rMBA vs Mac Mini as work computer

[ejin222]

Hello all,

I'm debating between a rMBA and an i7 Mac Mini (no other upgrades) as a work computer - both are $1099. I don't necessarily need an intensive work computer, but I like the Mac Mini for its capabilities and the rMBA for its mobility. I have two monitors to use already.

I'm just looking for some opinions as to what you think might be best for me. I do travel around and so the rMBA is great to bring along. But I also have a person iPP which I use right now for when I do travel. I can get by with the iPP for traveling, so I am ok with either choice.

Thanks in advance.

 

[theluggage]

I'm just looking for some opinions as to what you think might be best for me.

If you're worried about the price and/or prepared to consider moving outside the Apple ecosystem other discussions are available:

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/11/13/mac-mini-hands-on/
https://www.macrumors.com/2018/11/14/macbook-air-new-vs-old/​

So lets stick to your question:

If you don't need a laptop and already have displays, even the entry level Mini is going to thrash the rMBA in every important respect.

However, if you don't need "an intensive work computer" then the rMBA might be enough for you, plus its portable.

For more advice than that you'd need to give some more details of what you actually need the computer for.

My concern is that the GPU is very low-end and I'd like more reassurance as to how smoothly its going to handle a pair of 4k displays in scaled mode (which is almost mandatory for ~27" displays) in 2D applications. (OK, so you can get an eGPU for serious 3D but it wouldn't be so good if you needed one for, say, Logic or Photoshop elements on dual/4k displays).

Still, that would also apply to the rMBA with bells on - as would the high cost of internal upgrades.