Apple
After months of rumors, Apple has finally revealed its new Mac Mini M4 series, which comes in two configurations.
- The first model is equipped with the basic M4 chipset
- The other integrates the more powerful M4 Pro
So, is it worth buying? The answer is yes, especially if you are a professional user.
The M4 SoC (system on a chip) brings a good dose of performance to Apple’s small desktop computer, which is equipped with an essential 16 GB of RAM, and which can reach 64 GB on the Pro model. A good amount of memory that helps speed up workflows, improve processing, and reduce loading times. In addition, the new model takes up less space on the desk.
That said, let’s not discredit the previous generation. The Mac Mini M2 remains a solid option, better suited to people on a budget. Or not needing a powerful machine. To help you make your purchasing decision, we’ve rounded up all the most important details about the Mac Mini M2 and Mac Mini M4 below.
The characteristics of the Mac Mini M4
- Processor : Apple M4 or M4 Pro
- Ports : 2x USB-C, 3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI, 1x 10Gb Gigabit Ethernet, 1x prise casque 3,5mm M4 Pro : 2x USB-C, 3x Thunderbolt 5, 1x HDMI, 1x 10Gb Gigabit Ethernet, 1x prise casque 3,5mm
- Memory : 16 Go à 64 Go
- Storage : 256 Go à 8 To
- Supported Screens : three monitors (two via DisplayPort over Thunderbolt, one via HDMI) M4 Pro: three monitors (three via DisplayPort over Thunderbolt or HDMI)
- Connectivity : Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Operating system : MacOS
- Dimensions and weight : 5 x 12,7 x 12,7 cm et 0,73 kg
- Prix from 700 €
The characteristics of the Mac Mini M2
- Processor : Apple M2 or M2 Pro
- Ports : 2 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x HDMI, 2 X USB-A 3.1 Gen 2, 1 x 10Gb Gigabit Ethernet, 1 X prise casque 3,5mm
- Memory : 8 Go à 32 Go.
- Storage : 256 Go à 8 To
- Supported Screens : two monitors (one via DisplayPort over Thunderbolt and one via HDMI) M2 Pro: three monitors (two via DisplayPort over Thunderbolt and one via HDMI)
- Connectivity : Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Operating system : MacOS
- Dimensions and weight : 3,58 x 19,7 x 19,7 cm et 1,28 kg.
- Prix : from €640
You should buy a Mac Mini M4 if…
Apple
1…you want “top level performance” with an M4 chip
Computers that cannot handle large workloads are bottlenecked. They slow down when trying to accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously. The base Mac Mini M4’s 16GB of RAM can alleviate this problem, especially for content creation. Music producers, for example, can leverage the extra memory to juggle different songs, instruments and effects simultaneously.
For most people, 8 GB is enough. But this is not enough for seasoned or professional users. Apple is well aware of this, as it specifically mentions that the M4 chip delivers “33x faster image upscaling performance in Photomator” and can merge “panoramic images up to 4.9x faster in Adobe Lightroom Classic “.
The M4 Pro therefore takes the level up a notch. Apple claims that high-end hardware can render 3D models up to 2.9 times faster in Blender (free 3D software) and apply “1.8 times more audio effects plugins in a Logic Pro project” per compared to the M2 Pro chip.
2 …you want a compact device
“Portability” isn’t a word you normally associate with a desktop computer. But that’s the case here with this Mac Mini M4. The device measures 12.7 cm x 12.7 cm. The base model weighs 0.67 kg. The Pro version is heavier (at 0.73 kg). Either way, they’re both lighter than the Mac Mini M2, which weighs 1.28kg. Its compact shape makes it easy to transport Apple’s small desktop computer between home and work.
Apple says advances in hardware energy efficiency and “innovative thermal architecture” have allowed it to reduce the size of the design.
There is, however, a little left unsaid: the Mac Mini has experienced a growth spurt and now measures 5 cm in height instead of 3.58 cm…
3 …you want Thunderbolt 5
Thunderbolt 5 is a next-generation connectivity standard that succeeds Thunderbolt 4. It brings several improvements, such as:
- Increasing bandwidth to 80 Gbps
- Charging power of 240 W
- DisplayPort 2.1 support for high-resolution video
Currently, very few products are equipped with Thunderbolt 5 inputs. The Mac Mini M4 Pro therefore falls into this exclusive category.
Apple has equipped this new Mac Mini M4 Pro with three Thunderbolt 5 ports on the back, which allows the Pro device to offer transfer speeds of up to 120 Gbps. You can use “faster external storage” and connect more accessories to the computer at the same time.
You should buy the Mac Mini M2 if…
Apple
1 …you are limited in terms of budget
Each time a new model is announced, Apple lowers the price of the previous generation in order to sell off stocks.
I anticipate prices will drop even more over time. In addition, the performance of older models is not far from that of the Mac Mini M4.
Both chipsets support macOS Sequoia and Apple Intelligence (as such, we have just tested Apple Intelligence in France and it works! We’ll explain how to you here). Since generative AI functions will be accessible to everyone, no one will be left behind.
2…you are not a professional user
Music producers, video editors, and content creators need a machine powerful enough to handle demanding programs like Blender or Logic Pro. These need more sophisticated configurations.
Thanks to the updated GPU architecture, the M4 offers hardware-accelerated ray tracing for the first time on the Mac Mini series. Apple says the M4 Pro’s Neural Engine makes the chipset three times faster than that of the Mac Mini M1.
If you don’t need these features, the Mac Mini M4 is unlikely to be of much use to you, at least as much as professionals. In fact, I’d wager that many professionals will stick with the Mac Mini M2 Pro, which remains an efficient machine.
Source : “ZDNet.com”
