The New Mac Mini Review: Tiny Powerhouse or Hidden Expense?
Let’s discuss the Mac Mini; Apple’s desktop solution that is turning heads and is small yet powerful. If you find yourself torn between purchasing one, this review shall give you insights into its performance and modulo, and its hidden costs that might arise from the need for accessories. Spoiler alert; while the Mac Mini is fantastically brilliant, the perplexing cost associated with the peripherals may leave you scratching your head.
A Marvel of Engineering: Its Size Does Not Detract An Inch Of Power
The Mac Mini is probably one of the most underrated devices in Apple’s collection. This little box is 7.7 inches in width and 1.4 inches tall. It is packed with the Apple M4 chip which further enables this device to perform tasks for its size with stunning efficiency. Be it editing videos, designing graphics, coding, or light gaming, the Mac Mini can effortlessly handle it all.
In the first week of using the device, I struggled to find ways in which the device would not work. I edited a few photos while having a couple of tabs open on different browsers, video-called a few friends, and casually edited some 4k videos. Nothing seemed to work. For such a compact machine, it is nothing short of perfect.
Because of Apple’s advanced design, the device runs very quietly and the fan is virtually undetectable even during heavy use. This is beneficial to those who need a quieter office environment such as content creators or students pulling all-nighters.
The Masked Dilemma: Selecting the Appropriate Attachments
But there’s a catch. You will have to buy a keyboard, mouse, and monitor separately because the Mac Mini does not come with these accessories. Apple’s simplistic design is sometimes welcoming but also irritating. It is great if you already own peripherals, but if you’re starting, you have quite a challenge ahead of you along with extra expenses.
It can be a challenge to find the right accessories that go well with the Mac Mini’s design and performance. Through many hours of research, trial, and error, I have finally set up a configuration that clicks for me. Here is my selection:
Keyboard: Satechi Slim X2 Bluetooth
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is every Mac fan’s ideal keyboard. It’s compact, sleek, and perfectly engineered with a satisfying resistance that makes typing a pleasure. The automatically backlit keys respond to the amount of light in your room. It also pairs instantly with your Mac Mini. Almost everything, including the keyboard, is placed nicely for optimally organized workspaces.
Mouse: Logitech MX Master 3
Without argument, the MX Master 3 is one of the most effective productivity mice in existence. It’s comfortable, and accurate, and features programmable buttons that can be set to many different functions. The scroll wheel is a revolutionary, effortless way to move quickly through documents and web pages. This mouse will pay for itself if you’re serious about being productive.
Monitor: KTC 27-inch Monitor
To fully exploit the Mac Mini’s capability, you must have a compatible display. That’s why I bought the KTC 27-inch, 2k curved HVA panel monitor with wide quad 2560 x 1440p resolution. It is unmatched. It is color-accurate, and sharp, meaning it can multitask with graphics-intensive programs. The visuals are smooth and vibrant, thanks to its 180Hz refresh rate, 120% sRGB color gamut, and support for HDR10.
Check the upcoming tech here for more information about the monitors Check the KTC 27 Inch link for more information, along with the available specs.
Setting It All Up
In terms of ease of getting started, the Mac Mini is unrivaled. Just connect the monitor and plug in the keyboard and mouse and you are ready to go within seconds. Setting up the Mac is a breeze, and is done in a matter of a few minutes.
As far as peripherals go, the Mac Mini doesn’t hold back with HDMI, Thunderbolt, USB-A, and Ethernet. The Mac Mini is suitable for nearly all types of setups. It doesn’t matter if you want to run an external hard drive, or if you want to set up a second screen, Mac Mini is perfect for all.
The Elephant in the Room: The True Cost
The bare-bones version of the Mac Mini is supposedly the cheapest one, but once accessories are included, it repays with a bang! Here’s a rough breakdown of my setup:
- Mac Mini: Starting at AED2,499.00
- Keyboard: AED293.00
- Mouse: AED349
- Monitor: AED573.00
At the end of the day, the unofficial Mac Mini price reaches AED 3,500. In comparison, you could get an MacBook Pro M2 or an iMac for that price too.
Who Should Buy the Mac Mini?
Who Should Buy the Mac Mini?
Mac Mini is great for those who want to have a desktop computer for:
Already have peripherals and don’t want to spend extra.
Require an extremely compact, yet powerful desktop for a small workspace.
Choose their accessories to use with their computer.
Nonetheless, if you are starting from scratch, or need a portable machine, a MacBook or iMac will be better suited.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The Mac Mini is a remarkable piece of technology. Its performance, size, and adaptability allow it to be an ideal option for professionals, students, and casual users. Nevertheless, the value-for-money factor instantly diminishes as soon as you start factoring in the required peripherals. If you’re prepared to add the extra costs, the Mac Mini will serve you well for years to come.
So, what do you think? Are you prepared to jump into the Mac Mini realm, or are the unknown costs a deal-breaker? Let me know what your thoughts are in the comments below. And if you are interested in the accessories that I mentioned, make sure to check out the affiliate links that I have included to grab the best deals.
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