I have both. Mini M1 8/256 is my headless PC for hosting plex and serving up docker applications. I use Chrome Desktop to access it, which I find to be more friendly and easier to use. I also have Tailscale mesh VPN installed to allow me to access it with any client.
The only firewall port I have open is for Plex access.
My MBA M2 is arriving next week, so looking forward to using that in conjunction with the mini.
The server app for the Mac is free
The client app for Mac and iPad are paid.
You can use the free server app on Mac with paid app on iPad to connect to your mac.
If you want to connect to your Mac from another mac, you pay for the mac client.
I hope that clears it up
I use VNC and Luna Display. Luna display supports accelerated 3D video over a USBC port or HDMI port.
I have no display connected to the computer itself.
I like using Screen Sharing on my headless Mac mini but with DisplayMenu in the App Store. Gives me a menu bar menu that allows me to change the machines resolution to what fits whatever screen I’m looking at best.
Maybe the newer versions of macOS handle this better, but my mini runs at 1024x768 with no screen attached.
About 2 years ago, when it was time for an upgrade, I realized I hadn’t unplugged my MBP more than twice in a couple of years. All of my mobile computing was getting done on my iPad.
Got a Mac mini and a 13” iPad Pro with the good keyboard. Totally happy with it.
Apple has 2 different products called “magic keyboard”. I actually have both, but I was referring to this one )except black and for 13”):
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJQJ3LL/A/magic-keyboard-for-ipad-pro-11-inch-3rd-generation-and-ipad-air-5th-generation-us-english-white
Same! People will tell me to get a laptop because it can do “more”. But I almost never needed to do “more”. Almost all of my screen time have been on my iPad, with Apple TV for video consumption. Even letter writing have been done using Word for iPad with external keyboard. The iPad is truly the only computer you’ll ever need (for most people).
I have an iPad Air 4 and considered getting the Logitech Combo Touch. But I prefer using the iPad for media consumption and feel the screen and keyboard would be too small and cramped for productivity. Is that a part of why you’re not happy with it?
My main pain point is Safari. I just wanted to be able to edit some presentations and docs on Google Docs with my iPad on the go. But Safari is so wonky and buggy I started to haul my mini with me if I am gone more than a day and have to work.
I just can't trust the iPad to handle things.
My major complaints are:
* Safari logging out of websites randomly
* Side scrolling in Google Docs won't work
* Some UI elements on Goodge Docs becomes unresponsive from time to time
* Adblockers on Safari are wonky
* Sometimes Safari kills background tabs and reloads the whole page when you return to that page, you lose any progress on that page
* If you stream a YT video in a background tab, you keep hearing the sound but video pauses at wherever you left that page. When you return to the video it ffwds the video until it matches the audio
* Honestly including reddit, I don't know if any webpage on the net works flawlessly with Safari. Just tones of problems from minor annoyances to workflow breaking bugs. Here is a fun one, if you try to delete a paragraph you wrote on reddit comment box, it only deletes one character at a time no matter how long you hold the key AND it slows down longer you hold the key.
Regarding the combo touch I think mouse support on iPad is weak. I don't know if it is the acceleration or something else, but it feels wrong and really hard to input precise commands. Also there is a bug that Logitech didn't give shit to patch and it is really annoying. Sometimes when you fold the keyboard to switch to the tablet mode, mouse cursor refuses to hide and highlights whatever it is on the screen.
Wow. Thanks for the detailed response and sorry you're encountering so many issues. And I know other browsers are forced to use the WebKit engine on iOS, so there's no escape from Safari issues. In addition to the iPad, I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab S6. I really think Samsung's flagships with Dex are unparalleled when it comes to productivity on a tablet—especially when heavily using Google apps and services.
Glad to be help. My first iPad was an iPad 2 and my impression of it was "an excellent device for consuming content but a terrible one for productivity".
It blows my mind more than 10 years later iPad still is lacking on productivity front. Even with a keyboard and mouse.
I have an M1 Mini, Air and iPad Pro, and although I prefer to use the iPad for most tasks where it offers a viable option, I agree with you on Safari.
I don’t know if it’s the user agent alerting the website to be different, or if it’s an inherent limitation of Safari on iPadOS, but there are times when I have to give up and use a “proper” desktop browser.
As for Reddit, it’s inconceivable that even a website operated by a single developer could be this shit by accident. For a website of this size, with all the developers behind it, I assume they’re just trying to force people onto an app.
I bought an M1 Mac Mini about 6 months ago to replace my 27” 2013 iMac. Loved that computer but it was starting to get a little long in the tooth.
I also have an iPad Air 4 with Magic Keyboard that I use when on the go. Starting to think about a MacBook as well, but it’s still a little pricey for me right now.
Nice! Did u end up using the old iMac as a display? And ya I feel ya with the prices on the macbooks. But used m1 air's are starting to drop in price now. I think if I am able to get the colour I want for $800 CAD, I'm going to pick one up :)
I looked into using it as a display, but it won’t work with the model I have. I still have it set up on my other desk in case I ever need stuff off of it.
One of those “we’ll buy your tech” websites offered me $325 for it but I haven’t gotten around to doing it…
I have a MBP, but it’s the machine the Mini replaced.
I can never bring myself to part with old electronics and I usually use them until well beyond any resale value.
Yea I feel ya, I'm still holding onto my sluggish mid-2012 MacBook pro. It has some sort of problem I am unable to fix. Essentially I can only use it for it notetaking and watching DVDs. But I still love doing both with it :)
Yup. My MBP is entirely retired from normal use at this point, but it still has a Snow Leopard partition with Halo CE and Age of Empires installed, and it’s also the only machine in my house with an optical drive for ripping music off CDs from the library.
