expiredaepro | Staff posted Apr 17, 2023 10:57 AM
Item 1 of 3
Item 1 of 3
expiredaepro | Staff posted Apr 17, 2023 10:57 AM
Apple Mac Mini Desktop Computer w/ M2 Chip, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD (2023 Model)
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The ssd is half as fast on the m2 than the m1. The m1 drive was fast enough to smoothly page apps in 8GB. The m2 drive is not. You'll need to go to the 8gb/512 model to get similar drive performance.
Apple nerfed the m2 low end models after loads of people bought the m1 mini and it tanked sales of the higher end products, so they're nerfing the low end now that everyone is excited about the m1.
8GB is fine for everyday usage. If your applications need more than that, you're probably already aware of this. I use mine for browsing, playing media (it's ideal for that), taxes, and some light gaming but it still needs a ton of work on software end to even be considered a gaming platform.
Your htpc for the next 10 years, turnkey computer for anyone with simple needs, or an introduction to the mac environment.
If you aren't familiar with mac os, you might want to try it first. They do a lot of really stupid things that they've been doing for years/decades, and as people have complained about these issues, they're told to "get used to it".
For example, it's really squidgy with non apple usb devices. For example, many usb devices won't "wake" a mac from sleep. Apple support: "Just don't let it sleep". Umm. Nope. The popup menu bar at the top of mac os also will annoy tf out of you when using a browser with tabs. every time you move the cursor near a tab, the menu bar drops down and you click some random option. Apple support: "Just make the menu bar permanent and don't hide it, and get used to your tabs not being at the top of the screen. Which basically means that if you want a clean full screen use by your app, you have to jump through some hoops with their desktop window manager.
Windows users with a lot of PC usb peripherals like me will get enraged pretty often by it.
For example the Dell S2721QS (I believe is the model number) "works" but is prone to flicker at some variable refresh rates. Even setting it at a static refresh rate won't fix the issue. Apparently the S2722QS is just fine, it's just the 21 version.
But I've used plenty of 1080p monitors on a variety of macs with no problem.
For example the Dell S2721QS (I believe is the model number) "works" but is prone to flicker at some variable refresh rates. Even setting it at a static refresh rate won't fix the issue. Apparently the S2722QS is just fine, it's just the 21 version.
But I've used plenty of 1080p monitors on a variety of macs with no problem.
If you already have a 4K display, then you're all set.
During the day my memory pressure frequently goes from green to yellow, but never red, and never slows down or shows any sign of struggle. I was really impressed by this and won't be sending it back for the larger one at almost double the price.
My biggest complaint is the number of ports - I have to use both a USB-A and a USB-C hub to connect my peripherals. I run everything hard wired to avoid latency and audio devices fighting, which is unusual and probably not a problem most will experience.
Outside of work, I use it mostly for Logic Pro recording and never go into the yellow, but I'm not working large projects or anything. Usually just a single 4-5 minute track with a couple add-ins.
Hope this helps someone.
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If you already have a 4K display, then you're all set.
My wife has an Acer 1080p monitor we found at Costco and while it isn't sharp by any means, for someone like her who isn't looking for crispness it is a fine monitor for the money. I almost considered it. I prefer a 4k monitor though.
i think at the very basic level, it's a good computer, and a great entry level machine for those that like/want apple. it's good for document editing, web browsing, and very light editing. and for an entry level computer, it will do it exceptionally well.
For example the Dell S2721QS (I believe is the model number) "works" but is prone to flicker at some variable refresh rates. Even setting it at a static refresh rate won't fix the issue. Apparently the S2722QS is just fine, it's just the 21 version.
But I've used plenty of 1080p monitors on a variety of macs with no problem.
On my laptop it also works/ w/ DisplayLink when you put in the special driver. While DL is not the best at least w/ this app I was able to use the dock w/ the stupid 2 monitor limitation and it was resolution matching properly.
So the decisions are sound, the issue is that Apple takes that package and charge's a king's ransom for it where you can build a much faster PC for less $$$, however then you need to probably stick with Windows. That is Apple's key to making $$$. They make a device that will work for the masses--barely, then charge 10x for upgrades, the masses whine and pay up.
Also gaming is not an Apple strong suit, but for the creative aspects and most 2D work the integrated GPU is way more than enough, especially all the AI and EU they put on the pro die (which has almost 2x the transistors) and the max again double. So theoretically if Apple wanted they could make a competent gaming PC but we need Valve to port and optimize for ARM. The day will come.
While I understand the decisions and I don't think the pricing is crazy (I love mine) the biggest shame is the SSD that they put in the machine. It literally costs Apple less than $2 to add 256gig in material cost, so to me that is the most obnoxious pricing scheme.
To make it laughable they only charge $100 to go from gig to a 10 gig adapter, which is probably the only option that is reasonable priced. Go figure.
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The ssd is half as fast on the m2 than the m1. The m1 drive was fast enough to smoothly page apps in 8GB. The m2 drive is not. You'll need to go to the 8gb/512 model to get similar drive performance.
Apple nerfed the m2 low end models after loads of people bought the m1 mini and it tanked sales of the higher end products, so they're nerfing the low end now that everyone is excited about the m1.
8GB is fine for everyday usage. If your applications need more than that, you're probably already aware of this. I use mine for browsing, playing media (it's ideal for that), taxes, and some light gaming but it still needs a ton of work on software end to even be considered a gaming platform.
Your htpc for the next 10 years, turnkey computer for anyone with simple needs, or an introduction to the mac environment.
If you aren't familiar with mac os, you might want to try it first. They do a lot of really stupid things that they've been doing for years/decades, and as people have complained about these issues, they're told to "get used to it".
For example, it's really squidgy with non apple usb devices. For example, many usb devices won't "wake" a mac from sleep. Apple support: "Just don't let it sleep". Umm. Nope. The popup menu bar at the top of mac os also will annoy tf out of you when using a browser with tabs. every time you move the cursor near a tab, the menu bar drops down and you click some random option. Apple support: "Just make the menu bar permanent and don't hide it, and get used to your tabs not being at the top of the screen. Which basically means that if you want a clean full screen use by your app, you have to jump through some hoops with their desktop window manager.
Windows users with a lot of PC usb peripherals like me will get enraged pretty often by it.
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