My opinion of the Mac Mini has changed.

[PinkyMacGodess]

I loved the Mini from the start. So small, capable, easy to live with. Until...

The Bluetooth would flake out on the second Intel based mini, and finally I got 'permission' to bring it in for service at the 2 hour away Apple Store. They had it for nearly a week (I bought an M1 Mini) and they couldn't duplicate the problem but found a 'cooling problem' and replaced the main board. I picked it up and 'happy days'. Until the rain came.

I was getting tearing and horrible flickering while using the only app I bought that Mini to run. I got videos of it, and opened another case, and got permission to bring it in, again. I went through the whole presentation of the video issues, and even with another app. They said it would be a week (or so), and I left it. They called that evening and said they couldn't find anything wrong. They kept it another day because I wanted them to make sure they abused it to see if it was a heat issue (like I thought the Bluetooth issues was). Nope, no problems. 4 hours later, it's sitting on my drafting table again. Hesitantly I hooked it up, and it actually *seemed* better.

EXCEPT now I hear a warbling through any Bluetooth speaker I hook up to it. Oh no! After spending 16+ hours on the road, I am thinking of just scraping it when Apple Care expires. (There are still some occasional video issues too)

Oh, the Mini is on the 'No send in support' list. (So is the new iPad Mini that is having battery issues), so to get service I either have to take it to the local Worst Try, or hike to that nearest Apple Store.

If I lived a lot closer to the store (and it was an actual Apple owed store?) I feel like I'd get better support, maybe. And as much as I like going to 'the big city' and walking the aisles of Whole Foods, the ownership experience of the Mac Mini lately is pinching and digging in sensitive spots. I can honestly say I'd very likely pass on buying another one* (I have 3 total currently) and won't be replacing the ones that die with new ones.

And saying/thinking that, I find really depressing. I do LOVE those little boxes, but it's feeling rather one way of late. Sad...

As to the other 2? One is a media server, and is just a poor persons NAS box, and the other is sitting under the misbehaving Mini in case the naughty one needs to go back again (You can keep it this time!). The M1 Mini is also 'not optimized**' for the app I run, so the video is rather primitive, and largely to be avoided, but in a pinch it'll get me by. I did buy a Windows notebook, and am trying to get along with Windows 11. It seems to be like talking to a person tripping on shrooms or something. Almost not worth the effort.

The iPad Mini will be the last Mini I buy, sadly.

* Unless Apple changes their support options for the new just released ones.

** First world problems...

 

[Juicy Box]

I have the M1 Mini (just purchased the M2 Pro Mini) and have not had any problems with it. Although, I rarely use Bluetooth with it.

That being said, I completely get your frustration with Apple and Apple Support.

I had an ongoing issues with my Late 2012 iMac with the 1TB Fusion Drive after about 1.5 years into the three years of Apple Care.

Multiple trips to the Apple store, only to have them wipe the drive, run their diagnostic test, and both the SSD and HDD passed. They kept it for the weekend one time running a long test, and a whole week another time, but the drive passed every time, so I would restore from Time Machine, only to have the issue pop back up progressively sooner with each Apple Store trip.

The Apple store is about an hour away with no traffic, and $16 in tolls for the trip. Add fuel and my time, this Fusion Drive issue was very costly to me.


The HDD finally fully failed 12 days before the AC warranty ended, and they finally replaced the drive.


The thing is, I knew it was the HDD, it had all the symptoms of bad sectors and a failing drive, but the Apple Store refused to replace it because it kept passing their tests.

I would have just replaced the drive myself with a SSD if it wasn't for the Apple Care warranty.

The replacement drive eventually failed, so I replaced it with a SSD. I wished I would have just done that to begin with instead of messing around with Apple Support and the Apple Store.

 

[gusping]

I have never had bluetooth issues with my 2018 i7 mini or M2 Pro mini, but... both minis cause my speakers to make crackling/popping noises even when no audio is playing (started after updating my 2018 mini to Big Sur - I guess the bug is still in Venturra). The issue stops if I use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.