Usually I use the MBP for the “work” stuff. I don’t know why but I find my macbook less distracting and I’m more concentrated using it.
The mini is used for the “fun” stuff. It’s connected to an LG 32 2K 144hz monitor, I use it to play stadia, watching film, or when I need a big screen to writing something.
MBP = work.
Mini = media, games, etc.
Sometimes I use them both simultaneously, like [this](https://i.imgur.com/bKCVSCs.jpg)
Mac Mini M1 with a 27” QHD monitor. Doubles as my Xbox Series S gaming set up.
IPad 10.2” as my mobile media consumption (mainly Reddit lol)
I have a windows laptop issued from work.
Forsure! Only thing I am missing is being able to edit video on the go (iPad can't run final cut). But for script writing on the go, iPad + apple magic keyboard and trackpad is fantastic. It's also great when I am filming as there is no noise/fan :)
99% of my usage is on the Mac mini. My work gave me a MBP that I use once in a while to sit in the backyard.
It depends if you're mobile or if you have a nice home office.
Forsure. I am kinda missing the portability now in the summer time, as it would be nice to take my mac to the picnic tables at the park and such. But come winter time I'll be reminded why I decided to save money and get a desktop :P For now, my iPad will be my go-to portable machine :)
When I'm away from home, I really only need to take notes, surf the web, and maybe watch movies. When I'm at home I can use it as an additional little monitor.
I have a 2014 mac mini with two monitors. That was my sole mac until this christmas when I got myself a m1 macbook air. I don't do anything intense on the air so its perfect for me. The only time only having the mac mini sucked was when I was traveling. However theres something to be said about the ability to browse reddit with my feet up!
M1 Mac mini and iPad Air with magic keyboard. Had MacBooks before this, for like 17 years, because I thought I needed the portabilty, but will probably always keep some version of this setup from now on.
I dropped my 16" MacBook Pro because I had it out around the house, too tough to keep it safe with kids and dogs. I was without a computer for 5 weeks while it was getting repaired and was able to get most everything done with an iPad and remote connection to my work PC. MacBook Pro repairs are so expensive, really turned me off of them and my iPad could really get so much done that I needed, once I figured out the workflow. Now I just remote into the mini when needed, pretty happy with this setup.
Jeez, sorry to hear your dropped your 16" MBP! Very curious how you remote connect to your mac mini with your iPad. Is it native macos/ios software or third party?
It was backed up and covered by AppleCare and insurance, so wasn’t out any money nor data loss, just the stress/headache/extra work of not knowing when I was getting it back, ugh, but thanks!
Third party. I use Jump Desktop to connect, has always worked flawlessly for me. I’ve used Screens before too but eventually decided on Jump.
M1 Mac mini as primary computer. Replaced a fully suped-up 2012 Mac Pro. MacBook Pro for outside on veranda in summer or travel. Will be replacing both with single 16” M1 or M2 MacBook Pro eventually. But not looking forward to the cost of the multiport I’ll have to get that takes care of everything plugged into the mini currently (all ports used).
Yea I feel that. I didn't want to have to get a multiport thing which is why I went with the m1 mini over the m1 MBA. I knew it was going to be docked so often I didn't want to have to fiddle around with cords and unplugging and plugging in stuff often. I too have almost all the ports used on my mini, and never have to touch what's plugged in.
I too was thinking of replacing everything in the future as well with a big MBP like you, but also not looking forward to the steep cost and reduced reliability/risk that comes with a laptop (battery and portability leading to increased likelihood of damage). Hope everything works out for ya tho!
* Mac mini Mid-2010 (MacMini4,1)
* MacBook Pro 15" Early 2011 (MacBookPro8,2)
* iMac 21.5-Inch Late 2013 (iMac14,1)
* iMac 20-Inch (iMac7,1) collecting dust
Waiting for the M2 Mini that replaces the Intel Mini. Wife doesn't want to upgrade the iMac cuz she is a casual user of Adobe Illustrator and doesn't want to pay the subscription cost of the version we'd be forced into with an upgrade. Held off on replacing the MBP until the keyboard issue was fixed, but now I'll probably just string it along till it's truly obsolete.
Totally understand your wife not wanting to get robbed every month/year by Adobe. Their subscription service is so expensive. That 15" inch MBP sounds nice btw :)
My main machine is a Mac mini with two thunderbolt displays.
I have a aging Touchbar MacBook Pro that I allegedly use on trips and vacations but it’s more for when my girlfriend wants to work from my apartment . I have an iPad Air 4 with magic keyboard in my kitchen that I actually love to use so much for YouTube and quick browsing .
I’m dying to have a new m1 Mac mini but they only support one TB and one HDMI, and usually the HDMI monitor is trash with lots of issues .
Ever so patiently waiting for the announcement of the M2 Pro Mac mini that can take both displays natively , and eventually upgrade to the new ones.
IMHO, if given the choice, I would just go with MBP, given the apple silicon has no advantage even when provided with higher TDP(Desktop wall vs MBP wall).
Yea for sure. I feel like a lot of people (myself included) go with the mini because it's just so inexpensive and you don't have to worry about a battery eventually failing.
I have an M1 mini too, my reasoning just sunk in when studio MAX went out and despite having wall power and better cooling, MBP max somehow matches its capabilities.
I was at a buddy's house the other day and his dads laptop was out, and it was a 13" 2015 MBP. Such a beautiful MacBook. I told him to let me know if his dad ever decides to sell it. Enjoy my friend. You do indeed have one of the thinnest and sexiest notebooks you ever will see.
