it’s easy take a look at the Mac Mini: Apple’s small PC isn’t exactly fun. It won’t be as powerful as the Mac Studio, as modular as the Mac Pro, or as stylish as the 24-inch iMac. You can’t shake it and work anywhere like you can with a MacBook. But it is a very useful machine for Apple, and this is very evident with the 2023 refresh.
The new Mac Mini is the same as the one planned from 2020 except that it uses Apple’s M2 and M2 Pro processors. This alone breathes new life into this integrated system, as it’s a low-cost plug-and-play solution that’s been so powerful for hobbyists. The starting price is cheaper than ever, starting at $599, and the Mac Mini is the cheapest way to get the M2 Pro processor at $1,299. The only other M2 Pro-powered Macs are the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, which start at $1,999 and $2,499, respectively. The closest alternative to a computer is the Mac Studio base with the M1 Max chip for $1,999. But most people don’t need that much power.
It doesn’t have to be pretentious. Whichever processor you get, the Mini is a smart and hassle-free way to get the power most people need without breaking the bank – and you can tell what kind of peripheral it is.
Create Your Own Journey
Image: Apple
The Mac Mini still adheres to the BYODKM policy. The original, used by Steve Jobs when he announced the first Mac Mini in 2005, stands for “bring your own display, keyboard, and mouse,” because you only get a machine and a power cable in the box. You’ll also want to add two speakers if you’re not using headphones, because the built-in speakers aren’t great.
This BYO design is good news if you have the peripherals. Connect everything and you are ready to go. Even if you are just starting out and building your own workspace, it doesn’t have to be very expensive. There are tons of cheap and great keyboards, mice, and monitors that you can install that won’t break the bank. The machine is small and unobtrusive, so it’s easy to organize equipment around it. And at 2.6 pounds it’s lightweight and portable, making it ideal for hybrid workers splitting time between home and the office.
If you like tons of graphics around your workspace, then you may be disappointed to learn that the base Mac Mini still supports two external displays, like the model powered by the M1. That’s enough for most people, but if you upgrade to the M2 Pro you can connect three displays to get all that light.
Image: Apple
