New mac mini. The new Mac Mini is five times more powerful than its predecessor. Mac mini price is the most annoying place
According to most analysts, 2017 will be rich in innovation for Apple. Big changes from the "apple" giant this year are expected, as they say, on all fronts. iPad-enabled Smart KeyBoard and the Apple Pencil, the skipping of the iPhone 7S and the release of the G8 in a new design, frameless Macbooks… analysts' assumptions are intriguing and inspiring.
But, unfortunately, assumptions are made mainly about Apple lines that are updated annually, but there is very little information about the same Mac Mini - the computer of the "apple" giant, the last update of which happened back in 2014. What is frustrating is that this is the most affordable and budget Apple computer, and therefore, in a crisis in our country, many are expecting a new Mac in a mini version.
However, if you try hard to collect some information, you can, which we did in this article.
As mentioned above, today Apple Mac Mini 2014 is the “freshest” update of the line of budget “poppies”.
In the most affordable configuration, the device is sold for 40,000 rubles, while the user receives the following characteristics: processor Intel Core i5 (clocked - 1.4 GHz), 4 GB of RAM and 500 GB of ROM. Graphics core - Intel HD Graphics 5000
The "Middle" version will cost 55 thousand rubles, in it, in comparison with the most budgetary version, the amount of RAM and internal memory will double - 8 GB and 1 TB, respectively, the processor and graphics core, of course, will also be cooler - Intel Core i5 with a clock speed of 2.6 GHz and Intel Iris Graphics
And finally, having paid 75,000 rubles for the device, the user will receive an Intel Core i5 with a clock speed of 2.8 GHz, 8 GB of RAM and a built-in storage type Fusion Drive per 1 TB, as well as "g Rafiku - Intel Iris Graphics
Note - for the indicated amounts, the user acquires what we used to call the system unit. But only its appearance in the case of an Apple computer differs from the classic system manager. The Mac Mini is a compact box measuring 197x197x36mm and weighing 1.9kg. The result is something like this mobile computer- you can take it with you - bring / bring it where you need it without any hassle and connect it to any monitor and peripherals.
Of course, someone will say that 40 thousand for system unit- It's not budget. And when compared with the average market price, one cannot but agree with this. But if you compare the cost of a Mac mini with the prices of other desktop PCs, then the first one immediately wants to be called inexpensive. For any other Mac, you will have to pay at least 100 thousand rubles.
Mac Mini: 2017 version
Taking into account the fact that there is a crisis in our country now, and no one loves apples less, the future of the Mac Mini line, at least in Russia, is very promising. However, with all due respect, few people want to buy the 2014 model. Yes, the hardware in Mac mini 2014 is not bad, but still somewhat outdated. On the other hand, even if Apple introduces a Mac Mini 2017 with advanced hardware, will it be possible to keep the price at a budget level? The question is complex and, apparently, the “apple” giant is taking so long to develop this line precisely because it also cannot find a decent answer for it.
Will there be an answer this year? Analysts are not very positive about this.
And while Phil Schiller, Apple's senior senior vice president of marketing, said in January 2017 that the Mac mini is still an important product in the line of devices manufactured by the "apple" giant, most experts and even some insiders say that waiting for a new mini this year is definitely not worth it.
However, there is a minority who believe in the continuation of the line and, moreover, make some predictions about the future innovations of the new Mini, including fast SSD drives, a new bluetooth standard 5.0, ports of the new type USB-C, and in general, of course, a more modern hardware platform.
The rather respected edition of Pike's Universe assures that the dimensions of the new Mini will change, the gadget will no longer be so compact, otherwise, it simply will not be able to fit a stuffing worthy of modern realities. However, it is assumed that the width and length will remain the same, only the height will increase, which is not so critical. The same publication also predicts that the "heart" of the Mac Mini 2017 will be the Kaby Lake processors introduced by Intel earlier this year.
As for the release dates, the forecasts are very vague. Someone bet on the spring of 2017, but lost, the next hope is summer. It is not known, of course, whether we will see a new Mac Mini, but the fact that Apple's line of computers will be updated is absolutely certain, because just recently in an interview, Tim Cook promised that the company would introduce “great new PCs” to the world very soon. And couldn't the Mac Mini be one of those great computers? Well, the answer to this question is not long to wait.
Detailed review of Mac mini 2018.
