The Affordable Powerhouse: Mac mini M2 (2023) Review
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Chapter 1: The Desire for a Mac at Home
For a long time, I dreamed of owning a Mac, but the thought of being limited to a single screen with an iMac always deterred me. Research shows that having dual monitors can enhance productivity by as much as 42%. Thus, I found it hard to justify the high price of an iMac, especially when considering the aesthetics of adding another monitor beside it.
The Mac Pro was clearly out of my price range, so it was never a viable option. However, with Apple transitioning to its own chips, I began to pay closer attention to the Mac mini. Initially, I hesitated to purchase the first version of this compact device, as I was skeptical about investing in something that was newly designed and re-engineered.
In January 2023, Apple unveiled the updated Mac mini featuring the M2 chip, and it truly revolutionizes the market.
This model significantly surpasses the 2020 Mac mini equipped with the M1 chip and even bests all M2 variants from 2022 in single-core benchmarks. Remarkably, it even outperforms the basic Mac Pro model from 2019. And all of this comes from the entry-level version! It's astonishing to think that the most affordable Mac available today is such a powerful machine.
One of the most surprising aspects has been the pricing trends of the Mac mini over the years. The 2020 Mac mini with the M1 chip launched at $699, while the Core i3 version from 2018 was priced at $799. Considering inflation and the overall price increases across various sectors, it’s surprising to see the Mac mini becoming $100 cheaper.
Section 1.1: Reasons for Considering the Mac mini
I currently own a 2018 Intel MacBook Pro, which meets my needs for writing and browsing, and is still sufficient for my photo and video editing tasks. However, with my increasing interest in 360-degree video production, I find myself in need of an upgrade.
Since I already have a Lenovo laptop for work, I do not want another one cluttering my space. Therefore, I'm contemplating the purchase of a Mac for home use. My options include the 24-inch iMac, the Mac Studio, and the Mac mini. The iMac quickly fell out of consideration due to its bulky 24-inch screen with large bezels. Even if I connected it to an additional monitor, the iMac's small screen remains unappealing.
The competition is now between the Mac Studio and the Mac mini, and the latter's price point gives it a significant advantage. Its compact design will occupy minimal desk space while still offering the performance I require.
Additionally, my 8-year-old son is beginning to explore programming and has repeatedly asked for his own computer. The Mac mini would serve as an excellent first machine for him, especially at such an unbeatable price.
Subsection 1.1.1: Apple’s Shift in Strategy in 2023
Apple is not typically associated with budget-friendly products. The company often retains older models in its lineup at lower prices, like the MacBook Air M1 still being sold for $999, along with other examples such as the iPhone SE and Apple Watch SE. The increase in living costs in 2023, driven by inflation, has made this shift even more striking.
The Mac mini M2 (2023) stands out in terms of specifications compared to many other models. This could be Apple’s strategy to draw in new users to its ecosystem. With a starting price of just $599, I am certainly not the only parent considering this model as a first computer for their child.
Of course, Apple's transition to its own silicon has played a role in keeping the Mac mini’s price low. Additionally, the company is gradually moving toward in-house manufacturing of components, which may help optimize production costs.
However, this reduced pricing does come with certain limitations. The base Mac mini M2 supports only two displays, so if you need to connect three, you'll have to opt for the Mac mini with the M2 Pro chip.
This approach is atypical for Apple, which usually raises prices while offering fewer features. It’s intriguing to see them take a different route by providing a powerful machine at a lower price point. This is the same company that once sold wheels for the Mac Pro at $699 and a display stand for $999. Now, they are offering a high-performance device that surpasses last year's entry-level models at a more affordable price.