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 Professional—but it surely 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 linked to a TV. Its small footprint permits it for use it distinctive conditions.
This text offers the data it is advisable know concerning the Mac mini. Learn on to be taught extra about Apple’s smallest desktop Mac.
Editor’s notice: Up to date 4/21/21 with details about the M1 Mac mini choice for 10 gigabit ethernet.
The newest: 10 gigabit ethernet now an choice for M1 Mac mini
It wasn’t part of Apple’s Spring Loaded occasion, however there was an replace revealed for the M1 Mac mini: a ten gigabit ethernet choice. Beforehand, that mannequin got here with solely gigabit ethernet, and the Intel Mac mini was the one mannequin that provided 10 gigabit ethernet. The choice provides $100 to the worth and is barely out there at Apple.
Mac mini: Fashions 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 4 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 4 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. As a substitute, Apple makes use of solid-state drives (SSDs) to supply quick efficiency. The corporate says that the SSDs are 4 instances sooner than the drives within the previous Mac mini.
Mac mini: Ports
The M1 Mac mini and the Intel Mac mini have totally different port configurations. Right here’s what you get.
$699 and $899 M1 Mac mini
- gigabit ethernet (with an choice to improve to 10 gigabit ethernet)
- Two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports
- HDMI
- Two USB-A ports
- Headphone jack/audio out
$1,099 Intel Mac mini
- gigabit ethernet (with an choice to improve to 10 gigabit ethernet)
- 4 Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports
- HDMI
- Two USB-A ports
- Headphone jack/audio out
You get extra Thunderbolt/USB ports on the dearer Intel Mac mini. You may want to purchase a Thunderbolt/USB hub in case you are contemplating the lower-priced fashions.
Mac mini: Show, keyboard, and mouse
The Mac mini doesn’t embody a show, keyboard, or mouse, so that you’ll have to supply your personal. 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.
For the reason that Mac mini lacks an optical drive, it is advisable purchase an exterior USB optical drive if you wish to learn or burn CDs and DVDs.
AppleCare+ is out there for the Mac mini for $99, which extends the usual 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 need to connect with a wired community. A ten gigabit ethernet choice is out there for a further charge. There are additionally Thunderbolt/USB ports (see the Mac mini: Ports part above).
To attach a show, you should utilize the HDMI port or a Thunderbolt 3 port. You might need to purchase an adapter as a way to join your show. You may seek the advice of our Thunderbolt 3 adapter information to see what it is advisable connect with DVI, DisplayPort/mini DisplayPort, or VGA.
Mac mini: Velocity
The brand new $699 M1 Mac mini blows proper previous its predecessor, the three.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i3 Mac mini, and leaves it within the mud. Learn out full evaluation.
The truth that the M1 Mac mini helps a most of 16GB could also be a priority for some clients, particularly those that use high-end software program for skilled functions. It’s possible you’ll cosinder the Intel Mac mini Apple comes with a 3.0GHz 6-core Core i5 CPU and could 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 are able to safely assume that the corporate is engaged on chips which are sooner, able to utilizing extra reminiscence, assist greater than two Thunderbolt ports, and even work with a discrete GPU. If that’s the Mac mini you need, it is advisable wait.
Macworld’s shopping for recommendation
For brand new Mac customers switching from a PC, the Mac mini is a superb machine. It’s an amazing alternative for customers on a finances and it handles on a regular basis utilization properly. The Mac mini can also be a great Mac for a family seeking to set up a second or third pc. And it’s a excellent machine to make use of as a server, both in your community, for watching media, or for a state of affairs the place you want desktop energy in a small footprint.
Prepared to purchase a Mac mini? Go to the Apple Retailer
Mac mini with Apple M1 Chip (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
Greatest Costs At this time:
$669.00 at Amazon | US$699 at Apple
Learn our full Mac mini with Apple M1 Chip (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) evaluation
Mac mini with Apple M1 Chip (8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
Greatest Costs At this time:
$669.00 at Amazon | US$899 at Apple
Mac mini 3.0GHz 6‑core Core i5 (Late 2018)
Greatest Costs At this time:
US$1099 at Apple