In 2018, Apple finally decided to update its most affordable computer - Mac mini. The new mini-PC from Apple came out four years after the start of sales of the previous model, which during this time was hopelessly outdated. But, as it turned out, Apple has everything under control. Mac mini 2018, modern, just as compact and inexpensive by Apple standards, is out! In this review, we talked in detail about the Mac mini 2018 and the experience of using the Apple mini computer.
Where to buy Mac mini 2018 at the best price?
Prices for Mac mini 2018 in M.Video
- 91 990 rubles .
Prices for Mac mini 2018 in Svyaznoy
- 66 990 rubles .
- Mac mini 2018 i5/8Gb/256Gb SSD - 89 490 rubles .
Mac mini 2018 prices in re:Store
- Mac mini 2018 i3/8Gb/128Gb SSD - 66 990 rubles .
- Mac mini 2018 i5/8Gb/256Gb SSD - 91 990 rubles .
Equipment
Computers from the Mac mini line have never been famous for their wide configuration. In the case of Mac mini 2018, Apple decided not to make any exceptions. The device comes without any additional accessories. The box contains only the Mac mini itself and the power cable. The keyboard, mouse, display and everything you may need to work will have to be purchased separately.
In addition, the package contains a very common user manual that points out the features of the new Mac mini. Nothing more.
First Impressions
Mac mini 2018 looks about the same as the model from four years ago. The difference is noticeable only in small details - a slightly modified body shape and slightly larger rounding at the corners. But if you put two Mac minis next to each other - old and new - then it will be problematic to distinguish computers from each other. On the other hand, Apple did not need to seriously redesign the Mac mini. The computer looks stylish, modern and traditionally minimalist.
The main changes on the body of the new Mac mini are in the connectors, which is much more important appearance. There are four Thunderbolt 3 connectors on the back of the computer case, two USB-A port, 3.5mm audio output, Ethernet port and HDMI 2.0. Such a wide range of connectors will be enough even for the most demanding users.
All in all, the Mac mini 2018 makes a great first impression. Those who have never used Mac mini will be surprised by the compactness of the body - the dimensions are only 19.7 × 19.7 × 3.6 cm. Users familiar with the line will definitely note the impressive set of connectors. In the last couple of years, Apple has been killing connectors right and left, including in computers. In Mac mini 2018, the company did not sacrifice this for a new design or an ultra-thin body. None of this is needed here.
Specifications for Mac mini 2018
Mac mini 2018 comes in two main configurations. The base, less expensive version is equipped with a quad-core Intel Core i3 processor with clock frequency 3.6 GHz (6 MB cache), 8 GB random access memory DDR4 @ 2666MHz with 128GB flash drive. It is this model that came to us for review.
The more powerful and pricier 2018 Mac mini has a 3GHz six-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz (9MB cache), the same 8GB of RAM and 256GB of flash storage. Both computer models have an identical graphics card - Intel UHD Graphics 630.
It is important to note here that these Mac mini 2018 models are sold on the Russian market. For the US and several other countries around the world, Apple offered the possibility of collecting "custom" computer assemblies. If desired, in such a small box you can put an Intel Core i7 processor, up to 64 GB of RAM and as much as 2 TB of flash memory! Of course, you will have to pay much more for such technical improvements. In the maximum configuration, Mac mini will cost the buyer more than $4,200 or almost 300,000 rubles!
Even in its base configuration with an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, the new Mac mini is perfect for a work machine. The performance of the eighth generation Intel chip is enough to perform any tasks. Do you want to use your Mac mini as a regular home computer, create your own media server with it, or engage in video processing. The power of the hardware will be more than enough.
Upgradable
We reviewed a base 2018 Mac mini with 8GB of RAM. Several days of active use of the computer showed that this volume is enough to perform all our routine tasks. But what if the “RAM” suddenly stops being enough? Buying a new Mac mini?
But no! With Mac Mini 2018, the company has been unexpectedly generous and made it easy for users to update their PC. If desired, the bottom cover of the case can be unscrewed and accessed to the RAM slots. In this regard, updating a computer is not difficult and, best of all, it does not hit your pocket hard.
Moreover, Apple does not prevent owners of Mac mini 2018 from upgrading their computers themselves. Adding more RAM to your Mac will not void your computer's warranty. But it is important to know that if you are replacing an original Apple RAM module, you should keep it - you will need it in order to contact Apple for warranty assistance if necessary.
Unfortunately, you can't install a larger flash drive on the new Mac mini 2018.
