The new Mac Mini is only slightly larger than an Apple TV. (Image: Apple)
Apple let the cat out of the bag or the smallest apple out of the box yesterday. Various rumors that were circulating online before the launch have actually come true, the Mac Mini is has become a good deal smaller again and can be pre-ordered now. The small computers will be delivered from November 8th. Prices for the new model start at 699 Euro.
While the predecessor’s case was 19.7 × 19.7 centimeters, the dimensions are now just 19.7 × 19.7 centimeters 12.7 × 12.7 centimeters. The new Mac Mini doesn’t quite achieve the compactness of the Apple TV 4K (93 x 93 millimeters), but the size is still considerable considering the expected performance.
Mini or already micro?
The new Mini Mac looks a little like a Mac Studio that has been washed too hot, and we don’t mean that in a negative way at all. There are also similarities to the big brother when it comes to connections. The new M4 Mac Mini has two USB-C ports on the front and a 3.5 millimeter jack connection for a headset.
A direct comparison to its predecessor shows how small the new model is. (Image: Apple)
According to Apple, both front USB-C ports are used USB 3
tied, the addition 10 GBit/s
suggests that it is USB-3.1-Gen-2 should act. There are three more USB-C interfaces on the back, but this time they are connected with Thunderbolt 4.
Thunderbolt 5 only for Pro model
The model with the M4 Pro chip also occupies a special position in this case, as the new standard comes instead of Thunderbolt 4 Thunderbolt 5 for use. There is also an HDMI port and an RJ45 LAN socket on the back.
The fun starts at 699 dollars
The following basic models can be pre-ordered in the Apple Store:
- M4 CPU & GPU mit 10/10 Core CPU & GPU, 16-GB-RAM, 256-GB-SSD: 699 Euro
- M4 CPU & GPU mit 10/10 Core, 16-GB-RAM, 512-GB-SSD: 929 Euro
- M4 CPU & GPU mit 10/10 Core, 24-GB-RAM, 512-GB-SSD: 1.159 Euro
- M4 Pro CPU & GPU mit 12/16 Core, 24-GB-RAM, 512-GB-SSD: 1.649 Euro
In our opinion, the most exciting version is the one with the M4 Pro chip. You can use the device if you wish upgrade to 14/20 core CPU & GPU for a manageable 230 dollars extra. The M4 Pro Mini also has a special position when it comes to RAM; thanks to the larger chip, it is the only model that is also available with 48 or 64 GB RAM.
The back and bottom of the new Mac Mini. (Image: Apple)
Editor’s Opinion: Outrageous upgrade prices
Mac Mini as a mobile computer?
With its compact size and the low weight of just 670 gramsthe Mini could conquer completely new areas of application. It would be conceivable that you could simply put the little one in your bag and take it with you to work, for example, instead of a notebook.
Of course, the game only works if you can commute between two fully equipped workstations with a monitor and input devices. The Mac Mini will therefore not be able to replace a notebook.
What do you think of the new Mac Mini? Do you think Apple will crush the Mac Studio and also bring the small one with the M4 Ultra chip?
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