The debate is served. The new Mac Minis with M2 and M2 Pro processors have everything to succeed: they are cheap, reliable and the logical solution for those who are looking for “enough power but not too much”. I myself spent 48 hours racking my brains without specifying myself, without drawing a clear conclusion.
In the following article, we evaluate the pros and cons and we both sat on the table mac mini like the Mac Studio… and we don’t forget another logical option either: the MacBook Air with M2 processors.
To choose or not to choose a Mac Mini M2 Pro, that is the question
Let’s talk price. The Mac Mini with the latest M2 Pro processor, that of 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine, resulting in a team of 1,914 dollars, VAT included. The cheapest Mac Studio, the basic M1 Max, a veritable brown beast, starts at 2,329 dollars.
And what is the difference? Not bad, but it’s all about usage, will I really benefit from this bonus if I limit my activity to audio, podcasting, working with text files, watching videos and occasional games , more streaming than local? The short answer is no”
The Mac Studio is far superior equipment, not just in size and weight. In terms of connectivity, the base model starts with 2 USB-A ports, 6 USB-C inputs, an Ethernet connection, an HDMI output (for up to three monitors) and a reliable SD card reader, which the Mac has. Mini is happening. And if we talk about RAM, you already know: up to 128GB of unified memory can handle any challenge.
But the big question, how postulates Steve MoserPerhaps there is another: and wouldn’t it be better to wait until next spring, when Apple will probably renew its Mac Studio and finally sport the second-generation M2 processors. Apple, once again, plays with our uncertainty, tempts us so that our expectation is always doubtful.
How about a MacBook Air M2 instead of a Mac Mini M2 Pro?
But let’s go back to the origin. Let’s say I’ve already opted for a Mac Mini M2 Pro. After all, it’s the logical choice for those of us looking for big performance, we have a confined office and we know that the maxim of “five years without an update” is a pipe dream that rarely comes true. I bring bad news: there is another fighter in the arena, another consideration to take into account. The one that eliminates cables on your work table.
What would it be like to switch to a MacBook Air? If I want to buy a MacBook Air with an M2 processor, I will have to pay 1,519 dollars to start. For only 50 dollars more I already have access to a Mac Mini with M2 Pro processor, clearly superior. And that’s the real gamechanger in terms of muscle, no doubt. Let’s not think of 40,000 million transistors, but of the architecture and versatility it offers.
But it’s that if I stay in the most basic model, the one at 719 dollars, in return I continue to have a team with the best technical performance, more competent: identical chipset with 2 more GPU cores, more connection ports and undervalued active dissipationsomething you only remember when tasks start requiring RAM and it’s time to fan out.
The price of a good screen
In exchange I will have to get myself a keyboard, a mouse and a correct screen, if possible with an integrated webcam – we are not talking about speakers, the headphones are enough for me and are enough for me. Does this compensate? It depends on how much I will move, if I will bet on this modularity in the future. In this case, the restless have another alternative on the table: a MacBook Pro, 13 inches and M2 chip, for
Two other variables must also be considered: ergonomics and ubiquity. Those of us who write a lot know that it is always better to wear the keys of a mechanical keyboard than the membranes with little travel from a laptop. And my right wrist will always play better with a Magic Mouse than with a trackpad, no matter how wide. But a laptop helps you move from room to room whenever natural light isn’t up to the task or you’re tired of your office chair and want to settle down on the couch in your living room.
However, there is one maxim worth remembering: if you use a laptop more than half your time anchored to a desk, even near a power outlet, consider that laptop as a second option, not the heart. operational. Every laptop, sooner or later, limits rather than liberates. Although now that I remember… What happens if the power goes out in the middle of the meeting? Moreover, this 2023 indicates that I will travel more than during 2022. Doubts return.
