Thinking Of Upgrading To The New Mac Mini? Here’s My Take

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Uzair Qureshi

At Tech4Gamers, I proudly wear the title of Comparisons Specialist. Focused on CPUs and GPUs, I bring forth a wealth of hands-on experience and a keen eye for detail to provide our audience with the latest insights and analyses.

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Apple is constantly innovating its products, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, which is considered one of the best gaming devices available. These innovations are significantly impacting the market and the gaming industry as a whole. But what about Apple’s upcoming Mac mini offerings?

With Apple rumoured to release a redesigned Mac mini, you might consider waiting for the new model before buying your next computer. I don’t blame you, as the upcoming Mac mini is expected to have a new design, upgraded chip options, and potentially a lower price. These factors could make it a very appealing choice.

But before you get too excited about the prospect of owning the latest version of Apple’s smallest desktop, let me share my perspective as someone who has juggled both the Mac mini and the MacBook Pro.

The Portability Factor: MacBook Pro Wins Every Time

The upcoming Mac mini redesign sounds intriguing. According to leaks and rumours, Apple is expected to give the Mac mini its first major makeover in over a decade, reducing its footprint to something akin to an Apple TV box while slightly increasing its height.

If you value a neat, minimalistic workspace, the prospect of this smaller design is appealing. However, despite its portability in terms of size, the Mac mini remains a stationary device.

Using a Mac mini requires more than just the computer itself. You’ll need a power cord, a display, a keyboard, and a mouse or trackpad to make it functional. And while you could theoretically carry all of that with you, it’s nowhere near as convenient as having an all-in-one solution like the MacBook Pro.

For me, this is where the Mac mini falls short. While it’s small and portable, setting it up in different locations is a hassle. It’s not built for the on-the-go lifestyle, especially with remote work being so common. By contrast, the MacBook Pro provides effortless portability, so many users prefer it over the Mac mini.

The Power Of The New Mac Mini

The expected M4 and M4 Pro Apple silicon chips promise major performance boosts for video editing, gaming, and virtual machines. That’s a significant upgrade from the current M1 chip in the new Mac mini, and it’s likely to be a strong selling point for people who need a powerful desktop. 

But here’s the thing: the MacBook Pro already delivers more than enough power, as per users’ reviews. Further, upgrading to a 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M2 Pro chip completely transformed my workflow. It’s powerful enough to handle everything from video editing to gaming.

Even with a high-performance M4 chip, the new Mac mini may not convince me to switch. The MacBook Pro provides enough power with added mobility. It handles all my tasks, whether at home or on the go, something the Mac mini can’t match.

Is The Mac Mini Worth The Savings?

Now, I’ll admit that the price is one area where the Mac mini has a clear advantage. The current model starts at $599, making it far more affordable than the MacBook Pro, which starts at $1,999 or higher. So, the Mac mini is a great budget-friendly option.

Sure, the Mac mini is cheaper. However, the value proposition starts to look less attractive when you factor in the cost of a good monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

If you’re considering upgrading to the new Mac mini, I advise you to consider your needs carefully. If portability isn’t a concern and you’re seeking an affordable yet powerful desktop, the Mac mini could be a great option.

The MacBook Pro’s extra cost is worth it for its flexibility to me. It’s my go-to device, acting as a laptop and desktop replacement. Therefore, I’ll stick with my MacBook Pro. You might want to do the same if you value flexibility and portability without compromising performance.

Uzair Qureshi

[Comparisons Specialist]

I’m a passionate computer hardware expert specializing in CPUs and GPUs. With a lifelong curiosity for hardware and extensive hands-on experience, I provide valuable insights, practical advice, and in-depth analysis on these components. Engaging with the hardware community, I exchange knowledge and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

Get In Touch: uzair@old.tech4gamers.com