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With support for M2 or M2 Pro chips, Apple's Mac mini desktop computer is now available.
Although Macs have always been expensive, Apple does make a model that is powerful and affordable. No, it is not the MacBook Air; rather, it is the Mac mini, a full-featured desktop computer contained within a compact aluminum box. This week, the entry-level Mac received a significant power boost when the M2 and M2 Pro chips were added to the Mac mini. But in 2023, who exactly ought to purchase a Mac mini? More importantly, is it still worthwhile to purchase a desktop computer?
It's a good idea to take a few minutes to ask yourself a few questions to make sure you're ready to make an investment in the new Mac, as Apple now offers it in a variety of price ranges. Before purchasing the brand-new M2-powered Mac mini, consider the following five questions.
What distinguishes the M2-equipped Mac mini from the MacBook Air?
Before you buy a new Mac, this may be one of the most important questions to ask because choosing the right form factor could help you in the long run. One is a 13-inch ultra-compact mainstream notebook and the other is a DIY desktop computer. A refreshed design, an immersive 13-inch display, a 1080p webcam, a MagSafe charger, a long battery life, and a full keyboard make up the MacBook Air (the model with the M2 chip). The Air is a more portable computer that can be carried around and used anywhere.
In contrast, the Mac mini is a compact desktop computer that does not include a screen, keyboard, or mouse when it ships. It's called "BYODKM" (Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, and Mouse), as Apple likes to say. Although they are both entry-level devices with identical M2 chips, the difference lies in their form factor and how they are used. You can proceed with selecting the appropriate Mac with confidence now that you know this information.
Is the Mac mini suitable for remote work?
The Mac mini was made with the intention of being used on a desk, which reflects how it should be used. In recent years, Apple has not altered the Mac mini's design. Its size makes it ideal for use as a family computer or in a child's room because it is so small that it does not cover the entire desk. Laptops aren't ideal for long-term use, especially if you work from home full-time. If you don't buy a laptop stand, the screen of your monitor will never be at eye level, and typing on a laptop keyboard all day can make you tired and drained.
If you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, upgrading to a desktop computer can provide the ideal ergonomic setup. For better ergonomics, you should always choose a computer with a larger display if you need a computer for your main office and work computer.
Is it worth the money?
Although the Mac mini is a very appealing desktop computer, its price makes it even more appealing. The M2 Mac mini's starting price of Rs 59,900 is even lower than that of the M1 Mac mini, which launched at Rs 64,900. In point of fact, the M2 Mac mini starts at Rs 119,900, making it significantly less expensive than the M2 MacBook Air. The M2 Mac mini is priced so well by Apple that no other Windows-based desktop computer comes close to it in terms of value and performance. There are numerous connectivity ports, an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD in the base model.
When it comes to "basic" computing tasks like checking emails, light photo and video editing, writing and editing assignments on Google Docs, WhatsApp chats, and opening multiple Chrome tabs in the background, the M2-based Mac mini should perform well. Even though the M2 Mac mini does not have the same screen, keyboard, or portability as the MacBook Air, you will not experience the efficiency of both macOS and Apple Silicon on any other device.
How well will it work for editing videos?
Apple is also selling the Mac mini with the M2 Pro chip, which will double the base M2's performance for those who want to code and edit videos. The Mac mini costs Rs 129,900. A 12-core CPU with eight high-performance and four high-efficiency cores powers the M2 Pro-based Mac mini. The supercharged version of the Mac mini has a 19-core GPU, supports up to 32GB of memory, and has a memory bandwidth of 200GB/s. Apple claims that the M2 Pro version should have up to 2.8 times faster gameplay in Resident Evil Village, up to 4.2 times faster ProRes transcoding in Final Cut Pro, and 2.5 times faster graphics performance in Affinity Photo.
Professional users who want a Mac desktop of a professional quality but don't have the money to buy the Mac Studio, which starts at Rs 189,900, could choose this, as you might expect. In point of fact, having a Mac mini with professional-level performance is important. Only professionals might want to take advantage of it.
Why a Mac mini might appeal to you in 2023?
Naturally, the Mac that best suits your needs and purpose will be chosen for you. It is entirely up to you whether you want an M2 Pro Mac mini or a base version of the Mac mini. However, ensure that your needs and desires are reflected in your budget. Choosing a desktop computer over a laptop is moving into new territory. An M2 Mac mini, for instance, makes no sense if you want a computer for a family of four. When buying a Mac, it's common for people to believe that choosing the right model is the most difficult part. The most difficult part is figuring out what's wrong with the computer right now. The M2 Mac mini might not be a significant upgrade for those who already own an M1 Mac mini. However, upgrading to a more recent Apple compact desktop is logical if you are currently using an older Mac mini that is powered by Intel.