The Mac mini Dilemma

[Bodhitree]

My father has just bought his new M4 Mac Mini base spec, and he is starting to notice the Apple style of doing things. Everything is just a bit classier, smoother and better than on Windows, he says. However, he recently visited me, and saw my setup of an M1 iMac. He noticed the colour-matched accessories, the minimal look of the desk, and inquired after the webcam and the speakers… he began to see that thoughtful, designed look extending beyond the software and hardware of his new Mac Mini.

Since returning home my dad scratched his head about his scruffy-looking desk in a messy spare room, and he has started clearing things away. He also started looking at wireless keyboards and mice, at which point I had to inform him that this was the thin end of the wedge… a nicer keyboard and mouse would lead to him wanting a nicer screen, and before he would know it he would have spent another 1000 euros on nicer gear.

The Mac Mini is a beautiful object, but it’s only cheap as long as you don’t feel the need to pair it with a Studio Display and Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse.

 

[mattopotamus]

My father has just bought his new M4 Mac Mini base spec, and he is starting to notice the Apple style of doing things. Everything is just a bit classier, smoother and better than on Windows, he says. However, he recently visited me, and saw my setup of an M1 iMac. He noticed the colour-matched accessories, the minimal look of the desk, and inquired after the webcam and the speakers… he began to see that thoughtful, designed look extending beyond the software and hardware of his new Mac Mini.

Since returning home my dad scratched his head about his scruffy-looking desk in a messy spare room, and he has started clearing things away. He also started looking at wireless keyboards and mice, at which point I had to inform him that this was the thin end of the wedge… a nicer keyboard and mouse would lead to him wanting a nicer screen, and before he would know it he would have spent another 1000 euros on nicer gear.

The Mac Mini is a beautiful object, but it’s only cheap as long as you don’t feel the need to pair it with a Studio Display and Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse.

There is quite a difference between feeling the need of a Studio Display and a very good $300 monitor, which is not hard to find these days. You absolutely can get more bang for your buck going the Mac mini route vs paying a $1000 premium for the iMac.

Mac min - $499 (education discount)
Magic Keyboard w/ Touch ID - $149
Magic Trackpad - $129
34" Ultrawide monitor - $299

$1076

That still puts you about $400 cheaper than the iMac with an embarrassing 24" screen in 2024. While the screen looks great, the size just doesn't cut it IMO.

 

[kasakka]

Well, you could also argue the magic starts to go away when you start noticing the bad bits of Apple.

• Magic Mouse is a genuinely ****** mouse.
• Magic Keyboard is a mediocre laptop style keyboard at an inflated price.
• Studio Display has the specs of a ~$500-600 4K display, but is priced at 3x that just because it's Apple and 5K res.
• Requiring a USB hub to add to your Mac Mini because it doesn't come with a single USB-A port adds inconvenience.
• The base storage of 256 GB means you'll likely run into the need to get an external drive, again adding clutter and inconvenience.

 

[rm5]

Well, you could also argue the magic starts to go away when you start noticing the bad bits of Apple.

• Magic Mouse is a genuinely ****** mouse.
• Magic Keyboard is a mediocre laptop style keyboard at an inflated price.
• Studio Display has the specs of a ~$500-600 4K display, but is priced at 3x that just because it's Apple and 5K res.
• Requiring a USB hub to add to your Mac Mini because it doesn't come with a single USB-A port adds inconvenience.
• The base storage of 256 GB means you'll likely run into the need to get an external drive, again adding clutter and inconvenience.

Couldn’t have said it better!! This is exactly my position.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Well, you could also argue the magic starts to go away when you start noticing the bad bits of Apple.

• Magic Mouse is a genuinely ****** mouse.
• Magic Keyboard is a mediocre laptop style keyboard at an inflated price.
• Studio Display has the specs of a ~$500-600 4K display, but is priced at 3x that just because it's Apple and 5K res.
• Requiring a USB hub to add to your Mac Mini because it doesn't come with a single USB-A port adds inconvenience.
• The base storage of 256 GB means you'll likely run into the need to get an external drive, again adding clutter and inconvenience.

Keep in mind that not everyone is the same.

I do agree with you on the mouse, definitely. But I love laptop style keyboards and really don't like the travel of most mechanical keyboards. I love my Microsoft Sculpts.

Yes I do agree with you on the Studio Display--way overpriced. Of course so is that 8k2k monstrosity you can't get to work with Apple (on sale for $1600). I just got a midrange 4k 144Hz Acer monitor for $360 that will work great on Mac and Windows. So it's not that strange that some people really like the Studio Display. Monitors are rather personal.

Eh, if all you need is one USB-A port, you can add that with an adapter. But, yes, a $20 hub will do just fine.

