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Who ordered a new Mac Mini then?
- Thread starter LeeW
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The M1 is a complete SOC (System On a Chip), so there is no ram at all on the board, it is all part of the CPU itself, hence it cannot be upgraded. Unifying the RAM has benefits but obviously means you cannot simply upgrade it.
The next, more 'Pro' version of the Mac Mini will more likely have upgradeable RAM. Or perhaps not if Apple decides to revert to soldering it on.
Just placed my order for an M1 Mac mini, 16GB Ram, 1TB SSD $1299.
This will replace my 2018 Mac mini i7 64GB Ram, 512GB SSD.
Delivery has slipped and it now estimates Dec 4-11. Yesterday, I think it was Nov 27.
I will be interested to compare the performance of the two machines. I will have the following connected devices on the new machine:
1. Video via mini's HDMI port to 4K LG monitor.
2. Thunderbolt2 2TB RAID spinning hard drive via Thunderbolt3 to Thunderbolt2 adapter.
3. USB3/2 expansion via 7-port USB3 hub connected to one USB3 port on the mini.
4. High speed USBC data cable connected to Thunderbolt3 port on the mini. I use this for random stuff, but primarily for connecting my 2018 12.9" iPad Pro using Sidecar or to load videos.
This will replace my 2018 Mac mini i7 64GB Ram, 512GB SSD.
Delivery has slipped and it now estimates Dec 4-11. Yesterday, I think it was Nov 27.
I will be interested to compare the performance of the two machines. I will have the following connected devices on the new machine:
1. Video via mini's HDMI port to 4K LG monitor.
2. Thunderbolt2 2TB RAID spinning hard drive via Thunderbolt3 to Thunderbolt2 adapter.
3. USB3/2 expansion via 7-port USB3 hub connected to one USB3 port on the mini.
4. High speed USBC data cable connected to Thunderbolt3 port on the mini. I use this for random stuff, but primarily for connecting my 2018 12.9" iPad Pro using Sidecar or to load videos.
Depends what you're looking for really. Glossy? Matte? I've got a Dell 24" 4K monitor, which I got because I wanted a 4K antiglare screen that was 21-24", which pretty much narrowed it down to one choice. It's not perfect though, obviously you'll get better color and more "pop" with a glossy, and because it doesn't connect via Thunderbolt you can't control things like brightness from your Macbook (as far as I'm aware).
If you're not after an antiglare, I'd personally prioritize one that can perfectly handshake with Apple.
I just ordered a base model Mac Mini, thought I'd give it a test spin for a year or two and see what gets released further down the line. I know with the base model, I'll be able to get 70-80% of my purchase price back if I sell it on a year from now.
I'm not a power user, so I figured I'll wait to see if I actually need something higher-spec, rather than buying a high-spec machine and always wondering if a more basic one would have done the job equally well.
I'm not a power user, so I figured I'll wait to see if I actually need something higher-spec, rather than buying a high-spec machine and always wondering if a more basic one would have done the job equally well.
I am interested to see what others think about the performance. The amount of RAM and ports are not issues for me. I am really holding out for the updated iMac but the price of the Mini is attractive.
I already have monitors (not the greatest but good enough for me) I can use and the adapters. The only things I would order new are a keyboard and mouse since my existing 2010 iMac would remain in use by the other half. I cannot see it lasting for more than a few more years. After it goes he would get the Mini and I would get new.
I already have monitors (not the greatest but good enough for me) I can use and the adapters. The only things I would order new are a keyboard and mouse since my existing 2010 iMac would remain in use by the other half. I cannot see it lasting for more than a few more years. After it goes he would get the Mini and I would get new.
I was getting ready to check out and noticed that the Space Grey does not have the M1 chip so will hold of for that
Here is a quote from someone with a new 13 MBP ARM
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Ordered the new arm Mac Mini with 16gigs ram/256g storage. (Shipping estimate is in 2-3 Weeks Dec 4-11. (It appears the basic 8 gig ram Minis ships earlier).
The Mini will be used by the family. (I'm sticking with my 2010 Mac Pro for now)
It's funny--- that for the past 5-8 years, I always found something I didn't like about Mac product offerings:
Macs with integrated graphics.
iMacs with Fusion Drives (too pricey, and user swapping of the internal drive seems difficult with their glued on screens.)
Out of my price range MacBook Pros with discrete AMD graphics - Mac Pro Trashcan - iMac Pro - 2019 Mac Pro.
Plus assorted complaints of too little ram/ssd storage.
Just last year, I believed a 6 core Intel Mac Mini with eGPU support was going to be my future.
Glad to see these new Macs seems to be big leap in performance for the same money. So the value proposition seems really compelling.
Can't wait to try it out. (I also want to see if Final Cut Pro X on the new Mac mini will beat a 2010 hexcore Mac Pro with AMD RX 580)
The Mini will be used by the family. (I'm sticking with my 2010 Mac Pro for now)
It's funny--- that for the past 5-8 years, I always found something I didn't like about Mac product offerings:
Macs with integrated graphics.
iMacs with Fusion Drives (too pricey, and user swapping of the internal drive seems difficult with their glued on screens.)
Out of my price range MacBook Pros with discrete AMD graphics - Mac Pro Trashcan - iMac Pro - 2019 Mac Pro.
Plus assorted complaints of too little ram/ssd storage.
