculous decision to drop the floppy drive. STILL waiting in 2024. What am I supposed to do with all these floppy disks, Apple?!
Okay no USB A, smaller size… but same
Apple's redesigned Mac mini will not have any USB-A ports, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports.
The current Mac mini with the M2 chip features two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, while the M2 Pro variant has four USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. Writing in his latest "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that the new Mac mini with the M4 Pro chip will have a total of five USB-C ports, but no USB-A ports. Three USB-C ports will be located on the back, while two will be present on the front of the machine, similar to the Mac Studio. There will continue to be ports for ethernet, HDMI, and 3.5mm audio. The power supply will apparently continue to be internal.
Last month, Gurman reported that the next-generation Mac mini with the M4 and M4 Pro chips will feature the first major design change to the machine since 2010. The new Mac mini will apparently approach the size of an Apple TV, but it may be slightly taller than the current model, which is 1.4 inches high. It will continue to feature an aluminum shell. Individuals working on the new device apparently say that it is "essentially an iPad Pro in a small box."
Gurman says that suppliers in China are scheduled to begin shipping the new Mac mini models with the M4 chip in early September. The M4 Pro model will not begin shipping until October. The M4 generation of Apple silicon will purportedly be the first time that Apple has used the same chip generation across all of its Macs, with refreshes to add the M4 chip to the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro planned to take place over the next year.
Article Link: Mac Mini to Lose Its USB-A Ports Later This Year
price? 🤣
