M1 Mac mini Initial Thoughts: A Game Changer

And I thought the M1 MacBook Air was remarkable…

Now, the M1 chip is beginning to permeate the broader Mac lineup, leading to intriguing purchasing dilemmas.

Prior to last week’s Spring Loaded event, the primary decision for M1 buyers was between the MacBook Air and Pro. Now, the introduction of the M1 iMac means that those looking for a desktop Mac must make a choice.

So, let’s delve into that choice.

All-in-one or Separate Components?

The M1 Mac mini and the 24" iMac are fundamentally different machines. While they are nearly identical in specifications (more on that later), the user experience varies significantly between the two.

For instance, the Mac mini is simply a compact box. It comes with only the power cord, requiring you to source a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and webcam separately.

In contrast, the new 24" iMac includes everything necessary to get started. The built-in screen comes with a 1080p webcam and includes a keyboard and mouse packaged with it.

For those prioritizing convenience and preferring not to spend time selecting peripherals, the iMac is hard to surpass. You order it, pay, unpack, and set it on your desk—instant Mac experience.

However, the Mac mini opens the door to some fascinating peripherals. It allowed me to finally explore the world of ultra-wide monitors, and I have no regrets.

Switching From a 5k iMac to a 34" Widescreen Monitor

Honestly, I didn’t see that coming.

It has also sparked my interest in mechanical keyboards—this has transformed my working and computing experience altogether.

Sure, you can technically connect all these third-party accessories to an iMac, but that’s not the primary intent of Apple’s all-in-one design (though I encourage you to try a mechanical keyboard regardless).

Space-wise, both computers effectively save desk space, but the Mac mini’s remarkably small size is a standout feature compared to traditional desktop PCs.

Specifications Overview

There isn’t a more powerful version of the Mac mini or the 24" iMac. They essentially represent the same computer.

Both models feature the M1 chip, options for 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and storage capacities ranging from 256GB to a substantial 2TB. The only significant distinctions include a 7-Core GPU option on the base iMac (which is not an issue, despite what some may claim) and an additional fan in the iMac.

Once again, the fan is not a concern. Apple has opted for two fans in the iMac for cooling (potentially due to the retina display), but in my experience, these M1 devices remain cool regardless of the workload.

This isn’t the right place for a discussion on the 8GB versus 16GB RAM debate, but I certainly have my views on that topic.

8GB vs 16GB M1 MacBook — Is It Significant?

My two weeks with the base model M1 MacBook Air led to an eye-opening realization.

Essentially, the 24" iMac is just an M1 Mac mini integrated into its base. Thus, the choice again boils down to all-in-one versus separate components.

However, there is one more major distinction.

The Retina Display

The iMac’s screen is unparalleled at its price point.

Considering the base model iMac retails for $1,299 while the equivalent Mac mini is priced at $699, you are effectively paying $600 for a stunning 24" 4.5K display.

This is an exceptional value—believe me. It’s why I challenge anyone who claims that iMacs are usually ‘Apple expensive.’ The inclusion of such an impressive display makes it feel like a bargain in my opinion.

For instance, if you seek a display with comparable color accuracy, sharpness, and brightness at the same price point, you’d have to opt for the LG UltraFine, which is visually unappealing and has received mixed reviews.

Other alternatives become quite costly. For example, to find an ultra-wide monitor with retina-level clarity, you would need to invest significantly over $1,000, increasing the overall cost of a Mac mini.

The iMac’s Retina display matches the crispness of an iPhone screen, offers adequate brightness at 500 nits, and boasts a rich P3 color space.

If you desire the best display for the price without the clutter of cables, the iMac is the clear choice.

Additional Considerations

Several minor differences between the new 24" iMac and the M1 Mac mini warrant consideration.

If you prefer colorful devices, you might be disappointed to find that the Mac mini is only available in silver. In contrast, the iMac comes in seven vibrant colors, although you’ll need to pay an extra $200 for orange or purple.

The iMac features a 1080p webcam, a notable upgrade from the previous generation. In contrast, you must purchase a third-party webcam if you opt for the Mac mini, which, while offering more choices, is yet another expense not required with the iMac.

In terms of ports, the base Mac mini includes gigabit ethernet, while the iMac only offers this as an upgradeable option. This may not matter for most users, but if a direct connection to your router is preferred, it’s a factor to consider.

The Mac mini provides two USB-A ports and two Thunderbolt/USB-4 ports, whereas the iMac features only two of the latter on its base model and adds two extra USB-3 ports if you upgrade.

While dongles can be acquired for either machine, if you have specific peripherals that require connection, the differing connectivity options of each device should be carefully evaluated.

If audio quality is important to you, the difference is stark. The M1 Mac mini’s audio output is quite poor, while the iMac’s sound system has been fine-tuned by Apple’s skilled audio engineers and will outperform the Mac mini with ease. Although it may not be as ‘room-filling’ as advertised, the iMac’s audio capabilities leave the Mac mini in the dust.

Lastly, the new iMac can be equipped with a Magic Keyboard that includes Touch ID. At the time of writing, it remains uncertain whether this accessory will work with other Macs when purchased separately. Therefore, if biometric security is a priority for you, the iMac is your only option (the Mac mini lacks Touch ID or Face ID).

Conclusion

While the iMac may appear significantly pricier than the M1 Mac mini on paper, the substantial advantage of the iMac is undeniable—it’s hard to overlook the exceptional screen quality.

The iMac also comes in more colors than the Mac mini, making it a visually appealing choice and a more organized setup overall.

However, the Mac mini allows for a more extensive exploration of third-party peripherals. In fact, it encourages you to do so, providing a rewarding experience.

Consequently, if your goal is to obtain the best screen at the lowest cost and the utmost convenience, the iMac is the way to go. Conversely, if you’re feeling adventurous and can either invest in a high-quality monitor or tolerate the lack of a retina-quality display, the Mac mini is a strong contender.

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Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on April 27, 2021.