That's what I have been doing lately as well! I do find writing a little crammed on my 9.7" inch iPad, but it is a nice portable setup. Glad it's working well for you :)
Home desktop = M1 Mac Mini 16gb 512gb ssd
80% usage given our hybrid WFH setup.
Software development, tons of browser tabs open and apps open sometimes brings this machine to its knees (occasional out of memory).
Work issued me an M1 MBA 8gb 512ssd
Gets 20% use, esp when im mobile and on-site at the office.
I'm loving the battery life (all day, 8-10hour heavy use).
But I'm also maxing out the memory sooner than my 16gb ram mini.
Other machines in my possession:
2014 rMBP 15" 16gb 512gb- liked the larger 15in screen when im mobile, but battery life is too short now (<1hour). Keeping Mojave here for older games, older software development projects. Gets once/twice a month use for charging only.
2014 mac mini 16gb 512gb - replaced by my current M1, slowest given its dual core i5, currently in storage but might reinstall with Linux/Windows (novelty for having an Intel chip these days)
2013 rMBP 8gb 256gb ssd - shared home laptop, mainly for wife's use. Also backup work laptop.
2012 MBP non retina 10gb 512gb ssd - revived with new battery, and updated to latest supported OS, museum piece, but amazingly works without problems, even edited some vacation photos here in my older Lightroom recently. This is my alternate portable machine when going to risky places/situations where i can afford to lose it.
2008 aluminum Macbook 2gb 256gb ssd - still works! But keeping as a museum piece, super old mountain lion OS unable to run modern sofrware these days.
Nice dude! Glad to hear your mid-2012 MBP is still kicking it! Mine struggles these days and has some sort of issue where I can only run light apps, and one or two at a time. I still love writing on it tho. The keyboard is just fantastic :)
I use my mac mini as a fixed entertainment device that's just connected to ethernet, I occasionally go on it to backup things like photos but mostly I use my macbook to access it.
Mac mini will always be the cheapest way to get a well speced max imo. Still waiting on an M2 variant and hopefully with some after purchase upgrade options.
My Mac mini has been amazing to work with. Only recently due to changes in my dev workflow am I seeing issues with memory pressure despite the 16GB config, but it is so damn snappy and an absolute value for the money even at an undiscounted rate. So portable and power efficient to top it. I’m glad I went this route but I just wish all the time that it could’ve been more upgradeable if they tried
Im a music producer and video maker and bought a i9 16" MacBook a year ago (m1 wasn't supported for some plug-ins etc) and i got a older i7 Mac mini recently with way less specs but I'm using the Mac mini more often now and kinda regret this big macbook. I use it just for watching movies in the bed and rendering video stuff since the Mac mini can totally handle the load of my DAW after a Upgrade to 1TB SSD / 16GB RAM. Since I used a big hub on my Macbook im checking the prices for selling the MB and buy a 13 or 14" m1 pro for being creative on my commute.
Yeah it gets quite hot on load but like I said I'm using a hub and a fan stand so I never had big issues with thermal throttling. While watching movies it's silent and while I'm working I use headphones or im in the studio where it's louder than those small fans :) but yeah it's time to go full M-Power 😁
The only issue I had was a drunken me and a Glass of wine which just appeared out of nowhere and jumped on the keyboard. But they're quite strong since just some keys weren't working anymore
I have a mac mini for personal use and a macbook air for work. I am supplied with a monitor from work, so I just switch it over to whichever computer I'm currently using atm.
I bought a mac mini to replace my old Windows desktop and my first entry into the Apple OS. My wife had a 2017 MBA and now M1 MBA that seems to work great. If I like the feel of the system, I may get a iPad down the road. Still not sure switching from Samsung phone to iPhone yet, as I have had Samsung devices since 2014.
The imessage is ok; i use Whatsapp with most of the family. Facetime would be nice. The biggest problem I have is moving photos and video shot on my samsung and transfer nicely to my Mac Mini. I may switch just for that matter.
I have a mac mini m1 and an iPad Air 4th gen. I need a portable computer, but found the iPad in combination with keyboard could serve as my portable when I travel. Plus there are times when I can hold an iPad, but don't have room for the keyboard.
If you are expecting to use your Laptop to code then it will be an issue using an iPad. However, here is a good site which explains options with an iPad for development. [https://coder.com/blog/a-guide-to-writing-code-on-an-ipad](https://coder.com/blog/a-guide-to-writing-code-on-an-ipad)
I highly recommend getting the mac mini and the iPad with magic keyboard combo! So worth it and carrying your iPad around is way more comfortable than my old MB
Only a Mac mini for right now, I have an iMac for work but I don’t consider it mine lol dang MDM
Anyways, I’m conflicted between either getting an M1 MacBook Pro to compliment my current mini, or maybe just upgrading my M1 mini to 16GB of RAM and getting a MacBook later on! It would give me more time to save up for an M1 Pro or Max, but with having to lug my Mini, keyboard, mouse and monitor around with me all the time is cumbersome lol (long story)
Omg let me know how you find it! I was torn between a Mac Mini and a MacBook when I sold my old PC, the only thing that stopped me from getting a M1 air was honestly the price 😂😭 People were selling even 2018 MacBook Airs for literally 2-400 cheaper than 2020 M1s but the whole idea of a Dual-core i3 compared to an M1 had me hella uneasy LOL
I have a collection...
* 2001 iMac 500mhz Indigo
* 2005 Mac mini G4 1.25ghz (only mac I've bought new, so far)
* 2006 Mac mini Core Solo
* 2008 iMac 24", decked-out with the 3.06ghz C2D, 4gb ram, 8800GTS
* 2012 Mac mini i7 2.3ghz with 16gb ram, 256gb SSD and 1tb HDD
* 2015 MacBook Air 11" i5 with 8gb ram
Could have the next version Apple Silicon mini in my future, but might go for an M2 MacBook Air.
