Why don't more people who buy MacBooks buy a Mac Mini as well?

[DeepSix]

I understand that the Mac Mini is a niche device. MacBook is by far the best selling computer that Apple sells. But it got me thinking the other day. My question is when people buy MacBooks why aren't they buying a Mac mini as well at the same time. I say this because there are several benefits to owning both.

1) Mac Mini has no battery so you put zero wear on your battery like you would on a MacBook.
2) Mac Mini is stationary so there is zero chance of accidentally dropping it or banging it against something because you don't have to pick it up all the time like you would with a MacBook. Each time you pick up your MacBook you risk dropping it or banging it on something that could cause catastrophic failure.
3) Mac mini is lighter and takes up less space.
4) You put the wear and tear on the Mac Mini fan and not the MacBook fan. It's much easier to replace a fan in a Mac Mini than a MacBook.
5) If you wanted to carry your Mac Mini with you, you have the option of going with a display larger than 16 in. You could carry around a 32 in monitor if you wanted. You only have the option of maximum 16 in on MacBook.
6) there's no hinge on the Mac Mini so you don't have to keep opening and closing it every single time you want to use it. No hinge means no wear and tear.
7) if something goes bad, like the screen for example, it's a lot cheaper to replace a Mac Mini than a MacBook.

I think that's about it. But clearly there are big benefits to owning a mini too as well as a MacBook for at home use. Perhaps Apple should be selling bundles where you get both of them together for a great price.

 

[S.B.G]

What difference does it make to you what other people buy, or don't buy? Every individual buys what they need/want or can afford.

For what it's worth, I do have a laptop and a few desktops because it suites my needs and desires - but that is wholly irrelevant to anyone but me.

 

[IJustWannaTalk]

For many of us, ONE computer is an extremely pricey purchase.

 

[maflynn]

My question is when people buy MacBooks why aren't they buying a Mac mini as well at the same time. I say this because there are several benefits to owning both.

Why?
What would a Mini do that the MBP/MBA wouldn't or couldn't? Why spend money on something that you don't get any sort of increased benefit from?

Don't get me wrong, there will be use cases for some people to own multiple computers but as a general rule, I don't see any advantages for most people and you seem to be making blanket statements that its an advantage for most people.

 

[iHorseHead]

I don't have money.
I can't upgrade my M1 MacBook Air 8GB. I paid 1300€ for it when it was new. If money wasn't an issue people wouldn't be so RAM obsessed and wouldn't ask
M3 24GB of RAM or M4 16GB of RAM etc.

Meanwhile, there's me who has no issues with 8GB of RAM at all. It even runs the Xcode. What I have issues with is the storage.

 

[DeepSix]

Why?
What would a Mini do that the MBP/MBA wouldn't or couldn't? Why spend money on something that you don't get any sort of increased benefit from?

Don't get me wrong, there will be use cases for some people to own multiple computers but as a general rule, I don't see any advantages for most people and you seem to be making blanket statements that its an advantage for most people.

There are several benefits as I listed above. I think the mini has its own reasons for owning one. Especially when the base model is such good value.

 

[GGJstudios]

1) Mac Mini has no battery so you put zero wear on your battery like you would on a MacBook.

The Mac mini has no battery, so if the power goes out, it shuts down. A MacBook can keep going on battery. Advantatge: MacBook.

2) Mac Mini is stationary so there is zero chance of accidentally dropping it or banging it against something because you don't have to pick it up all the time like you would with a MacBook.

Because the Mac mini is stationary, you can't freely and quickly move to another room in the house, or take it with you to another location. MacBooks have the advantage or mobility.

3) Mac mini is lighter and takes up less space.

Not when you factor in the weight and footprint of a separate display, keyboard and mouse or trackpad. It actually takes up more space.

4) You put the wear and tear on the Mac Mini fan and not the MacBook fan. It's much easier to replace a fan in a Mac Mini than a MacBook.

Some MacBooks (like the MacBook Air) have no fan at all. It's rare to have to replace the fan in a MacBook.

5) If you wanted to carry your Mac Mini with you, you have the option of going with a display larger than 16 in. You could carry around a 32 in monitor if you wanted. You only have the option of maximum 16 in on MacBook.

Yes, you can attach a larger display to a Mac mini, but you can also attach a larger display to a Macbook. As far as carrying something around, a MacBook is MUCH easier to carry around than a Mac mini, keyboard, mouse/trackpad and external display. Try taking your Mac mini to the park and use it while sitting on a bench. Or in the back seat of an Uber. Or on the beach.

6) there's no hinge on the Mac Mini so you don't have to keep opening and closing it every single time you want to use it. No hinge means no wear and tear.

