Apple’s Mac mini has been one of the least talked about gadgets in recent years. And, to our surprise, before writing this, we polled a large number of individuals to find out what they thought of Apple’s Mac mini. And the majority of them had no idea something like this existed or was made by Apple in the first place. So we decided it was our obligation to inform people about this particular device (Mac mini) so that you can decide whether you need one or not. So, let’s go through everything you need to know about Apple’s Mac mini.
What is a Mac Mini?
Given the obviousness of the name, you might have guessed it already. The Mac Mini is the miniaturised form of the Mac, and it has been around since 2005. We’re betting that most people aren’t paying attention to the smaller devices when they’re having the time of their lives with the larger ones (just like iPhone mini versions). Anyway, here’s something you should know about the Macmini. It does not include a display, keyboard, or mouse. Apple refers to it as “BYODKM,” which stands for Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, and Mouse.
We know what you’re thinking: what’s the point of a Mac mini without a screen, keyboard, or mouse? What are you going to do if you don’t have any of these? That could be true if you don’t have a screen, keyboard, or mouse. However, the basic goal behind the Mac mini is to create a compact and portable desktop that you can carry around with you. Even though it lacks a screen, you can use it as a desktop by connecting it to any screen device, such as a PC or TV.
And, like all Apple products, the Macmini has undergone numerous updates and revisions since 2005. This device’s most recent version was released in 2020, and it is powered by the Apple M1 chip (like most recent Apple devices). So, let’s have a look at the various Mac mini variants and characteristics below.
Mac mini specification of latest to early available models:
| Mac Mini M1 2020 | Mac Mini M1.2020 | Mac Mini 2018 | |
| Processor type: | 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine | 3.0GHz 6-core (core i%) turbo boost upto 41.GHz | 3.6 GHz 4-core Intel (core i3)3.2GHz 6-core Intel (core i7)3.0GHz 6-core Intel (Corei5)3.2GHz 6-core Intel (Core i7) |
| Operating system: | MacOS | MacOS | MacOS |
| Graphics processor: | Apple M1 Chip | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| RAM: | 8 GB to 64 GB | 8 GB to 64 GB | 8 GB to 64 GB |
| Storage: | 125 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB | 125 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB | 125 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB |
| Dimensions: | 3.6 cm x 19.7 cm x 19.7 cm | 3.6 cm x 19.7 cm x 19.7 cm | 3.6 cm x 19.7 cm x 19.7 cm |
| Available ports: | 1x Ethernet (10GB)2x Thunderbolt 3.0 /USB1x HDMI 2.02xUSB-A | 1x Ethernet (10GB)4 x Thunderbolt 3.01x HDMI 2.02xUSB-A | 1x Ethernet (10GB)2 xUSB3.14x Thunderbolt 3.01x HDMI 2.02xUSB-A |
| Power supply: | Included power lead | Included power lead | Included power lead |
| Communications: | Wifi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Headphone Jack | Wifi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Headphone Jack | Wifi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Headphone Jack |
You might be thinking if it’s worth buying a Mac mini when you can just get an iMac now that you’ve seen some of the characteristics of the Mac mini versions. So, let’s compare the advantages and cons of the iMac and Mac mini to see which one is best for you.
Read our blog: Find out the best iCloud service for you
The pros and cons of iMac and Mac mini:
iMac – Pros and Cons:
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Has everything you need to work and requires nothing else Has the best new design You have the option to choose from seven different colors Now available with Apple silicon chip | Can be more of an expensive option hence not for someone with a budget Not compact or portable |
Mac Mini – Pros and Cons:
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Less expensive and can be affordable to everyone The cheapest and best way to experience Apple M1 processor Lightweight, compact and very easy to carry | No monitor, keyboard or mouse included Limited storage options |
Should you choose the iMac or the Mac Mini?
It is entirely dependent on your work environment and requirements. If you don’t need to walk around much and want to stay at your comfy office space or desk, the iMac is the perfect solution for you. You can still utilise the Mac Mini as a backup option at any time.
And if you move about a lot and want the versatility of turning any PC or Monitor into an iMac, the Mac mini is the way to go. The MacMini is also ideal for Windows users on a tight budget who want to experience what it’s like to operate with the Apple M1 chip. And, with prices starting at $699, the Mac mini is affordable to practically everyone looking for a versatile and small Apple gadget.
That’s all there is to know about the Macmini and why you should choose it over the iMac. But it’s fine if you still prefer an iMac over anything else because we appreciate the desire to work comfortably in your own environment.
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