But the main issue I have is that both minis are incredibly flaky (borderline unusable some days) with external monitors. I use 2 monitors and 10% of the time one won't wake up and I have to unplug it and plug it in again. The issue is much worse with my M2 Pro than Intel mini. I may return it and stick with my old machine if I can't fix it.

 

[CausticPuppy]

TIL there are people that use bluetooth speakers for desktop computers.

I mean there's no inherent reason that shouldn't work, other than the usual issues with latency and reconnecting, but I've never heard of using BT as the primary audio output.

 

[m1maverick]

While your frustration is understandable sometimes you get a device which just refuses to function properly (i.e. a lemon). I wouldn't write off the Mini from one bad example.

My recommendation is to call Apple and explain the situation to them. Ask them to exchange it with another one. I've had positive experiences with them on some issues I've had.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

While your frustration is understandable sometimes you get a device which just refuses to function properly (i.e. a lemon). I wouldn't write off the Mini from one bad example.

My recommendation is to call Apple and explain the situation to them. Ask them to exchange it with another one. I've had positive experiences with them on some issues I've had.

I did the 'I am not going to accept this back again because I have no faith in it. Something is wrong with it, and I would like a total replacement'. Only to have the employee hustle back to the bowels of the store and come out with 'Unfortunately we can't do that for you. If you don't pick it up, we will recycle it. The only other option is to trade it in for a gift card or store credit.' And I countered with 'Oh, sure. I will trade-in this, the most expensive model of Mini (currently then) for pocket change?' 'Unfortunately that's the best we can do'.

So I wrote to Mr Apple, and got back a 'Well, gosh. There isn't anything we can do. Sorry, not sorry.'

So yeah...

Mac Mini, I loved you so... End of line for me.

And 'no one uses Bluetooth speakers for the main output on a computer'? Have you heard music through the M1 Mini internal speaker? Yikes...

And I have had stellar support from Apple, in the past. Having a refurb iMac swapped in-store for a new in box one, and they replaced the memory upgrade with new sticks. I was surprised, and eternally grateful as I had deadlines rapidly approaching, and a company to run. But an iMac is a much more expensive device for Apple. If they turned iMac owners away, they would likely lose their computer business. Just be aware of what products are on the 'no mail-in support' list, as you will have to bring them in to an Apple Store, or an Apple service provider as that it the ONLY option, short of tradeing it in.

 

[Fishrrman]

Macs + bluetooth = don't mix well.

Many Mini owners are going to fight with bt... well, forever.
It's not "in the software" -- it's in the hardware design.

I predict it will be pretty much the same for Mac Studio owners, as well -- again, because of the hardware design.

If your life revolves around bt... better be looking elsewhere.

Easier way to do what us old folks did for years -- use wired devices wherever possible.
They just work better.

 

[gusping]

Macs + bluetooth = don't mix well.

Many Mini owners are going to fight with bt... well, forever.
It's not "in the software" -- it's in the hardware design.

I predict it will be pretty much the same for Mac Studio owners, as well -- again, because of the hardware design.

If your life revolves around bt... better be looking elsewhere.

Easier way to do what us old folks did for years -- use wired devices wherever possible.
They just work better.

My experience is that headless Macs are just super buggy, be it bluetooth, display support or numerous other niggles. I have had infinitely more issues with my Mac mini and the Mac Studios I have tried than the Macbook Pros i owned.

 

[CausticPuppy]

And 'no one uses Bluetooth speakers for the main output on a computer'? Have you heard music through the M1 Mini internal speaker? Yikes...

I mean there’s an analog audio output right there on the back…. Better fidelity than BT audio and zero latency. Many (most?) Bluetooth speakers also have a stereo line-in. So you just need a 1/8” stereo aux cable.

 

[VaruLV]

I mean there’s an analog audio output right there on the back…. Better fidelity than BT audio and zero latency. Many (most?) Bluetooth speakers also have a stereo line-in. So you just need a 1/8” stereo aux cable.

