Mac mini 2017?

[MDMachiavelli]

What mini did you get? Was it the base model 1.4ghz i5 with 4gb RAM and 5400 RPM hard drive? If so, then you should have done better research on what machines would be suitable. That is a very sluggish machine in my experience (I have one that I only use as an iTunes Server).

Actually it was the 2.6 with the 8GB RAM.

Regardess, I'm still surprised, maybe there was some other problem? I had a base model 2012 mini with 4gb RAM and it ran Logic 9 without any problems. It also ran great on my 2011 i5 MacBook Air with only 4gb RAM. I only recently switched to Logic X so there may be differences, but I think the requirements are basically the same.

That was my whole point, I think something was wrong.

I ran Final Cut Pro X on my base 2012 mini as well and it was fine, although I only worked with SD video. I am currently running Logic Pro X, Final Cut Pro X and Compressor on my 2012 quad i7 2.6ghz mini with 16gb RAM and they are just great on this machine.

Well when using Logic Pro X with mine I could easily record one tract, maybe two depending on the plugins. But if I played those tract back and tried to record an additional one, it would drop the recording and stop.

And there are several other versions of the 2014 Mini that would have been more than adequate for Logic X. Since the RAM is soldered in place and can't be upgraded later, I would have gotten at least 8gb as well as a faster internal drive (either fusion or pure SSD). However you could certainly put your Logic projects on an external drive too.

As I stated above I had 8GB.

Too bad you didn't join this forum before you bought the mini. I'm sure you would have gotten some useful input as to the correct Mini to buy and help with troubleshooting your problems. Sorry, but IMO if you purchased the correct configuration and were more diligent in seeking assistance the Mini wouldn't have been "one of the most disappointing purchases you ever made in the age of technology".

Well you seem to take my post personal like it is some poke at you and I apologize you took it that way. Plus I'm not sure you were as diligent in putting the effort into reading my post as you did responding. I was diligent in seeking assistance, I talked to the guys at Apple. Isn't that diligent enough? Plus by your own account my Mac Mini should have worked for what I was trying to do.

Again, this was my personal experience and I relayed it as such. I'm not saying it is that way across the board, but it was just an opinion based on first hand experience. Didn't I clarify that?

 

[Boyd01]

Well you seem to take my post personal like it is some poke at you and I apologize you took it that way.

I didn't take it personally at all and there's no need to apologize.

That Mini should have no problem running Logic Pro in the way you described. My use of Logic is very basic, mostly recording 4 tracks of live audio with microphones using perhaps a couple plugins on each track. This works very smoothly on my 2013 i7 1.7 ghz 8gb MacBook Air. The 2014 2.6ghz Mini has a geekbench 3 rating of 6626 which is 10% faster than the 6091 score of my MacBook Air. And the Mini also has a newer generation graphics chipset. Here are the specs for comparison

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac-mini-core-i5-2.6-late-2014-specs.html
http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...acbook-air-core-i7-1.7-11-mid-2013-specs.html

Since you did not state what Mini you had, and said it wouldn't run Logic acceptably, I just assumed you were using the base model. Sorry about that.

This point I was trying to make is that you joined this thread to state "One of the most disappointing purchases I have ever made in the age of technology was a Mac Mini" when it would have been more productive to come here when you were having problems and seek assistance.

Sorry you had a bad experience with the Mini.

 

[MDMachiavelli]

I didn't take it personally at all and there's no need to apologize.

That Mini should have no problem running Logic Pro in the way you described. My use of Logic is very basic, mostly recording 4 tracks of live audio with microphones using perhaps a couple plugins on each track. This works very smoothly on my 2013 i7 1.7 ghz 8gb MacBook Air. The 2014 2.6ghz Mini has a geekbench 3 rating of 6626 which is 10% faster than the 6091 score of my MacBook Air. And the Mini also has a newer generation graphics chipset. Here are the specs for comparison

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac-mini-core-i5-2.6-late-2014-specs.html
http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...acbook-air-core-i7-1.7-11-mid-2013-specs.html

Since you did not state what Mini you had, and said it wouldn't run Logic acceptably, I just assumed you were using the base model. Sorry about that.

This point I was trying to make is that you joined this thread to state "One of the most disappointing purchases I have ever made in the age of technology was a Mac Mini" when it would have been more productive to come here when you were having problems and seek assistance.

Sorry you had a bad experience with the Mini.

Fair enough.

I really wanted the Mac Mini to work for me. The idea that I could have a desk top Mac that would fit in a briefcase and be easily connected to any TV with an HDMI was very appealing to me.

I was just extremely disappointed with how it worked out. I may try it again one day.

Not for recording though.

I really appreciate your feedback and input.

Thanks.

 

[Count Blah]

I am not really into transportable tech, and seldom carry my $25.00 Nokia cellphone. I prefer be off line when I leave my desk.

