People still do that? I haven't synced since iCloud. I have made 2 backups, but turns out I didn't need them.
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Would you buy a Mac mini if you had to do it all over again?
- Thread starter satchmo
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My 2014 is fine on a QHD monitor. It gets hot with a 4K monitor. We have an M1 Air but no USB to HDMI adapters. I am curious to try it out. I should look into some of the AS threads to see the success stories.
What? people use something other than a 4K monitor? I guess I meant 4K monitor, I actually have not used a lower resolution monitor or TV in a long time. didn't even consider it, oops.
I have three 4k monitors and 1 QHD monitor on my desk. I would like to run all of them off of a powerful Mac but I think that I'd need a Mac Pro with two video cards to do that. At the moment, I'm running the three 4K monitors off my Windows desktop which has a GTX 1050 ti which handles them with ease. I could add a WSXGA monitor off the card as well but not a QHD. The QHD monitor runs off my 2015 MacBook Pro. I would like a M1 Mini to drive one 4K and the QHD but I see people reporting oddball problems with the Mini here. I have also been considering the iMac 27 as I could replace the QHD with the 5K iMac and run one or two 4K monitors off of it.
It's just that everyone tells me that it's obsolete. What I'm more concerned about is what works reliably. I haven't heard problems with the 27 inch iMac that I'm reading about on the Mini forum.
My 2014 Mac Mini (bought in 2015) is still going strong. Going for the SSD over the HDD was the best decision (related to this computer) that I made. I intend to get an M1 (or later) Mac Mini once I decide to replace my current one.
Certainly I would. M1 MacMini is a hell of a computer. It is by far the snappier Mac I had. It is powerful and quiet. Running image and video editing software died silent. You won't hear the fan. Even while exporting photos (a heavy task) or rendering a video.
Bluetooth connection is rock solid since 11.4 I'm using Logitech's MX Keys and Magic Mouse with no issues. Nothing. Nada. Nient. Rock solid.
It's preemptive that you don't leave USB3 devices between the Mini and the Mouse, as USB3 devices can mess the radio signals.
About video output you have to bear in mind to forget the HDMI port in Mini. It's faulty at its design. Just move-on.
Mac Mini M1 16GB/256GB + 4TB in a WD D50 (0TB) TB3 dock (turns out the nvme slot is live, but not the fan. A week old so I don't know how critical the fan is, but summer is coming and I don't have aircon). it's a Corsair MP600 but I think I would go for a more performant (in small files) drive that would work in the Orico if I replaced it).
No slow down, never heard it even during Zoom or Skype calls or compiling java with some Docker images running or even when running a brew update.
My only BT peripherals are my 2nd Gen Airpods and apple Magic keyboard, and haven't noticed bluetooth issues with them.
I may have had issue with an M720 triathlon mouse from logitech. It has 3 slots for hosts and I think when I was using its bluetooth connection I had random tracking issues, but I am not sure. I only use the nano/pico transmitter and that's very reliable.
I briefly used a Xbox One controller and didn't notice issues, but that was like an hour of gaming.
I also had an Orico TB3 external nvme enclosure, but its incompatibility with the Corsair 4TB hard drive caused problems eventually preventing the drive from mounting. Same issue with a USB-C enclosure. Then I put a 250 GB SSD from WD and didn't notice any problem (yet, just a couple of weeks. And it was much cheaper than the enclosure).
No problem with the screen, a 27" 1440p acer, except I can't figure out the right combinaison of settings for HDR, and the sound and brightness can't be controlled from the mac.
My only regret is not doing it earlier (bought in March). I regret a little bit not having had the opportunity to go with the 10Gb ethernet, but that would only be for future proofing, and there's always the Mini Pro or Mini M1X / M2 / M2X.
No slow down, never heard it even during Zoom or Skype calls or compiling java with some Docker images running or even when running a brew update.
My only BT peripherals are my 2nd Gen Airpods and apple Magic keyboard, and haven't noticed bluetooth issues with them.
I may have had issue with an M720 triathlon mouse from logitech. It has 3 slots for hosts and I think when I was using its bluetooth connection I had random tracking issues, but I am not sure. I only use the nano/pico transmitter and that's very reliable.
I briefly used a Xbox One controller and didn't notice issues, but that was like an hour of gaming.
