Cupertino residents have updated the most affordable Apple computer. For the first time in 14 years, the model received a new design and a serious upgrade of the filling. I was especially pleased with the basic design. But first things first.
Briefly:
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◉ Dimensions
◉ Connectors
◉ Iron
◉ All differences are minor
Dimensions
▶ New Mac mini 2024 has dimensions: 12.7 x 12.7 x 5 cm, weight. 0.67-0.73 kg.
The case is made in a classic silver color; a new version is not available.
▶ Old Mac mini 2023 It has the following dimensions: 19.71 x 19.71 x 3.58 cm, and weight. 1.18-1.28 kg.
The case was also available only in silver, there was no stylish modification.
Which dimensions are better: The new product looks fresher and more interesting; the Cupertino team hasn’t changed the body of their “mini” for 14 years. Now the new model is a cross between the old Mac mini and Mac Studio.
Another new “mini” is similar to Apple TV, but a little larger and taller than set-top boxes.
It is possible that the change in size of the new model is its advantage. Old minis fit well behind monitors or remain in a small stand under the display. When changing your computer for a new pandemic, choose a new location to place it. And the old Mac mini models were easy to carry in a laptop bag, but the new one would be more difficult due to the increased height.
The most important thing is cooling. Will the dimensions of the new product be sufficient to remove heat? In the old format of the “mini” case everything worked perfectly.
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Connectors
▶ New Mac mini 2024 For the first time I got connectors on the front panel. There are 2 USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headset jack.
On the rear panel there are power connectors, Ethernet, HDMI and 3 Type-C ports. In models with the M4 processor they have the Thunderbolt 4 specification, and in the “mini” with the M4 Pro they have Thunderbolt 5.
▶ Old Mac mini 2023 There are connectors only on the rear panel of the case. There is a power connector, Ethernet, HDMI and a headphone jack, as well as a pair of USB-A and 4 Type-C (Thunderbolt 4), in models with an M2 processor there are only two Type-C connectors.
Which set of connectors is better: on the side of the new mini connector on the front panel, it is convenient and more practical. But on the side of the old computer there are a pair of USB-A connectors. Many people need them to connect peripherals.
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Iron
▶ New Mac mini 2024 available in four variants:
◉ M4 10 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD.
◉ M4 10 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD.
◉ M4 10 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores, 24 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD.
◉ M4 Pro: 12 CPU cores, 16 GPU cores, 24 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD.
There is Hardware-accelerated ray tracing, AV1 decoding, 120/273 GB/s memory bandwidth.
New Mac mini supports for up to three displays.
▶ Old Mac mini 2023 on the M2 chip is available in the following options:
◉ M2: 8 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD.
◉ M2 8 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD.
◉ M2 Pro: 10 CPU cores, 16 GPU cores, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD.
Memory bandwidth 100/200 GB/s.
The top model not only has a more powerful processor, but also graphics stability, as well as more RAM and a capacious storage device.
The generation of three monitors has passed only in the configuration with the M2 Pro, and the younger model has two monitors.
Who has better iron: Finally, the base began to produce models with 16 GB of RAM. Unfortunately, the drive is only 256 GB, but if used wisely, this is enough, plus there are always external drives and clouds.
The base model has always been the best-selling model in the line, and with such an update, other options are not needed. The two older models on the M4 will definitely not be in demand, but those who want a more compact analogue of the Mac Studio can take a closer look at the top-end “mini” on the M4 Pro.
With the previous generation it still works vigorously and is suitable for solving most everyday tasks. Special top-end feature of M2 Pro.
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All differences are brief
◉ Dimensions – The result is definitely less, but this is not convenient for all uses of video cards, and also look at the example of how heat is dissipated on a more compact computer.
◉ Connectors – the new Mini has faster speeds, and there are several ports on the front panel, but all available USB-A is no longer available.
◉ Iron – the new product is more powerful, the most pleasing thing is the basic configuration with 16 GB of RAM. Otherwise, previous compact desktops are still vigorous.
Curiously, there are no other differences in the models. The devices are the same for wireless models of both generations of Apple Intelligence. It’s a pity that the new “mini” bought even the simplest microphone. Sometimes it’s missing.
Not a single failure of the new model – the strange location of the power button. It was invented by the same person who developed the Magic Mouse charging via Lightning. To turn off or turn off your computer, you must lift it up. And if it gets attached to the monitor, this will be difficult to do.
It’s definitely not worth switching from the old generation to the new one. And if you choose a new computer, focus primarily on the budget. If you want to save money, choose the more affordable M2 models, if you need performance – M2 Pro or M4, and if your budget allows – look towards the M4 Pro.
The only intrigue is the price in Russia. Let’s see how the models on the M2 Pro and the base M4 chip compare. When choosing the best complex, everything is decided by the price, and for some, more convenient sizes.
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Source: Iphones RU
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
