Should I get the M1 mini as a desktop replacement or just use the M1 MBA with a dock?

[abhi182]

My workflow uses two systems -
1 laptop - the last of which was a Macbook Pro 2019
And 1 desktop (which was an opencore system with an i5 8400) with a 4K monitor and an Apple KB/mouse

I recently replaced the MBP 2019 with a M1 MBA and couldn’t be happier with the decision
So much so that I decided to sell off the desktop also with a plan to replace it with a M1 mini

After having sold the desktop, I realized that the waiting period for a mini is 3 weeks currently where I live (India).
As a stop gap, I decided to use the MBA in docked mode with 1 port used for power and the second

Now I have tried using my earlier laptops in docked mode - but never liked it much due to performance and heat constraints
Even though my use case isn’t very demanding (mostly browsing and productivity apps) but using a desktop with its extra headroom was my preferred method while on my desk.
The fact that the older MBPs would get really hot when driving external monitor and charging didn’t help either.

However, the m1 seems to be behaving different and it just struck me that I can even do without a mini altogether as it is performing as well , probably better than the outgoing desktop and isn’t heating up either.

The two ports may end up being a bit of a compromise as I do sometimes need USB A peripherals and the power port + display will end up using both but perhaps I may just be able to get around it.

What do you good folks think? Is there any flaw with the above thought process? Any other thoughts?

PS: I know I can always get a C hub with PD to get around the USB constraint - but have read some posts of people who ended up with a dead M1 with a PD hub.. Not sure if it is a somewhat common issue or only one off

 

[Apple_Robert]

I see no reason why your proposal wouldn't work (re: using the MBA dock) The only caveat I can think of (at the moment) is if you want or need to go mobile you would need to go through the hassle of disconnecting etc. If that is going to be a very frequent need, I would get the mini.

 

[Ethosik]

Only issue is if you ever do want a second monitor at your desktop setup. This is why I am waiting for the newer higher performance systems and just using the Mini at the moment.

 

[jasperj8]

would be good to get a hub to connect display, usb dongle (for wireless mouse/keyboard)and the likes

as i read here in other threads stay away from PD hubs for now and plug the included charger direct to your macbook due to risk of bricking your unit.

otherwise you need more than above, just save your money for a different/next iteration model of mac mini or imac

 

[abhi182]

I see no reason why your proposal wouldn't work (re: using the MBA dock) The only caveat I can think of (at the moment) is if you want or need to go mobile you would need to go through the hassle of disconnecting etc. If that is going to be a very frequent need, I would get the mini.

Its not a very frequent need + only 2 wires to disconnect so this should be mostly fine

Only issue is if you ever do want a second monitor at your desktop setup. This is why I am waiting for the newer higher performance systems and just using the Mini at the moment.

Again, not an issue as I do not need a 2nd monitor 99% of the time.
I used to use sidecar for the rare occasions that I did - and with the MBA, I should be able to use the laptop LCD as the 2nd

would be good to get a hub to connect display, usb dongle (for wireless mouse/keyboard)and the likes

as i read here in other threads stay away from PD hubs for now and plug the included charger direct to your macbook due to risk of bricking your unit.

otherwise you need more than above, just save your money for a different/next iteration model of mac mini or imac

This is the only holdup I think.
Most hubs cannot do 4K @60hz and 4K60 would require me to use a dedicated C to HDMI cable (which works fine)
That leaves only 1 port available
I wish there was some more clarity on this PD issue as I could then simply use the 2nd port for power + ethernet (preferable) + a couple of USB A ports

 

[Ethosik]

Again, not an issue as I do not need a 2nd monitor 99% of the time.

Well you are locked in with the Air. So if that 1% chance you want a second monitor becomes a much larger percentage in a few months, you won't have a choice. Just something to think about.

 

[someoneoutthere]

I absolutely love my M1 Mini with a 4K display hooked up to it. I simply got the base model and discovered that it is more than plenty for what I use it for, including some Steam titles that can run in ultra settings. Very quiet machine, I have not heard the fans kick in no matter what. My high end 2020 13" MBP now serves as a complimentary device away from home. If you see yourself plugging in peripherals, charging your iPhone/Watch/iPad, etc. you may find the 2xUSB-A and 2xUSB-C ports useful on the Mac Mini.

 

[Ethosik]

I absolutely love my M1 Mini with a 4K display hooked up to it. I simply got the base model and discovered that it is more than plenty for what I use it for, including some Steam titles that can run in ultra settings. Very quiet machine, I have not heard the fans kick in no matter what. My high end 2020 13" MBP now serves as a complimentary device away from home. If you see yourself plugging in peripherals, charging your iPhone/Watch/iPad, etc. you may find the 2xUSB-A and 2xUSB-C ports useful on the Mac Mini.