In that case, why Apple bothered to include bluetooth audio support, eh?

 

[steve217]

But the main issue I have is that both minis are incredibly flaky (borderline unusable some days) with external monitors. I use 2 monitors and 10% of the time one won't wake up and I have to unplug it and plug it in again. The issue is much worse with my M2 Pro than Intel mini. I may return it and stick with my old machine if I can't fix it.

I've had wake up issues with my monitors on my M1 Mini as well.

What I've found works, is when the monitor won't light up, I put the mini to sleep (Cmd-Ctrl-Q), hit escape and then hit the keyboard.

That almost always does the trick. HTH.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

Macs + bluetooth = don't mix well.

Many Mini owners are going to fight with bt... well, forever.
It's not "in the software" -- it's in the hardware design.

I predict it will be pretty much the same for Mac Studio owners, as well -- again, because of the hardware design.

If your life revolves around bt... better be looking elsewhere.

Easier way to do what us old folks did for years -- use wired devices wherever possible.
They just work better.

I do notice that the Bluetooth sensitivity seems to be low for the Mini, but the antennas are buried under the aluminum case. Most indoor riders swear by using Bluetooth extension cords and BT dongles under their trainers due to perceived 'dropouts'. I used both BT and ANT+ dongles and cables, and during the Great Bluetooth Mess, stopped, and haven't reconnected them. So far, no worries, EXCEPT I noticed that the Garmin Pro HRM strap loses connection if I sit up and cross my arms over my chest. I do not remember ever having that happen before, so it *does* seem that the design and placement of the antennas *DOES* seem to effect the range, and sensitivity. As soon as I uncross my arms, the signal is picked up and things continue as before. I did have issues with my old 'huge case' Mac Pro connecting with the older Magic Mouse through an old 80's era inch thick desk slab with the rube goldbergian locking mechanism installed. It's another instance of Bluetooth antennas in a rather poor location for proper range. The cases attenuate the amount of signal. They could have put the antennas under the plastic top, but there would still likely be areas that are somewhat shielded.

Apple techs did ask questions like range and placement of the Mini to the source. 38", and below the Mini sitting on a 3/8" drafting table. That satisfied them and we moved on. Though being horrible intermittent, the cause was never determined. Ironic that it hasn't happened with the new Mini mainboard? Irony is perhaps not dead. Their diags might have missed something. Reality sucks?

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

My experience is that headless Macs are just super buggy, be it bluetooth, display support or numerous other niggles. I have had infinitely more issues with my Mac mini and the Mac Studios I have tried than the Macbook Pros i owned.

I have a Mini, as noted above, that is a headless 'music server', and have had no issues. Well, none with connecting to it. I did reload macOS once, and had to drag a monitor and KB/Mouse in to do it. Otherwise it just sits there quietly doing its thing. YMMV I guess... The Mini was born to be headless I think, and it was a brilliant idea for a small system. I've heard of people using them for email and intranet servers, and all kinds of other things. Heck, one enterprising soul gutted a Mini and installed it in his car and runs smart car stuff on it, running it off a custom power interface. Why that idea never caught on is beyond me. It could even be installed such that it would do updates and downloads automatically when in range of the homeland network.

Having an easy to use music server in a car would be pretty awesome. But I ran on a tangent.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

In that case, why Apple bothered to include bluetooth audio support, eh?

It's expected? Just because it's there doesn't mean it's usable I guess.

I should say that the Bose Soundlink is sitting right on top of the Mini. Using Bluetooth in that setup is just a dodge for having to find a really short audio jumper cable. I had one, from a Jawbone as I remember, and tossed it because 'who would ever need a cable that short'. HAH!!! (Belkin sold a Lightning cable that was the same price as the 3+ foot one. Yikes, that was really really offensive)

 

[nikikaly21]

Doing a ton of research and honestly I'm becoming more of the mind that these days it's either plugging the Mini to the Studio display (or another high end monitor) or bust.