I typically use MacBook Pros/Airs for 3-5 years and have never had an issue with a hinge. While I'm sure some do, it's certainly not a major factor in owning an Apple notebook computer.

7) if something goes bad, like the screen for example, it's a lot cheaper to replace a Mac Mini than a MacBook.

Again, that depends on what external display you bought and what the repair costs are, and whether or not your MacBook is covered by AppleCare or warranty, etc.

For some people, owning a Mac mini is the better choice. For some, the MacBook is. For some, owning both is an ideal solution. One size does not fit all.

As you discuss the costs of repairing fans and displays and hinges, you haven't discussed the initial expense of buying not only a MacBook, but also buying a Mac mini, external display, keyboard and mouse/trackpad. This doesn't include the added expense and work of having 2 computers to update, backup, install apps on, and other associated work.

If others don't opt for the same solution that you find ideal for your personal situation, it's likely because your solution doesn't meet their needs.

 

[maflynn]

There are several benefits as I listed above

Then you buy the mini instead of the mba/mbp

 

[Starfia]

Those are all nice little things to appreciate about a Mac mini.

But I don't think that any of them – or even all of them together – amount to a reason to buy a second computer. Reasons to buy a computer are things like "I want to use it to explore video production," or "I want to have a place where I can watch every movie and TV show I've ever owned," et cetera.

(In fact, knowing that I want a main computer for those reasons and many more, your list of points in fact approximates the reasoning behind my decision to own a Mac mini and not a MacBook!)

 

[JPack]

Because USB-C docks exist, so do monitors with USB-C hubs built in.

With two computers, you have to set the same settings on both and make sure local files are the same.

 

[edubfromktown]

I've always had an MBP and went through old Intel Mini's (3 of which are still running) and had an M1 for a while as a second system running things overnight and in parallel. Sold it to purchase an M1 Max Studio that continues cruising along.

Still gives my 18 GB RAM Pro M3 14" 12 CPU/18 GPU MBP a run for the money (with far more cooling capacity).

 

[MisterSavage]

For many of us, ONE computer is an extremely pricey purchase.

Exactly. My current Macbook is the most expensive computer I've ever bought. Why on Earth would I buy something additional so that I didn't have to use it?

 

[IJustWannaTalk]

Exactly. My current Macbook is the most expensive computer I've ever bought. Why on Earth would I buy something additional so that I didn't have to use it?

I actually have a 2014 Mac Mini as a Plex server and a backup to my wife's MBA and my MBP.

I am dreading the day it goes because I'll want (may not be able) to replace a computer that I never have any super good reason, aside from a little convenience, to use.

 

[bradman83]

While iCloud mitigates this somewhat, not everyone wants to deal with managing two computers. I had a Mac mini that I used in part as a file server but which had all my usual apps installed on it and I almost never used it.

 

[flowrider]

I don't own a mini, but in addition to my M2 MBA, I have an M2 Mac Pro. Does that count

Lou

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Most people I know have a laptop, and nothing else. They have zero need for a second computer. Why would they? It does the job they need it for, it is portable, and takes up almost no space.

The only people I know that have more than one either have a stationary for serious gaming, or does a lot of work that requires a computer (Graphical work, data analysis).

 

[Mainsail]

It is just really hard to beat the go anywhere workhorse flexibility of a laptop. By far, the most cost effective option for typical users (office, college, home) is a good laptop with a monitor for larger screen real estate in your workspace. You can get a great M4 MBA on sale for about $750. Add a 23 inch 1080p monitor on sale for a little over $100. You don't even need to buy a keyboard and mouse if you like working with the MBA KB and trackpad when using the monitor. For a huge portion of the everyday consumers, this will get everything they need done...and more. It's a pretty economical set-up and hard to justify buying a Mac mini plus accessories as additional kit just in case the need arises for a second computer.

 

[cjsuk]

Owning both means you have to deal with the problems around synchronising two computers, which is not as easy as it sounds.

I use an MBP and a Studio Display with keyboard and mouse plugged in. Best of both worlds in one machine.

 

[Cheffy Dave]

I don't own a mini, but in addition to my M2 MBA, I have an M2 Mac Pro. Does that count View attachment 2557433

Lou

YES! It “counts” to YOU!

 

[wyliej]

You forgot the biggest advantage of the Mac Mini--replaceable (and potentially upgradable) storage. Soldered storage is a time bomb in Apple's laptops.

 

[Howard2k]

I understand that the Mac Mini is a niche device. MacBook is by far the best selling computer that Apple sells. But it got me thinking the other day. My question is when people buy MacBooks why aren't they buying a Mac mini as well at the same time. I say this because there are several benefits to owning both.