I also had an Orico TB3 external nvme enclosure, but its incompatibility with the Corsair 4TB hard drive caused problems eventually preventing the drive from mounting. Same issue with a USB-C enclosure. Then I put a 250 GB SSD from WD and didn't notice any problem (yet, just a couple of weeks. And it was much cheaper than the enclosure).
No problem with the screen, a 27" 1440p acer, except I can't figure out the right combinaison of settings for HDR, and the sound and brightness can't be controlled from the mac.
My only regret is not doing it earlier (bought in March). I regret a little bit not having had the opportunity to go with the 10Gb ethernet, but that would only be for future proofing, and there's always the Mini Pro or Mini M1X / M2 / M2X.
Yes sir, order one (or two) USB Hubs as soon as you can. That was an Apple decision...
I'm running my M1 MacMini with two USB3 Hubs from TP-Link. Each with 7 ports, hooked with everything.
To engage more on the topic of HDMI, based on comments, I am surprised that Apple did not go with a Display Port on the Mac Mini.
A Display Port is better quality than HDMI, no?
A Display Port is better quality than HDMI, no?
HDMI is a more common format for televisions and there are lots of people that hook up their computers to television screens instead of monitors.
I think the M1 mini shows that the M1 chip wasn't quite as polished for use with a variety of 3rd party hardware like monitors, non apple bluetooth mice/keyboards...
Diss Intel for its performance etc, but they've had to design their cpu's, gpu's, chipsets, etc around 3rd party hardware compatibility for 40+ years.
Apple with its A-series silicon were always used on in house only hardware so they paired the hardware perfectly. M1 is basically continuation of the A-series, with improvements for running in laptops/desktops, but clearly it still needs some work, and I don't doubt that Apple will figure it out eventually.
That said I'm happy with my 2018 6 core i5 mini, works for my basic needs of syncing, backing up my iphone. I can't use a Mac as a full time desktop, the hardware is too restricted, to expensive for what I want. And it's only gonna get worse as Apple Silicon expands into more models, non-upgradeable/serviceable glued shut computers are not my thing.
Diss Intel for its performance etc, but they've had to design their cpu's, gpu's, chipsets, etc around 3rd party hardware compatibility for 40+ years.
Apple with its A-series silicon were always used on in house only hardware so they paired the hardware perfectly. M1 is basically continuation of the A-series, with improvements for running in laptops/desktops, but clearly it still needs some work, and I don't doubt that Apple will figure it out eventually.
That said I'm happy with my 2018 6 core i5 mini, works for my basic needs of syncing, backing up my iphone. I can't use a Mac as a full time desktop, the hardware is too restricted, to expensive for what I want. And it's only gonna get worse as Apple Silicon expands into more models, non-upgradeable/serviceable glued shut computers are not my thing.
Not to digress too far, but I do agree with you about non-upgradeable. I miss the days of the 27" iMac, where I could add my own memory. A few manufactures have quickly learned they can get more money from consumers, with this 'no control of hardware' model.
Think about it, same as the subscription model for applications and services. Gone are the days of merely purchasing a service or application once...
The 27 inch iMac is still for sale. I had decided the M1* is the future but these threads are giving me doubts.
I have the refurbished M1 Mini. The only problem was getting the bluetooth to connect to my wireless Apple keyboard. That seems to have somehow solved itself. I also have a 2012 2.3 ghz mini with 16 gigs ram and a 500 gig Samsung ssd. I also have the spinner in there with an old OS. I don't remember which one. I never had any problems with it. My plan when I got the 2012, was to upgrade every couple of years and keep using my thunderbolt displays. Of course, Apple never really upgraded the mini after that, so I ended up with a used 2013 Mac Pro which I also use. I plan on trading in the M1 Mini, when(if) they upgrade that. I found two used 22" LG ultrafine displays to go with the mini. They work great.
27" Intel iMac was still glued shut, with only the RAM upgradeable externally. But at least there was an upgrade/repair path to the RAM, CPU, & storage.
Not sure if many remember the shortlived iMac G5, which was entirely modular, with instruction from Apple *GASP* on how to replace everything including the logic board.
That proved that a serviceable all-in-one can be built. Of course that didn't last long as the last iteration of the iMac G5 introduced the model that everything goes in thru the front, with the screen having to be removed for access to the inside.
Not sure if many remember the shortlived iMac G5, which was entirely modular, with instruction from Apple *GASP* on how to replace everything including the logic board.
That proved that a serviceable all-in-one can be built. Of course that didn't last long as the last iteration of the iMac G5 introduced the model that everything goes in thru the front, with the screen having to be removed for access to the inside.