The only games I play on macOS are Terraria, Stardew Valley and Factorio. Do you know if those work fine on the new macs?

 

[abhi182]

Well you are locked in with the Air. So if that 1% chance you want a second monitor becomes a much larger percentage in a few months, you won't have a choice. Just something to think about.

Yeah - but if that were to happen, i could always get the mini at that point
I think my only concern at the moment is that odd sudden death issue with PD hubs that has been reported not by many but at least still a few..

If I had to try explain

Option A (less than ideal) - Use port 1 for power, port 2 for display , BT KB and mouse but no ethernet (strongly preferred)
Also no option for peripherals when needed but that can be solved for by unplugging the power if i need to connect something (not ideal again)

Option B (not acceptable) - Use port 1 for power, port 2 for hub with HDMI out , ethernet and other peripherals - this would have been perfect but for the fact that HDMI USB hubs cannot do 4k 60hz ... 30hz is not acceptable

Option C (ideal but ...) - use port 1 for a USB C to HDMI (4k60), use port 2 for a PD hub which has ethernet + USB A slots
The but comes because of the few sudden death cases that seem to be related to PD hubs.

 

[AAPLGeek]

Its not a very frequent need + only 2 wires to disconnect so this should be mostly fine



Again, not an issue as I do not need a 2nd monitor 99% of the time.
I used to use sidecar for the rare occasions that I did - and with the MBA, I should be able to use the laptop LCD as the 2nd


This is the only holdup I think.
Most hubs cannot do 4K @60hz and 4K60 would require me to use a dedicated C to HDMI cable (which works fine)
That leaves only 1 port available
I wish there was some more clarity on this PD issue as I could then simply use the 2nd port for power + ethernet (preferable) + a couple of USB A ports

Just get this Apple adapter. It has USB-C PD, HDMI 2.0 and a USB-A port.

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter lets you connect your USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) enabled Mac to a HDMI display, standard USB device, and charging cable. Buy now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

About the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter - Apple Support

Connect a Mac that has a Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C port to an HDMI display, while also charging your Mac and connecting to a USB-A device. iPad models that have a Thunderbolt or USB-C port can also use this adapter.

support.apple.com

 

[gank41]

I've currently got an M1 MBP 16GB/2TB hooked up to a Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro in one port and an Aukey 10 port USB hub in the other port (connected via an Apple USB type A to USB-C Adapter). Connected to the Belkin Dock, I've got Ethernet, a Dell U2717D monitor connected via DisplayPort, 2 G-Technology RAID Drives, and a Samsung External Drive. And then connected to the 10 port hub I've got 5 Western Digital drives (all external drives 6TB-8TB in size) and an eLicenser USB dongle. I also have a USB to Lightning cable hanging there when I need to connect my iPhone.

Before the M1 MBP I had a 2015 MBPr 15in connected with the same monitor and drives all in a similar way through an OWC dock, and both the dock and that laptop got H O T ... I was shutting down often just to try feeling "safe", and when I did have to take it on the go, disconnecting 4-5 cables as opposed to the 2 now was more of a "pain", but really.. Unplugging an extra cable or 3 isn't a deal breaker. I'm experiencing NO heat at all right now. None. I can barely hear the fan in this thing, if it ever comes on. iStat Menus tells me I'm around 100° give or take 10-20 degrees for almost all items it can sense. CPU load has been low to "average".. I use my MBP as a Channels app DVR server and Home Media Server, plus normal all day use for work. The only downside I'm seeing is when my wife wants to watch something on the DVR when I do have to take it on the go and it's not hooked up. I've thought about getting an M1 mini with 16GB/512GB just to keep more of a "home server" type of setup. Maybe even hooking it up to our living room TV and just using remote desktop to get to it. Maybe when they get cheaper.

 

[someoneoutthere]

The only games I play on macOS are Terraria, Stardew Valley and Factorio. Do you know if those work fine on the new macs?

Given that you play those through Steam, I see no reason why they shouldn't. First thing your M1 machine does when you try to install Steam is to actually download Rosetta 2, so until game developers update their titles to work natively on Apple Silicon, all of the action goes through Rosetta.

 

[TrueBlou]

This is the only holdup I think.
Most hubs cannot do 4K @60hz and 4K60 would require me to use a dedicated C to HDMI cable (which works fine)
That leaves only 1 port available
I wish there was some more clarity on this PD issue as I could then simply use the 2nd port for power + ethernet (preferable) + a couple of USB A ports

I had a similar desktop/laptop decision to go through. I went with the MBA as it offered more flexibility, with little to no performance loss.

