Chapter 1: The Decision to Choose the Mac Mini

In this article, I aim to share my experiences with the M1 Mac Mini over the past year and a half, detailing the challenges I faced and ultimately reflecting on whether I would make the same purchase again.

The Benefits of the Mac Mini

One of the standout features of the Mac Mini is its compact size and silent operation, a quality I’ve only found in the MacBook Air. In contrast, PCs equipped with Intel or AMD processors often do not provide this level of quietness.

Customizing Peripherals

The Mac Mini also allows for a wide range of custom accessories. Since it is not an all-in-one device, you can save money by not having to pay for a built-in display and basic peripherals like a keyboard and mouse from Apple. I’ve never warmed up to the Apple mouse, but the Apple Trackpad is remarkable—something I hadn’t experienced with Windows laptops. My first MacBook Pro from 2017 truly opened my eyes to its capabilities.

Given that I also work with non-Apple Silicon systems, I chose high-quality peripherals from Logitech, including the MX Keys keyboard and two mice: the MX Master 3 and MX Master 3S.

The M1 Mac Mini: A Developer's Perspective

Was it the Right Choice?

The advantage of using these devices is the ability to switch between three different systems, which saves desk space and reduces the likelihood of typing errors since I’m always using my preferred keyboard.

I’ve added a Logitech C980 webcam, housed in an Elgato Ring Light, to my setup. Additionally, I use a 1TB ADATA SE800 external SSD. For audio, I invested in a Focusrite 4i4 external sound card, complete with high-quality headphones and a microphone, enhancing the quality of my work calls compared to standard laptop webcams and microphones.

Connectivity Challenges

The connectivity options are limited to the four ports available on the M1 model. I also purchased a USB-C hub, but its quality didn’t meet my expectations, often causing connectivity issues that necessitated a reboot or reconnection of the Mac Mini. As a result, I’ve kept my setup minimal.

Chapter 2: Weighing the Pros and Cons

What Are the Drawbacks?

One significant downside is the limited connectivity options. While the architecture isn’t necessarily a disadvantage, it can present occasional challenges. The limitation of 16GB RAM stands out to me, as I could easily utilize 32GB. The pricing of higher storage options is also a concern; Apple charges $200 for each upgrade, prompting me to rely more on external SSDs.

What Are the Advantages?

As I mentioned earlier, this device has brought me satisfaction almost daily for over a year and a half. I have no regrets about my investment. Compared to Intel models, it is a swift and completely silent machine. The ARM architecture provides unmatched energy efficiency.

Though the design remains unchanged, it retains a timeless quality that fits seamlessly into any workspace due to its minimalist aesthetic. Even with just the M1 Mac Mini and 16GB of unified memory, I’ve never felt constrained.

Is the M2 Pro Worth It?

Insights from a Senior Software Engineer

While there are instances when I have to wait a bit longer for tasks to complete, particularly when utilizing a lot of unified memory, the M1 has never failed to perform. Its versatility is a major factor in my decision to hold off on upgrading to the M2 Pro version, as I’m looking forward to the advancements that the 3nm manufacturing process will bring.

Conclusion: Would I Buy It Again?

At the start, I promised to answer whether I would repurchase this hardware. If I were still using the Intel version, I would likely opt for the M2 Pro with 12 CPU cores and 32GB of unified memory. However, given my current M1 setup, the extra performance of the M2 Pro isn’t urgently needed.

Often, when I encounter tasks that require extended processing, I can leave the Mac Mini running while I attend to other matters in the meantime. Thus, what could be seen as a drawback transforms into a benefit, granting me time to engage in other activities.

Thank you for reading! If you found this article helpful, please show your support through likes and comments. For more content like this, don’t forget to follow me! Cheers!

An in-depth look at why the M1 Mac Mini is a smart purchase in 2023.

A balanced review covering the pros and cons after two months with the M1 Mac Mini.