When it came time to upgrade my PC I decided to give MacOS a try after decades of being a Windows user. I bought the base 8GB M1 Mini with the idea that if I didn't like it it would be easy enough to sell on. Now 6 months in I would never go back to a PC. My Mini has been simply brilliant in fact I'm stunned how good it performs. My PC while not being the latest tech still had 32Gb ram and fairly decent specs and I was amazed how good the M! performs.
I've been lucky and have had no issues, Bluetooth runs fine with my MX Keys keyboard, Trackpad 2 and my Pixel 5 all work perfectly. The trackpad took a few weeks to get use to as did the OS which is what I expected. I'm also amazed how cold the unit is and mine is sat on a Satechi hub.
So to answer the original question I would definitely purchase my Mini again.
I've been lucky and have had no issues, Bluetooth runs fine with my MX Keys keyboard, Trackpad 2 and my Pixel 5 all work perfectly. The trackpad took a few weeks to get use to as did the OS which is what I expected. I'm also amazed how cold the unit is and mine is sat on a Satechi hub.
So to answer the original question I would definitely purchase my Mini again.
I have a PowerMac G5 and that thing is serviceable. Most people won't spend for a Mac Pro these days though.
My Windows desktop cost about $2,500 and I run macOS on it using VirtualBox. It's not ideal but it's nice to be able to do so. I wouldn't mind building a full hack running Monterey but components are hard to get these days.
Simple answer: Yes
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2012 i5, 16GB, 980GB Fusion Drive/1TB NVMe via USB; Apple Wireless Keyboard (Al), Logitech M570 wireless trackball mouse/Magic Trackpad 2; Samsung C27F390 FHD curved monitor; OWC Mercury Elite Pro Mini + 2TB WD HDD
This Mac mini was originally purchased with 8GB of RAM and a 500GB HDD. RAM was the first upgrade, then added a 480GB SSD to create the Fusion Drive, and for the past year or so used an NVMe drive via USB enclosure. I know, I could have split the Fusion Drive back into two separate, however, I prefer a single volume for primary storage.
With the upgrades over the years, including getting all the way to macOS Catalina, the UX made its steps and hops back into a modern performance feel. There was still brief lag at times e.g. loading Recents submenu, Web surfing — so much ad and other extraneous processing. I did experience an occasional display issue upon wake, the image would have the infamous pink tint. The pink display was fixed by putting the Mac back to sleep than re-waking. Additionally, the keyboard and mouse had connectivity issues for a week — yes, just a single week.
2020 M1, 16GB, 512GB; Magic Keyboard with numeric keypad, Magic Trackpad 2; Samsung C27F390 FHD curved monitor; OWC Mercury Elite Pro Mini + 2TB WD HDD
With such long periods between entirely upgrading a device, I know there’s going to be noticeable improvements. Even so, I was surprised by how much overall quicker this Mac mini is. Boot from chime to login is literally a few seconds. Most apps launch in a single bounce — ☺️ that measurement only Mac OS X users understand. Furthermore, Web pages actually do load as fast as during Apple’s keynotes. I thought it was “movie magic.” 😅 The loading speed wasn’t slow on the 2012 mini but did require one or two seconds for most pages. Lastly, as you’ve likely heard/read, the M1 runs super cool — I haven’t yet felt any heat from the exhaust vent.
The only tiny snag was temporary cursor lag and ghost taps when mistakenly laying a USB 3.0 drive between the mini and Magic Trackpad — D’oh!
* A couple footnotes: The mini is currently running the beta versions of Big Sur (build 20G5033c at the moment). The keyboard and trackpad are less than a foot away from the mini — the mini stays close so I can easily attach thumb drives, etc when needed. With that said…
I do have one annoyance/complaint. The USB-A ports seem to be grouped closer together than on older Mac mini models, although, perhaps it’s the orientation change.
• curved display
• ~32” size
• 4K/UHD or higher
• cost no more than $600 USD
I have found some options though some of the reviews are believably concerning.
—————————————————————————
2012 i5, 16GB, 980GB Fusion Drive/1TB NVMe via USB; Apple Wireless Keyboard (Al), Logitech M570 wireless trackball mouse/Magic Trackpad 2; Samsung C27F390 FHD curved monitor; OWC Mercury Elite Pro Mini + 2TB WD HDD
This Mac mini was originally purchased with 8GB of RAM and a 500GB HDD. RAM was the first upgrade, then added a 480GB SSD to create the Fusion Drive, and for the past year or so used an NVMe drive via USB enclosure. I know, I could have split the Fusion Drive back into two separate, however, I prefer a single volume for primary storage.