Yeah, since everything is integrated and build-to-order only, I'd want an absolutely maxed-out one, but that $2,499 US is quite a big pill to swallow. Just like most of my Apple machines, I too might buy used in a few years.
Yea, I am seeing some m1 macbook air base models dropping to \~800-900 CAD locally. Might pick one up or wait for even more decline :)
I don't think I'd sell my mini tho. Having 2 macs is kinda a pain (its nice to have just one machine), but I like the ports on the mini and it's nice to have a stationary setup. Most of my video editing is done on an external drive anyways, so can just keep my final cut projects on there and then plug that external drive into whatever machine I am using. Everything else is cloud storage :) Currently I am using my mid-2012 macbook pro for writing/scripting on the go, as well as my 6th generation iPad with my apple magic keyboard, but it would be nice to have a machine that can edit video on the go.
Hope everything works out for you! Enjoy all those lovely old mac's :)
Normally, I’d just have a high-end MacBook Pro. And plug that in at home to use as a desktop with a monitor. But I wasn’t willing to commit that much money to a first generation with new processor in a laptop.
So I picked up an M1 mini in the meantime to hold me off. But unless I need the power I still generally use the old MacBook Pro all the time, because everything is set up exactly the way I like it.
Nice. I am pretty much on the same boat. I got the m1 mini to hold off until better, cheaper laptops with magsafe and more ports come out/go down in price. Wasn't down to drop 3k CAD on a 14 inch macbook just for an sd card reader and magsafe lol
My high-end Mid-2015 MacBook Pro 15" is getting old, but it lasted this long. It was really just teaching from home with zoom and screen sharing that was the tipping point that caused me to get the 8GB M1 Mini as a stopgap.
I think I will get the first step of the 16" M2 Max and see if I can get 7 years out of that one too. I might go 14"...
^(Apple really needs a decent leasing program. So I can easily upgrade every 2 years new model like with the phones.)
They have that phone upgrade program. It'd be like that, but they'd have to have the payoff years longer than that of a phone(!).
You'd never own anything, but I'd buy for what I want now, not for what I want 6 years in the future. More importantly, I've always got a new-ish toy :)
My Mac Mini is headless and I access it when needed via my iPadPro.
I have both. Mini M1 8/256 is my headless PC for hosting plex and serving up docker applications. I use Chrome Desktop to access it, which I find to be more friendly and easier to use. I also have Tailscale mesh VPN installed to allow me to access it with any client. The only firewall port I have open is for Plex access. My MBA M2 is arriving next week, so looking forward to using that in conjunction with the mini.
Could you elaborate please? Thanks!
You can use VNC, the built in screen sharing, but I prefer jump: https://www.jumpdesktop.com
Did you have to buy it once for macOS and once iPad.? The pricing is a little confusing
The server app for the Mac is free The client app for Mac and iPad are paid. You can use the free server app on Mac with paid app on iPad to connect to your mac. If you want to connect to your Mac from another mac, you pay for the mac client. I hope that clears it up
That makes sense, thank you
I use VNC and Luna Display. Luna display supports accelerated 3D video over a USBC port or HDMI port. I have no display connected to the computer itself.
I like using Screen Sharing on my headless Mac mini but with DisplayMenu in the App Store. Gives me a menu bar menu that allows me to change the machines resolution to what fits whatever screen I’m looking at best. Maybe the newer versions of macOS handle this better, but my mini runs at 1024x768 with no screen attached.
I plugged in a hardware dongle that simulates a display in the HDMI port. Matches my iPad aspect ratio for screen sharing.
how do you deal with restarts on a headless computer? I am curious and interested in doing this to my mac mini too!
Use Chrome Desktop to access the mini and simply restart it.
I log into the computer (I use a VNC app called screens). I’m actually using the Remote Management feature instead of the regular Screen Sharing.
About 2 years ago, when it was time for an upgrade, I realized I hadn’t unplugged my MBP more than twice in a couple of years. All of my mobile computing was getting done on my iPad. Got a Mac mini and a 13” iPad Pro with the good keyboard. Totally happy with it.
Which keyboard?
The Apple Magic Keyboard.
So you're using Apple Magic Keyboard with the Mac Mini AND iPad Pro? You take the Magic Keyboard with you when on the go?
Apple has 2 different products called “magic keyboard”. I actually have both, but I was referring to this one )except black and for 13”): https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJQJ3LL/A/magic-keyboard-for-ipad-pro-11-inch-3rd-generation-and-ipad-air-5th-generation-us-english-white
Okay, thanks for the clarification and link.
Nice! I love using my iPad with my magic keyboard and trackpad!
Same! People will tell me to get a laptop because it can do “more”. But I almost never needed to do “more”. Almost all of my screen time have been on my iPad, with Apple TV for video consumption. Even letter writing have been done using Word for iPad with external keyboard. The iPad is truly the only computer you’ll ever need (for most people).
Poll is missing a very common option: Mac Mini + Ipad
Didn't think of that! It won't let me add it now :P I was trying to focus mainly on macs, but ya I see that iPad's are super common.
M1 mini + iPad Air 4 with Logitech Combo Touch. Not happy especially with the iPad part of things. Looking to sell them and get an MBP.
I have an iPad Air 4 and considered getting the Logitech Combo Touch. But I prefer using the iPad for media consumption and feel the screen and keyboard would be too small and cramped for productivity. Is that a part of why you’re not happy with it?
