Ernst Roelofs

Since Apple also makes its own processors for Mac computers, or more correctly: a complete system or SoC (System-on-Chip), Apple is able to make faster and more powerful computers. In addition, they also use less energy than the Intel processors and hardly heat up. MacBooks have since become real laptops again: no more howling fans and ‘burnt’ laps. For years, Apple has been releasing the Mac mini, a compact and affordable computer by Apple standards. This is partly because no keyboard, mouse and screen are included: they must be purchased separately or you can use a keyboard and/or mouse that you already have. A Windows keyboard works fine, but of course the specific Apple keys are missing. The Mac mini as an entry-level model is a compact computer that can be used well, but was also about the least powerful Mac. This has changed with the Mac mini M2 Pro.

Mac mini M2 Pro

The Mac mini (Pro) is made of aluminum with a plastic surface, measures 19.7 x 19.7 cm and is less than 4 cm high. The new Mac mini M2 Pro closes the gap between the regular Mac mini and the much more powerful (and expensive) Apple Studio. While the Studio is for the professional video and photo editor, the Mac mini M2 Pro is in many cases a good choice for both the demanding amateur filmmaker or photographer, but also for the professional photographer or videographer who is not in a hurry. This is partly due to the good price-quality ratio. Like all Apple devices, the Mac mini M2 also works well with other Apple devices. Via Universal Control you can seamlessly move your mouse from the Mac mini to your iPad, MacBook or iMac and operate it as well as drag files back and forth. You can also easily take over the screen of another Mac while working from home. If you have an (old) MacBook, you can use it to operate the Mac mini (of course it costs extra power). In addition, you can easily use an iPad as a second screen with Sidecar. You can use an older MacBook (Air) when you’re on the road and then complete the finishing touches at home with the Mac mini Pro. In terms of performance, the M2 Pro seems to be primarily faster compared to the standard M2 when running multiple tasks at the same time.

Cons
Like all other Macs, the Mac mini also has specific disadvantages. The most important is relative vulnerability. Because all the memory and processor are on one chip, you lose everything in the event of a failure. There is no longer a separate SSD! It is therefore advisable to make a backup regularly, whether or not in iCloud. In addition, expanding the working and storage memory is impossible. This applies to all current Macs, except the now elderly Mac Pro, which is the only Mac that still uses Intel processors.

The Mac mini M2 Pro has slightly more connections than the basic version: 1x Ethernet, 4x Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI, 2x USB-A and a headphone connection (mini-jack). If you want to use an extra monitor, it can be connected via a Thunderbolt 4 port. There are no connections at the front. Although that makes the Mac mini more beautiful, it is sometimes inconvenient. Unfortunately, a (micro) SD slot is also missing.

Memory
Tip: When purchasing, make sure that the Mac mini has sufficient memory, although you can work quite quickly with an external SSD. The ‘regular’ and cheapest Mac mini M2 starts with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, but appears to be slower than the 512GB version. In terms of RAM, you can choose from 16 GB and 32 GB with the M2 Pro and the latter of course works faster, but that speed gain, just like extra storage, comes at a price. Still, it is better to invest than to go for the basic model: even 512 GB of storage memory fills up quickly. For example, you prefer to have the film and photo material to be edited stored internally, because that saves time!

Included software
All Macs come with a recent version of macOS installed; you can get started with it straight away. An update to the most recent version of macOS is installed automatically by default.

In the Apple Store you can find a variety of free (and paid) software. Pages, Numbers and Keynote are Apple’s counterpart to Office and are free to use, including on the iPhone and iPad. Documents created with those programs can easily be converted into a PDF or Office program. At most, in some cases this is at the expense of formatting. Files can be used seamlessly on a Mac, iPhone or iPad via iCloud (the first 5 GB is free).

Keyboard and mouse
Apple can supply a standard or extended keyboard (with numeric pad) with the option to unlock the Mac mini via your fingerprint. Unlocking is also possible with Apple’s Watch.

The Magic mouse is a sleek mouse that looks a bit like a mouse trackpad can be used. Personally, I prefer Apple’s trackpad because of the extra gestures or gestures, which allow you to use a number of additional display and navigation functions. Of course, there are also imitation keyboards and, for example, the Logitech mice are ergonomically shaped, with or without extra buttons. Second-hand devices that you buy via Marktplaats are not only cheaper, but also fit perfectly with a circular economy.

Product: Apple Mac mini M2 Pro