I think I finally found the reason you are sooooooo happy with the 2014 Mac Mini release, and promote it non-stop. It's fits your "underpowered and proud of it" style.

 

[bardebay]

So what's the conclusion lol
I really want the Mac mini because is so small and looks great.and im sure many of you also want it.but it won't be able to handle 4k final cut heavy editing.i tried the iMac 5k and 3000 USD upgrade,it was freezing when I edit 4k with premiere and ableton running also.but Mac minini would be great!!

 

[Boyd01]

So what's the conclusion lol

Very simple.... if you weren't happy with a $3000 iMac, forget the Mini. And if you're hoping for a new Mini, keep on waiting. It could be a long wait... like forever maybe? And even then, I'd be very surprised if any new Mini is going to be what you're hoping for.

Maybe the $5000 iMac Pro will be better than your $3000 iMac? Otherwise, maybe a $10,000 new Mac Pro is what you need?

 

[padams35]

So what's the conclusion lol
I really want the Mac mini because is so small and looks great.and im sure many of you also want it.but it won't be able to handle 4k final cut heavy editing.i tried the iMac 5k and 3000 USD upgrade,it was freezing when I edit 4k with premiere and ableton running also.but Mac minini would be great!!

A $3000 5K iMac didn't work?
Did you forget to upgrade the ram?

From the opening post I thought this was for casual 4K editing, and for that I'd have doubled Final Cut Pro X's minimum 4K requirements and called it a day. (8GB ram, 1GB vRam) -> (16GB ram, 2GB dGPU: SSD recommended). By that standard an upgraded 2014 mini would be slower than recommended but functional and any upgraded 2017 retina iMac solid starting from the entry 4K.

But if a 5K iMac has already failed then the iMac Pro is the only choice left. Not even the most optimistic mini upgrade hopes suggest the mini will ever compete with a current 5K.

 

[Boyd01]

Not even the most optimistic mini upgrade hopes suggest the mini will ever compete with a current 5K.

You must not be following some of the other threads here, there's no shortage of wildly optimistic upgrade hopes in this forum.

 

[bardebay]

All right,thank you all.

 

[Micky Do]

I think I finally found the reason you are sooooooo happy with the 2014 Mac Mini release, and promote it non-stop. It's fits your "underpowered and proud of it" style.

Dunno what you are on about…… The much denigrated 2014 Mac Mini can be had off the shelf, or custom built, in configurations to suit the needs and lifestyles of many but not all, as has been the case for previous generations. However, it seems it could struggle with the OP's requirement to edit 4K video. Cynical geeks seeking bragging rights to Pro specs on a Mini budget should also look elsewhere, or build their own.

 

[AZhappyjack]

A new model is almost certainly coming.

I've been hearing that since the last "new" Mac Mini in 2014. Apple doesn't care about updating this Mac... doubtful that they will do anything... and even more doubtful that they do anything significant. They've already soldered everything in place... what more is there for Apple do to/with it?
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One of the most disappointing purchases I have ever made in the age of technology was a Mac Mini.

I had a terrible experience with it.

I have three different models (2009, 2012 and 2014) that are still useful... the 2009 is now just for playing with... the 2012 is still an iTunes media server and I still use the 2014 for video editing with FCPX. Clearly my experience and yours are different.

 

[MDMachiavelli]

I've been hearing that since the last "new" Mac Mini in 2014. Apple doesn't care about updating this Mac... doubtful that they will do anything... and even more doubtful that they do anything significant. They've already soldered everything in place... what more is there for Apple do to/with it?
[doublepost=1502327549][/doublepost]

I have three different models (2009, 2012 and 2014) that are still useful... the 2009 is now just for playing with... the 2012 is still an iTunes media server and I still use the 2014 for video editing with FCPX. Clearly my experience and yours are different.

Obviously, I must have had a dud.

 

[JamesPDX]

I have a 2012 quad core 2.6 ghz mini and it's a great machine for the kind of video editing that I do. Runs Final Cut Pro X very nicely and will probably meet my needs for another couple years. I considered the top of the line 3.0 ghz 2014 mini instead, but my 2012 is 50% faster due to the quad core cpu (which Apple discontinued in 2014).

Hanging your hat on that Phil Schiller quote is very funny... classic example of corporate double-speak. He was backed into a corner by a question about the Mini and of course he wasn't going to say they don't care. But, hey, it's certainly possible there will be a new mini, but it's more a matter of blind faith. With every other Mac that's been introduced, there have been rumors for months in advance. That just hasn't happened with the mini.

Keep on hoping... but that won't help much if you need a new computer now.

Yep. But it's the transcoding and rendering that makes even the 2012 QC Mini really too slow for longer projects. IDK if Renderboxx plays well with Apple or not. If you just want and editing/grading machine, you'll either have to wait for the mMP (2018?) or buy a BTO Boxx computer and go to Windows Pro 10 and use DaVinci, Premiere, or Media Composer.