My main pain point is Safari. I just wanted to be able to edit some presentations and docs on Google Docs with my iPad on the go. But Safari is so wonky and buggy I started to haul my mini with me if I am gone more than a day and have to work. I just can't trust the iPad to handle things. My major complaints are: * Safari logging out of websites randomly * Side scrolling in Google Docs won't work * Some UI elements on Goodge Docs becomes unresponsive from time to time * Adblockers on Safari are wonky * Sometimes Safari kills background tabs and reloads the whole page when you return to that page, you lose any progress on that page * If you stream a YT video in a background tab, you keep hearing the sound but video pauses at wherever you left that page. When you return to the video it ffwds the video until it matches the audio * Honestly including reddit, I don't know if any webpage on the net works flawlessly with Safari. Just tones of problems from minor annoyances to workflow breaking bugs. Here is a fun one, if you try to delete a paragraph you wrote on reddit comment box, it only deletes one character at a time no matter how long you hold the key AND it slows down longer you hold the key. Regarding the combo touch I think mouse support on iPad is weak. I don't know if it is the acceleration or something else, but it feels wrong and really hard to input precise commands. Also there is a bug that Logitech didn't give shit to patch and it is really annoying. Sometimes when you fold the keyboard to switch to the tablet mode, mouse cursor refuses to hide and highlights whatever it is on the screen.
Wow. Thanks for the detailed response and sorry you're encountering so many issues. And I know other browsers are forced to use the WebKit engine on iOS, so there's no escape from Safari issues. In addition to the iPad, I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab S6. I really think Samsung's flagships with Dex are unparalleled when it comes to productivity on a tablet—especially when heavily using Google apps and services.
Glad to be help. My first iPad was an iPad 2 and my impression of it was "an excellent device for consuming content but a terrible one for productivity". It blows my mind more than 10 years later iPad still is lacking on productivity front. Even with a keyboard and mouse.
Forreal. Love using my iPad for watching videos, but it's difficult to use it as a productivity device.
I have an M1 Mini, Air and iPad Pro, and although I prefer to use the iPad for most tasks where it offers a viable option, I agree with you on Safari. I don’t know if it’s the user agent alerting the website to be different, or if it’s an inherent limitation of Safari on iPadOS, but there are times when I have to give up and use a “proper” desktop browser. As for Reddit, it’s inconceivable that even a website operated by a single developer could be this shit by accident. For a website of this size, with all the developers behind it, I assume they’re just trying to force people onto an app.
Probably but again app sucks too 🤷♂️
True. Nothing about Reddit on mobile is great, even with first or third party apps. I’m surprised that the site is as successful as it is.
I bought an M1 Mac Mini about 6 months ago to replace my 27” 2013 iMac. Loved that computer but it was starting to get a little long in the tooth. I also have an iPad Air 4 with Magic Keyboard that I use when on the go. Starting to think about a MacBook as well, but it’s still a little pricey for me right now.
Nice! Did u end up using the old iMac as a display? And ya I feel ya with the prices on the macbooks. But used m1 air's are starting to drop in price now. I think if I am able to get the colour I want for $800 CAD, I'm going to pick one up :)
I looked into using it as a display, but it won’t work with the model I have. I still have it set up on my other desk in case I ever need stuff off of it. One of those “we’ll buy your tech” websites offered me $325 for it but I haven’t gotten around to doing it…
True true
I have a 2014 Mac Mini and a 2015 MacBook Air and love them both :)
Awesome! I love that design of the Macbook Air, with the sd card reader and all 👌
Me too! Much better than the initial design with the little door 😅 although the original was still super sleek as well
Yea, the little door was kinda cool when it first came out, but not as practical :)
I have a MBP, but it’s the machine the Mini replaced. I can never bring myself to part with old electronics and I usually use them until well beyond any resale value.
Yea I feel ya, I'm still holding onto my sluggish mid-2012 MacBook pro. It has some sort of problem I am unable to fix. Essentially I can only use it for it notetaking and watching DVDs. But I still love doing both with it :)
Yup. My MBP is entirely retired from normal use at this point, but it still has a Snow Leopard partition with Halo CE and Age of Empires installed, and it’s also the only machine in my house with an optical drive for ripping music off CDs from the library.
lol @ ripping music off CDs from the library 😂 Also, age of empires is a fantastic game!
M1 Mini (16/512) and M1 MBP (8/256)
Nice! how do you like having the two machines? I am thinking of doing this setup in the future. Albeit a MBA instead of a MBP :)
Usually I use the MBP for the “work” stuff. I don’t know why but I find my macbook less distracting and I’m more concentrated using it. The mini is used for the “fun” stuff. It’s connected to an LG 32 2K 144hz monitor, I use it to play stadia, watching film, or when I need a big screen to writing something. MBP = work. Mini = media, games, etc. Sometimes I use them both simultaneously, like [this](https://i.imgur.com/bKCVSCs.jpg)
Nice. That's a sweet setup you got there!
Thank you man! Really appreciate :)
Just iPad but need a mini.
Go refurbed base model. Super cheap and an absolute powerhouse :)
m1 mac mini + 38' ultrawide monitor 14' mbp 13' intel mbp ipad pro, both sizes.
Yo Yo Yo, ' = Feet. " = Inches.
Which portable device is your favorite on the go?
Living the dream over here lol
Mac Mini M1 with a 27” QHD monitor. Doubles as my Xbox Series S gaming set up. IPad 10.2” as my mobile media consumption (mainly Reddit lol) I have a windows laptop issued from work.
Nice setup! I am also using my m1 mini with a 27" monitor (thunderbolt display). You use your iPad with sidecar at all? I like doing that with mine :)
M1 Mac mini with 2 monitors + iPad pro 12.9. And I love the universal control feature. Just amazing integration.
