it’s easy Ignore the Mac Mini: Apple’s tiny square PC isn’t particularly exciting. It’s not as powerful as the Mac Studio, not as modular as the Mac Pro, and not as colorful as the 24-inch iMac. You can’t take it with you and work anywhere like you can with a MacBook. But it’s Apple’s most usable machine yet, and that’s even more evident with the 2023 update.
The new Mac Mini is similar to its 2020 predecessor, except it now features Apple’s next-generation M2 and M2 Pro processors. That alone breathes new life into this compact system, as it’s a low-cost plug-and-play solution that’s still powerful enough for content creators and the like. Base prices are more affordable than ever, starting at $599, while the Mac Mini is the cheapest way to use the M2 Pro processor at $1,299. The only other Macs with the M2 Pro are the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, which start at $1,999 and $2,499, respectively. The closest desktop replacement is the basic Mac Studio with the M1 Max chip for $1,999. But most people don’t need that much power.
It doesn’t have to show off. No matter which processor you get, the Mini is a smart and easy way to get all the features most people need without breaking the bank — and you actually have a say in which peripherals you get right.
build your own adventure
Photography: Apple
Mac Mini still follows BYODKM rules. The acronym Steve Jobs originally used when he released the first Mac Mini in 2005 stood for “bring your own monitor, keyboard, and mouse,” since only the machine and power cord came in the box. When you’re not using headphones, you’ll definitely want to add a pair of speakers, because built-in speakers aren’t pleasant.
This BYO design is great news if you already own these peripherals. Plug everything in and you’re good to go. Even if you’re building your workspace from scratch, it doesn’t need to be expensive. There are plenty of inexpensive and high-quality keyboards, mice, and monitors you can buy without adding cost. The machine itself is small and unobtrusive, so it’s easy to plan accessories based on its footprint. At 2.6 pounds, it’s lightweight and portable, making it ideal for a hybrid worker who splits time between home and the office.
If you like having lots of screens 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 more than enough for most people, but if you step up to the M2 Pro, you can connect up to three monitors to enjoy all that Blu-ray.
Photography: Apple
