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Is the latest Mac Mini a worthy challenger?
When Engadget video producer Chris Schodt reviewed the new Mac Mini back in November, it had been four years since the previous model was released. The 2018 upgrade includes an eighth-generation Intel processor and a plethora of ports in a space gray recycled aluminum body, all of which make for a polished and flexible machine. However, Chris thought the lack of a dedicated GPU was a big miss here, particularly for the sort of pro users Apple was trying to court.
The best mini desktop PCs
By Thorin Klosowski This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full mini desktop PCs guide here. If you're shopping for a desktop computer rather than a laptop because you prefer to work at a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, consider a mini PC. They're powerful enough for most people and take up much less space than a full-sized desktop computer. The Intel NUC8i5BEKPA1 is the best because it strikes a balance of cost, processing power, and compact design. Intel offers a few different NUC configurations, many of which don't come with memory, storage, or an OS. But for people who want a prebuilt PC with Windows 10 already installed, we recommend the model with a quad-core Intel Core i5-8259U processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB solid-state drive. Every NUC has four USB ports, a Thunderbolt 3 port, a microSD port, and an HDMI port. That amounts to the same power you'd get from something like an ultrabook or a comparable business laptop for about half the price (though you do need to provide a monitor, keyboard, and mouse). A NUC is less powerful and upgradable than a full-sized desktop PC, but it takes up a tiny fraction of the space; that size is why you buy a NUC. You can easily upgrade the storage and memory through a removable panel, and while the NUC's fans are loud, we never found them distracting. If you're comfortable installing your own memory, storage, and OS, you can save a decent chunk of money with the barebones version of this NUC, which we talk about below. If you only need a computer for browsing the web and basic productivity work, the Asus Chromebox 3 is a good value. Thanks to Google's Chrome OS, the Asus Chromebox 3-N017U is faster than a $250 Windows PC at browsing the web, basic word processing, and watching movies. Unlike a Windows or Mac computer, a Chrome OS device can't use desktop apps. In fact, the app you'll use for almost everything is the Chrome web browser, and you'll have to be connected to the internet for most tasks. Though the Chromebox does support Android apps, we found those clunky and unpleasant to use with a mouse. If you prefer using macOS, get the Apple Mac mini (2018). The base model, which we recommend for most people, has a quad-core Intel Core i3-8100 processor, 8 GB of memory, and a 128 GB SSD. The Mac mini is larger and more expensive than the NUC and has less storage for the money. But it runs silently, and the desktop-class i3 processor is about as fast as the NUC's mobile i5 CPU. (You can customize the Mac mini with faster six-core processors and more memory and storage, but it's expensive.) The Mac mini has four Thunderbolt 3 ports, more than any mini PC we tested, as well as HDMI, two USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet, and a headphone jack. Unlike many of its Windows counterparts, the Mac Mini doesn't have any unnecessary preinstalled software, and macOS comes with useful software for editing documents, spreadsheets, video, photos, and audio, making it easier than Windows to set up and start using immediately. If you prefer to have more control over the parts in a PC, or if you don't need a Windows license, you can save money buying a barebones mini PC and providing your own storage, memory, and operating system. The Intel NUC8i5BEK is identical to the NUC8i5BEKPA, but since it doesn't have storage, memory, or Windows installed, it costs about half the price. Even after buying memory, twice the amount of storage, and Windows 10, the barebones NUC is cheaper than the prebuilt option.
Apple Mac Mini review (2018): A video editor’s perspective
The Mac Mini has had a rough few years. Its last update, in 2014, was disappointing. After offering quad-core CPUs on the 2011 and 2012 editions, the 2014 model was stuck with a dual-core CPU. This meant it was actually slower at some tasks than the computer it was supposed to replace. Add in the fact that aside from storage it was not upgradable, and you had a computer that left a lot of users unhappy. Amazingly, until last month the 2014 Mini was still available on Apple's web store for $500. The lack of updates over the past four years left a lot of us wondering if we'd ever see a new model. Fortunately, Apple has rectified the situation with the 2018 Mini. This new model retains the unibody design that we loved on the 2014 edition but sports a sleek space-gray color -- a first for the Mini line. (It's also now made entirely from recycled aluminum, as is the new MacBook Air.) With vastly improved components, the Mini is now a viable competitor in the compact-desktop market. And it does have competition. In the past four years, micro PCs have vastly improved, and most of the major manufacturers now offer a tiny Windows machine. Still, I was impressed with the Mini's performance, and it's the cheapest way to get a macOS machine. Despite this, the 2018 Mini has a few flaws that will probably keep it from being the best choice for most people.