Just last year, I believed a 6 core Intel Mac Mini with eGPU support was going to be my future.
Glad to see these new Macs seems to be big leap in performance for the same money. So the value proposition seems really compelling.
Can't wait to try it out. (I also want to see if Final Cut Pro X on the new Mac mini will beat a 2010 hexcore Mac Pro with AMD RX 580)
Update. I cancelled my 16/512 MBA order and replaced it with a 16/256 mini! I'll be using a USB3 SSD drive for extra storage for now and will probably soon upgrade to a NVMe-based external.
My primary use right now is at my desk with two external monitors, and while it would be nice to untether and take the M1 Air with me, I got spooked looking around for possibly compatible Thunderbolt docks and the like. And the M1 laptops look to only support one external monitor (it's not clear if they support two with the laptop lid closed). I anticipate we'll all be learning a lot as these machines are delivered. 😬
With the mini, all I'll need is a USB-C -> DisplayPort adapter for one of the displays and won't have to worry about docks with incompatible USB chips, display adapters, and whatever other headaches may pop up.
The only problem? Delivery estimates for the 16GB CTO mini have slipped to December 11-18. 😓
My primary use right now is at my desk with two external monitors, and while it would be nice to untether and take the M1 Air with me, I got spooked looking around for possibly compatible Thunderbolt docks and the like. And the M1 laptops look to only support one external monitor (it's not clear if they support two with the laptop lid closed). I anticipate we'll all be learning a lot as these machines are delivered. 😬
With the mini, all I'll need is a USB-C -> DisplayPort adapter for one of the displays and won't have to worry about docks with incompatible USB chips, display adapters, and whatever other headaches may pop up.
The only problem? Delivery estimates for the 16GB CTO mini have slipped to December 11-18. 😓
For me, the trade in option was on my Mac Mini customize page.....I don't know if you can do a trade in at a Apple Store but buy the computer online. It would not hurt to call Apple customer support and ask that question.
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i ordered with 1tb, mainly to pair with my sony OLED. Any suggestions on if i should use HDMI or thunderbolt 3 to hdmi? Does that make a diff?
I would just use the built-in HDMI port. Note that Apple lists it as being HDMI 2.0 though, so it may not support features included in HDMI 2.0a, 2.0b, or 2.1. I don't know if there are USB/Thunderbolt adapters that would enable transmission of HDMI 2.1 data from the USB4 port.
I'm looking to replace my 2012 27" iMac, 24Gb RAM with a Mini. The 16Gb memory limit on the M1 Mini is a worry though.
On one hand I'm assuming that ARM-native apps will be more memory efficient than x86 apps - based on what iOS devices can already do with very limited RAM - on the other hand I'm also assuming that x86 apps on Rosetta 2 will require more memory due to the emulation which is required.
On one hand I'm assuming that ARM-native apps will be more memory efficient than x86 apps - based on what iOS devices can already do with very limited RAM - on the other hand I'm also assuming that x86 apps on Rosetta 2 will require more memory due to the emulation which is required.
I will be watching and waiting to hear how this Mini performs. I went with a MacBook Air because I need a laptop here, but I will be replacing my 2013 iMac next year.
The Hollywood Reporter ran article about HW film editors enthusiasm for the potential of the new Mini and the M1 chip.
Looking forward to reading about everyone’s experiences with the new Mac Mini. I hold out hope that a more powerful M2 version will manifest, but am eager to find out more about this machine.
The Hollywood Reporter ran article about HW film editors enthusiasm for the potential of the new Mini and the M1 chip.
Looking forward to reading about everyone’s experiences with the new Mac Mini. I hold out hope that a more powerful M2 version will manifest, but am eager to find out more about this machine.
While we need to see a deep dive into the inner workings of the M1 SoC, I would be very surprised if Apple is using standard DDR4 SDRAM at common PC timings.
My guess is that the M1 is also acting as the memory controller since this is UMA and that a typical off-the-shelf DIMM isn't equipped to handle this usage.
At least for the Mac Pro, maybe the iMacs, a more realistic approach might be a socketed SoC (M10, M20, M100, whatever) so the whole chip could be upgraded. The biggest challenge to the socket method is security and system integrity. SoCs (with the Secure Enclave) could be stolen. However with upgradeable RAM slots, malicious DIMMs are a threat.
For the entry-level ASi Macs, there will be no upgradeable memory just like all of the previous entry-level systems.
I bought one right when the store opened. Doing iOS development it will come in handy. My 2015 Macbook Pro aging fast. Went with the model:
Crazily, I bought two monitors that cost more than the Mini: Dell U2720QM 27 Inch UltraSharp 4K UHD, IPS
I really didn't know what monitors to pick, the prices range a lot. This seemed like the best middle ground. I am curious what types of monitors others are running.
- 16GB unified memory
- 256GB SSD storage
Crazily, I bought two monitors that cost more than the Mini: Dell U2720QM 27 Inch UltraSharp 4K UHD, IPS
I really didn't know what monitors to pick, the prices range a lot. This seemed like the best middle ground. I am curious what types of monitors others are running.
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That looks like a nice monitor, I have the Dell U38 and the outside hardware looks similar. Great quality built monitor.
I am curious if the M1 will support a docking station for extra USB-C ports? How do you plan to run your 2 monitors? 1 USB-C and one HDMI? Please report back when you get your full system up and running smoothly.
m1 vs 2020 vs previous
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