While there are many to choose from, for a dock I went with a Wavlink TB3 dock mainly because it offered what I wanted - 4K 60Hz DisplayPort, 85W PD charging and ample connectivity. And it was at a price I couldn’t say no to.

Thus far, it’s performed admirably, drives my 28” 4K at 60Hz no problem, beautiful image. And charging hasn’t been an issue, it’s certainly not caused a problem.

That combo gives me ample USB-A, an extra TB3/USB-C port on the back of the dock, separate from the one to connect the MacBook, SD/Micro-SD slots and Ethernet and leaves a spare TB3/USB on the MacBook. All for £100. One thing I can’t do is complain about it.

 

[abhi182]

Just get this Apple adapter. It has USB-C PD, HDMI 2.0 and a USB-A port.

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter lets you connect your USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) enabled Mac to a HDMI display, standard USB device, and charging cable. Buy now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

About the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter - Apple Support

Connect a Mac that has a Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C port to an HDMI display, while also charging your Mac and connecting to a USB-A device. iPad models that have a Thunderbolt or USB-C port can also use this adapter.

support.apple.com

This sounds perfect..lol, should have looked at Apple's own site first.
Just one odd bit I noted, the specs/compatibility page does not list the new MacBook Models..

Maybe it's simply that the page hasn't been updated yet

 

[TrueBlou]

This sounds perfect..lol, should have looked at Apple's own site first.
Just one odd bit I noted, the specs/compatibility page does not list the new MacBook Models..

Maybe it's simply that the page hasn't been updated yet

Probably just not updated, I have one and it works fine with the M1 MBA.

 

[AAPLGeek]

This sounds perfect..lol, should have looked at Apple's own site first.
Just one odd bit I noted, the specs/compatibility page does not list the new MacBook Models..

Maybe it's simply that the page hasn't been updated yet

Yeah, the support page hasn't been updated yet. However, the store page lists all the M1 Macs in the compatibility section.

 

[abhi182]

Probably just not updated, I have one and it works fine with the M1 MBA.

Perfect. Thanks for confirming..
Just before I order this and dump the original plan of a Mac mini
If you could just confirm that
A) it does do 4k 60hz
B) doesn't cause any unusual heating issues etc

 

[turbineseaplane]

For me, true desktops involve great native connectivity, on all the time, doing things even when I'm not in front of them (large transfers, encodes, etc) and relying on as few connected "extras" as possible. Anything external to the machine itself introduces potential failure or issue points.

If I were planning to use a machine more than 60-70% "docked", I'd get a desktop instead.

That's just me though.

 

[TrueBlou]

Perfect. Thanks for confirming..
Just before I order this and dump the original plan of a Mac mini
If you could just confirm that
A) it does do 4k 60hz
B) doesn't cause any unusual heating issues etc

So long as you get the new model, which if you're buying from Apple you will, then yes, it does 4K 60Hz no problem. If you're shopping around for a better price, and you will get it cheaper elsewhere, just make sure to avoid the A1621, which is the older model and only does 4K at 30Hz. The latest model is A2119 and that supports 4K 60Hz.

As for heat issues, I've used mine for several hours with a 60W USB-C PD power supply connected, running at 4K 60Hz over HDMI and with the odd USB peripheral attached. Never had it get to a temperature which would worry me.
It can get warm, but I expect there to be some heat from it, but there's been nothing to cause me concern.

 

[Quackington]

I had a similar desktop/laptop decision to go through. I went with the MBA as it offered more flexibility, with little to no performance loss.

While there are many to choose from, for a dock I went with a Wavlink TB3 dock mainly because it offered what I wanted - 4K 60Hz DisplayPort, 85W PD charging and ample connectivity. And it was at a price I couldn’t say no to.

Thus far, it’s performed admirably, drives my 28” 4K at 60Hz no problem, beautiful image. And charging hasn’t been an issue, it’s certainly not caused a problem.

That combo gives me ample USB-A, an extra TB3/USB-C port on the back of the dock, separate from the one to connect the MacBook, SD/Micro-SD slots and Ethernet and leaves a spare TB3/USB on the MacBook. All for £100. One thing I can’t do is complain about it.

I’ve been after something like this. I was looking at one from Brydge but I think it perhaps just looks nice but is overpriced. How big is the power adapter for this?

 

[TrueBlou]

I’ve been after something like this. I was looking at one from Brydge but I think it perhaps just looks nice but is overpriced. How big is the power adapter for this?

BIG! No two ways about it, it’s a big bugger, bigger than the dock. Very much like a laptop power supply, it sits in the middle of the cable which connects to the dock, and another which connects to the mains.

