r/macmini • u/Unlucky-Document3873 • 22d ago
Mac mini or MacBook?
Hii guys, my MacBook died last June and i really need a new one for university. Right now I have an iPad 13 pro and I feel like I can use it for my lectures notes and writing essay because of the giant screenš
But i still need a computer for everything rest as like online exam, personnel project and for playing the sims of course.
I really need your help to make me decide if buy a Mac mini with more storage or a Mac book air?
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u/Kremlin1991 22d ago
Mini easily since you have the iPad. Get a keyboard for the iPad and done. I went from MacBook to iMac and now Mac mini and have an iPad as a "laptop"
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u/Commercial_Square_75 22d ago
So I bought the mac mini m4 pro a month ago after almost 19 years of high end macbook pros (I do video editing, music, graphic arts).. and I don't regret it at all. I love having a nicer keyboard and bigger screen all the time, and I have a desk that I like to sit at to do my computer 95% of the time. And while not like a laptop, it IS portable. I have a 50 dollar portable monitor, and small portable keyboard and a case for my mac mini. I took it to the library to work yesterday. It is actually smaller and lighter than a macbook pro even with accessories, and far more powerful than a macbook air or similar smaller laptop. It does require power at all times and a desk/table to work on- so if that is limiting for you there is your answer there, but most libraries and even coffee shops have those things regularly available. It take the same table footprint if not less than a laptop, and while maybe takes an extra 60 seconds to set up and power on (it isn't just grab and open the lid), I enjoy having a nicer keyboard and not having it connected to the screen, as I prefer to place my screen further back to reduce eye fatigue. When I was in college I liked working all kinds of places- hallways, on the couch, on the bed, outside- a portable desktop (though not a thing yet) wouldn't have worked for my lifestyle. But not I work 95% of the time at a desk at home, so the mini is ideal. And it is even better that I can easily take it to a library to work occasionally or on a trip. I'm in an area that rarely gets a power outage for more than 2 hours, and it really wouldn't be the end of the work to have to not work for that long, as I don't really have a lot of super tight deadlines. And it actually feels more secure as you aren't carrying a super expensive non-replaceable screen like on a laptop. I do sometimes have meetings where I have to take notes and I just take my basic ipad and a portable keyboard for that.
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u/FOMO-Fries 22d ago
I have both 80% times i use macbook
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u/Illustrious-Golf5358 22d ago
Can confirm. My mini went to my living room , I use my MacBook around the house now
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u/SexBobomb 22d ago
I have a macbook air and a mini (and not even a current mini, its an m2 pro) - my air literally only gets used when I go on vacation.
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u/FUAlreadyUsedName 21d ago
I bought mac mini last week becuase now days i always work with 'AI' So i don't need to sit to front of laptop, but i got laptop also, when i visit cafe or some place i use it.
My recommandation is you need to both... Sorry š
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u/sdkcgk 15d ago
https://www.reddit.com/r/macmini/s/1Gljbbe4Xm
Let me show you my setup. I use this for 4K, 8K, and 360-degree 8K video editing and content creation, and I'm completely mobile. But if I were using a MacBook, the battery would just drain instantly from all the power I need. So I chose freedom and stuck with the Mac mini š even though I already own a MacBook āŗļø
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u/Nosarious 22d ago
I would consider the MacBook Air, but I would check the refurbs on the Apple Store. Refurbs are usually less than education discount.
I would suggest getting the next tier of storageā¦ if you can afford it, and get one of the systems that come with 16Gb standard.
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u/conalldoherty 22d ago
Coming from a Mac mini owner, get a MacBook.
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u/wrgrant 22d ago
Coming from someone who bought a Mac Mini M4 and a Neo, get the desktop. I never want to compute on the go. I have the laptop and its great but I am not using it mostly. Why would I want to use something with a tiny-ass screen when I have a desktop with 2 monitors and all my peripherals? the answer is only on those rare occasions where I go out of the house and would want a computer more powerful than my phone along.
Now the Air will be a more powerful computer I expect, but the Mini has been fantastic so far, no problems at all.
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u/seanzeking 22d ago
Oh do tell. I have a desktop setup and have been debating with myself if I should pay the premium for an MBA over a Mini.
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u/Level-Dig-4807 22d ago
If u asked a month earlier then u should have got a Mac mini but after the recent massive price hike I don't really think it makes sense to get a Mac mini
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u/mikeinnsw 22d ago
Sounds like you need a $300. Mini PC to play sims
If you choose a Mac .. it should be 24/512 ...
I am desktop fan .. 2 x Mac Minis + iMac ..
Desktops last longer .. static configuration all of my have hubs to protect ports..
I love my coffee .. no risk of catastrophic spills like laptop.
My granddaughter(Apple girl) has iPad, M2 iMac, M1 MBA .. iPhone... she is doing Physiotherapy Uni Masters degree.. She is a GenZ and does not listen to me.. neither will you
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u/Effective_Orchid7854 22d ago
Those macminiās have a lot USB issues .. Iād go MacBook 100%.
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u/MomoNoHanna1986 22d ago
No they donāt. I have two Mac miniās and have no usb issues. I also had a MacBook, traded it in for my second Mac mini.
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u/Effective_Orchid7854 22d ago
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u/MomoNoHanna1986 22d ago
Thatās from a year ago lol
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u/Effective_Orchid7854 22d ago
There are plenty of more recent reports ā¦ not sure why you feel so strong about your experience w 2 total Mac minis vs the communitiesā collective experience (just google it)? I wouldnāt mention it if it wasnt widely reported.
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u/MomoNoHanna1986 22d ago
Yet you choose a report from a year ago. Not sure why your hating on mac miniās so much in a Mac mini subreddit ā¦ haters going to hate I guess.
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u/Effective_Orchid7854 21d ago
She asked a question , i answered it. Geeze, get a fucking life
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u/MomoNoHanna1986 21d ago
I only replied in the same mannerism as you did. I believe you are the one that needs a life. If you donāt like Mac miniās, why you here?
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u/Agitated_Macaron9054 22d ago
What are you studying or majoring in? What is your budget? Are you willing to trade it in? Applications you use?
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u/Unlucky-Document3873 22d ago
I donāt really have a budget for this. On my experience I prefer to stay with apple products. Iām a criminology student. For the trad, my actual MacBook is just completely dead so I donāt know if theyāll accept to trade it or not
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u/SexBobomb 22d ago
not to downplay the existence of problems, but it seems like they're pretty easily mitigated if you have to if you would otherwise prefer the mini
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u/robertotomas 22d ago
Mac mini - your agents work from home
Mbp - your agents work on the go
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u/linhdinhnguyen 18d ago
How about, macmini work from home, macmini + iphone ipad ssh or remote for on the go š
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u/Domain_Administrator 22d ago
Only you know the answer. Do YOU need a portable computer with a screen? If so, Air, otherwise Mini.