Apple says T2 chip can limit third-party repairs for recent Macs
Yes, the reports were true -- Apple's T2 chip can potentially restrict third-party Mac repairs. The company confirmed to The Verge that the co-processor can limit third-party repairs for certain components on recent systems, likely including the iMac Pro and MacBook Air. Apple didn't provide a full list of affected parts or say which machines were covered, but the T2 could regulate repairs for the logic board (aka motherboard) and Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
Mac mini teardown uncovers all of the tiny desktop's updates
The long-overdue Mac mini update looks similar on the outside, but how much has it changed on the inside? Quite a bit -- though you'll be glad to hear some things have stayed the same. iFixit has torn down the diminutive desktop, and it's evident that Apple made only very strategic changes to the system's internals. It's still relatively easy to get inside the system by popping off the bottom and sliding out the entire motherboard. And when Apple said the memory was upgradable (unlike the 2014 model), it wasn't kidding. There's a shield to prevent interference, but it's easy to remove and install your own RAM sticks.
The new Mac Mini, in pictures
Apple just wrapped a Mac-and-iPad event in Brooklyn, New York, and for most people, I suspect the refreshed MacBook Air and iPad Pro were the stars of the show. But for some of you, there was a more intriguing announcement in store: The Mac Mini, long neglected, has finally received some attention. The new model, announced today, has a brand new design, reminiscent of the Apple TV, with fresh specs to match, including quad- and six-core processors, up to 64GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage. When it comes to ports, you've got four Thunderbolt 3 connections, two USB-A sockets, HDMI, audio and Ethernet (including a 10Gbps option). The machine is up for pre-order today starting at $799 (with much more modest specs, obviously) and ships next week, on November 7th. We spied some units on display here at the demo area set up at the event venue, but it's not like anyone gets to sit down and simulate real work on this thing. We won't pretend to be able to vouch for the performance, then. In the meantime, though, we thought it would be helpful to include some photos, especially shots at scale that show what this tiny thing looks like situated in a realistic desk setup. Have a look, and stay tuned for a proper review, hopefully sooner than later. Follow all the latest news from Apple's fall 2018 event here!
The biggest news from Apple's iPad and Mac event
As expected, Apple spent today's event in Brooklyn, New York, focused on the Mac and the iPad. The long-languishing MacBook Air finally caught up with the rest of the company's laptop lineup while the even-more-outdated Mac mini received its first meaningful update in years. And the iPad Pro, already the best pure tablet on the market by most measures, was completely redesigned again, adding USB-C and taking plenty of design cues from Apple's recent iPhones. Oh, and it's incredibly powerful. Apple even shows off the iPad Pro running attached to 5K displays now. While all these updates are meaningful, Apple is charging significantly more for them than it did for the products they replace. Get ready for some sticker shock. Whether these changes will be worth the cash is up to you: Read on to get details on the most meaningful changes Apple made today and how much the new hardware will set you back.
Apple's new Mac mini is all about increased power
Yes, it's actually happening: Apple is releasing a new Mac mini after four years of leaving the tiny desktop virtually untouched. The new design is familiar on the surface, outside of its space gray finish, but boasts a huge performance upgrade with a minimum four-core 8th-generation Intel desktop processor (with an option for six cores), up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of storage. It's up to five times faster in raw computing power, with 60 percent faster graphics. And it doesn't skimp on connectivity. You'll find four Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI, audio and Ethernet (including a 10Gbps option).