For a lot of people, 256GB is just fine. I need 512GB, but I am like having all my files locally. This is also less of an issue on a Mini, as external storage can be added.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

My father has just bought his new M4 Mac Mini base spec, and he is starting to notice the Apple style of doing things. Everything is just a bit classier, smoother and better than on Windows, he says. However, he recently visited me, and saw my setup of an M1 iMac. He noticed the colour-matched accessories, the minimal look of the desk, and inquired after the webcam and the speakers… he began to see that thoughtful, designed look extending beyond the software and hardware of his new Mac Mini.

Since returning home my dad scratched his head about his scruffy-looking desk in a messy spare room, and he has started clearing things away. He also started looking at wireless keyboards and mice, at which point I had to inform him that this was the thin end of the wedge… a nicer keyboard and mouse would lead to him wanting a nicer screen, and before he would know it he would have spent another 1000 euros on nicer gear.

The Mac Mini is a beautiful object, but it’s only cheap as long as you don’t feel the need to pair it with a Studio Display and Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse.

This is great! Meanwhile my dad keeps buying the lowest end Windows laptops he can find at Wally World. And a year later he buys another one because "it's too slow."

Meanwhile my RTX 4060 i7-13700HX Acer Predator and M4 Mac Mini combined are less than $2k together. If I get 5 years out of that, it will be cheaper for both than his crappy laptop. SIGH.....

 

[kasakka]

Eh, if all you need is one USB-A port, you can add that with an adapter. But, yes, a $20 hub will do just fine.

USB-A is honestly not going away so easily. All those USB sticks everyone has and uses every now and then, plus all those marginally older peripherals that still come with a USB-A to USB-C capable.

USB-A to USB-C adapters in my experience can be kinda fragile where it's easy to bend the USB-C plug.

For a lot of people, 256GB is just fine. I need 512GB, but I am like having all my files locally. This is also less of an issue on a Mini, as external storage can be added.

The point was that for OP's "father impressed by the sleekness of Apple" premise, a lot of it goes away when you start to deal with the inconveniences Apple has chosen to bake into their offerings.

It would be very hard to complain about the Mac Mini, if it simply had 512 GB base storage and 1-2 USB-A ports like its predecessor, even if it meant it had to be marginally larger to accommodate them. Its tiny size really doesn't change much when you still put it on your table somewhere.

 

[throAU]

The Mac Mini is a beautiful object, but it’s only cheap as long as you don’t feel the need to pair it with a Studio Display and Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse.

It's still cheap (vs. an iMac) if you consider that the nice monitor, etc. that you buy for it will come across to your next mini.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

USB-A is honestly not going away so easily. All those USB sticks everyone has and uses every now and then, plus all those marginally older peripherals that still come with a USB-A to USB-C capable.

USB-A to USB-C adapters in my experience can be kinda fragile where it's easy to bend the USB-C plug.


The point was that for OP's "father impressed by the sleekness of Apple" premise, a lot of it goes away when you start to deal with the inconveniences Apple has chosen to bake into their offerings.

It would be very hard to complain about the Mac Mini, if it simply had 512 GB base storage and 1-2 USB-A ports like its predecessor, even if it meant it had to be marginally larger to accommodate them. Its tiny size really doesn't change much when you still put it on your table somewhere.

Yeah, but you know Apple, for better or worse, they want small and thin. I agree with you on these though.

 

[uller6]

I don't understand all this hate for the iMac and studio displays - it sounds like most people rip on them based on "spec sheets" and haven't actually used either one in real life. They're two of the best displays I've ever used. Before I personally had them, I too was wary about the price. Now that I've made the jump, they're 100% worth the money and I want more. The quality of both my old M1 iMac (now living with my mother in law) and my new studio displays is even better than my Pro Display XDR that cost two arms and two legs.

Color, clarity, uniformity, and brightness for both studio display and iMac Mx are all top-notch. It is near-impossible to find other displays with 500+ nits brightness - most 4k displays are around 350 nits, which is useless for working in rooms with windows. The build quality is solid so the displays don't jiggle or move when I pound my keyboard or my cats rub against them. The screens wake from sleep instantly, and turn off instantly when they go to sleep. The displays makes no buzzing noise, all issues that are pervasive with other cheap monitors.

So sure, on paper the specs might be better for other monitors, but they're not even in the same league.

 

[subjonas]

My father has just bought his new M4 Mac Mini base spec, and he is starting to notice the Apple style of doing things. Everything is just a bit classier, smoother and better than on Windows, he says. However, he recently visited me, and saw my setup of an M1 iMac. He noticed the colour-matched accessories, the minimal look of the desk, and inquired after the webcam and the speakers… he began to see that thoughtful, designed look extending beyond the software and hardware of his new Mac Mini.