I don’t mind though, this is my dock which doesn’t move from my desk, I have another portable one. So it’s out of sight, out of mind. And with it being 180W, I kind of like that it’s not some weedy little underpowered thing.

 

[abhi182]

So long as you get the new model, which if you're buying from Apple you will, then yes, it does 4K 60Hz no problem. If you're shopping around for a better price, and you will get it cheaper elsewhere, just make sure to avoid the A1621, which is the older model and only does 4K at 30Hz. The latest model is A2119 and that supports 4K 60Hz.

As for heat issues, I've used mine for several hours with a 60W USB-C PD power supply connected, running at 4K 60Hz over HDMI and with the odd USB peripheral attached. Never had it get to a temperature which would worry me.
It can get warm, but I expect there to be some heat from it, but there's been nothing to cause me concern.

Thanks again - wasn’t worried about the adapter itself (I presume you are talking about the temperature of the adapter)

It’s just that one of the reasons i didnt use the 2019 MBP much in docked mode was because the laptop itself (esp the part towards the left center/top) would get fairly hot to the touch when docked and hooked to a 4k display..

And the one time I used it with a generic USB C PD hub from amazon, it got seriously hot in a few minutes (when powered via hub)..

I suppose the M1 doesn’t exhibit this behavior, specifically with the A2119

Again, sorry to keep posing these questions - Unfortunately amazon in my country has a replacement rather than a buyer remorse return policy..and its the same with Apple

 

[TrueBlou]

Thanks again - wasn’t worried about the adapter itself (I presume you are talking about the temperature of the adapter)

It’s just that one of the reasons i didnt use the 2019 MBP much in docked mode was because the laptop itself (esp the part towards the left center/top) would get fairly hot to the touch when docked and hooked to a 4k display..

And the one time I used it with a generic USB C PD hub from amazon, it got seriously hot in a few minutes (when powered via hub)..

I suppose the M1 doesn’t exhibit this behavior, specifically with the A2119

Again, sorry to keep posing these questions - Unfortunately amazon in my country has a replacement rather than a buyer remorse return policy..and its the same with Apple

No need to apologise for asking questions, they are one of the best aspects of these forums, we can share our knowledge and experience.

I've used that adapter with my M1 MBA in both docked, and un-docked modes, performing some quite intensive tasks with Xcode, Fusion 360, Final Cut Pro, Parallels beta (running the developer beta of Windows 10 ARM and playing x86 games with it) and quite a few more.

I've also had several of those running at the same time and I'm happy (and very surprised) to say that the MBA has yet to go to anything beyond me thinking, huh, its getting slightly warm. it's one of the more pleasant aspects of Apple Silicon, there's really not a huge amount of heat. Even in this fan-less system, performing intensive tasks, I've had my iPad Pro get warmer than the MBA.

 

[Quackington]

BIG! No two ways about it, it’s a big bugger, bigger than the dock. Very much like a laptop power supply, it sits in the middle of the cable which connects to the dock, and another which connects to the mains.

I don’t mind though, this is my dock which doesn’t move from my desk, I have another portable one. So it’s out of sight, out of mind. And with it being 180W, I kind of like that it’s not some weedy little underpowered thing.

Thanks. I had a feeling it might be given the amount of ports it has. But that’s what’s appealing about it

And good point about it not needing to move. Mine wouldn’t either. I have a small Satechi one that connects to my MBP which doesn’t need any external power. I thought it was perhaps an issue with mine that it gets hot but reading some of the comments here, seems like it’s normal, which is reassuring.

 

[abhi182]

No need to apologise for asking questions, they are one of the best aspects of these forums, we can share our knowledge and experience.

I've used that adapter with my M1 MBA in both docked, and un-docked modes, performing some quite intensive tasks with Xcode, Fusion 360, Final Cut Pro, Parallels beta (running the developer beta of Windows 10 ARM and playing x86 games with it) and quite a few more.

I've also had several of those running at the same time and I'm happy (and very surprised) to say that the MBA has yet to go to anything beyond me thinking, huh, its getting slightly warm. it's one of the more pleasant aspects of Apple Silicon, there's really not a huge amount of heat. Even in this fan-less system, performing intensive tasks, I've had my iPad Pro get warmer than the MBA.

Indeed - and this place certainly seems to be one of the more helpful forums that I have seen!

Ordered the A2119 from the apple store as the descriptors weren't too clear on the other portals and it would have been a shame to get the older model just in order to save a tiny bit...

On a side note, I am still tempted to get the Mini considering the relatively sweet price , its expected longevity and the fact that I am still old school and have always had a desktop in the house..
It's 2 AM here so I'll sleep over it and decide tomorrow morning ?