The Mac mini is Apple’s smallest desktop Mac. It will not be as quick as Apple’s different desktop computer systems—the iMac and the Mac Pro—however it stays quick sufficient for general-purpose use, and even for professional apps.
The Mac mini not solely appeals to first-time Mac customers, however longtime Mac customers like the worth and use the Mac mini as a server or an leisure Mac related to a TV. Its small footprint permits it for use it distinctive conditions.
This article offers the info you’ll want to learn about the Mac mini. Read on to be taught extra about Apple’s smallest desktop Mac.
Editor’s notice: Updated 4/21/21 with details about the M1 Mac mini option for 10 gigabit ethernet.
The newest: 10 gigabit ethernet now an option for M1 Mac mini
It wasn’t part of Apple’s Spring Loaded event, however there was an replace revealed for the M1 Mac mini: a 10 gigabit ethernet option. Previously, that mannequin got here with solely gigabit ethernet, and the Intel Mac mini was the solely mannequin that provided 10 gigabit ethernet. The option provides $100 to the worth and is simply available at Apple.
Mac mini: Models and specs
Apple sells three Mac mini commonplace configuration fashions.
$699: Apple 8-core M1 CPU, 8GB of reminiscence, 256GB SSD storage, built-in Apple 8-core GPU, two Thunderbolt 3/USB Four ports, as much as 6K video decision with one show by way of Thunderbolt
$899: Apple 8-core M1 CPU, 8GB of reminiscence, 512GB SSD storage, built-in Apple 8-core GPU, two Thunderbolt 3/USB Four ports, as much as 6K video decision with one show by way of Thunderbolt
$1,099: 3.0GHz 6-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of reminiscence, 512GB SSD storage, built-in Intel UHD Graphics 630 GPU, 4 Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, as much as 5K video decision with one show by way of Thunderbolt
The Mac mini doesn’t use a tough drive, or perhaps a Fusion Drive. Instead, Apple makes use of solid-state drives (SSDs) to supply quick efficiency. The firm says that the SSDs are 4 occasions quicker than the drives in the previous Mac mini.
Mac mini: Ports
The M1 Mac mini and the Intel Mac mini have completely different port configurations. Here’s what you get.
$699 and $899 M1 Mac mini
- gigabit ethernet (with an option to improve to 10 gigabit ethernet)
- Two Thunderbolt 3/USB Four ports
- HDMI
- Two USB-A ports
- Headphone jack/audio out
The ports on the M1 Mac mini.
$1,099 Intel Mac mini
- gigabit ethernet (with an option to improve to 10 gigabit ethernet)
- Four Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports
- HDMI
- Two USB-A ports
- Headphone jack/audio out
The ports on the $1,099 Intel-based Mac mini.
You get extra Thunderbolt/USB ports on the costlier Intel Mac mini. You would possibly want to purchase a Thunderbolt/USB hub in case you are contemplating the lower-priced fashions.
Mac mini: Display, keyboard, and mouse
The Mac mini doesn’t embody a show, keyboard, or mouse, so that you’ll have to supply your individual. Or you possibly can customise your order to incorporate these units as extra-cost choices. Apple sells the Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, Magic Mouse 2, and Magic Trackpad 2.
Since the Mac mini lacks an optical drive, you’ll want to purchase an exterior USB optical drive if you wish to learn or burn CDs and DVDs.
AppleCare+ is available for the Mac mini for $99, which extends the commonplace one-year guarantee to 3 years.
Mac mini: Connectivity
The Mac mini has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It additionally has a gigabit ethernet port, in case you wish to hook up with a wired community. A 10 gigabit ethernet option is available for an extra payment. There are additionally Thunderbolt/USB ports (see the Mac mini: Ports part above).
To join a show, you need to use the HDMI port or a Thunderbolt Three port. You might need to purchase an adapter in an effort to join your show. You can seek the advice of our Thunderbolt 3 adapter guide to see what you’ll want to hook up with DVI, DisplayPort/mini DisplayPort, or VGA.
Mac mini: Speed
The new $699 M1 Mac mini blows proper previous its predecessor, the 3.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i3 Mac mini, and leaves it in the mud. Read out full review.
The indisputable fact that the M1 Mac mini helps a most of 16GB could also be a priority for some prospects, particularly those that use high-end software program for skilled functions. You could cosinder the Intel Mac mini Apple comes with a 3.0GHz 6-core Core i5 CPU and will be configured with as much as 64GB of reminiscence.
Apple has acknowledged that its Apple silicon rollout is a two-year effort. It begins with the “client” degree M1. Apple has not revealed its roadmap, however we will safely assume that the firm is engaged on chips which might be quicker, able to utilizing extra reminiscence, help greater than two Thunderbolt ports, and even work with a discrete GPU. If that’s the Mac mini you need, you’ll want to wait.
Macworld’s shopping for recommendation
For new Mac customers switching from a PC, the Mac mini is a wonderful machine. It’s an ideal alternative for customers on a funds and it handles on a regular basis utilization nicely. The Mac mini can be an excellent Mac for a family trying to set up a second or third pc. And it’s a excellent machine to make use of as a server, both for your community, for watching media, or for a state of affairs the place you want desktop energy in a small footprint.
Ready to purchase a Mac mini? Go to the Apple Store
Mac mini with Apple M1 Chip (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
Read our full Mac mini with Apple M1 Chip (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) review
Mac mini with Apple M1 Chip (8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
