I purchased M1 MBA in 2021 - super computer. Only base 8/256 spec as my use is light (development in terminal with vim/make/c/obj-c, coderunner, tumult whisk, dash and a few others, mail/web/messages, photos, music and so on). Memory or storage has never been an issue as I am strict with closing apps, tabs (use groups extensively), own NAS and iCloud. Paired it with Studio display in 2022 and finally had a decent desktop monitor to rival the 5k iMac I could now retire.
Purchased a M2 mini last month in refurb. Again just base spec 8/256. Intended to release the MBA for a second desk and use with the ASD. It all works perfectly and paired with the Apple Keyboard and Trackpad - I like to keep it all Apple. Fantastic machine though I cannot say I feel a lot has changed (my usage is not heavy). I don't benchmark the computers as they are more than sufficient for my needs and expectations. I know the SSD in MBA will be "faster" than the mini but I am not sure it really matters to me - even with swap the memory at 8GB should not be noticeable.
One thing I have been aware of is the wake from sleep. The MBA is instant and the ASD responds instantly. Finger on touchID and it just wakes with ASD ready almost instantly. The mini has a hesitation. Not a lot but noticeable and slightly reminiscent of my experience with non Apple monitors (Iiyama ultrawide 1440p and then 4k USB-C while I waited for Apple to deliver a decent 5k option). Not quite as slow as the Iiyama but not as instant as the MBA. I have tried the MBA again with and without the apple keyboard and it is instant. There is nothing special on the Mini - no external devices, no unusual settings, ethernet connection etc.
While this is all very minor and it is still way better than the Iiyama and my Windows mini with Iiyama now it is a little annoying - as the ASD and MBA has conditioned me. I am now considering switching roles, retiring the Windows mini to replace with Mac mini on Iiyama 4k (it has USB-C, DP and HDMI) where the wake from sleep will not be as noticeable as the display takes a little time anyway. Also thinking the MBA and ASD may just be the superior solution - if only Apple had included ethernet on the ASD.
Has anyone else seen anything similar or able to offer any opinion? The thought had crossed my mind that the SSD may be used to wake from sleep and the difference I thought had no impact on me may actually be an influence.
Both are amazing machines. The mini in refurb is a stunning computer. There is no comparison with my Windows mini or similar price Windows mini - it is a superb computer and easily the best value in small computers. For anyone looking to get into Mac a M2 mini 8/256 with even a 1080p Iiyama or similar monitor, Logitech keyboard and mouse should see change from £650 or £700 if wish to add a webcam and speakers to the mix. That is hard to beat and my recommended suggestion now for anyone asking me for a decent, small, affordable computer setup.
Purchased a M2 mini last month in refurb. Again just base spec 8/256. Intended to release the MBA for a second desk and use with the ASD. It all works perfectly and paired with the Apple Keyboard and Trackpad - I like to keep it all Apple. Fantastic machine though I cannot say I feel a lot has changed (my usage is not heavy). I don't benchmark the computers as they are more than sufficient for my needs and expectations. I know the SSD in MBA will be "faster" than the mini but I am not sure it really matters to me - even with swap the memory at 8GB should not be noticeable.
One thing I have been aware of is the wake from sleep. The MBA is instant and the ASD responds instantly. Finger on touchID and it just wakes with ASD ready almost instantly. The mini has a hesitation. Not a lot but noticeable and slightly reminiscent of my experience with non Apple monitors (Iiyama ultrawide 1440p and then 4k USB-C while I waited for Apple to deliver a decent 5k option). Not quite as slow as the Iiyama but not as instant as the MBA. I have tried the MBA again with and without the apple keyboard and it is instant. There is nothing special on the Mini - no external devices, no unusual settings, ethernet connection etc.
While this is all very minor and it is still way better than the Iiyama and my Windows mini with Iiyama now it is a little annoying - as the ASD and MBA has conditioned me. I am now considering switching roles, retiring the Windows mini to replace with Mac mini on Iiyama 4k (it has USB-C, DP and HDMI) where the wake from sleep will not be as noticeable as the display takes a little time anyway. Also thinking the MBA and ASD may just be the superior solution - if only Apple had included ethernet on the ASD.
Has anyone else seen anything similar or able to offer any opinion? The thought had crossed my mind that the SSD may be used to wake from sleep and the difference I thought had no impact on me may actually be an influence.
Both are amazing machines. The mini in refurb is a stunning computer. There is no comparison with my Windows mini or similar price Windows mini - it is a superb computer and easily the best value in small computers. For anyone looking to get into Mac a M2 mini 8/256 with even a 1080p Iiyama or similar monitor, Logitech keyboard and mouse should see change from £650 or £700 if wish to add a webcam and speakers to the mix. That is hard to beat and my recommended suggestion now for anyone asking me for a decent, small, affordable computer setup.