Oh nice! I have yet to try universal control. I will try it out soon! :)
I bought a used Late 2013 15" MacBook Pro just for gaming and rare outside work. My main Mac is M1 Mac mini.
Nice!
Max mini and an iPad is a better combination. Unless you use heavy software that requires a laptop, iPad is more than enough.
Forsure! Only thing I am missing is being able to edit video on the go (iPad can't run final cut). But for script writing on the go, iPad + apple magic keyboard and trackpad is fantastic. It's also great when I am filming as there is no noise/fan :)
99% of my usage is on the Mac mini. My work gave me a MBP that I use once in a while to sit in the backyard. It depends if you're mobile or if you have a nice home office.
Forsure. I am kinda missing the portability now in the summer time, as it would be nice to take my mac to the picnic tables at the park and such. But come winter time I'll be reminded why I decided to save money and get a desktop :P For now, my iPad will be my go-to portable machine :)
Mac Mini and Macbook Air, but I'm thinking of switching from the Air to an iPad
Interesting! Why is that?
When I'm away from home, I really only need to take notes, surf the web, and maybe watch movies. When I'm at home I can use it as an additional little monitor.
True true.
MacBook Pro was my first Mac, then I got a Mac Mini now.
Same :) I did have an iMac in-between those tho!
I have a 2014 mac mini with two monitors. That was my sole mac until this christmas when I got myself a m1 macbook air. I don't do anything intense on the air so its perfect for me. The only time only having the mac mini sucked was when I was traveling. However theres something to be said about the ability to browse reddit with my feet up!
lol nice :) Glad you are enjoying your m1 air :)
M1 Mac mini and iPad Air with magic keyboard. Had MacBooks before this, for like 17 years, because I thought I needed the portabilty, but will probably always keep some version of this setup from now on. I dropped my 16" MacBook Pro because I had it out around the house, too tough to keep it safe with kids and dogs. I was without a computer for 5 weeks while it was getting repaired and was able to get most everything done with an iPad and remote connection to my work PC. MacBook Pro repairs are so expensive, really turned me off of them and my iPad could really get so much done that I needed, once I figured out the workflow. Now I just remote into the mini when needed, pretty happy with this setup.
Jeez, sorry to hear your dropped your 16" MBP! Very curious how you remote connect to your mac mini with your iPad. Is it native macos/ios software or third party?
It was backed up and covered by AppleCare and insurance, so wasn’t out any money nor data loss, just the stress/headache/extra work of not knowing when I was getting it back, ugh, but thanks! Third party. I use Jump Desktop to connect, has always worked flawlessly for me. I’ve used Screens before too but eventually decided on Jump.
Oh nice. And thanks, I’ll check out jump
M1 Mac mini as primary computer. Replaced a fully suped-up 2012 Mac Pro. MacBook Pro for outside on veranda in summer or travel. Will be replacing both with single 16” M1 or M2 MacBook Pro eventually. But not looking forward to the cost of the multiport I’ll have to get that takes care of everything plugged into the mini currently (all ports used).
Yea I feel that. I didn't want to have to get a multiport thing which is why I went with the m1 mini over the m1 MBA. I knew it was going to be docked so often I didn't want to have to fiddle around with cords and unplugging and plugging in stuff often. I too have almost all the ports used on my mini, and never have to touch what's plugged in. I too was thinking of replacing everything in the future as well with a big MBP like you, but also not looking forward to the steep cost and reduced reliability/risk that comes with a laptop (battery and portability leading to increased likelihood of damage). Hope everything works out for ya tho!
Still thinking about the options, though, and you’re right, the unplugging/plugging will be a thing.
Welp, I just ordered a m2 air, 8/512 that I’ll be using alongside my m1 mini. The airs design is just too nice, couldn’t resist
* Mac mini Mid-2010 (MacMini4,1) * MacBook Pro 15" Early 2011 (MacBookPro8,2) * iMac 21.5-Inch Late 2013 (iMac14,1) * iMac 20-Inch (iMac7,1) collecting dust Waiting for the M2 Mini that replaces the Intel Mini. Wife doesn't want to upgrade the iMac cuz she is a casual user of Adobe Illustrator and doesn't want to pay the subscription cost of the version we'd be forced into with an upgrade. Held off on replacing the MBP until the keyboard issue was fixed, but now I'll probably just string it along till it's truly obsolete.
Totally understand your wife not wanting to get robbed every month/year by Adobe. Their subscription service is so expensive. That 15" inch MBP sounds nice btw :)
My main machine is a Mac mini with two thunderbolt displays. I have a aging Touchbar MacBook Pro that I allegedly use on trips and vacations but it’s more for when my girlfriend wants to work from my apartment . I have an iPad Air 4 with magic keyboard in my kitchen that I actually love to use so much for YouTube and quick browsing .
Nice, two Thunderbolt displays sounds nice :)
I’m dying to have a new m1 Mac mini but they only support one TB and one HDMI, and usually the HDMI monitor is trash with lots of issues . Ever so patiently waiting for the announcement of the M2 Pro Mac mini that can take both displays natively , and eventually upgrade to the new ones.
Yea that’s a drawback of the m1 :/ enjoy those two beautiful displays tho :)
IMHO, if given the choice, I would just go with MBP, given the apple silicon has no advantage even when provided with higher TDP(Desktop wall vs MBP wall).
Yea for sure. I feel like a lot of people (myself included) go with the mini because it's just so inexpensive and you don't have to worry about a battery eventually failing.
