MAC mini: a small computer with macOS and a BYODKM : Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard and Mouse concept to provide users the full, functional macOS experience at a more affordable price.
With the addition of the renowned M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets (the same ones used in the MacBook Pro 14 “and 16”) to the Mac mini in 2022, Apple has garnered more interest for users who would like to use the macOS system. The latest upgrades have been made to the Mac mini by adding the newest and most powerful chip of the era, the M2 and M2 Pro at a starting price of 20,900, marking the Mac mini as the most affordable Mac computer.
Why should you choose the Mac mini? Comparing the M1, M2 and M2 Pro models
Mac mini is a macOS computer that comes in the form of a tiny box equipped with a processing system and internal memory storage. It is suitable for those looking to improve the processing power of their existing equipment. Despite the almost-identical appearance of the Mac mini M1 and M2 / M2 Pro, there are still differences in terms of its performance as follows:
| Model | Mac mini M1 | Mac mini M2 | Mac mini M2 Pro |
| Chipset | Apple M1 | Apple M2 | Apple M2 Pro |
| CPU | 8-core | 12-core | |
| Neutral Engine | 16-core | ||
| GPU | 8-core | 10-core | 19-core |
| Memory | 8-16GB | 8-24GB | 8-32GB |
| Storage | SSD
256GB – 2TB |
SSD
256GB – 8TB |
|
| Height | 3.6cm | 3.58cm | 3.58cm |
| Width | 19.7cm | ||
| Depth | 19.7cm | ||
| Weight | 1.2kg | 1.18kg | 1.28kg |
| Port | 2 Thunderbolt/USB 4 Ports
|
2 Thunderbolt/USB 4 Ports | |
| 2 USB-A Ports | |||
| HDMI | |||
| Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet or 10GB Ethernet | ||
| Communications | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Networking | Wifi 6E (802.11ax) | |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | ||
| 1 3.5mm Headphone Jack | |||
| Monitor Compatibility | Supports up to 2 screens, 6K resolution at 60Hz and 4K resolution at 60Hz via HDMI | Supports up to 2 screens, 6K resolution at 60Hz and 5K resolution at 60Hz via HDMI | Supports up to 2 screens, 6K resolution at 60Hz and 8K resolution at 60Hz via HDMI |
| Starting Price | 22,900 | 20,900 | 45,900 |
When comparing the specs and prices, it is evident that the announcement of the Mac mini M2 has undeniably made an impact to fully replace the existing M1 model. In other words, it is an upgrade of the Mac mini M1 – a model that Apple is less likely to push. With the Mac mini M2’s similar specs and lower starting price as compared to the M1 model, as well as certain improved functions due to internal spec upgrades, it can be said that the M2 has become Mac mini’s most affordable model.
For those who want to upgrade to the Mac mini M2 Pro, this model comes with specs that differ from the M1 and M2 in many ways including the performance of an 8-core CPU, 19-core GPU, more superior memory and storage. This explains why the M2 Pro is valued at double that of the M1 and M2 models.
However, in terms of the performance and specs, the Mac mini M2 Pro is said to be slightly more affordable as compared to other Apple computers such as the Macbook Air M2 or the Macbook Pro M2 with similar internal specifications. Ultimately, it comes down to your preferences and what kind of user you are. If you would like a portable all-in-one device, then the Macbook Air or Macbook Pro may be the better option. On the other hand, if you are looking to improve the performance of your existing equipment, the Mac mini M2 Pro is considered to be an interesting and affordable option for macOS users.
For those interested in the Mac mini, all 3 models can be ordered online from trusted distributors such as Studio7. In addition to being able to try using the computers before making a decision, there are also experts to provide advice on specs suited for each user as well as basic usage instructions.
