Summary

The author explains why they continue to use their M1 Mac mini despite owning other high-end Apple devices.

Abstract

The article delves into the author's enduring affection for their M1 Mac mini, despite the presence of more advanced Apple devices like the M1 Max MacBook Pro and the 24-inch iMac. The author initially intended to display the Mac mini as a decorative piece in their new studio but found themselves returning to it for daily use due to its reliability, performance, and versatility. The Mac mini is praised for its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with a range of peripherals, making it a valuable tool for various tasks, from content creation to professional media production. The author also appreciates the ease of use, the ability to pair it with an ultra-wide monitor, and its role as a dependable backup for production work. While the author does acknowledge the potential for improvements in the next iteration of the Mac mini, such as additional ports and the inclusion of the M1 Pro chip, they are generally satisfied with its current capabilities and only wish for persistent Bluetooth issues to be resolved.

Opinions

The M1 Mac mini is considered the most accessible Mac due to its affordability and flexibility in allowing users to choose their peripherals.
Despite its unassuming design, the Mac mini is highly regarded for its performance and thermal efficiency, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases.
The author believes that even with the arrival of more powerful Macs like the Mac Studio, the M1 Mac mini remains a sensible purchase for most users.
The Mac mini's ability to integrate with an ultra-wide monitor and other preferred peripherals is seen as a significant advantage.
The author values the Mac mini as a reliable backup for video and audio production, providing peace of mind in case of issues with their primary production machine.
For future improvements, the author desires more ports and the addition of the M1 Pro chip but emphasizes that not much needs to change.
The author calls on Apple to address the persistent Bluetooth issues that affect the Mac mini.
The article concludes with an invitation for readers to share how they are using their Mac minis and what they hope to see in the next model.

Why I’m Still Using My M1 Mac mini

I just can’t let go of it

It’s been a while since I wrote about the M1 Mac mini.

If you’re a regular reader, you might have found this rather refreshing. Or, equally, you may have missed my constant gushing about Apple’s tiny desktop powerhouse.

Either way, I’m going to write about it today for one very simple reason.

When I moved into my new studio space, I thought I’d pay homage to the M1 Mac mini by placing it lovingly within a frame, ready to be hung proudly on the wall at the rear of my set. I no longer needed it, you see, thanks to the arrival of my universe-bending M1 Max-powered 16-inch MacBook Pro.

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As it turns out, that was rather short-sighted. In fact, I’m sat at the M1 Mac mini right now writing this blog post; I really cannot let this thing go.

I think I’ve worked out why.

What IS it about the M1 Mac mini?

To the outside world, the Mac mini is Apple’s least interesting product. It’s a Mac, sure, but it’s encased in the most uninspiring body and has none of the why-didn’t-I-think-of-that design features Apple is so great at devising.

It’s just a box with some computer stuff inside. It doesn’t even come with a mouse or keyboard, let alone a monitor.

So why is it so coveted? Why, prior to the launch of the M1 chip, were so many people crying out for a new version?

It’s simple: the Mac mini is Apple’s most accessible Mac. It’s the cheapest of the lot, it doesn’t force you to use Apple’s expensive and often crippled peripherals, and thanks to the thermal efficiency of the M1 chip, it can be tucked away literally anywhere.

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The Mac mini offers so many potential use cases: it’s an incredibly cost-effective content creation machine, it’s a brilliant Mac to give to your kids, and it’s the perfect ‘glue’ for processing requirements in the world of professional media production.

As I’ve noted recently, the Mac mini is even capable of having a dust-up with its big brother, the Mac Studio, and escaping with nothing more than a slightly sore fist. I’d still argue that for the vast majority of users, a fully specced-up M1 Mac mini will be a far more sensible purchase out of the two.

This tiny little Mac is as lovable and unbelievably capable as the M1 MacBook Air. That’s how good it is.

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A new role for my M1 Mac mini

You might be wondering why on earth I’ve kept the M1 Mac mini in operation. After all, I have a super-expensive 16-inch MacBook Pro for all things production, a base-level M1 MacBook Air for mobile blogging duties, and, yes, the 24-inch iMac is somehow still in my kitchen.

I’ve thought about this quite a bit and I think there are a few compelling reasons for not giving up on the M1 Mac mini just yet.

The first is that it is just so damn easy to use. I leave it switched off overnight, and there’s barely any wait time when I boot it up the next day. And, once booted, it is still as smooth as butter when it comes to opening and navigating around my apps. It therefore fills the ‘occasional use’ role perfectly.

Secondly, the Mac mini is the only device I have attached to an ultra-wide monitor. I still have a huge soft spot for my 34-inch MSi, despite having access to Apple’s overly pricey Studio Display and the wonderful mini LED panel in my 16-inch MacBook Pro.

This is one of the best things about the Mac mini — it forces you to build a mini-ecosystem of peripherals around it. For me, that’s the MSi ultra-wide, an IQUNIX F96 keyboard, and the awesome Logitech MX Master 3.

Lastly, the M1 Mac mini is an amazing backup production machine. If I have any trouble with my 16-inch MacBook Pro, I wouldn’t hesitate to move all video and audio production back to the Mac mini. It gives me so much peace of mind.

What I want from the next Mac mini

Not much. There have been some exciting rumours about a more colourful product line, and numerous murmurings about a much thinner chassis, but I’m not too fussed about that stuff.

What I Want From the Next Mac mini

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I’d like a few more ports, and the addition of the M1 Pro chip, just to keep the Mac mini chugging along the marginal gains tracks we’re now on with Apple Silicon.

Oh, and please fix those Bluetooth issues once and for all, Apple.

But what about you? What do you want from the next Mac mini, and how are you using yours at the moment? Get involved in the comments!

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Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on May 6, 2022.