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Not a big deal. I like the new design (in the renderings at least). Really tempted to pick up a base model for fun (16 GB RAM as standard, there's finally a decent base model Mac mini again which has been a long time coming).
 
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I’m still struggling to understand why people complain so much about charging the Magic Mouse so maybe I’m not best to judge. But massive amounts of power in a tiny budget package and Apple have made the decision (maybe Ifixit will tell us why) to put one button on the bottom and the sky is falling.
The mouse is a lot more irritating because you literally cant use it while it’s charging, unlike nearly every other rechargeable wireless mouse out there

This, on the other hand, doesnt impair the machine’s functionality
 
Not a big deal. I like the new design (in the renderings at least). Really tempted to pick up a base model for fun (16 GB RAM as standard, there's finally a decent base model Mac mini again which has been a long time coming).
Only change I made on my preorder from the base was 10gbe, actually slightly cheaper to upgrade the internal port than to buy another thunderbolt 10gbe NIC, and more convenient to boot, so that made sense
 
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Only change I made on my preorder from the base was 10gbe, actually slightly cheaper to upgrade the internal port than to buy another thunderbolt 10gbe NIC, and more convenient to boot, so that made sense
I’m okay with it being an optional upgrade, I personally wouldn’t be able to utilize it (right now, maybe some point in the future but like you said it’s possible to get a Thunderbolt one). Enjoy your new mini!
 
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This situation is slightly different since if you're using it in clamshell mode, you are (I assume) also using an external keyboard. And if you're using the Apple one, then you do have a power button exposed right there.
If the MacBook Air is sleeping then pressing the touchID on the Apple touchID keyboard will wake it but if the MBA is off then pressing it does nothing. It would be nice if it powered on the laptop but it is no big deal that it doesn’t.
 
The idea that you would place the thing on a wooden disc when simply grasping the machine and sticking your finger underneath would suffice, while in the same breath criticizing Apple for silly design choices is simply remarkable!

As an Apple user I am perfectly capable of holding a minimum of two totally contradictory ideas in my mind simultaneously.
 
I'd initially not been too bothered by the power button being on the bottom, seeing it as no different to placing the power button on the back of the device in reality. Except rather than reaching to the back you'd reach to the bottom left of the device and press the inset button. The circular base would of course have enough height so you could place your finger under the corner. No problem.

That's now all changed as The Verge has just confirmed you have to actually lift up the device to press the button. Yes, lift up your desktop computer to turn it on. From the hands on article "He also says there’s no way to reach the power button, which is on the underside of the computer, without lifting it up."

https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/30/24283861/apple-redesigned-mac-mini-macbook-pro-imac-m4-photos

This is a disaster.
FFS...you are worried about a power button that you will probably need to press every 3 months??? The Mini is barely larger than an Apple TV. Reach around the back, apply 0.004lbs of upward force with your pointer finger and depress the damn button. Good Lord. Apologies if your post was meant to be in jest.
 
I'd initially not been too bothered by the power button being on the bottom, seeing it as no different to placing the power button on the back of the device in reality. Except rather than reaching to the back you'd reach to the bottom left of the device and press the inset button. The circular base would of course have enough height so you could place your finger under the corner. No problem.

That's now all changed as The Verge has just confirmed you have to actually lift up the device to press the button. Yes, lift up your desktop computer to turn it on. From the hands on article "He also says there’s no way to reach the power button, which is on the underside of the computer, without lifting it up."

https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/30/24283861/apple-redesigned-mac-mini-macbook-pro-imac-m4-photos

This is a disaster.
Wait... people still use the power button in 2024?

This might be the best placement of a power button ever. Nothing can accidentally touch it and power it off...

You guys will complain just about anything.
 
Why?

Yes, I know it was recommended practice in days of yore, but since the 2005 Mac Mini original, at least, Apple has suggested leaving it switched on unless you are going to be away for some time…. days or weeks, not hours.
I normally turn off my computer before I go to bed or when I'm sure it will not be used for several hours because I'm going out.

