Having used my M4 Mac mini for two weeks now, it’s still surprising how this compact box achieves so much. Although my applications for the M4 mini might be a bit different than the norm, that’s part of its charm: it meets a wide variety of needs at a very budget-friendly price (currently $499). Here are my insights after two weeks of usage.
It easily fits wherever you choose
As illustrated above, my Mac mini currently resides on my nightstand, right beside my M4 iPad Pro. I call it the M4 shelf (just kidding).
The compact size of the Mac mini allows it to fit seamlessly in various locations:
- on a large or small desk
- beneath a desk
- on a TV stand
- in a bookshelf
- or, yes, even on a nightstand
While a nightstand might not seem like the most convenient place for a Mac mini, especially concerning monitor setup, which I’ll touch on shortly, the port accessibility was a concern as well.
Luckily, Apple’s redesign of the M4 model brought two USB-C ports and a headphone jack to the front, making it far easier to connect devices compared to previous versions. This provides much more flexibility in placement options, and I appreciate this thoughtful enhancement.
It can blend into the background effortlessly
The snug fit of my M4 mini and iPad Pro works particularly well since I use the iPad as my main monitor for the Mac mini.
I’ve never liked being confined to a desk all day, as I prefer to work from various locations around my home and enjoy spending time outdoors as well.
Consequently, the iPad Pro, with its cellular connectivity, has always been my go-to productivity device. Thus, it made perfect sense to utilize my iPad as the primary display for my Mac.
I have established both wired and wireless connections between the two devices, catering to my adaptable working style.
Since I access my Mac mini through the iPad, it essentially feels like it vanishes from view. It’s there on my nightstand, yet I can connect to it anywhere.
While I predominantly operate in iPadOS, macOS is always available for my use whenever needed, appearing as just another app on my iPad.
It’s a powerful and impressive computer
Even though I’ve relegated my Mac mini to a cozy spot on my nightstand and access it via my iPad Pro, this doesn’t diminish its capabilities in any regard.
This machine is a powerhouse. It features:
- the latest M4 chip
- 16GB RAM
- an enhanced Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence
- hardware-accelerated ray tracing for gaming
- robust I/O able to support three displays
- and, of course, all the functionalities of macOS
For such a small 5×5 unit that can fit virtually anywhere and comfortably recede from sight, it’s a remarkable engineering achievement.
Next up: Mac Virtual Display in visionOS 2.2
This overview only scratches the surface of what the M4 Mac mini is capable of. One feature I am particularly looking forward to is the improved Mac Virtual Display support in visionOS 2.2.
Given how seamlessly the M4 Mac mini fits into any setup, it’s an ideal companion for a Vision Pro. You can already use them together, but the enhancements coming with the Mac Virtual Display in visionOS 2.2 will elevate the experience even more.
Whether you’re utilizing your Mac through an iPad, a Vision Pro, or opting for a traditional setup with a desk and monitor, it’s evident that the M4 Mac mini stands out in Apple’s lineup.
How are you integrating your Mac mini into your life? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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