Performance Testing
Apple fans around the world have been waiting Mac updates mini 2018 primarily because the previous model is hopelessly outdated in terms of specifications. The new Mac mini in terms of "stuffing" is all right, even when we are talking base model with 8th generation quad-core 3.6GHz Intel Core i3 processor.
In a series of tests in the Geekbench 4 benchmark, the new Mac mini scored an average of 4,765 points in single-core mode and 14,195 points in multi-core mode. By comparison, the most powerful 2012 Mac mini with an Intel Core i7 processor scored 30% less in similar testing. The increase in productivity was significant, which, however, was expected.
In CineBench R15, the new Mac mini 2018 scored 40 frames in the OpenGL test and an average score of 220 in the CPU test.
But what else is new in Mac mini 2018?
Apple not only equipped the Mac mini 2018 with a modern processor and memory. The computer has many other improvements. Initially, the Apple T2 security chip should be noted, which performs a huge number of different functions. The T2 chip provides the computer with secure boot capabilities, on-the-fly data encryption, and hardware-assisted video encoding.
Other latest computers Apple uses the T2 chip to also work with the Touch ID fingerprint scanner and panel touch bar. It is possible that in the foreseeable future Apple will release new model Magic Keyboard, which will have both a fingerprint sensor and Touchpad. In this case new keyboard will fully work with the new Mac mini and will provide computer users with a lot of new opportunities.
Also, Mac mini 2018 is very pleased with the presence of four Thunderbolt 3 ports at once, as on Macbook Pro. This opens up a plethora of options for users, ranging from using external GPUs, ending with the connection of ultra-fast SSD drives. And this is without any restrictions!
The built-in speakers in Mac mini 2018 have also been improved, but we can't call them a major update. The sound of the speakers is not surprising. Bass, of course, no. On the other hand, at least some dynamics.
Mac mini price is the most annoying place
Mac mini impresses with its performance in such a compact size, even when it comes to the base model. But the price of the computer upsets. New Mac mini 2018 immediately became $300 more expensive than the previous generation model, which has not fallen in price over the past four years!
The basic version of Mac mini 2018 in Russia is sold for 68,990 rubles. A more advanced model with a six-core processor and does for 93,990 rubles. Such a high price, no doubt, will scare away many from acquiring a computer. However, it's still the cheapest Mac available today - MacBooks are even more expensive.
Should I take an old Mac mini or is it still a new one?
After the release of Mac mini 2018, some potential computer buyers were disappointed with the price and wondered about buying the previous generation model, which, of course, began to rapidly become cheaper. Our answer - you don't need to buy an old Mac mini 2014! Its characteristics are seriously outdated. They won't let you enjoy the very macOS experience you're looking for. And even more so, the old Mac mini is not suitable for work that requires serious productive resources from the computer.
It is better to save up and get a more expensive Mac mini 2018. The model will remain modern for many years to come.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Mac mini 2018 is a great mini PC that simply doesn't exist. Powerful performance, plenty of connectors, compact minimalist design - all this makes the Mac mini 2018 a truly chic choice. There is only one minus for the novelty - the price. Because of her, the Mac mini 2018 definitely did not become "Apple's computer for everyone."
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Apple finally remembered about the users of their desktop systems. During the last event, she presented not only a new version of the legendary, which at one time changed the portable computer market, creating a fashion for thin and light systems, but also updated for a long time neglected by her Mac Mini, which was still the most inexpensive options for computers from Apple. Why did you have to wait so long?
As Apple CEO Tim Cook pointed out, a pint-sized full-fledged working system is now a reality with the biggest update in Mac Mini history. The format has remained quite familiar - it's still the same square box with rounded edges, but now in a dark gray finish, typical for the entire modern family of Apple computers. The cooling system has been redesigned, doubling the maximum airflow and 70% more continuous power. Aluminium case, as in the case of Macbook Air, made from 100% recycled alloy.
However, the biggest changes are on the inside. The new mini-computer is equipped with a quad- or six-core 8th generation Intel Core processor, can be equipped with SO-DIMM DDR4 @ 2666 MHz memory models up to 64 GB and solid state drive capacity up to 2 TB. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics is 60% more powerful than the previous generation.
The overall productivity, according to the company, increased by 5 times. Unfortunately, in this case we are talking about calculations in Autodesk Maya, where you can really talk about such an increase (albeit with some reservations). In other tasks, the increase is usually noticeably lower - the new MacMini version with a 6-core chip is 2-3 times faster than the old basic 2-core model. But when encoding video in HEVC, the increase can reach 30 times.
