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Mac mini M4 (2024): docks, stands and other accessories
- Thread starter MiniApple
- Start date
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My M1 setup. The Monitor is connected with the USB-C / thunderbolt 3 cable. On the Left is a 7 port USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 SWITCH ( the drives are 1T "Spinners" I don't like to have them running all the time as they are for Backups of files and Photos) The other ports on the M1 are easy to get to as is the On / Off power button. (Yes I do turn it off when finished) This setup allows the fan to run unobstructed. My plan is to do the same with a new Mini.
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Something like that should be relatively easy to print on a 3D printer with TPU filament - doubtless there will be a number of .STL files on Thingiverse etc in the near future...
I don’t think you are overthinking it. That’s pretty much what I planned on doing. Put the under desk mount within reach and leave space to get to the power button.
How about a pass-through power button on the hub, that brings the power button to the front?You can’t put a dock below the mini because of the power button.
2u case with m.2 connectors a 3.5" tray and full suite of connectors and direct pass thru for tb5
I agree that a flat top dock would be a problem but it can be made differently so that the power button is accessible.You can’t put a dock below the mini because of the power button.
You could if the dock were designed specifically for the new model. A physical mechanism triggered from a different position on the dock could be used to press the mini’s power button.You can’t put a dock below the mini because of the power button.
That is not necessarily true, if the manufacturer designs the new mount/stand to only be fitted up to the bottom center of the new 2024 Mac Mini. But unfortunately, there are no mounts/stands available yet. My 2024 Mac Mini arrives next Monday 11 Nov and so I will have to either place the unit upside down or pick it up to access the power button. Some people in Apple should be FIRED for this!!!...You can’t put a dock below the mini because of the power button.
Yeah, and unfortunately it’s not the first terrible UI/UX design decision this year. Many people find the new photos app much less usable than before.
Another one, Passwords.app…whoever did the programming for that, should have to “Walk the Plank”…what a terrible App…
The mini is only 1.5 pounds (1.6 for the M4 Pro), so basically double sided tape should work as a mount. Crazy, but I think that would be plenty secure.
It will be interesting to see the tear downs and testings, hopefully in different orientations in comparison vs heat, noise, performance.
The Sonnet Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock includes an internal SSD bay and has a similar port offering to the CalDigit TS4 at a lower price. A lot to love there.
I wish it were designed for vertical orientation (the TS4 can do horizontal or vertical). The internal SSD speed isn't high (up to 800MB/s). But if you want an internal SSD for backups, for example, and given that slower drives are often cheaper, this could be very nice.
Now that Thunderbolt 5 is out, the big question is whether the TB4 docks will go on big sales, and whether it'll be worth waiting (and paying) for TB5 docks.
I wish it were designed for vertical orientation (the TS4 can do horizontal or vertical). The internal SSD speed isn't high (up to 800MB/s). But if you want an internal SSD for backups, for example, and given that slower drives are often cheaper, this could be very nice.
Now that Thunderbolt 5 is out, the big question is whether the TB4 docks will go on big sales, and whether it'll be worth waiting (and paying) for TB5 docks.
Just did a follow up check; there's a Thunderbolt 5 dock already out, the Kensington SD5000T5 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station presently roughly $380. I don't see mention of an internal SSD function, but still...I would think this thing will put competitive pressure on CalDigit's TS4 (which also lacks the internal SSD function and sells for a similar price).
What do the rest of you guys think? If you decide to buy a TB5 dock for your M4 Mac, what looks like your #1 contender right now?
What do the rest of you guys think? If you decide to buy a TB5 dock for your M4 Mac, what looks like your #1 contender right now?
The famous IKEA napkin holder, Greja, used to be the most affordable and reliable Mac mini vertical stand. But now with down sizing of the mini, the holder is wider than the mini chassis so it probably won't work.
You raise an interesting point. If a dock vendor wishes to match the footprint size of the M4 Mac Mini series, like the notable Satechi Mac Mini dock did with prior Mac Minis (designed to sit under it), that may mean compromises in port selection, etc...
Despite the junkyard landscape that is my desk, I prefer to at least start with a 'clean' look, gear-wise. For M4 Mac Mini docks, I see 3 ways forward:
1.) Just accept a larger slab will lay near the Mini with a cord to it.
2.) Something like the current Satechi, with a raised grove on top so even though the dock is larger and sits underneath, the Mini sits on top of it.
3.) The CalDigit TS4 approach - a stocky little skyscraper (vertical orientation) sitting beside or near the Mini.
I prefer 3.), but the TS4 doesn't have an internal SSD slot, and I would strongly prefer one.
I must be a special kind of idiot -- I keep seeing people saying that you "can't" put the new mini atop a, for example, Satechi dock. But...why not? Yeah, the dimensions don't match, but so what? It'll look like a little pyramid. Is it the power button? You're gonna have to lift the mini to hit the button no matter WHAT it's resting on -- a dock, a desk, a copy of WAR AND PEACE...
What am I missing? Why can't I just plunk my mini atop my Hagibis Hub and be done with it?
What am I missing? Why can't I just plunk my mini atop my Hagibis Hub and be done with it?
Never thought of this issue till your post...a number of people have expressed concern over Mac Mini and Mac Studio Macs having the potential for heavy internal dust buildup over the years, with no good practical way to open them up and blow that out. Some people turn to products for the old style Mini to sit on intended to filter out some of the dust before it gets in.
So, a Mac Mini sitting on a flat surface bottom-down, or a Mac Mini turned on its side in a holder with the bottom (and vents) not covered by the Mini body. Which will take in more dust over time, I wonder?
How often to people use the power off/on button? I leave my mini running all the time, with an occasional restart. I've maybe had to use the power button once or twice after a shut down because of a power issue. Hardly worth much effort when you can pick it up for 10 seconds.
I currently use a 27” iMac (2020) and turn it off every night.
