it’s easy to Overlook the Mac Mini: Apple’s small, square PC isn’t particularly exciting. It’s not ultra-powerful like the Mac Studio, modular like the Mac Pro, or colorful like the 24-inch iMac. You can’t just lug it around and work anywhere like you can with a MacBook. But it’s Apple’s most useful machine, and that’s becoming even more apparent with the 2023 refresh.
The new Mac Mini is similar to its 2020 predecessor, but now uses Apple’s next-generation M2 and M2 Pro processors. That alone breathes new life into this compact system, as it’s an affordable plug-and-play solution that’s still powerful enough for content creators. The base price is cheaper than ever at $599, and the Mac Mini is the cheapest way to access 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 desktop alternative is the base Mac Studio with an M1 Max chip for $1,999. But most people don’t need that much power.
It doesn’t have to be flashy. Whichever processor you choose, the Mini is a smart and hassle-free way to get the performance most people need without draining your wallet – and you actually have a say in what kind of peripherals you want to purchase.
The Mac Mini still follows the BYODKM rule. The initialism originally used by Steve Jobs when he announced this first Mac Mini in 2005 stands for “bring your own display, keyboard, and mouse” because you only get the device and a power cord in the box. You should definitely add a pair of speakers if you don’t use headphones, as the built-in speakers aren’t pleasant.
This BYO design is great news if you already have these peripherals. Plug everything in and you’re good to go. Even if you’re starting from scratch and building your workplace, it doesn’t have to be too expensive. There are tons of cheap and excellent keyboards, mice, and monitors you can snag that won’t skyrocket the cost. The machine itself is tiny and unobtrusive, so it’s easy to plan accessories around its footprint. And at 2.6 pounds, it’s lightweight and portable, making it ideal for hybrid workers who split their time between home and the office.
If you prefer tons of screens all around your workspace, you might be disappointed to learn that the base Mac Mini still only supports two external displays, just like the M1 model. That’s enough for most people, but if you upgrade to the M2 Pro, you can connect up to three displays to bask in all that blue light.
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