Since returning home my dad scratched his head about his scruffy-looking desk in a messy spare room, and he has started clearing things away. He also started looking at wireless keyboards and mice, at which point I had to inform him that this was the thin end of the wedge… a nicer keyboard and mouse would lead to him wanting a nicer screen, and before he would know it he would have spent another 1000 euros on nicer gear.

The Mac Mini is a beautiful object, but it’s only cheap as long as you don’t feel the need to pair it with a Studio Display and Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse.

I can’t tell if this is a “Mac Mini is still too expensive compared to other company’s offerings” post or an “AIOs (all-in-ones) are better bang for your buck than modular setups” post.
If the former, then that just depends on what you value. Many people think the Mac Mini is a better overall value than the competition—but it’s subjective.
If the latter, then modular setups may be more expensive initially depending on the actual peripherals you choose to buy, but once you have the setup, keeping the setup and upgrading only the computer part will eventually be cheaper than upgrading a whole AIO computer. The total cost of ownership of an AIO will eventually most likely surpass that of a modular setup.

Edit- also if the former, then is the inference that the iMac is by contrast a better deal compared to the competition? I’m just all around confused by your post.

 

[subjonas]

iMac with an embarrassing 24" screen in 2024.

While I agree with the rest of your post, let’s not disparage a size that many people have chosen to buy and may find suits them just fine.

 

[subjonas]

This thread seems to have very quickly gone from a vague point about the value of a Mac Mini to just airing grievances about all Mac-related products.

 

[magbarn]

I don't understand all this hate for the iMac and studio displays - it sounds like most people rip on them based on "spec sheets" and haven't actually used either one in real life. They're two of the best displays I've ever used. Before I personally had them, I too was wary about the price. Now that I've made the jump, they're 100% worth the money and I want more. The quality of both my old M1 iMac (now living with my mother in law) and my new studio displays is even better than my Pro Display XDR that cost two arms and two legs.

Color, clarity, uniformity, and brightness for both studio display and iMac Mx are all top-notch. It is near-impossible to find other displays with 500+ nits brightness - most 4k displays are around 350 nits, which is useless for working in rooms with windows. The build quality is solid so the displays don't jiggle or move when I pound my keyboard or my cats rub against them. The screens wake from sleep instantly, and turn off instantly when they go to sleep. The displays makes no buzzing noise, all issues that are pervasive with other cheap monitors.

So sure, on paper the specs might be better for other monitors, but they're not even in the same league.

What you said about the Studio display is true, but until it gets promotion, it's dead to me. Absolutely pathetic such a premium priced display in 2024 has the scrolling smoothness of a $199 ipad. Currently using a 144hz 4K LG oled with my M4 mac mini that's over 60% cheaper than the studio display.

 

[TechnoMonk]

I don't understand all this hate for the iMac and studio displays - it sounds like most people rip on them based on "spec sheets" and haven't actually used either one in real life. They're two of the best displays I've ever used. Before I personally had them, I too was wary about the price. Now that I've made the jump, they're 100% worth the money and I want more. The quality of both my old M1 iMac (now living with my mother in law) and my new studio displays is even better than my Pro Display XDR that cost two arms and two legs.

Color, clarity, uniformity, and brightness for both studio display and iMac Mx are all top-notch. It is near-impossible to find other displays with 500+ nits brightness - most 4k displays are around 350 nits, which is useless for working in rooms with windows. The build quality is solid so the displays don't jiggle or move when I pound my keyboard or my cats rub against them. The screens wake from sleep instantly, and turn off instantly when they go to sleep. The displays makes no buzzing noise, all issues that are pervasive with other cheap monitors.

So sure, on paper the specs might be better for other monitors, but they're not even in the same league.

The studio display for Mac setup can’t be compared to cheap monitors on paper. It’s a very different experience. For me, I use a Linux workstation, so can’t really use Studio display to go with my MBP.

OP: if your dad has budget to get iMac, go for it. Life is too short, to stress about this stuff. If you are in the US, Costco has very good sale going on right now, and you can’t beat 90 day return policy.test it out and return.

 

[TechnoMonk]

This thread seems to have very quickly gone from a vague point about the value of a Mac Mini to just airing grievances about all Mac-related products.

Pretty much most threads here delve in to ranting and negativity.

 

[cateye]

Pretty much most threads here delve in to ranting and negativity.

Counterpoint: There was nowhere else this thread could go. It has no real premise, no argument, provides no actual information. It's a wandering observation about buying a technological tool and seeing it as some kind of object d'art. It would either turn into mawkish love letters to Apple, or complaints. There was no other path.

 

[subjonas]

What you said about the Studio display is true, but until it gets promotion, it's dead to me. Absolutely pathetic such a premium priced display in 2024 has the scrolling smoothness of a $199 ipad. Currently using a 144hz 4K LG oled with my M4 mac mini that's over 60% cheaper than the studio display.

Why all the anger? Why do you even want to want the Studio Display since it sounds like you already have the monitor you want at the price you want?