With the upgrades over the years, including getting all the way to macOS Catalina, the UX made its steps and hops back into a modern performance feel. There was still brief lag at times e.g. loading Recents submenu, Web surfing — so much ad and other extraneous processing. I did experience an occasional display issue upon wake, the image would have the infamous pink tint. The pink display was fixed by putting the Mac back to sleep than re-waking. Additionally, the keyboard and mouse had connectivity issues for a week — yes, just a single week.
2020 M1, 16GB, 512GB; Magic Keyboard with numeric keypad, Magic Trackpad 2; Samsung C27F390 FHD curved monitor; OWC Mercury Elite Pro Mini + 2TB WD HDD
With such long periods between entirely upgrading a device, I know there’s going to be noticeable improvements. Even so, I was surprised by how much overall quicker this Mac mini is. Boot from chime to login is literally a few seconds. Most apps launch in a single bounce — ☺️ that measurement only Mac OS X users understand. Furthermore, Web pages actually do load as fast as during Apple’s keynotes. I thought it was “movie magic.” 😅 The loading speed wasn’t slow on the 2012 mini but did require one or two seconds for most pages. Lastly, as you’ve likely heard/read, the M1 runs super cool — I haven’t yet felt any heat from the exhaust vent.
The only tiny snag was temporary cursor lag and ghost taps when mistakenly laying a USB 3.0 drive between the mini and Magic Trackpad — D’oh!
* A couple footnotes: The mini is currently running the beta versions of Big Sur (build 20G5033c at the moment). The keyboard and trackpad are less than a foot away from the mini — the mini stays close so I can easily attach thumb drives, etc when needed. With that said…
I do have one annoyance/complaint. The USB-A ports seem to be grouped closer together than on older Mac mini models, although, perhaps it’s the orientation change.
I know the feeling. I’ve been researching/browsing monitors for several months knowing I’d be replacing my Mac sooner than later. My 27” FHD is okay, but I’d like crisper text (and UI elements). The problem is my wish list:
• curved display
• ~32” size
• 4K/UHD or higher
• cost no more than $600 USD
I have found some options though some of the reviews are believably concerning.
I would say yes. Certainly for BT. As for heat, the HDD is probably going to produce the most of the three, in general.
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Nothing wrong with M1 mini. As Apple switch from G4 to intel, will take time for software to catch up. My 2010 mini is slowly dying so had to upgrade to save my photos. 700 GB. Bought the M1 with 16GB and 1TB. Should be good another 10 years. Hated paying the Apple tax. Suck it up if you need to upgrade. M1 is a hell of allot faster compared to my 2010 mini. Arm technology is the future.
Took a step outside of Macrumors a bit and if you want a reality check in consumer satisfaction here is a link to a 5 star rating with 400+ reviews
www.bestbuy.com
Best Buy: Mac mini Desktop Apple M1 chip 8GB Memory 256GB SSD Silver MGNR3LL/A
Shop Mac mini Desktop Apple M1 chip 8GB Memory 256GB SSD Silver at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.
Took a step outside of Macrumors a bit and if you want a reality check in consumer satisfaction here is a link to a 5 star rating with 400+ reviews
Best Buy: Mac mini Desktop Apple M1 chip 8GB Memory 256GB SSD Silver MGNR3LL/A
Shop Mac mini Desktop Apple M1 chip 8GB Memory 256GB SSD Silver at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.
I imagine the people here push their systems harder than the typical Best Buy customer.
Some of the problems reported here have made their way into Apple software fixes too.
When has Apple ever shown a product roadmap? It’s safe to say it will get at least 6 years of mainline software support, possible 7, and then 2 additional years of security updates.
I absolutely loved my 2018 Mac mini. I’m seriously thinking about getting a new M1 model when Apple replaces the current 2018 mini.
It's not easy to make a blanket statement there. Displayport was historically "better" in the sense that it supported higher bandwidth and more features. HDMI is common with televisions. It supports YCbCr with chroma sub-sampling, which is well suited for broadcast signals. The exact feature matrix varies based on the standard supported. To get a reasonable comparison, you need to know the exact revision of each. Also note that not every display supports the maximum quality settings of the protocol used to connect it to your computing device.