Any cheap monitor under $300/$400 won't play nice with any M-series macs.

Had the same flickering problems as you with the M1 base, the M2 base, and the M2 Pro using a cheap 4k-samsung monitor. Finally realized it wasn't the machine, but my monitor...

Can't speak about the Bluetooth issues, though.

 

[gusping]

I've had wake up issues with my monitors on my M1 Mini as well.

What I've found works, is when the monitor won't light up, I put the mini to sleep (Cmd-Ctrl-Q), hit escape and then hit the keyboard.

That almost always does the trick. HTH.

Interesting. Thank you for sharing, I will bear that in mind.

I may give it a few months and try a base M2 Pro and forgo the 1TB SSD upgrade I had. Then I can just go into a Costco and get one for a bargain (they are already down to £1265 vs £1399 from Apple). Or... I'll try an M2. Let's see how desperate I get, haha.

 

[MBAir2010]

My Mac Mini (i7chip, Catalina) from 2012 is playing or streaming live Golf
from peacock and sending the sound to a bluetooth JBL Go speaker without a hitch!
I did have problems with other OSx like el capitan and sierras with Bluetooth,
there is nothing metallic or anything blocking the mini and the BT speaker.

i know there were uses in the past with macs and bluetooth which bothered many people,
perhaps the higher "i" intel processor send a better signal?

 

[CausticPuppy]

In that case, why Apple bothered to include bluetooth audio support, eh?

AirPods, BT headphones.
I’m not saying BT shouldn’t be used, just that using a dedicated Bluetooth desk speaker wasn’t a use case I considered.

I’m actually using a Bose SoundLink Mini as the speaker for my windows gaming PC, but via the aux audio in port rather than Bluetooth.

 

[russell_314]

My 2018 Mac mini worked like a champ for the most part. I did have occasional Bluetooth issues and eGPU Support was a mess. Even with those issues I loved that it was a powerful desktop computer in a really small package. It would be ridiculous for me to carry my Windows gaming PC to a hotel but the mini fits right in my small carry on bag.

Even though it was an i7 Intel the fan noise wasn't loud. If I held it up to my ear I could hear the fan but with it sitting on the desk it seemed quiet. I really liked that I could bring it anywhere and with a power, HDMI cable, mouse and keyboard and I had a computer. It was super powerful for the price compared to the 4 port Intel MacBook Pro.

Unless something changes I'm getting a base M2 mini and maybe a M2 Pro if I can figure a use case for it. The Pro is a big "maybe" though.

 

[gusping]

My 2018 Mac mini worked like a champ for the most part. I did have occasional Bluetooth issues and eGPU Support was a mess. Even with those issues I loved that it was a powerful desktop computer in a really small package. It would be ridiculous for me to carry my Windows gaming PC to a hotel but the mini fits right in my small carry on bag.

Even though it was an i7 Intel the fan noise wasn't loud. If I held it up to my ear I could hear the fan but with it sitting on the desk it seemed quiet. I really liked that I could bring it anywhere and with a power, HDMI cable, mouse and keyboard and I had a computer. It was super powerful for the price compared to the 4 port Intel MacBook Pro.

Unless something changes I'm getting a base M2 mini and maybe a M2 Pro if I can figure a use case for it. The Pro is a big "maybe" though.

I feel exactly the same way about my 2018 mini. It's starting to show its age a bit, but it just works. It has served me very well, but I thought now is the time to upgrade to Apple Silicon. The 'it just works' did not apply to the M2 Pro mini I had, unfortunately.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

My 2018 Mac mini worked like a champ for the most part. I did have occasional Bluetooth issues and eGPU Support was a mess. Even with those issues I loved that it was a powerful desktop computer in a really small package. It would be ridiculous for me to carry my Windows gaming PC to a hotel but the mini fits right in my small carry on bag.