1) Mac Mini has no battery so you put zero wear on your battery like you would on a MacBook.
2) Mac Mini is stationary so there is zero chance of accidentally dropping it or banging it against something because you don't have to pick it up all the time like you would with a MacBook. Each time you pick up your MacBook you risk dropping it or banging it on something that could cause catastrophic failure.
3) Mac mini is lighter and takes up less space.
4) You put the wear and tear on the Mac Mini fan and not the MacBook fan. It's much easier to replace a fan in a Mac Mini than a MacBook.
5) If you wanted to carry your Mac Mini with you, you have the option of going with a display larger than 16 in. You could carry around a 32 in monitor if you wanted. You only have the option of maximum 16 in on MacBook.
6) there's no hinge on the Mac Mini so you don't have to keep opening and closing it every single time you want to use it. No hinge means no wear and tear.
7) if something goes bad, like the screen for example, it's a lot cheaper to replace a Mac Mini than a MacBook.

I think that's about it. But clearly there are big benefits to owning a mini too as well as a MacBook for at home use. Perhaps Apple should be selling bundles where you get both of them together for a great price.

For me, none of those reasons make sense to buy a Mac mini on the side.

 

[DeepSix]

The Mac mini has no battery, so if the power goes out, it shuts down. A MacBook can keep going on battery. Advantatge: MacBook.

Because the Mac mini is stationary, you can't freely and quickly move to another room in the house, or take it with you to another location. MacBooks have the advantage or mobility.

Not when you factor in the weight and footprint of a separate display, keyboard and mouse or trackpad. It actually takes up more space.

Some MacBooks (like the MacBook Air) have no fan at all. It's rare to have to replace the fan in a MacBook.

Yes, you can attach a larger display to a Mac mini, but you can also attach a larger display to a Macbook. As far as carrying something around, a MacBook is MUCH easier to carry around than a Mac mini, keyboard, mouse/trackpad and external display. Try taking your Mac mini to the park and use it while sitting on a bench. Or in the back seat of an Uber. Or on the beach.

I typically use MacBook Pros/Airs for 3-5 years and have never had an issue with a hinge. While I'm sure some do, it's certainly not a major factor in owning an Apple notebook computer.

Again, that depends on what external display you bought and what the repair costs are, and whether or not your MacBook is covered by AppleCare or warranty, etc.

For some people, owning a Mac mini is the better choice. For some, the MacBook is. For some, owning both is an ideal solution. One size does not fit all.

As you discuss the costs of repairing fans and displays and hinges, you haven't discussed the initial expense of buying not only a MacBook, but also buying a Mac mini, external display, keyboard and mouse/trackpad. This doesn't include the added expense and work of having 2 computers to update, backup, install apps on, and other associated work.

If others don't opt for the same solution that you find ideal for your personal situation, it's likely because your solution doesn't meet their needs.

Good points thanks for sharing your insight.

 

[DeepSix]

Owning both means you have to deal with the problems around synchronising two computers, which is not as easy as it sounds.

I use an MBP and a Studio Display with keyboard and mouse plugged in. Best of both worlds in one machine.

Having own both a MacBook pro and Mac Mini for the past year. I agree with you that owning and maintaining both is not as easy as it sounds. For instance I have tboth Macs with all the same settings and icons all arranged exactly the same on both computers. Even though I don't regret it I can justify owning both. But I can see why a lot of people don't want to spend more on a second one.

 

[DeepSix]

It is just really hard to beat the go anywhere workhorse flexibility of a laptop. By far, the most cost effective option for typical users (office, college, home) is a good laptop with a monitor for larger screen real estate in your workspace. You can get a great M4 MBA on sale for about $750. Add a 23 inch 1080p monitor on sale for a little over $100. You don't even need to buy a keyboard and mouse if you like working with the MBA KB and trackpad when using the monitor. For a huge portion of the everyday consumers, this will get everything they need done...and more. It's a pretty economical set-up and hard to justify buying a Mac mini plus accessories as additional kit just in case the need arises for a second computer.

That is true but I have seen people transport their Mac minis and it's quite portable. Here's an example.

 

[xaqt93]

That is true but I have seen people transport their Mac minis and it's quite portable. Here's an example.

View attachment 2558067

This is interesting, but as for me, The ease of just pulling out my MacBook and starting to get things done right away beats this entire process. Esepcially because with this set up, I have to take out the keyboard, mouse, power bank, Mac mini, external display, get it all up and running, and then off we go. When a Mac, I can just easily pull it out of my backpack, open up the lid, and get going. Plus, I don’t do anything that involves having the tiny more bit of power that the MacMini is going to give me. The time it will save me is going to be the equivalent of packing, unpacking, and then repacking the Mac Mini set up.