Review - Apple Mac Mini Slimline Desktop PC
Apple’s Mac Mini design has been with us for over 15 years now. Even though it’s considered iconic by many of its fans, the Mac Mini still doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. That’s the case even though it influenced its rivals just as much as the MacBook Air.
The fact is that the Mac Mini inspired lots of other mini PCs and even influenced the TV streaming box market. We only have to take a look at some Apple TV models to conclude where the design elements were borrowed from.
Smartphones may be getting more powerful, but they’re still a long way off from replacing a proper desktop PC. The Mac Mini is one of the best Apple Mini PCs on the market. It’s still powerful enough to hold its own in the market, not to mention it’s one of the cheapest Apple computers. However, that’s assuming you already have a keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
Specifications
|
Processor |
Intel Core i5 (4th Gen) / 2.8 GHz |
|
RAM |
8 GB |
|
Storage |
1 TB HDD |
|
Graphics |
Intel Iris Graphics |
|
Operating System |
Mac OS X |
Design
Like the previous models, this Mac Mini gives you the complete OS X experience in a small, square box. It’s got an all-aluminium body with curved edges. The design exudes Apple’s trademark minimalism as you’ll only notice a power indicator and an Apple logo from the front.
The mini PC doesn’t take up much space as its only 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 inches and 2.6 pounds. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a smaller desktop for your table.
Performance
The Mac Mini has long been a popular office machine, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it small but it also uses very low power. Apple says that the mini PC will consume just 6 watts of power in idle mode, making it one of the most affordable, energy-efficient PC on the market. Its near-silent operation indicates that as well.
Apple didn’t hold back this time as the premium mini PC is packing a fast Intel Core -5 processor, 8 GB RAM, and 1 TB Fusion Drive. We experienced short boot times - around 12-15 seconds - and instantaneous response from apps. Our review unit was able to handle basic entertainment and productivity tasks without a hitch. We played around with all kinds of apps while simultaneously streaming HD videos, and saw no noticeable delay or lag.
The graphics are handled by Intel Iris. It does a fairly good job, for the most part, but you shouldn’t expect it to run graphically demanding games at decent FPS. We were able to run Dead Island at only 19FPS on a low 1024 x 768 resolution. Team Fortress 2, based on a less-demanding engine, produced much better results and was able to run at 60FPS.
You can easily run Steam games and such, but anything more demanding would just be asking your graphics to bite off more than it can chew.
Connectivity
The Mac Mini may be small but that doesn’t stop it from having great connectivity. You’ll find an HDMI, SDXC card slot, four USB 3.0 ports, and audio-in and headphone jacks. But the most exciting additions are the two Thunderbolt 2 ports, which will let you experience fast data transfers and are ideal for 4K monitors.
The mini PC also has 802.11ac Wi-Fi support, as well as Bluetooth 4.0. Then there’s a rare Ethernet port to finish things off.
Software
The Mac Mini comes with the reliable OS X Yosemite. There are some useful tweaks made to the OS, but the device still works well with iOS devices.
Now you can answer calls and text from your desktop as long as your Mac and iPhone/iPad are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and logged in to the same iCloud account. Its Handoff feature will let you start writing an email, document, or text on an iOS device and finish it on a Mac. Or vice versa.
Yosemite resembles a cleaner, flatter, iOS 8. Its Calendar, Notification Center, and Safari have been revamped to look more like their mobile counterparts.
There are lots of built-in apps packed in the Mac. These include the usual suspects like GarageBand, Keynotes and Numbers, iMovie, Pages, etc. If these don’t tick all of your boxes then you can always download more apps from the Mac App Store.
Verdict
This Apple Mac Mini is one of the most powerful compact computers made by Apple. It saves energy, has a very compact design, and is a lot cheaper than the 21.5-inch low-end iMac. All things considered, it’s a pretty good deal.
Related Articles
May 20, 2024
If you are on the huntsearching for a refurbished laptop but want to avoid getting fooled, check the laptop's battery first. With all Windows laptops, checking the battery's health is easy. Thus, before investing in a new laptop, assessing the health of its battery is crucial for ensuring long-term satisfaction and cost-effectiveness. Understanding how to evaluate a laptopevaluate evaluating a laptop's battery's condition can save you from unexpected expenses. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to check laptop battery health before making a purchase price effectiveness.
How to check laptop battery health: Step-by-step guide
Laptop battery health is a key metric to analyse performance because if a device doesn't last long, it isn't worth buying! This is why we highly recommend keeping an eye onmonitoring the battery usage capacity so you won't make a false purchase decision. Usually, the best laptops are those that last for at least
May 13, 2024
How Do Laptop Discount Vouchers Impact Consumer Buying Power?
Laptop discount vouchers significantly lower laptop prices and increase affordability, positively impacting consumer buying power. They make laptops more affordable, stimulating fast decision-making and proactive buying. Laptop discount vouchers also foster brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.
Many retailers offer laptop discount vouchers, enabling consumers to buy their desired laptop without breaking the bank. Laptop discount vouchers positively impact consumer behaviour and buying power, stimulating purchases through price reductions and increased affordability.
May 08, 2024
AI Computers: A Guide to Understanding and Embracing the Future of AI Computing
How is a computer upgraded to handle bashful transitions in the tech world? Yes, we are talking about integrating AI in multiple programs and software.
Welcome to the world of AI computers, where science fiction meets reality, and the possibilities seem endless. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the fascinating realm of AI-powered PCs, exploring their impact and future prospects and addressing frequently asked questions along the way.
April 17, 2024
HP PCs are well-built, stylish, and highly powerful, enabling speedy and efficient computing. They are portable and convenient and feature robust specifications for an unmatched experience. Additionally, a wide variety is available, allowing you to choose according to your preferences.
Buying an HP PC is worth it, as it offers many benefits. However, with the variety available, we recommend researching your options before choosing one.
Why Choose An HP PC?
While
April 15, 2024
Phone protection is necessary, particularly if you have an expensive phone. Phone cases protect your phone from accidental falls and scratches, ensuring durability and longevity. However, with so much variety, choose a reputable brand with safe, feature-friendly, multipurpose, affordable, and stylish cases.
Most people today use phone cases to protect their phones. While it is easy to find a phone case because of the variety available, we recommend researching your options before choosing one. Additionally, if you want to save time on research, here is a list of the best phone case brands and the top phone cases for 2024.
