Mac mini was first introduced in 2005 as BYODKM (Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, and Mouse). The idea was simple- To give the non-Apple users the taste of Apple product. All that was required for them to do was to get this unit, and connect it with a keyboard, a monitor, a mouse, and without a doubt, a power source, to get it to work. The product was a hit, as it was small, and yet it was packed with power and speed, capable of meeting the demands of the people without much hassle. In this post, we will cover important things to know about the new Mac Mini.
On October 2018, the fourth and the latest version of Mac mini was introduced. This was an improvement on its earlier version from various perspectives- the security, power, performance, storage, speed, connectivity and so on. The latest version of the product is said to have surpassed the previous one by leaps and bounds. Well, to analyze that, in this blog, we’re going to discuss the features of the new Mac mini. Let’s first look into its Specification and configuration table.
Things to know about the new Mac Mini
| Components And Ports | Quantity / Configuration | Quantity / Configuration | Specs |
| 1. Price | $799 | $1099 | |
| 2. Processor | 3.6GHz 4-core Intel Core i3, 6MB L3 cache | 3.0GHz 6-core Intel Core i5 or Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 4.6GHz, 9MB L3 cache | Upto 5x Faster Processing |
| 3. Memory | 8GB, 2666MHz DDR4 SO-DIMM memory | – Same – | Supports up to 64 GB Memory, Available with 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory configuration |
| 4. Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | – Same – | 60% faster than the previous version. |
| 5. Hard Drive | 128 GB SSD | 256GB SSD | Available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD configuration. Up to 4x Faster from its predecessor and all flash type storage |
| 6. USB | 2 x USB3.1 GEN 2 Port | – Same – | Data transfer rate : Up to 10 Gbps |
| 7. Thunderbolt Display | 4 x Thunderbolt 3 Port | – Same – | 1. Data transfer rate : Up to 40 Gbps, 2. Now supports high Speed storage and 4K and 5K Thunderbolt displays, 3. Charge and provide power to other device from any ports 4. Support resolution of 4096px X 2304px when connected with two display 5. Supports Max resolution of 5120px X 2880px when connected with one display |
| 8. HDMI | 1 x HDMI 2.0 | – Same – | 1. HDMI 2.0, Supports multichannel audio output 2. Supports resolution of 4096px X 2160px |
| 9. Audio | 1 x 3.5 mm Jack | – Same – | Plus 1 x HDMI port that support multichannel audio output |
| 10. Ethernet | 1 x 10Gb Gigabit Ethernet with RJ-45 connector | – Same – | Data Transfer rate of up to 10Gbps |
| 11. Wireless | 802.11ac 802.11a/b/g/n compatible | – Same – | |
| 12. Bluetooth | Bluetooth Ver 5.0 | – Same – | |
| 13. Size and Weight | 7.7-inch-square frame and 1.4- inch thick(height), 2.9 Pounds(1.3 Kg) | Weight varies as per the configuration | |
| 14. In the Box | Power Cord and Mac mini | ||
| 15. Operating System | macOS Mojave with iMovie, GarageBand, Pages, Numbers and Keynote available from the Mac App Store | macOS Mojave | |
| 16. Color | Space Gray | Space Gray | |
| 17. Security | Comes with the new T2 Security chip | – Same – | T2 Security Chip provides Secure boot and Encrypted Storage capability |
Information Source: Apple
Outstanding Power and Performance
The new Mac mini comes with eighth generation 4-core, Intel i3 and 6-cores Intel i5 or i7 processors, which allows the system to offer 5 times better performance. The device has Intel Integrated UHD Graphics 630 which is 60% faster than the previous version. Also, it has a great clock speed with turbo boost up to 4.6 GHz. It has a 2666MHz DDR4 SO-DIMM memory that can be configured up to 64 GB.
The device is powered by macOS Mojave, which is the latest version of Mac’s Operating System. It’s a user friendly operating system, and powerful enough to help them accomplish all their memory intensive tasks.
All these features make the device an ideal choice for users from all backgrounds. It could be used as a personal computer, or for really sophisticated works with sound or graphics, like in the offices and industries. You’ll definitely be surprised with what it can pull off. The device allows the user to multitask and work with massive files at a 7.8 times faster rate, and without worrying about exerting heavy load on the device. As per the testing conducted by Apple in October 2018.
Impressive Storage and Connectivity
Mac Mini comes with an all-flash PCIe-based storage capacity of 128 GB and 256GB SSD, which can support up to 2TB SSD. So, it’s not just capable of storing all your files, but also has a 4 times faster read speed. The device features an impressive 3.4 GB/s sequential read speed. Loading big size files, or launching apps can now be done at great speeds. The device features thermal architecture with all-flash storage, a bigger fan, expanded vents, and a redesigned power supply, which results in 70% more Maximum Sustained Power (MSP), and 2 times increased airflow.
The device has ports such as four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, a single HDMI 2.0 port, a single 10 GB Ethernet port, three USB 3 ports, and a single 3.5 mm headphone jack port. The different ports offered with the device give the user the freedom to connect to various devices, and transfer all kinds of large files and data at a higher bandwidth. The Thunderbolt 3 port is an amazing catch here, as it lets the user transfer data to other devices at a rate of 40 GB/s, and charge them as well, in the process. The port allows Mac mini to be connected with eGPU, and run up to two 4K displays.
Featuring Next-Generation Security and Versatility
The new Mac mini has as custom made 2nd generation silicon Apple T2 Security Chip, which is designed to make the device secured from all threats. The chip combines several controllers into one, and has a Secure Enclave Coprocessor that allows encrypted storage and secure boot capabilities.
The security combined with the number of ports available and its other features makes the device versatile. One unit can be used on its own, or more of it could be connected to work together as a unit. Whether you use it as a server, during live performance, or for visual or digital arts, the practicality of the device is limitless. The new Mac mini is a versatile device altogether.
Range of Built in Apps and Accessibility
The device comes with numerous built in applications such as web browsers, multimedia applications, social media applications, day to day tools, news applications, and so on. So, without even downloading any additional application, the user can still go on with his day to day activities.
Apple is very sensible towards its customers with special needs, and so, the new Mac mini features various accessibility options for people who lack vision, hearing, physical or motor skills. These include VoiceOver, Reduce Motion, Text to Speech, Siri, and Dictation, and so on. With these features, anyone can use the device, and get their work done.
Great Looks, Build and Price
The Mac mini is available in Space Gray color. Its dimensions are 19.7 cm x 19.7 cm x 3.6 cm, and weighs at 2.9 pounds. The device is priced at $799 for 4 core processor and 128 GB storage, and at $1099 for 6 core processor and 256 GB storage. Note that both the versions could be upgraded to higher configurations at an extra price. The package received at this price would include a Mac mini and a power chord. The device comes with 90 days complimentary technical support and one year limited warranty.
The latest in the line of Apple products, i.e. the new Mac mini is definitely is superior one in comparison to its predecessor, the previous version of Apple Mac mini. Apple never fails to amaze its users, and quite similar is the case with this product as well. Such a power within such a small case. Despite its size, it is uncompromising when it comes to performance and versatility. Probably, that’s what makes this device such a hit. If you’re planning to buy an Apple product, or any electronic device this Christmas, you should definitely go for this one.
In case you’ve already bought this product, and would like to share your experiences using it, do so in the comments section at the bottom. Have a great shopping this December!
