Apple offers some of the best computers on the market in its Mac lineup. But one of the best and most affordable Macs often goes overlooked. Everyone is familiar with the long-running MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. However, Apple also sells some desktops, including the Mac Mini. This compact computer easily fits on a desk while delivering comparable performance to large desktop PCs.
However, there are many more reasons that you should consider buying a Mac Mini. For instance, it uses the same Apple Silicon processors and macOS operating system as Apple laptops. Although the Mac Mini includes just the computer without any peripherals, it allows for a wide range of connectivity. Now, let’s look at the top reasons you should buy a Mac Mini today!
- The M2 processor from Apple
- Fully contained PC with a small footprint
- Unified memory up to 2TB
- Configurable up to 2TB SSD
1. Compact Size
The first reason you should consider a Mac Mini desktop is its compact size. It is 7.75 inches square and 1.41 inches tall. To put that in perspective, it is slightly larger than the average external hard drive. Even better, the computer weighs a mere 2.6 lbs., making it one of the lightest desktops available.
Weight isn’t something that most people consider when purchasing a desktop computer; however, the Mac Mini is small enough to carry around. This means you can have a full-fledged desktop wherever you go. You can then plug it into a TV or projector via HDMI.
But even if you plan to leave the Mac Mini in one place, it fits nicely on a desk and takes up very little space. In comparison, the average mid-tower case has to go under a desk and is difficult to move. The smaller form factor is great for creating a clean and simplistic office aesthetic, and the sleek aluminum body looks great sitting on a desk.
2. Cheapest Mac Available
Apple makes great devices, but they are prohibitively expensive for many consumers. The Mac Mini is a great entry-level device that does not compromise power or performance. In fact, it is the least expensive computer that Apple sells. The savings come from it being a bare-bones package with no monitor or accessories.
The base model Mac Mini starts at $599 and runs Apple’s M2 processor with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. This provides more than enough power for basic computing tasks in addition to more complex ones like video editing and gaming. Even though the Mac Mini has a low starting price, it can still do everything that a MacBook Pro or iMac does.
3. Part of the Apple Ecosystem
Existing Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, or AirPods users already know how intuitive the product ecosystem is. Adding a computer to the mix can greatly improve workflow between devices. With a Mac Mini, you get Apple’s latest version of macOS, which includes many popular applications.
Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and iMovie are just a few of the many programs that are completely free with a Mac Mini. Of course, you can also use other programs like FaceTime and Messages. Plus, everything stays connected through iCloud, which stores all of your pictures, messages, and other documents so you can access them on any device.
4. The New M2 Processor
The computer landscape forever changed in 2020 when Apple released its first M series processor. It is now standard in all Mac laptops and desktops, completely replacing previous Intel processors. The Mac Mini takes advantage of Apple’s latest M2 processor, which came out last year. This processor delivers a staggering performance boost compared to older Intel counterparts.
Additionally, the implementation of the M series processors made the Mac Mini’s slender design possible. The M series Apple Silicon processors utilize a system-on-a-chip design, which puts most components, like graphics and memory, on a single chip. Doing so means an increase in performance while also decreasing the amount of space needed for components.
While the base model Mac Mini has a standard M2 processor, you can also upgrade to the more powerful M2 Pro chip. You get two extra performance cores with it, bringing it up to a 10-core CPU. In addition, there are an extra six GPU cores for a total of 16. Finally, you can upgrade the M2 Pro to a 12-core CPU and a 19-core GPU for extreme performance.
5. Includes Just the Basics
Desktops typically come packed with accessories, but the Mac Mini comes with the bare minimum, so you will need to use your own peripherals. This is not a major loss since the ones bundled with most desktops are complete junk. Fortunately, it does support Bluetooth connectivity that supports most accessories.
There are no HDMI cables or other wires for connectivity except for a power cable. One thing that is included is a speaker, which is inside of the Mac Mini. Excluding all of these extras and accessories helps keep the price down and the machine compact. Just remember that you must have a wired or wireless keyboard and mouse to use the Mac Mini.
- Wireless connection via Bluetooth
- Compatible with Mac, iPad, iPhone
- Comfortable and precise typing experience
- Long-lasting, rechargeable internal battery
- Woven USB-C to Lightning Cable for charging
6. Plenty of Connectivity
Although the Mac Mini is a small and affordable computer, it does not compromise on connectivity options. Many compact computers only include a couple of USB ports with little ability to plug in more accessories. The Mac Mini features a standard power connector, HDMI, Ethernet, multiple USB ports, and a headphone jack.
More specifically, the M2 Mac Mini has two USB-A and two USB-C ports. Meanwhile, the M2 Pro Mac Mini has four USB-C and two USB-A ports. But most importantly, it has built-in WiFi 6E as well as Bluetooth 5.3. In addition to the HDMI port, you can connect a second monitor via one of the USB-C ports.
7. Easy-to-Understand Configurations
If you’ve ever shopped for a PC, you know how many different models and configurations there are. This makes it difficult to compare devices and extremely confusing for people who are not tech-savvy. Fortunately, Apple’s streamlined product lineup is easy for anyone to understand and pick out the best computer for their needs.
The Mac Mini comes with two processor options, and you can further upgrade the RAM and SSD in either of those models. This way, you know exactly what the next upgrade option is and what the differences are. Remember that you cannot upgrade a Mac Mini after purchasing, so it is a good idea to consider any future needs.
- Connects wirelessly to your device via Bluetooth
- Rechargeable internal battery
- Pairs quickly with your Mac or iPad
- Long-lasting internal battery powers your Magic Mouse for about a month or more between charges
- Comes with a woven USB-C to Lightning Cable
- Requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with OS X 10.11 or later or an iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later
Wrapping Up
The Mac Mini is one of the most impressive desktop computers in its size range. Not only is it compact, but it is also exceptionally powerful. However, the Mac Mini is not for everyone, so you should consider the reasons above in addition to our reasons for avoiding a Mac Mini. From there, you can make a final decision on whether or not it is right for you.
| Reasons to Buy a Mac Mini Desktop Today | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Compact Size |
| 2 | Cheapest Mac Available |
| 3 | Part of the Apple Ecosystem |
| 4 | The New M2 Processor |
| 5 | Just the Basics |
| 6 | Plenty of Connectivity |
| 7 | Easy-to-Understand Configurations |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©By Amada44 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39340919.