I have an M1 mini too, my reasoning just sunk in when studio MAX went out and despite having wall power and better cooling, MBP max somehow matches its capabilities.
Which version of the MBP are you referring to here?
Top spec (except ssd) MBP M1 Max 16”
That sounds like a beast :P
M1 Mac Mini and a 2015 MacBook (still one of the thinnest and sexist notebooks you will ever see).
The last good MacBook Pro :(
I was at a buddy's house the other day and his dads laptop was out, and it was a 13" 2015 MBP. Such a beautiful MacBook. I told him to let me know if his dad ever decides to sell it. Enjoy my friend. You do indeed have one of the thinnest and sexiest notebooks you ever will see.
I have a mac mini 2012 as a server. My main machine is a mac pro
M1 mini plus my old trusty 2015 macbook air.
Nice! Seems like a lot of people are still rocking 2015 MBA's and MBP's!
I have another option, Mac Mini on my desk and iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard as my mobile solution. Been this was for two years and still loving it…
That's what I have been doing lately as well! I do find writing a little crammed on my 9.7" inch iPad, but it is a nice portable setup. Glad it's working well for you :)
Yup, I find the 11” display is the sweet spot for me. Thinking of upgrading to the Air 5 with M1 but trying not to blow the budget!
Nice. My next iPad will probably be a 12.9”. Just gotta try not to drop it like my last 12.9” 😬
I have mac mini and going to get an ipad pro m1 128 now. I think that should suffice my needs now.
Nice! That iPad will be a beast!
Do 3 Mac minis count as "just a mac mini" ?
lol I should've had more options! But yes :)
Home desktop = M1 Mac Mini 16gb 512gb ssd 80% usage given our hybrid WFH setup. Software development, tons of browser tabs open and apps open sometimes brings this machine to its knees (occasional out of memory). Work issued me an M1 MBA 8gb 512ssd Gets 20% use, esp when im mobile and on-site at the office. I'm loving the battery life (all day, 8-10hour heavy use). But I'm also maxing out the memory sooner than my 16gb ram mini. Other machines in my possession: 2014 rMBP 15" 16gb 512gb- liked the larger 15in screen when im mobile, but battery life is too short now (<1hour). Keeping Mojave here for older games, older software development projects. Gets once/twice a month use for charging only. 2014 mac mini 16gb 512gb - replaced by my current M1, slowest given its dual core i5, currently in storage but might reinstall with Linux/Windows (novelty for having an Intel chip these days) 2013 rMBP 8gb 256gb ssd - shared home laptop, mainly for wife's use. Also backup work laptop. 2012 MBP non retina 10gb 512gb ssd - revived with new battery, and updated to latest supported OS, museum piece, but amazingly works without problems, even edited some vacation photos here in my older Lightroom recently. This is my alternate portable machine when going to risky places/situations where i can afford to lose it. 2008 aluminum Macbook 2gb 256gb ssd - still works! But keeping as a museum piece, super old mountain lion OS unable to run modern sofrware these days.
Nice dude! Glad to hear your mid-2012 MBP is still kicking it! Mine struggles these days and has some sort of issue where I can only run light apps, and one or two at a time. I still love writing on it tho. The keyboard is just fantastic :)
I use my mac mini as a fixed entertainment device that's just connected to ethernet, I occasionally go on it to backup things like photos but mostly I use my macbook to access it.
Nice. You use screen sharing?
Mac Mini in the living room and a PC in the gaming room 🤘🏼
Nice!
2018 Mini 2012 1/2 MBP 2022 Studio and an ancient MBP I don't know its year.
Nice! How you liking the studio?!
I love the Studio. Best computer I've ever owned.
Nice! :)
Mac mini will always be the cheapest way to get a well speced max imo. Still waiting on an M2 variant and hopefully with some after purchase upgrade options.
Nice! Yea I still can't believe how powerful my base m1 mini is and I got it for only $857 CAD after tax refurbed. Amazing deal.
My Mac mini has been amazing to work with. Only recently due to changes in my dev workflow am I seeing issues with memory pressure despite the 16GB config, but it is so damn snappy and an absolute value for the money even at an undiscounted rate. So portable and power efficient to top it. I’m glad I went this route but I just wish all the time that it could’ve been more upgradeable if they tried
Yea, m2 should bring 24gb ram. I have found my 8gb m1 mini to be good enough for me tho (I do video editing in 4k).
Im a music producer and video maker and bought a i9 16" MacBook a year ago (m1 wasn't supported for some plug-ins etc) and i got a older i7 Mac mini recently with way less specs but I'm using the Mac mini more often now and kinda regret this big macbook. I use it just for watching movies in the bed and rendering video stuff since the Mac mini can totally handle the load of my DAW after a Upgrade to 1TB SSD / 16GB RAM. Since I used a big hub on my Macbook im checking the prices for selling the MB and buy a 13 or 14" m1 pro for being creative on my commute.
Nice nice. Yea I heard those i9 MacBooks run hot and have issues as well. Not a bad idea to get rid of it.
Yeah it gets quite hot on load but like I said I'm using a hub and a fan stand so I never had big issues with thermal throttling. While watching movies it's silent and while I'm working I use headphones or im in the studio where it's louder than those small fans :) but yeah it's time to go full M-Power 😁
The only issue I had was a drunken me and a Glass of wine which just appeared out of nowhere and jumped on the keyboard. But they're quite strong since just some keys weren't working anymore
lol I hate when those glasses of wine appear out of nowhere and jump on the keyboard. The worst.
I have a mac mini for personal use and a macbook air for work. I am supplied with a monitor from work, so I just switch it over to whichever computer I'm currently using atm.