Even though it was an i7 Intel the fan noise wasn't loud. If I held it up to my ear I could hear the fan but with it sitting on the desk it seemed quiet. I really liked that I could bring it anywhere and with a power, HDMI cable, mouse and keyboard and I had a computer. It was super powerful for the price compared to the 4 port Intel MacBook Pro.

Unless something changes I'm getting a base M2 mini and maybe a M2 Pro if I can figure a use case for it. The Pro is a big "maybe" though.

Yes, the fan is quiet and very effective. I have a thermometer next to the Mini and wondered why the room showed 3 to 4 digit spikes in temp while I was riding. I thought it was me rising the temp in the room, but then looked at the wall thermostat and it barely moved. I could not hear the fan in the Mini. Not as much as I could hear the fan in the older MBP I used that sounded like it was on the run-up pad waiting for takeoff. It was really surprisingly loud. (And video issues took it off the pedestal I had placed it on.

If I can get the funds, I would consider an M2 Mini, but have also been interested in the NUC sized Intel boxes of late. I thought of a high end Raspberry Pi, but haven't had much luck with getting them to last more than a few months, plus availability is nil at this point. People use Apple TVs, but if the network connection hiccups, the ride is lost. Ouch...

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

Doing a ton of research and honestly I'm becoming more of the mind that these days it's either plugging the Mini to the Studio display (or another high end monitor) or bust.

Any cheap monitor under $300/$400 won't play nice with any M-series macs.

Had the same flickering problems as you with the M1 base, the M2 base, and the M2 Pro using a cheap 4k-samsung monitor. Finally realized it wasn't the machine, but my monitor...

Can't speak about the Bluetooth issues, though.

I use a Samsung TV, and it seems to work well. I have an IMP, and it had a few moments under earlier macOS where the second monitor would either lag waking up, or would rarely shred the video. I was using an external hub though for the second monitor. The manufacturer released an updated driver, and it fixed the issues. Make me wonder if Apple has a driver issue too. I'd think they would want to fix it, if they could. Maybe they do have an issue and actually can't fix it through software. If true, it's a damning condemnation of Apple and their manufacturing. Ouch...

I'd wonder if using an external hub with an HDMI port might work better. It would basically replace Apple's components. I've sworn off Apple video dongles because they are flaky, so it's within reason to think it could/would 'fix' the problems.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

My Mac Mini (i7chip, Catalina) from 2012 is playing or streaming live Golf
from peacock and sending the sound to a bluetooth JBL Go speaker without a hitch!
I did have problems with other OSx like el capitan and sierras with Bluetooth,
there is nothing metallic or anything blocking the mini and the BT speaker.

i know there were uses in th east with macs an d bluetooth which bothered many people,
perhaps the higher "i" intel processor send a better signal?

And I never heard abnormal sound pre-Ventura. I use an Intel based Mini.

I do remember reading, in passing, that some users were having audio issues with Bluetooth, and never really spent much time reading them to know what Apple hardware they were experienced with. MBP's, Mini's, iMacs? Don't know...

I haven't approached Apple for insight because I know the first thing they will say: 'Reinstall!' I've done that three times with this Mini. It gets really tiring doing that dance and not seeing the benefits.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

I did a very short clip of the warbling I hear on the Mac Mini through the Bluetooth speaker, and when I play it back, I have a hard time hearing it. Amazing. Is the iPhone normalizing the audio somehow? Weird...

And I can't upload the clip. Oh well...

 

[MBAir2010]

I did a very short clip of the warbling I hear on the Mac Mini through the Bluetooth speaker, and when I play it back, I have a hard time hearing it. Amazing. Is the iPhone normalizing the audio somehow? Weird...

And I can't upload the clip. Oh well...

sometimes "photos" videos on iPhones will mute the sound and I have not got around to remedy that yet.
what BT speaker are you using?
I had problems with several cheaper ones, until I purchased a JBL Go which I am using now (which never had a problem with) but with a stereo plug.

I think one BT speaker was a murrkury and I had a Kodak one that is now sitting in a recycling center now.