I’d say it depends on the things you plan to do with it. At this point it still has the 8th gen processor and the integrated GPU which keeps me from buying it.
I'll be generally be doing office work, plus photo-editing and some occasional video transcoding and light gaming (not the GPU-intensive latest marquee 3D games.) But yes, that's what was keeping me from purchasing, the ageing CPU, integrated graphics, plus the 2666mz RAM also.
It is not new, it is not a 2020 model, it does not have a new badge, it is the 2018 model with a price adjustment for the storage.
The question as always is what are you going to use it for?
In terms of a refresh, even if there was a 'proper refresh' as you call it later this year, what do you think that will look like?
Any refresh will be nothing more than a CPU bump, there won't be a new design, a GPU added or anything else. So the reality is all you are waiting for is an updated CPU that at best will provide a marginal increase in performance.
Bottom line, the Mac Mini is as good as it is going to get.
Ahh, I didn't realize that it wasn't even "rebadged", so to speak. I know Apple sometimes just make incremental bumps, and I thought this time they had just taken it a step further by shuffling the deck a bit and saying "The Mac Mini 2020". So, I guess now it's the case of whether to purchase an 18 month old computer, or wait until the next model. I guess what I'd like to see is a CPU bump, like you say, faster RAM, discrete graphics, improved cooling; maybe not all those things, but as much as possible. And later on down the line an ARM-based Mini.
But largely I agree with you about there not being hope for a new design. I appreciate that they're keeping loyal to the server crowd by keeping to the same dimensions and internal PSU, and it's probably the right move, but I can't help feeling like its holding it back somewhat. If they didn't have to grandfather the design in each year, it'd allow for a lot more freedom, and allow for them to give the machine an external PSU, better cooling and perhaps discrete graphics.
This is the same question I am asking but from a different perspective. There are numerous reports that Apple will be shifting away from Intel processors and switching to ARM.
https://www.macrumors.com/2020/03/26/kuo-several-arm-based-macs-2021/
Anybody who remembers the previous switch from PPC to Intel may recall a long period of transition with expensive bug laden software upgrades for the new hardware, while those still running PPC were basically left behind on old software.
For the next couple of years Intel is definitely the better bet in terms of compatibility, but longer term who knows, so if you typically keep a desktop for 5 years or more and use it for work it is very difficult to know the right way forward here, especially with everything going on in the world. I know I have to change my computer sooner or later, but speed is not the real issue here, it's software compatibility over the next 5 years.
Ahh yes, good point about the ARM architecture, it might be best to wait for the dust to settle for a year or so after the ARM-based Macs come out, for software to catch up and any bumps to be ironed out.
I think I'm going to go for a Mini now, but look to snap up a used one which I can then sell on in a year or so when the next refresh comes in, if I feel it's worth the upgrade based on my needs and the performance increase.
