In short
- Apple Silicon revitalizes the Mac mini in 2020
- Updated with M2 chip and M2 Pro option in 2023
- Improved graphics performance in a small space
- Great value for money and affordable basic configuration
- Compact design that is unrivaled among mini PCs
- Plentiful ports, including HDMI 2.1 and Thunderbolt 4
- Slower SSD in basic configuration
- Performance similar to MacBook Pro with M2 Max, but cooler and quieter
- M2 Pro ideal for content creators
- Mac Studio aimed at another audience, Mac mini M2 Pro more 'mainstream'
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Let's go deeper
Apple Silicon has given new life to Mac mini in 2020. Who would have thought that?
From an almost defunct product to one of the best value for money computers you can buy, and in 2023, not only was it upgraded to the M2 chip, but it also gives you the option of upgrading to the M2 Pro.
That's right regaz, we're talking about better graphics performance in the same small space. It doesn't even seem possible, and yet it's true.
It's the best compact computer ever made, especially considering the extra graphics performance of theM2 Pro and the amazing quality-price ratio of the basic configuration.
Let's go deeper together.
Pros and Cons
Pro
- Compactness at the top, as always
- The M2 Pro gives graphics performance a boost
- Lots of memory options, plenty!
- Quiet and fresh like a summer salad
- A choice of doors so large that it looks like a buffet
- Basic configuration at a mouth-watering price
Contro
- The basic configuration has a slower SSD, damn it!
- DIY updates? But not even by dream!
Design
The Mac mini, the group's' old 'in Apple's current lineup, is still standing.
And I'll tell you, despite a certain desire for innovation, it's hard to say goodbye to that simple and essential design of the Mac mini.
It's all aluminum, compact, and it blends perfectly with the desk - and that's what matters, isn't it?
Yes, there are compact PCs with Windows, but no one can compete with the Mac mini, believe me.
And then, the small size of this little jewel has its reason.
There are those who use it as a PC for home theater, or perhaps to manage their media, and even there, the size of the Mac mini makes a difference. The M2 Pro model It weighs a little more than the basic model: 1.27 kg against 1.18 kg.
Fun fact: it weighs about the same as a MacBook Air M2.
In the end, the world of mini PCs hasn't made much headway in recent years. Intel's NUC machines remain a niche product, and then there are competitors like theHP Z2 Mini G9 which, bigger and louder, don't stand up to the Mac mini - especially if we consider that monstrous power supply that the Mac mini lacks.
So, speaking of design, no - I'm not disappointed that Apple continues to use this same chassis and, on the contrary, I say that Apple can safely keep things as they are for at least another 2 or 3 years.
However, I confess that I would like to see it in a Space Gray version.
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Let's move on.
Porte
The choice of ports is crucial on a desktop PC, and Apple doesn't disappoint, on this front.
The M2 Pro model It sports a headphone jack, two USB-A ports, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port and an Ethernet port. That's two more Thunderbolt ports than the base M2 and M1 models. This is already a big step forward, as is the jump from HDMI 2.0 to HDMI 2.1.
Think that you could even connect an 8K monitor or a 4K display at 240Hz, if you wanted to. And thanks to the extra Thunderbolt ports, you can now power up to three monitors 4K at 60Hz. In short, you probably won't need an additional USB-C hub or a Thunderbolt dock, even if you're thinking about a respectable workstation.
The only minor flaw, in my opinion, is the location of the headphone jack: it would be nice to have more convenient access, especially if you want to keep the Mac mini hidden at the bottom of the desk.
SSDS
Here's a problem I just can't digest: SSD performance in Apple's M2 Macs. As if that were not enough, Even the Mac mini is afflicted with it.
Listen here: if you are planning to buy the basic M2 model with only 256 GB of memory, get ready for reading and writing speeds that border on snails.
It'll still be pretty quick, but one can't help but mention it.
In any case, do yourself a favor and configure your Mac mini with the amount of memory and storage of which really you need it, because once bought, no upgrade.
Performance
So, let's talk about the Mac mini and its performance with the M2 Pro.
Guys, this chip has a decidedly improved graphics, with a GPU that reaches up to 19 cores. There's also a 16-core option to save 300 dollars, but with two fewer CPU cores.
The configurations between M2 and M2 Pro are different: the M2 offers 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of memory, while the M2 Pro model Starting at $1,299, it starts with 16 GB of RAM and can go up to 32 GB. You can also add up to 8 TB of memory.
Ah, the Mac mini is cool and quiet, a piece of crap!
The performance is attractive, this M2 Pro compares well to the M1 Pro in the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Cinebench R23 says that It's 17% faster than the M1 Pro.
And the performance is almost identical to the 14-inch M2 Max MacBook Pro. Not only that, the Mac mini manages temperatures better and makes less noise.
But what's exciting is the M2 Pro's graphics in the Mac mini.
Okay, the M2 Max and M1 Ultra are stronger, but the Mac mini is no joke. In the Premiere Pro tests and in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the Mac mini really shows its muscles.
It's not a gaming monster, but for the price, it's pretty impressive.
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Now the question of the questions.
Nand is it worth it?
Yes, it's worth it
The Mac mini M2 It is a gem of compactness, performance and convenience. With the M2 Pro, the Mac mini becomes a perfect mainstream option for creators, with extra graphics power and better thermal performance than MacBook Pros. La basic configuration unto €729 makes the Mac ecosystem accessible like never before.
No, it's not worth it
However, some may find the Mac mini M2 less attractive due to the basic configuration with slower SSD and the impossibility of DIY updates. In addition, Apple's offering is not lacking in competitors, such as the Mac Studio, which may be a better choice for some users.
Conclusions
Among Macs with M2, this Mac mini it could really become my favorite.
The M2 is not a huge leap from the M1, but in the Mac mini it doesn't seem to have the same thermal problems as the MacBook Pro. And with the M2 Pro on board, it's perfect for creators, especially if you appreciate that extra graphic power. Cooler and quieter than MacBook Pros, if you already have a nice monitor, choosing it is child's play.
Of course, the Mac Studio has its role, but theM2 Pro in the Mac mini it's a more 'mainstream' option, a great starting point for content creators.
Good Apple at offering a cheaper option with the basic model from €729.
However, beware of limited memory and storage. For the right audience, it's a bargain considering the speed of the M2.
It has never been so convenient to enter the Mac ecosystem, I assure you.
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