Turning it off brings peace of mind for me because it will be safe from power issues, water damage (who know), etc. Power grid where I live is not the best in the world. UPS? Surge protector? Same answer, even a UPS will be safe from needless wear and tear because of a power surge.

"Yes, surge protectors do lose their effectiveness over time. Each time a surge protector absorbs a surge, its internal components degrade slightly."

So why should I leave it on even in sleep mode if I'm sure I'm not going use it for quite a while? With an SSD, the start up process is very short that I can't even say I have to "wait" for it. Do you leave the tap open when brushing your teeth? If so, that's OK, there are people who like something available all the time like that.

The world is changing. Now people can be questioned or ridiculed if they express their desire to turn off their computer.

Oh no, the world is changing, again! Now the advice about not shutting the computer down can be considered obsolete.

"Back in the dark ages of computing, many tech support specialists advised that the computer never (or rarely) be shut down. They explained that this would save wear and tear on the hard drive and other computer components. That's less of a concern today. Shutting down the computer saves energy and allows the computer to be refreshed. Of course, you should avoid turning your computer off and on frequently, but it's fine to shut down your computer daily. If you do leave it on all the time, it's a good idea to turn it off at least once a week to let the computer reset itself."


As far as I know, currently, it looks like Apple keeps being neutral about shutting down vs sleep mode.
 
If the MacBook Air is sleeping then pressing the touchID on the Apple touchID keyboard will wake it but if the MBA is off then pressing it does nothing. It would be nice if it powered on the laptop but it is no big deal that it doesn’t.
No one sane turns it off.
 
The mouse is a lot more irritating because you literally cant use it while it’s charging, unlike nearly every other rechargeable wireless mouse out there

This, on the other hand, doesnt impair the machine’s functionality
Except it literally hampers the action of turning it on. Like literally literally.

And therein lies the argument. You compromise on an operating procedure at the expense of what? Looks? That means we’re back to putting form over function?
 
Just want to add my two cents. I am considering buying a Mac mini, my use case is that I want to use it when working from home so not daily. When I work from home, I install my monitor, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse in my living room. At the end of the day, I put them in a cupboard. So I would have to plug the Mac Mini and unplug it. In that scenario I will use the power button frequently, another placement would be a bit more convenient but it will be ok. I do understand people who prefers to turn off their computer (I do) and find the power button placement not very convenient.
 
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At least, they shouldn't have removed the option to schedule the power on/off then. (even if I'm not the kind to turn off, but i can understand it may be useful in some environments/situations)
 
Wait... people still use the power button in 2024?

This might be the best placement of a power button ever. Nothing can accidentally touch it and power it off...

You guys will complain just about anything.
Several people have mentioned accidentally pressing the power button and inadvertently turning the computer on/off, but that's never happened to me. 🤷🏻‍♀️
 
As an Apple user I am perfectly capable of holding a minimum of two totally contradictory ideas in my mind simultaneously.

Yep. This. The "all in fanboy" mentality has jumped the shark in a big way. It was always pretty over the top in the Apple community, but in recent years (coinciding with the demise of civil culture in politics?) there is a truly furious defense of even minor criticism, combined with an almost complete lack of any objectivity. It was so nice we could have constructive conversations in-which (*gasp*) we criticize the bad (butterfly keyboard. anyone? anyone?) along with praising the good: "Wow, I really love the MacBook Air form-factory, too bad it tops out at only 24GB of ram!" Nope, we have to absolutely, blindly, adore everything Apple (or insert any other company/product here) does or be subjected to grade-school-level Ad hominem attacks. Keep in mind; if they can't rationally argue/discuss the point, and have to resort to petty attacks and insults, it's frequently because their position can't really be rationally defended. It is also the time to step back and cease having that conversation with the persons involved.
 
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