What to expect from Apple's iPad and Mac event
The last time we trekked to an Apple event, the company showed off three new phones that everyone saw coming a mile away. That's not to say the XR, XS and XS Max were in any way lacking; it's just that the leaks told us a thorough story of some logical upgrades to the stuff we got the year before. You can always count on Apple to regularly release new phones, but the same can't be said of other kinds of Apple hardware. That's what makes the company's next launch event (in Brooklyn, for whatever reason) so interesting. Once again, we have a pretty good idea of what it plans to show off, thanks to months of rumors and supply chain intrigue. This time, though, Apple seems set to deliver what some die-hard fans have wanted for years: meaningful updates to Macs that have largely gone neglected (oh, and some new iPads, too). The show starts in earnest at 10 AM on Tuesday, October 30th, and we're getting ready to bring you as much coverage from the ground as we can. In the meantime, though, let's take a closer look at the things we're pretty sure Apple plans to show off and dig into why they're so important.
Apple: Proposed China tariffs will make Watch, AirPods more expensive
Apple claims that proposed US tariffs on $200 billion of goods from China will make some of its products (including Apple Watch, HomePod, AirPods and Mac mini) more expensive. The company said in a letter to the US government, which sought public comments on the levies, that Apple Pencil, Magic Mouse and Trackpad and various leather covers and cases will be among the affected products.
Apple may unveil 'low-cost' MacBook, upgraded Mac mini this year
Apple is setting up to release a lower-cost MacBook and higher-performance Mac mini later this year, sources told Bloomberg. Given how dismal Mac sales were last quarter (13 percent worse than the same period in 2017), these new versions could breathe life into product lines that have been largely stagnant over the last few years. While there aren't too many details, the added features include some that consumers have been wanting for years.
Zotac's tiny gaming PC is powerful enough to play in VR
A major obstacle currently facing VR is the fact that the headsets themselves (generally) have to remain tethered to a bulky desktop tower. With the new Zbox Magnus EN1070K from Zotac, however, that tower is now barely bigger than a Mac Mini.
Apple still has 'great desktops' on the way
If you've been following the Mac lineup in recent years, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Apple had largely given up on desktops. The current-generation iMac is over a year old, the Mac mini hasn't been updated since 2014 and the Mac Pro hasn't been touched since it was redesigned in 2013. Does the company care about people who need more power than a laptop? Yes, if you ask Tim Cook. In an internal forum post, the CEO explains that desktops remain "really important" and that there are "great desktops in our roadmap."
What to expect from Apple's 'Hello Again' event
Apple is sneaking in one more big product unveiling before 2016 comes to a close, and expectations for new Macs are running high. And how couldn't they be? Aside from last year's iMacs and the 12-inch MacBook, Cupertino's computer lineup has gone largely untouched since 2015 -- and there are numerous systems that have remained the same for even longer. But which Macs are going to get an upgrade on Oct. 27th? And is there a chance that other devices will get their moment in the sun? We've rounded up some of the more credible rumors to give you a sense of what's likely in store.
You can't upgrade the new Mac mini's RAM
If you're planning to snag the new Mac mini and load it up with aftermarket memory, you may want to reconsider your strategy. Macminicolo owner Brian Stucki (among others) has discovered that the RAM in Apple's latest tiny desktop isn't upgradable, much as you'd expect with the company's laptops and the 21-inch iMac. The move isn't completely surprising given that the Mac mini is basically a MacBook in different clothing, but it's a step backward given how relatively easy it was to upgrade the previous generation. All that you can do now is replace the hard drive, provided you're willing to void your warranty. You'll have to consider buying either a higher-end model or a custom order to get more RAM, and both of those options are typically more expensive than adding RAM yourself. This limitation isn't necessarily a deal breaker, but it's unfortunate if you like the idea of upgrading a Mac on your own terms.
Engadget Daily: Apple's new iPads, Will.i.am's Puls wristband and more!
