The Mac mini was once my go-to Mac. Its small size kept my desk tidy, and the M1 chip was a significant upgrade from the sluggish Intel processor in my 2015 MacBook Pro. Since most of my work was done at home, the lack of portability wasn’t a dealbreaker. My MacBook handled on-the-go tasks perfectly. However, as my 2015 MacBook Pro slowed down, I replaced it with a 14-inch MacBook Pro sporting the powerful M1 Pro chip. This upgrade marked a turning point for the Mac mini. Over the past couple of years, I’ve found myself reaching for my MacBook Pro almost exclusively. Even the upcoming Mac mini redesign might not be enough to change this.
Rumor has it that Apple is preparing to launch a revamped Mac mini in the coming months. This isn’t just a minor tweak. The new Mac mini is expected to feature a dramatically smaller footprint, roughly the size of an Apple TV box, while gaining some height. This would be the most significant design change since 2010, the same year the iPhone 4 made its debut. While this redesign has certainly piqued my interest (past claims of a Mac mini revamp have fallen through), I’m not convinced it’ll be a game-changer. The question remains: will this new model be enough to convince me to upgrade, or has the MacBook Pro permanently overshadowed Apple’s smallest desktop Mac?
Beyond the new design, the next Mac mini is expected to receive a chip upgrade to the Apple M4 series. There are whispers of two models in the works: one with an M4 chip and another featuring the more powerful M4 Pro. While these new chips sound promising, particularly the M4 Pro which would be beneficial for my game review work, I’m unsure if they’ll be enough to sway me.
Even the new Mac mini’s smaller size won’t address its biggest weakness: portability. While the Mac mini itself is highly portable (it’s the smallest Mac you can get for your desktop, easily fitting in a backpack), using it requires more than just the computer. You need a power cord, a keyboard, a mouse, and a display. Dragging a monitor around is not my idea of convenience.
The Mac mini doesn’t have a significant advantage at home either. I can easily connect my MacBook Pro to a monitor and use it as a desktop Mac. For me, the MacBook Pro wins hands down.
This doesn’t mean there are no reasons to buy a Mac mini. One of its main strengths is its price. Starting at $599, it’s the most affordable Mac, offering a saving of $400 compared to the cheapest MacBook Pro. This represents a massive saving, still delivering an excellent computer. If Apple can maintain this competitive price point for the new model, it will be a compelling reason to buy it. Combined with the reduced footprint, new design, and faster chips, it could be attractive to many.
However, for me, the equation has shifted. My M1 Mac mini has served me well, but it simply can’t match the combination of power and portability offered by the MacBook Pro. Even the new model, as impressive as it might be, is unlikely to change my mind.