 

[ignatius345]

There is quite a difference between feeling the need of a Studio Display and a very good $300 monitor, which is not hard to find these days. You absolutely can get more bang for your buck going the Mac mini route vs paying a $1000 premium for the iMac.

Mac min - $499 (education discount)
Magic Keyboard w/ Touch ID - $149
Magic Trackpad - $129
34" Ultrawide monitor - $299

$1076

That still puts you about $400 cheaper than the iMac with an embarrassing 24" screen in 2024. While the screen looks great, the size just doesn't cut it IMO.

What's the PPI on that $299 34" monitor you spec'd? How bright is it? What kind of webcam, speakers and mic does it have? But hey, it's definitely big!

 

[TechnoMonk]

Why all the anger? Why do you even want to want the Studio Display since it sounds like you already have the monitor you want at the price you want?

What you said about the Studio display is true, but until it gets promotion, it's dead to me. Absolutely pathetic such a premium priced display in 2024 has the scrolling smoothness of a $199 ipad. Currently using a 144hz 4K LG oled with my M4 mac mini that's over 60% cheaper than the studio display.

There is a huge difference between 4k cheap display and 5 K studio display. Those used to cost arm and leg before. Pro motion does no good for some one needing high quality 5 K display. As a consumer, if you don’t need it save the money. I use LG OLEd 43 inch as TV and my family computer is hooked to a cheap LG 4k gaming monitor. 144Hz can make difference in gaming but my OLEd 4K@60hz makes cheaper LG monitor like trash. I don’t see need for a casual user buying studio display.

 

[neuropsychguy]

Well, you could also argue the magic starts to go away when you start noticing the bad bits of Apple.

• Magic Mouse is a genuinely ****** mouse.
• Magic Keyboard is a mediocre laptop style keyboard at an inflated price.
• Studio Display has the specs of a ~$500-600 4K display, but is priced at 3x that just because it's Apple and 5K res.
• Requiring a USB hub to add to your Mac Mini because it doesn't come with a single USB-A port adds inconvenience.
• The base storage of 256 GB means you'll likely run into the need to get an external drive, again adding clutter and inconvenience.

I like the Magic Mouse. It's not what I use at home (MX 3 Master) but I have no problem using the mouse with my large hands.

I also love the Magic Keyboard. I use a mechanical keyboard that allows me to switch between computers quickly -- I switch between three computers at home (I have a problem...): one runs Windows and the others are Macs (laptop and Mini) -- but Apple's keyboard is my favorite to type on. Actually my favorite keyboard I've used (out of dozens and dozens I've used since the 1980s) was Apple's butterfly keyboard but I'm in the minority on that opinion.

What other 5K monitors are there? There are not a lot of options so there's not a lot of competition. The other options are not as good as the Studio Display and don't cost much less except when on sale. It's easy to complain about the monitor but the real issue is lack of competition.

It's sometimes an inconvenience (and you don't have to use a hub, you can buy small adapters), but the USB Type-A plug was initially released in 1996! It's time to move on from the USB-A form now that we are almost 30 years down the road. We also moved on (mostly) from PS/2 plugs years ago. Let USB-A go.

You might need more than 256 GB of storage, but many, maybe even most people, do not. Sure, it'd be great to have more base storage (I'd argue for 1 TB), but not everyone has the same needs.

 

[Ifti]

I also like the Magic mouse and Keyboard.
I'm considering a Mac Mini (coming from a M1 Max MacBook which is always desktop based anyways) and was considering the Studio Display - but I'm curious as to what else I can get instead of the display that's just as good? I'm certainly open to options!

 

[magbarn]

Why all the anger? Why do you even want to want the Studio Display since it sounds like you already have the monitor you want at the price you want?

I would place the order today for Apple Studio Display with Promotion. I don't like paying premium prices for a slightly upgraded panel that came out a decade ago. Moreover the lack of a bigger option than a tiny 24" imac is what is grating many of us who've used 27" imacs for over a decade.

Hopefully the massively upgraded display output capabilities of the M4 Mac mini is a hint of better Mac displays to come.

 

[TechnoMonk]

I also like the Magic mouse and Keyboard.
I'm considering a Mac Mini (coming from a M1 Max MacBook which is always desktop based anyways) and was considering the Studio Display - but I'm curious as to what else I can get instead of the display that's just as good? I'm certainly open to options!

Are you mac only? Do you use your MBP camera for meetings/calls? Do you need 5 K? What’s your budget?

 

[TechnoMonk]

Counterpoint: There was nowhere else this thread could go. It has no real premise, no argument, provides no actual information. It's a wandering observation about buying a technological tool and seeing it as some kind of object d'art. It would either turn into mawkish love letters to Apple, or complaints. There was no other path.

You could say that for every thread. Too much negativity.