The Mac Mini often gets overlooked, as computers like the MacBook Pro or iMac get a lot more attention. However, it is a surprisingly versatile and powerful computer and priced much lower than many other Mac models. This great video compares two versions of the Mac Mini to tell you which one is right for you.
Coming to you from 9 to 5 Mac, this great comparison takes a look at the i5 and i7 models of the Mac Mini to see which is right for your work. I personally think the Mac Mini is one of the best-kept secrets. Most creatives either opt for a MacBook Pro or an iMac, but Mac Minis are quite affordable, and if you are like me and like to use your own monitor, they are a great option. In fact, I have been using the same Mac Mini for eight years, and I am only now beginning to think about purchasing a new model. You might be surprised to see just how well the i5 model holds up in the video editing test, and if you need an affordable Mac for creative work, I definitely recommend taking a look at a Mini model. They are also great for saving space. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
A proper underrated machine, I’ve just bought a dell 2415q 4K monitor and now considering one of those to go with it.
i've been using a mac mini + drobo + (2x) dell 4k monitors for years. its a great little system. Reliable and powerful enough to handle A7rIII images just fine.
For PC users, Lenovo has some great Tiny ThinkCentre workstations with discrete graphics.
Ive got 3 sat on my desk at work now, an M series desktop, and T460 and T470 laptops... they are fantastic bits of kit, but not cheap. I would always point someone towards them if they want a higher end PC machine.
My ThinkCentre Tiny M920x was comparable in price to the Mac Mini, but the discrete graphics and upgradeable RAM and M.2 SDD slots are great value. I love Lenovo in general - I have the T470 for my "real job" :)
Yeah unfortunately my T470 is a non configured machine that i cant plug into our corporate network for security reasons, i use it to upload files onto Android devices mainly. The T460 is pretty similar though and definitely an ok alternative for my standard work.
I have 2 Mac Mini late 2012 servers, 16 GB ram and 2x 1TB SSDs. The only thing keeping them from being powerhouses is a late model Intel processor and proper GPU. Works fine with my files.
Wanted a new Mini in my studio solely for tethered capture with C1 and pass files along on my ethernet network. Rather than paying the price for a new one, I picked up a M93P and put in a 500GB SSD and 16 GB ram and run Catalina on it. Total cost... $300.00. It's a very good, stable machine. Only thing missing is audio support.
Thanks. I like the form factor of the Mac Mini, mine is a 2014 i5 8GB and vastly under-powered, but I really want a Windows PC similar. HP used to have one, but I can't determine if they still sell it or not.
I believe you're thinking of the HP Z2? I considered those as well when looking for a mini workstation PC. I found the Lenovo to be better value with the optional discrete graphics.
Actually, was the HP Elite Slice. Seems like it's now sold mainly as a "conference" room computer.
last year we needed a new computer to fill one of our aging mac pro 3,1 for wifes graphic design biz (her full time work)
mini i7 put 32 gigs in it and then a main working external drive samsung 2TB SSD and a external GPU
did this over a mac pro as value was better
over a imac as we have better monitors
external GPU made a HUGE difference of course in opening large AI files etc...
so far year later running great no noise no issues etc...
having to use hubs and such for more storage and so on is kinda a pain ? but oh well
one upside is IF we decide to update the GPU will be super easy if the GPU is fine and a next gen mac mini comes we can update that part etc
sadly new computers are not the just put a new GPU in or new CPU the chipset changes make that a lot tougher so the module idea IMHO is fine
Thanks so much for the review. That is indeed very helpful. :D
Cheers Anette