“Mac mini” and “MacBook Pro”Is a very versatile personal computer aimed at various users.
One is a laptop and the other is a small desktop computer. Portable, the Mac mini is currently the cheapest Mac, and the MacBook Pro is the most popular laptop.
This time, let’s compare the two in detail so that you can see which one suits you best.
1. Hardware and performance
First, let’s take a look inside the computer.
Today’s Mac mini and MacBook Pro features feature the highly acclaimed 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU M1 chip. Both standard configurations are the same 8GB of Unified Memory (RAM) and 256GB of SSD storage.
If you really want the maximum customizationYou can increase RAM up to 16GB and storage up to 2TB.
Since the MacBook Pro is a laptop computer, it is a display equipped with IPS technology that supports a wide color gamut (P3). Of course, it also has a built-in camera for FaceTime video calls.
There is nothing special to say about performance. Both have the same hardware, so performance doesn’t change when used for video editing, music production, or other heavy-duty tasks.
Overall, the performance is the same, and thanks to all the improvements Apple Silicon has brought, it’s far superior to its predecessor.
2. Portability and size comparison
The MacBook Pro is similar in size to any other laptop, so there’s nothing special to say here. on the other hand,The Mac mini is the smallest desktop computer Mac you can buy today.
Surprisingly, the Mac mini has a much smaller ground contact area than the MacBook Pro, making it easier to carry. However, it must be remembered that you need a display and peripherals such as a keyboard and mouse to actually use it.
The MacBook Pro is more ideal as a mobile computer because it can be used without external peripherals. Plus, the efficiency of the M1 chip allows the MacBook Pro to browse the web for up to 17 hours without being plugged into an electrical outlet.
3. Ports and connectivity
Unfortunately,Apple has two M1 chip MacBook Pro USB-CsIs limited to.
These ports are lined up next to each other, so if you insert a wide USB drive into one, it may block the other port.
If you need more ports, you’ll have to compromise with an older Intel-based Thunderbolt 3 ported 16-inch MacBook Pro.
But if you want a workaround, you can use a USB dongle to connect to any M1 MacBook Pro.
In this area, the Mac mini will be the winner. The Mac mini has many ports for its size, with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a Gigabit Ethernet port on the back.
You won’t need an adapter to connect a USB device to your Mac mini.
For connectivity options, all M1 Macs support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
4. Other functions
Since the MacBook Pro is a laptop, it’s packed with features not found on the Mac mini.
First, the MacBook Pro has Touch ID, which makes it easy to log in.
In addition, the Touch Bar will display buttons related to the app you are using. Don’t forget that it has a webcam that works with FaceTime.
The Mac mini is better than the MacBook Pro in terms of port selection, but it doesn’t give you a complete experience with macOS.
If you’re interested in Touch ID, be aware that Apple has a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID that comes with the M1 iMac. You can also use Touch ID on your Mac mini.
5. Price
In the end, many people think that the price is the decisive factor. That said, the two Macs aren’t the same product, so they can’t be simply compared.
The basic model of the M1 MacBook Pro with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs 148,280 yen (tax included). The M1 Mac mini with the same specs costs 79,800 yen (tax included), which is close to half the price of a MacBook Pro.
Before you’re happy with the bran, make sure you understand what you can get at this price. With a Mac mini, you only get the hardware you need to run macOS.
Monitors, keyboards, mice, trackpads, etc. must be purchased separately. If you add all these peripherals, the total price will increase by tens of thousands of yen.
Buy a MacBook Pro and you’ll get a Mac with everything you need out of the box. You don’t have to buy any peripherals.
Plus, the M1 MacBook Pro can be used all day long without being plugged in, if needed.
Original Article: Mac mini vs. MacBook Pro: Which Should You Choose? by MakeUseOf
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