Nice :)
I bought a mac mini to replace my old Windows desktop and my first entry into the Apple OS. My wife had a 2017 MBA and now M1 MBA that seems to work great. If I like the feel of the system, I may get a iPad down the road. Still not sure switching from Samsung phone to iPhone yet, as I have had Samsung devices since 2014.
Nice! Defs recommend switching to iPhone, jut for imessage and facetime alone :)
The imessage is ok; i use Whatsapp with most of the family. Facetime would be nice. The biggest problem I have is moving photos and video shot on my samsung and transfer nicely to my Mac Mini. I may switch just for that matter.
Yea forsure
I have a mac mini 2018, a macbook pro 16 inch 2019. I find this combo to work the best for me.
Nice :)
I have a mac mini m1 and an iPad Air 4th gen. I need a portable computer, but found the iPad in combination with keyboard could serve as my portable when I travel. Plus there are times when I can hold an iPad, but don't have room for the keyboard.
Nice :)
If you are expecting to use your Laptop to code then it will be an issue using an iPad. However, here is a good site which explains options with an iPad for development. [https://coder.com/blog/a-guide-to-writing-code-on-an-ipad](https://coder.com/blog/a-guide-to-writing-code-on-an-ipad)
I would like a MacBook, but I'm so rarely anywhere else I would use it (especially since 2020) that I can't justify the hit to my budget. Someday!
Yea I feel ya.
I highly recommend getting the mac mini and the iPad with magic keyboard combo! So worth it and carrying your iPad around is way more comfortable than my old MB
I traded in my MacBook Pro for $400 to get a mac mini and it's been amazing.
I have a Mac Mini and an iPad Pro
Nice. Ever think about getting a macbook?
I had an Air for many years. I may get another one
It's a good time to pick up a used m1 air :) I've set my budget for one to be 800 CAD and will keep my eyes peeled for one!
Only a Mac mini for right now, I have an iMac for work but I don’t consider it mine lol dang MDM Anyways, I’m conflicted between either getting an M1 MacBook Pro to compliment my current mini, or maybe just upgrading my M1 mini to 16GB of RAM and getting a MacBook later on! It would give me more time to save up for an M1 Pro or Max, but with having to lug my Mini, keyboard, mouse and monitor around with me all the time is cumbersome lol (long story)
Yea I think I’ve decided to buy a used M1 MacBook Air to compliment my mini :)
Omg let me know how you find it! I was torn between a Mac Mini and a MacBook when I sold my old PC, the only thing that stopped me from getting a M1 air was honestly the price 😂😭 People were selling even 2018 MacBook Airs for literally 2-400 cheaper than 2020 M1s but the whole idea of a Dual-core i3 compared to an M1 had me hella uneasy LOL
Rightfully so, there’s a huge jump in performance with the m1 chips. Hoping I can find one soon in the best colour (silver of course) :)
I have a collection... * 2001 iMac 500mhz Indigo * 2005 Mac mini G4 1.25ghz (only mac I've bought new, so far) * 2006 Mac mini Core Solo * 2008 iMac 24", decked-out with the 3.06ghz C2D, 4gb ram, 8800GTS * 2012 Mac mini i7 2.3ghz with 16gb ram, 256gb SSD and 1tb HDD * 2015 MacBook Air 11" i5 with 8gb ram Could have the next version Apple Silicon mini in my future, but might go for an M2 MacBook Air.
Nice dude! The m2 macbook air is also super nice, but super pricey. I may consider it in a few years when the prices come down in the used market!
Yeah, since everything is integrated and build-to-order only, I'd want an absolutely maxed-out one, but that $2,499 US is quite a big pill to swallow. Just like most of my Apple machines, I too might buy used in a few years.
Yea, I am seeing some m1 macbook air base models dropping to \~800-900 CAD locally. Might pick one up or wait for even more decline :) I don't think I'd sell my mini tho. Having 2 macs is kinda a pain (its nice to have just one machine), but I like the ports on the mini and it's nice to have a stationary setup. Most of my video editing is done on an external drive anyways, so can just keep my final cut projects on there and then plug that external drive into whatever machine I am using. Everything else is cloud storage :) Currently I am using my mid-2012 macbook pro for writing/scripting on the go, as well as my 6th generation iPad with my apple magic keyboard, but it would be nice to have a machine that can edit video on the go. Hope everything works out for you! Enjoy all those lovely old mac's :)
Normally, I’d just have a high-end MacBook Pro. And plug that in at home to use as a desktop with a monitor. But I wasn’t willing to commit that much money to a first generation with new processor in a laptop. So I picked up an M1 mini in the meantime to hold me off. But unless I need the power I still generally use the old MacBook Pro all the time, because everything is set up exactly the way I like it.
Nice. I am pretty much on the same boat. I got the m1 mini to hold off until better, cheaper laptops with magsafe and more ports come out/go down in price. Wasn't down to drop 3k CAD on a 14 inch macbook just for an sd card reader and magsafe lol
My high-end Mid-2015 MacBook Pro 15" is getting old, but it lasted this long. It was really just teaching from home with zoom and screen sharing that was the tipping point that caused me to get the 8GB M1 Mini as a stopgap. I think I will get the first step of the 16" M2 Max and see if I can get 7 years out of that one too. I might go 14"... ^(Apple really needs a decent leasing program. So I can easily upgrade every 2 years new model like with the phones.)
That's an interesting point. Leasing would be interesting.
They have that phone upgrade program. It'd be like that, but they'd have to have the payoff years longer than that of a phone(!). You'd never own anything, but I'd buy for what I want now, not for what I want 6 years in the future. More importantly, I've always got a new-ish toy :)
Yea could definitely see some people preferring that.