Advantages of Mini over Air/Pro?

[addoh]

Hi! In need of a desktop setup for office work, research and light photo editing. Currently using a 2018 13 inch MBP (4 port version), and just bought a LG Ultrafine 4K, Magic keyboard and Magic Trackpad.

It is quite nice but the built in speakers are horrible, and I need a webcam. Also, the performance of my MBP when using scaled resolutions isn’t optimal.

Now I’m weighing the following options:

Buy a M1 Air to use both as a desktop and portable computer.
Buy a Mac Mini for desktop use and keep using my MBP as a portable.
Wait for new iMacs.

Is there any good reason to choose the Mini over the Air?

Also, any experiences with the Audioengine A2+?
And a good webcam?

 

[4sallypat]

Option 2.

I like the M1 Mini for dual display capability - my eyes can't stand small screens - even my 16" is too small for any extended use.

If I need to Zoom or WebEx or Facetime, I just open up the MBP.

 

[Six0Four]

Depends if money is an issue or not. If it is and i was you i would sell the Pro now since it's value is gonna nose dive and i would buy a Macbook M1 Air or Pro. Use that as your desktop. I would go Air over Pro since it is silent.

 

[Chozes]

Well the Mini is simple and easy to use.

Fulll set of ports. Has additional USB A ports and a HDMI port. MacBooks / Laptops are just not the same and require fiddling each time. Wires showing etc.

Storage is easily extensible.

It is silent in effect as the fan does not make noise. Unlike the Air it will also run 100% all the time on long loads.

Good price.

Tiny for desktop.

Imo all 3 are strong propositions. Apple stuff keep their value.

 

[sarveshmth]

Also, the performance of my MBP when using scaled resolutions isn’t optimal.

That's a major reason why I ordered M1 Mac Mini. Still waiting to be delivered.