Laptops are for mobile usage, so comparing to using them 100% for desktop usage is mostly inappropriate. Even if one only used a MBP 3-4 times a year, those 3-4 times a year are something a desktop just cannot do. Personally I always need a laptop, but someday may use a Mini or a Studio as well.
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Mac mini M4 is the best value computer…. I think even Apple cannibalised their M4 MacBooks and older M3,M2,M1 product MacBooks with this
- Thread starter Mistletoe66
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The comparison was about resale and aesthetic value after using it for ten years. I'm glad you found something that works for you. Clearly you are passionate about the value of laptops, so I didn't wish to you offend you.
No offense taken. FWIW despite daily mobile use my MBPs have never suffered substantive loss of aesthetic value after using them for 7 years, and each new generation seems more durable. A laptop used in desktop mode seemingly would not deteriorate any differently than a Mac mini would.
I have a 2012 MBP still in occasional use running Ableton Live, hooked up to a monitor and booting from an external drive. It’s literally just started having issues over the last few days (trackpad starting to play up), so will happily retire it when I get the new M4. Pretty happy with 12 years use!
I agree with that video posted from Quinn.
The base mini is a great deal.
Change anything about it and it is not, solely because of Apple‘s rip off upgrade pricing
The base mini is a great deal.
Change anything about it and it is not, solely because of Apple‘s rip off upgrade pricing
Believe Apple has a terrible past record for disintegration of cables. Hopefully they are better these days, but my well treated magsafe cable..... My lightening cable disintegrated inside the iPhone box not being used.
Please do correct me if I`m wrong: Charging thresholds are pretty new to Macs? For Macbooks without, using them permanently as desktops may very well kill the battery.
Something about my fingernails, even though I keep them trimmed short, ruins the appearance of keyboards, especially the space bars, which show abrasion from my right thumbnail. I had to recycle a MacBook Pro with a swollen battery (and case) during the early days of the pandemic from using like a desktop where it was always plugged in, and I had a MacBook Air with the Butterly keyboard which I decided to get rid of proactively, and promised myself, as god is my witness I will never buy a laptop again.
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As someone who needs portability, the Mac mini didn't replace my MacBook.
I think I will get the M4 MBP base model upgrading from my M1 MBA.
I think I will get the M4 MBP base model upgrading from my M1 MBA.
I'm being tempted toward the M4 pro because of "future proofing". However, its probably best, and possible cheaper long term, to go for the base M4 model followed up in 2 years time with the base M6.
IMO, it's certainly more fun to buy the affordable model that gives your future self permission to buy a new Apple device down the road. No stress about having to second guess Apple while trying to buy enough power or storage. And no grief when the other kids are opening their new models and all the reviews are out.
If you can get your work done with the base level Mac mini that is usually the way to go and upgrade as you need.
This year in particular it’s a no brainer. You can’t build a better computer for $600 let alone $500 for students.
I always buy the base model, the only criteria for upgrades I have is a minimum 512 storage, and 16gb RAM.
Also, with the option of an external Thunderbolt 4/5 drives (2TB/4TB for $400/$600) from OWC and the option to have your home directory and iCloud on the external drive it becomes a no brainer.
Sure, but most people these days want to take their computer with them. The desktop market really is a lot smaller than the portable market. Despite being more expensive for what you get.
...and if it wasn`t a market for desktops et al, Apple would have stopped making them long time ago.
Polarizing the two as in "my preference is better than yours" is rather lame as the alternatives compliment each other.
Another potential location ... the library. When I go to almost any library they have a row of PCs for their patrons. Although they have improved I still find them difficult to 'stomach'. I am tempted to bring my new Mac mini in and plug the library monitor, internet, power (but maybe bring my keyboard and mouse). Probably would 'disrupt' their security ... the PC as off-line and bring their IT person running! Oh well, my backpack-able Mac mini will have to find some monitor friend somewhere!
I never said there was no market for the desktop? I own both. Most people do not. I personally (well, via configuration manager) look after a fleet of about 1900 machines - about 20 desktops among them.
MOST people do not run desktops. Either personally or in business. Fact. Not preference.
This is a must have if you want to have a portable desktop with your new M4 Mini. Keeps your mini, keyboard, monitor, mouse all in one case for quick and easy setup.
It doesn`t really matter what most people do. What matters is that you (or me) gets/picks the solution best for you (or me)
That`s the new version of the IBM 5155. Love what they have don with the colors 👍
I should have checked there before buying my base M4 from Amazon at 549! Thanks for sharing that...