The Apple Mac Mini M1 is as blazing fast as they say! After several days of using it, I’m am pleased with my purchase, especially because the price was reasonable and there are no batteries to deplete lifecycles.
The pros of buying this device are the speed, the price, and the likely longevity of using wall power vs. batteries that would have ensured planned obsolescence. The cons are the limited number of ports on the back and the incompatibility of the M1 with some Intel-based apps and accessories.
The Good
There are several videos on YouTube showing users opening every application on the dock all at once, I tried it in my video, and yes, the new Mac Mini M1 is really snappy!
I might appreciate this more since I held on to my 2010 MacBook Pro and 2013 iMac for as long as I did. I believe everyone in the world has struggled at some point with a prolonged computer where just opening up Chrome induces anxiety. Perhaps our computers were always that slow, and the iPhone just made that more obvious? For this reason, I believe that most users will appreciate the speed of this Mac as their top reason to get it.
In addition to a responsive app opening experience, I am now updated to macOS Big Sur, which has several improvements that I’m still exploring. And the newest version of Final Cut Pro X flew through, rendering an hour 4K edit in what seemed to be less than an hour! A 1080p of similar length would have taken my 2013 iMac 7 hours to render. So speed is definitely noticed and appreciated!
One of the other reasons I hadn’t upgraded my Mac in so long is the price, and the Mac Mini M1 is set at a great price of $699 to start, though I opted for the $899 model. With as long as I plan to use this computer, that price isn’t intolerable.
And the final thing I like about the Mac Mini, in general, is that it is a desktop that does not have a battery soldered in. Batteries have a short lifespan with me. I use my computer a lot, and I would like to easily replace them without spending a fortune or tossing the whole computer away. With the Mac Mini, I do not need to worry about battery lifecycles because there are none. That gives me peace of mind.
The small size of the Mac Mini may encourage many users to treat it as if it were a laptop by stuffing it into their bag and taking it with them. Even at a base model configuration, the new unit’s speed is enough to be content with spending the least amount possible and still feel like a major upgrade was made.
The subject of price brings me to the bad. Before we dive into that, I want to emphasize that while Apple’s pockets get deeper, the average customers do not. Price is important to those who would like to remain out of the red.
The Bad
I have already experienced keyboard issues with several Logitech wireless keyboards. I believe this will get resolved with software updates and, of course, newer keyboards. The limited number of ports makes using the official Apple Keyboard and TrackPad a more practical choice. For that reason, I believe Apple made a mistake by not including them with the Mac Mini.
One of my more recent frustrations with Apple is that they are nickeling and diming their customers for basic functionality; the accessories required to make their devices useable are costly! A keyboard that is not included with the Mac Mini ranges from $89 to $149. A mouse that is sold separately ranges from $79 to $149. And then there is the limited number of ports that prompt users to purchase dongles – the dongle I bought was $109! It’s as if Apple creates expense by removing necessary features.
I still buy from Apple because of their operating system, which they offer for free every year, and is an amazing OS. But, I feel the meme pay more for doing less is becoming increasingly more accurate with every release.
For as much as Apple speaks about core values, I believe they are losing their way again. Products should exceed a customer’s needs, not price-gouge them. I believe this is a principle that Amazon understands, which is why more Echo Dots are in the world than Apple Pods.
Criticism aside, the Mac Mini is fast, which I couldn’t say about my previous computers, and the software is great. I appreciate the more reasonable price with the Mini, but I do sense a trend with Apple.
Don’t even get me started on the iPhone case ($49.99), wallet ($59.99), charging puck ($39.99), and wall adapter ($19.99). None of those items should costs so much, especially when combined.
Bottom Line
I’m happy with my purchase, as you can see in the video above. I may have some gripes with how Apple has been conducting business lately, but this particular product makes sense to me. It’s affordable and competent.