Even a redesigned Mac mini won’t win me over

There was a time when the Mac mini felt like the perfect Mac for me. Its compact frame was ideal for keeping my desk neat and uncluttered, while its M1 chip was miles better than the sluggish Intel processor in my 2015 MacBook Pro. Almost all my work was done from home, so I didn’t mind the lack of portability, while my MacBook handled things just fine on the road.

But over time, my 2015 MacBook Pro slowed to a crawl and I eventually replaced it with a 14-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro chip. And that’s where the problems began (for the Mac mini, at least). Because after a couple years of use, I’m finding myself reaching for my MacBook Pro rather than my Mac mini almost every time — and I’m not sure even the upcoming Mac mini redesign can change that fact.

Recommended Videos

In case you missed it, rumors have been swirling that Apple is planning to launch a revamped Mac mini in the next few months. This isn’t just any old tune-up — the Mac mini is expected to come with a new design that reduces its footprint to about the size of an Apple TV box, while slightly increasing its height in the process. It’ll be the first major design change for the Mac mini since 2010, right around the time the iPhone 4 initially went on sale.

That has admittedly piqued my interest. After all, we’ve seen various claims over the years that a Mac mini redesign was in the works, but they’ve all come to nothing so far. Will this time be any different? And if it does actually come to fruition, will it be enough to convince me to upgrade? Or has the MacBook Pro forever dented my enthusiasm for Apple’s smallest desktop Mac?

Overcoming the MacBook Pro

Rahul Chakraborty / Unsplash

Aside from the new design, the next Mac mini is expected to get a chip upgrade to the Apple M4 series. There are rumored to be two models in the works, one with an M4 chip and another bearing the M4 Pro. Other than that, though, there aren’t expected to be too many other changes.

While the new chips sound intriguing — especially the M4 Pro, which would help with the game reviews that are a part of my work — I’m not sure that they’re enough to convince me to pull the trigger. And that’s because even the new Mac mini’s smaller size still won’t help it overcome the MacBook Pro’s trump card: portability.

Sure, the Mac mini itself is highly portable. It’s the smallest Mac you can get for your desktop, and I find it’s easy to slip inside a backpack when I’m on the go. But using a Mac mini requires more than just the computer itself — you need a power cord, a keyboard, a mouse, and a display, too. And lugging around a desktop monitor is not exactly my definition of convenient.

The Mac mini doesn’t really have much of an advantage for me at home either, since I can easily connect my MacBook Pro to a monitor and use it like a desktop Mac. For me at least, the MacBook Pro has the upper hand.

Should you buy the Mac mini?

Apple

That’s not to say there’s no reason at all to buy a Mac mini. One of its primary strengths is its price – starting at $599, it’s the cheapest Mac by some $400 and is a full $1,000 less expensive than the most affordable MacBook Pro. That’s a massive savings and it still nets you an excellent little computer.

If Apple can keep the price of the new model low, that alone will be an excellent reason to buy it. Add in the reduced footprint, new looks, and faster chips and it could be a tempting prospect for a lot of people.

I’m just not sure I’m one of those people anymore. My M1 Mac mini has served me really well over the years, but it just can’t match the MacBook Pro’s combination of power and portability. The new model, as good as it could be, is unlikely to change that for me.

Editors’ Recommendations

  • There’s more good news about the upcoming M4 MacBook Pros

  • The iMac Pro may not be completely dead, and that thrills me

  • A ‘dramatic’ Mac redesign may launch later this year

  • Your M3 MacBook Pro can finally connect to two displays

  • This new app just fixed the MacBook notch, and I love it




Related posts

Latest posts

Chrome tab groups now allow mobile-desktop sync, and it’s utter chaos

Do I want to see my mobile tab groups on PC? Yes, but only the work stuff. My Reddit memes on desktop? Oh, heck no. It also acts very weird, as per irked users.

I tried a stylus with location tracking. It ruined Apple Pencil for me

The ESR Geo Digital Pencil adds Apple Find My support at a fraction of the Apple Pencil's sticker price. Is it reliable? Let's just say ESR schools Apple!

Google Pixel phone’s Emergency SOS sent a person’s nudes to friends

The emergency assistance system on Pixel phones can also record videos and share it with your friends and family members. You can choose to disable it, though.

Motorola reminds me that I don’t need the best

Motorola is the king of budget phones, but it's clear the company hasn't been resting on its laurels.

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are now 20% OFF for Presidents’ Day at Best Buy

Samsung's Galaxy 3 Pro AI earbuds are currently 20% OFF at Best Buy for the retailer's Presidents' Day sale.

News Weekly: OnePlus skips the Open 2, Android 16 Beta 2 arrives on Pixels, and more

This week took us through OnePlus' decision to stall its next foldable, Android Beta 2 arrived, Samsung devices got a

TSMC in dilemma as US pushes ‘Made in USA’ strategy with Intel

The U.S. government has given the Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer TSMC three proposals to keep producing with the country, which brought up several challenges.

I’ve found a perfect use for the Galaxy Ring, but I can’t recommend it

The Samsung Galaxy Ring was a miss for me — but I've still managed to find the perfect use for it. Only, I can't recommend it to anyone. Here's why.

Why I’m sad this delightful iPhone camera is about to go away

It looks certain Apple will take the 12-megapixel away from its cheapest iPhone very soon. Let me explain why I'm sad about it.

Moto G Power 2025 review: A solid $300 phone

What makes the Moto G Power 2025 a great phone despite being just $300? Find out in our review.