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MacBook Air or Mac mini?

S

stract

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 13, 2013
72
2
I’ve got a MacBook Pro Late 2013 and I’ve come to the realization it’s time for an upgrade.

I’m having a hard time deciding between a Mac Mini or a MacBook Air. I will want at least 16 GB memory and a 1 TB drive. I’ve already got 3 24” monitors on my desk for two work laptops (HP and Dell). So not tons of real estate for another big monitor (so, no iMac).

The form factor of the 15” laptop appeals but I don’t need something portable; I travel with my iPad Air 3. However, I’m a little concerned about the lack of ports on the laptop as compared to the Mac mini.

I know new MacBooks are coming soon.

Are there some smaller nice monitors for a Mac mini I could consider?
 
Fishrrman

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
29,239
13,310
Get an m2pro Mini (not the "non-pro" version).
It comes with 16gb of RAM standard, and a 512gb drive.

I'd suggest "bumping up" the drive size to 1tb.
REASON WHY:
The 1tb SSD is 2x times as fast as the 512gb version.

If price is a consideration, buy from Apple's online refurbished store.
I bought my last Mini that way, completely satisfied.
Warning: you have to check the refurb store daily (perhaps 2-3 times daily) -- items come in and sell out quickly. And if you see what you want, BUY it -- in an hour it will probably be gone.

Keep the iPad and older MBP for "portability".

For a display, I'd suggest a 27" 4k monitor (many choices available at all price points).
There's also the Apple Studio display, but it's too pricey for what you get (in my opinion).
Samsung and LG also have 27" 5k displays, I have no experience with them.
 
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