Hold on to your hats, folks. It's been quite the day: Apple unveiled new iPads and a 5K iMac, Will.i.am took the wraps off his Puls wearable, OS X Yosemite is available to download and more. Read on for all our news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Apple finally updates the Mac mini, lowers the price to $499
It wasn't too long ago that we were seeing Apple unveil its new set of iPhones, but now the Cupertino company is back for another round. Just now, at its routine iPad event, Apple has taken the time to introduce new Mac minis too, which it hadn't done since late 2012. The starting price has dropped to $499/£399 on the base model, compared to $599/£499 from previous years. Internally, Apple will be offering customization options that include fourth-generation Intel Core processors, also known as Haswell, and Intel Iris and HD Graphics 5000. In addition to that, the 2014 Mac mini is set to offer PCle-based solid-state drive options, support for 802.11ac WiFi connectivity and a pair of Thunderbolt 2 ports. Those are all the details Apple was willing to share during the presentation, but we'll be adding any additional info to this post as soon as we have it. The new Mac minis will begin shipping today -- and yes, that means you'll have OS X Yosemite to boot.
Mac mini prices climb in several countries
The iMac refresh earlier this week apparently wasn't the only change to the Apple lineup. 9to5Mac is reporting that all Mac mini configurations are now more expensive in a number of countries, including Australia, Brazil, Portugal and Malaysia. As an example of the price bumps, the prices of the Intel Core i5 2.5 GHz, Intel Core i7 2.3 GHz and Mac mini with OS X Server models are currently A$749, A$999 and A$1,249, respectively. Previously, the same three models sold for A$699, A$899 and A$1,099. Some accessories are also a bit more expensive in certain countries, with MacRumors reporting that UK customers are now paying £2 more for an Apple Wireless Keyboard, £8 more for replacement MacBook and MacBook Pro batteries and £15 more for a Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter. The Mac mini hasn't been updated recently, and still uses the last-generation Intel Ivy Bridge processors instead of the newer Haswell processors. Whether the mini will receive a refresh during next month's expected Apple event is unknown, or it could just suddenly end up with new specifications like the iMac did this week.
Black Betty 2K camera has built-in Mac mini
We've heard of Apple's headless Mac mini being used for a lot of different things. It's a common small business server; it makes a great media server; cats seem to love them as butt warmers; and TUAW has even published a head-to-head smackdown pitching the mini against a Honey Baked Ham. Now there's a cinema digital video camera called Black Betty featuring a built-in Mac mini. Black Betty is a brilliant mashup of a Silicon Imaging SI-2K Mini Camera Head, a Mac mini, a PS Technic IMS interchangeable lens mount and a 7-inch Xenarc 720P HDMI touchscreen. Unfortunately, the Mac mini is only there for the great hardware and ability to run on unregulated 12V power -- the mini actually runs Windows to handle the Silicon DVR software interface. The initial working mockups were quite ugly (below), but the final product ended up being what you see at the top of this post -- a digital cinema camera with looks that harken back to the days of film cameras. You can't buy a Black Betty, but aspiring filmmakers can contact Rule Boston Camera to inquire about renting the amazing little 2K camera.
Black Betty 2K camera can shoot, cut and upload video with built-in Mac Mini
The Black Betty company has just hit the scene with a cinema camera that pulls an astounding trick -- it's got a freaking desktop computer jammed into the body. Camera-wise, there's a 2/3-inch 2K sensor with a 16mm lens mount developed by Silicon Imaging and used in films like Slumdog Millionaire. That'll capture 2K or 1080p, 160-500 ISO footage at up to 30fps (or more for lower resolutions), and bring 11 stops of dynamic range via CineForm compressed RAW files. The feature that made us triple-take, though, is the built-in Apple Mac Mini with a special dock for swapping in and out 2.5-inch SSDs. That Mini isn't just for recording, either, you can leverage its semi-portable power to edit and even upload videos in-camera. And, if you'd like, you can detach the camera head and 7-inch, 720p monitor from the computer and tether it via ethernet. It can only be rented for now, but No Film School said the 10-pound heft made it very well balanced, and it sports a nice retro look, too -- who knew a sideways Mac Mini could double for a movie camera magazine?
