Now that the new M4 Mac mini editions are even smaller than before but mightier than ever, plenty of other Mac users might migrate. That could include laptop devotees. Today’s M3 Pro MacBook Pro user, who also has an M1 Pro laptop, “couldn’t be happier” with his “incredibly impressive” new M4 Mac mini (the base model, no less). And he’s doing some intense work on his new desktop machine, too.
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MacBook Pro user switches to ‘incredibly impressive’ M4 Mac mini in setup and ‘couldn’t be happier’
Redditor Electrical-Elk-5934 showcased the beastly setup in a post entitled, “Obligatory Mini post.” His photo just shows the new M4 Mac mini and a bit of the screen of his 27-inch Lenovo ThinkVision P27Q-20 1440p monitor. It provides a glimpse of some of his machine’s memory stats. And his high opinion of M4 Mac mini, redesigned in a smaller but still-potent size, seems to jibe with reviews we’ve seen. That would include today’s enlightening review by Cult of Mac‘s D. Griffin Jones. And by the way, Elk isn’t just web surfing on his mini, either.
“Got the base model [Mac] mini with 16GB [unified memory], 256SSD, 10 core CPU and 10 core GPU,” Elk wrote. “So far, incredibly impressive, not a single bit of noise or heat running anything, including OBS [Studio] recording multiple 4K inputs and editing using DaVinci Resolve 19.1. Never going above 45 degrees. I am going to be making a few videos comparing the M4 to my M1 Pro and M3 Pro MacBook Pros in the next week or so … Couldn’t be happier, for £599 [$763] it’s an absolute steal!”
Heavy duty computing
So he noted he works with multiple video streams on Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). More intensively, he edits them using DaVince Resolve, which is a color grading, color correction, visual effects and audio post-production video editing application from BlackMagic Design. These aren’t trivial computing tasks. And yet he’s seen no overheating from the mini.
“I have been toying with saying “eff it” for the base base and utilizing it for my day to day and Zoom meetings over my MacBook Pro,” a commenter said, agreeing he might get on the Mac mini train.
“I think for a general desktop for doing everyday tasks it seems unbeatable value for me, and will last for years to come, and with the option of external storage, different peripherals it’s a great option!” Elk replied. He’s a happy camper. We’ll be looking out for those comparison videos pitting his new mini against his old MacBooks.
M4 Mac mini features (base) at a glance:
- M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU
- Built for Apple Intelligence
- 16GB Unified Memory
- 256GB SSD Storage
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Works with iPhone/iPad
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The new Mac mini is smaller, lighter and 50× more adorable. It's super-powerful and by far the best deal in computing right now.
- Powerful M4 Pro chip
- 512GB storage
- 24GB unified memory
- Compact desktop design
- Headphone jack on front
- BYODKM (bring your own display, keyboard and mouse)
Computer and hub:
Display:
Input devices:
- Logitech MX Keys wireless keyboard
- HyperX Alloy Origins 60 mechanical keyboard
- Logitech MX Master 3S for Mac wireless mouse
- Corsair Katar Pro XT Ultra-Light Gaming Mouse
Audio:
- Creative Pebble 2.0 USB desktop speakers
- HyperX SoloCase USB Condenser Gaming Microphone
- Sennheiser HD660S2 wired headphones
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually suffice). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.