M4 Mac Mini or M4 Macbook Pro

[Andy_2341]

Hello everyone,
I've been very interested in the Mac Mini for the last year or so, but the release of the M4 Mini made me even more excited. In considering the Mac mini, I became curious about the cost difference between it and going for a Macbook Pro. I would get a Touch ID Magic Keyboard ($149) and just a normal mouse probably. However, the monitor is where it would become more expensive. I've become enamored by my 15 Pro's Promotion display, and while I can stand a lesser display like the iPad 9th gen's, I want a good one for my Mac. It seems that a comparable display would be around $500 more. (If you know any in the $200-300 range that would be good, please name it) That puts me at almost 1200 dollars and I'm stuck at a desk. I don't often leave my desk with a computer since I have an iPad, but it could be a plus potentially. I would also need a webcam for the occasional FaceTime. Is there a reason to go for the Mac Mini at this point? Would a Macbook Air be better? I would like the Promotion and active cooling of the Pro but I don't necessarily need it. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

The differences are pretty apparent, I'm not going to decide what would work best for you. But just a few things to keep in mind:

+ You get ProMotion and REALLY good resolution with a MacBook Pro
- But it's a fixed size & position, versus being able to set up your workstation the way you want it
+ You get a keyboard with the MBP too
- But no numeric keypad
+ A MBP can travel with you
- A Mac mini (effectively) can't

For me, I have both but the drawback there, of course, is total cost.

Good luck on your decision!

 

[blufrog]

Mini M4 Pro. 12/16 is good; 14/20 is more horsepower for the future.

Mini M4 Pro starts with 24 GB RAM.

Mini M4 is faster than MBP under load due to thermals (this is the only explanation).

Mini requires you buy a monitor for it, but this need not be super-expensive if you shop smart.

Mini requires you buy a keyboard/trackpad, but this may not be a problem if you already have something to use with it. Add $300 to the Mini price due to this.

I'm using current discounts to get more RAM (upgrade from 24 to 48 GB). My current Macs hardly broke 8 GB ever, even running VMs. I think I maxed it out at 12 GB one time but I had to open everything on the computer.

You have an iPad - use that for FaceTime. Has the advantage you can flip the camera to show stuff if that is necessary.

If cost is a decision between memory and CPU, choose memory. 12/16 is still very fast; 14/20 is the icing on the cake.

 

[Andy_2341]

Mini M4 Pro. 12/16 is good; 14/20 is more horsepower for the future.

Mini M4 Pro starts with 24 GB RAM.

Mini M4 is faster than MBP under load due to thermals (this is the only explanation).

Mini requires you buy a monitor for it, but this need not be super-expensive if you shop smart.

Mini requires you buy a keyboard/trackpad, but this may not be a problem if you already have something to use with it. Add $300 to the Mini price due to this.

I'm using current discounts to get more RAM (upgrade from 24 to 48 GB). My current Macs hardly broke 8 GB ever, even running VMs. I think I maxed it out at 12 GB one time but I had to open everything on the computer.

You have an iPad - use that for FaceTime. Has the advantage you can flip the camera to show stuff if that is necessary.

If cost is a decision between memory and CPU, choose memory. 12/16 is still very fast; 14/20 is the icing on the cake.

Thank you for your reply. Do you have a recommended monitor?

 

[Andy_2341]

The differences are pretty apparent, I'm not going to decide what would work best for you. But just a few things to keep in mind:

+ You get ProMotion and REALLY good resolution with a MacBook Pro
- But it's a fixed size & position, versus being able to set up your workstation the way you want it
+ You get a keyboard with the MBP too
- But no numeric keypad
+ A MBP can travel with you
- A Mac mini (effectively) can't

For me, I have both but the drawback there, of course, is total cost.

Good luck on your decision!

Thank you. This makes me lean towards the MBP, mostly for display and the ability to travel should I need to. Still really like the mini though.

 

[dukebound85]

lol well do you need portability or not. That answers your question