 

[bopajuice]

Doubtful... I bought a "new" Mac Mini. Middle of the road with a spinner. Painfully slow and the graphics suck.
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I personally would hold off, we are due an event in September and possibly one later in October, Macs to my knowledge have been announced in one of these two events in previous years so it may be possible for a 2017 edition to come soon.

Heard the same thing last keynote. It's all about iPhones and iPads. Don't hold your breath.
[doublepost=1502511610][/doublepost]

A $3000 5K iMac didn't work?
Did you forget to upgrade the ram?

From the opening post I thought this was for casual 4K editing, and for that I'd have doubled Final Cut Pro X's minimum 4K requirements and called it a day. (8GB ram, 1GB vRam) -> (16GB ram, 2GB dGPU: SSD recommended). By that standard an upgraded 2014 mini would be slower than recommended but functional and any upgraded 2017 retina iMac solid starting from the entry 4K.

But if a 5K iMac has already failed then the iMac Pro is the only choice left. Not even the most optimistic mini upgrade hopes suggest the mini will ever compete with a current 5K.

So you suggest forgoing a $600 purchase in favor of a $3k plus purchase as the answer?

 

[dogslobber]

There are three parts to a new Mini. First is the anticipation of when the next Mini will drop - it takes a long wait. Then there's the emotional let down as you realize the last model model was better than the neutered new version and you waited all that time for this Mini when you could have bought the last model years prior. Finally you question Apple's decision and ask why they constantly punish Mini owners who want to believe.

 

[bopajuice]

There are three parts to a new Mini. First is the anticipation of when the next Mini will drop - it takes a long wait. Then there's the emotional let down as you realize the last model model was better than the neutered new version and you waited all that time for this Mini when you could have bought the last model years prior. Finally you question Apple's decision and ask why they constantly punish Mini owners who want to believe.

You appear to be insinuating that loyal Mac users are guilty of self inflicted wounds. How could the loyal be treated so poorly?

 

[padams35]

So you suggest forgoing a $600 purchase in favor of a $3k plus purchase as the answer?

Sort of. The $3000 5K iMac is what the OP has already tried and found lacking. That suggests either (a) something was wrong with the aforementioned 5K's setup or configuration -or- (b) the OP's workload is a lot more strenuously than implied.

$3k+ (or even $5k+) would only be the answer if (b), but either way I would indeed suggest forgoing the $600 MSRP 1.4GHz 8GB ram 500GB HDD mini.

 

[dogslobber]

You appear to be insinuating that loyal Mac users are guilty of self inflicted wounds. How could the loyal be treated so poorly?

Sounds like a question for Tim Cook.

 

[Count Blah]

You appear to be insinuating that loyal Mac users are guilty of self inflicted wounds. How could the loyal be treated so poorly?

Because Apple sells what IT wants to sell, not what EVERYONE, wants them to sell.

Would seem pretty obvious.

 

[now i see it]

Apple hasn't made a 'workstation' class computer for many years. Even the ill fated trash can pro can burn up on long renders. Editing multiple tracks of audio and 4K video and 3D rendering is considered 'heavy lifting' that requires a truck (workstation) and not a car (or scooter)...the cheapest computer Apple makes.

The disappointment with the mini for many is that they want to use it as a truck. Its not the right tool for hauling heavy loads up over a mountain pass. It's a grocery getter. Think of it as an expensive scooter, then you won't be disappointed.

 

[krause734]

If you enjoy self flagellation, buy a Mini at the same price it was 3 years ago.

 

[bardebay]

Where to get Mac mini from 2012?

 

[Micky Do]

Because Apple sells what IT wants to sell, not what EVERYONE, wants them to sell.

Would seem pretty obvious.

Obviously tosh……

Apple sells what quite a few people want to buy, albeit not everybody.

Evidence; Macs have maintained or increased their share in a relatively static or declining market.

40 years on from the arrival of the PC, it has become a relatively mature product class, where progress has now become evolutionary. While the average geek may continue to see value in replacing computers to keep up with the state of the art, the average Joe or Jill (or business) can continue to do their thing effectively on hardware that they keep for longer than in days of yore, when developments were more frequent and often more revolutionary. Some folks like to use OS X / MacOS, while others prefer other platforms…… Your money, your choice.

 

[EnderBeta]

Not even the most optimistic mini upgrade hopes suggest the mini will ever compete with a current 5K.

That was easily true last generation and arguably in 2014 when the current Mac Mini was new.

 

[bardebay]

Any one still have a idea where I can buy the Mac mini 2012?
Definitely the Mac mini is great in its small size and the Mac design,but like some one also posted in the forum,mac didn't make what we want,they make what THEY wants.