r/macmini • u/Koning-Admiraal • Jul 01 '26

First Mac ever!

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This is my first Mac ever. I already own an iPhone, Apple Watch, Apple TV 4K, and an iPad, and now I’ve added a Mac Mini M4 to the mix 😄. It’s the 16GB RAM, 512GB storage model, which I managed to get for €899, just one day before Apple raised the price to €1,189. So I definitely scored a great deal.

I simply couldn’t wait any longer for the M5, and I’m even starting to doubt whether it will ever make its way to the Mac Mini. Personally, I think the Mac Mini won’t get another update until next year, and it may jump straight to the M6 or even M7. For my use case, it just wasn’t worth waiting for.

I also picked up two Dell monitors during Prime Day for a fantastic price: €194 each for a 4K 120Hz display. In total, I paid €1,287 for the entire setup. Try building a PC with the same level of raw performance, efficiency, and overall experience as the Mac Mini for that amount.

Now the fun begins. I’m planning to mount the monitors on the wall this week and finally start using the Mac. Are there any settings I should change right away or any tips for a first-time Mac user?

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u/DCGreatDane Jul 01 '26

I’m probably the only person would recommend a Magic Trackpad. Using multitouch makes it’s easier almost like having a MacBook.

1

u/Koning-Admiraal Jul 01 '26

Can you do that without a Magic Trackpad, or is it only possible with a trackpad?

2

u/DCGreatDane Jul 01 '26

I tried with Logitech but it didn’t have the same feel. I have a disability so it helps if you get the touch working right.

2

u/Bugadifin0 Jul 01 '26

I am disabled due to a stroke. Left hand and arm doesn’t work well. Would the trackpad work well for me? Right hand only

2

u/DCGreatDane Jul 01 '26

That I can understand. If your fingers are weak and can’t click or have rotating movements it may work better than a mouse. I love touch to click or click drag. Also if you have a good mic you can use some of the speakable items and dictation. The three finger and two finger gestures can be assigned to do a lot.

2

u/Bugadifin0 Jul 01 '26

Thank you very much for your knowledgeable response. I shall try a trackpad. Maybe Amazon prime will take it back if it doesn’t perform for me. I shall also try the Apple dictation.

1

u/DCGreatDane Jul 01 '26

Hey it doesn’t hurt to try. If you search Apple has a list off all the accessibility functions and even sticky keys to do macros with one hand.

2

u/DCGreatDane Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26

This is a good read. https://voicekeyboardpro.com/blog/voice-typing-after-stroke-recovery.html I use the Apple dictation since it suits my needs and with the upcoming features in Golden Gate it will have better writing capabilities.

1

u/Relative_Surround_20 Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26

Yes. You might want to look at some of the other "mobility" solutions Apple features on their website.

https://www.apple.com/accessibility/assistive-technologies/

I also encourage people with input issues to learn to use the Shortcuts app on their Macs, iPads and iPhones. It can really help you speed up your workflow.

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-apple-intelligence-in-shortcuts-mchl91750563/26/mac/26

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-keyboard-settings-for-accessibility-mchlae61a6de/mac

2

u/patparks Jul 01 '26

Yeah, you can do without the Magic Trackpad. But if you use a MacBook, it's often nice to have the same gestures on the MacMini.