Mac Mini, like the new laptop, received a special chip for security and other tasks - Apple T2. T2 chip stores sensitive data and checks if it has been hacked software that runs when the computer boots. It also has an SSD controller that performs online encryption of all data stored on the drive. The always-on processor in the T2 chip allows you to use the "Hey Siri" function for voice requests such as searching for files and launching applications.
On the back of the device are Thunderbolt 3 ports, HDMI, two USB-A and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Thunderbolt 3 allows you to quickly transfer data via USB and Thunderbolt and connect many various devices — external drives, docking stations to increase the number of ports, 5K monitors (4K displays in general, you can connect three), or even external graphics cards to speed up graphics processing.
Mac Mini is designed for people who need a very compact yet powerful system for audio, video editing and other creative tasks. But a few of these little ones, working together, can be even more useful in specific tasks. Therefore, now it is possible to combine dozens of Mac Minis into single system to use this configuration as render servers or farms—for example, instead of Mac Pro.
Preinstalled on computers latest version with features like a dark desktop theme, Stacks, a revamped app store, and more. All this is good, but the cost new system not particularly inspiring: for a starting price of $800, you can only count on a configuration with Core processor i3 @3.6GHz, 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD.
For a 6-core model with a Core i5 @ 3 GHz, 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD, you will have to pay $ 1,100 already. An option with a 10Gb Nbase-T controller will cost an additional $100. Finally, for the maximum configuration with a 6-core 12-thread Intel Core @ 3.2 GHz (Turbo Boost up to 4.6 GHz), 64 GB of RAM and a 2 TB SSD, you will have to pay $4200! It’s better not to think about how much it will cost to create a professional system from dozens of such crumbs. Pre-orders in the US have already begun, with deliveries starting November 7th.
It took fans of Apple's smallest computer just four years of waiting for the company to introduce an updated Mac mini.
Apple has repeatedly stressed that the nettop is very important for the entire ecosystem, so it does not plan to stop its further development.
But something went wrong with the release all the time. And now, four years and 14 days later, Apple has announced the eighth generation of Mac mini.
Well, let's figure out what is interesting about the novelty and what has changed in the new Mac mini.
What is the new Mac mini
Well, the design has remained almost the same. No futurism and some crazy fantasies of enthusiastic designers. Apple decided not to change the classics, so the only thing that looks different from the new Mac mini from the computer released four years ago is the color.
The Mac mini will be available in Space Gray to match the iMac Pro and the updated MacBook Pro.
But the novelty received support from 4-core and up to 6-core Intel processor Core 8th generation. According to Apple, Mac mini has become 5 times faster.
The new processor has replaced the obsolete 4th generation Intel Core i5 with two cores.
Mac mini now supports up to up to 64 GB RAM, against 16 for its predecessor. Of course, the memory speed also increased, amounting to 2666 MHz on the plank.
SSD speed up four times. Now the top Mac mini is equipped with a 2-terabyte SSD-drive.
However, Apple decided to completely move away from the HDD. Even the base Mac mini comes with a 128GB SSD. There is no place for hard drives in new Apple products.
The article is being updated...
Apple rarely cuts the price of its products for no reason. As a rule, this happens immediately after the presentation of a new generation device. But sometimes they allow themselves to provide a permanent discount on certain categories of branded goods for no apparent reason to the user. The discount we're talking about today is for custom Macs, allowing users around the world to build a more advanced PC for themselves at a significantly lower price.
For the first time in the history of the smallest and most affordable Mac, it has not been updated for almost two years. Prior to this, updates happened once a year, a maximum of once every one and a half years. Immediately there was talk of the imminent and imminent elimination of the Mac mini. Familiar? Mac minis introduced on October 16, 2014 were updated on October 30, 2018, four years later. mini dropped below some important level for Apple, but it still paid off.
For the foreseeable future, all Mac computers will switch to processors of their own production, analyst Ming Chi-Kuo believes. The grand transition should take place as early as 2020. According to rumors, portable solutions will first switch to ARM chips - MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Without a doubt, the transition from x86 to a "mobile" architecture will cause some compatibility issues. But in the long run, this decision is the only right one.
It's no secret that Apple has been working on for a long time, in which new Mac computers will have to receive branded mobile processors. Obviously, many users are interested in how such chips will perform in different usage scenarios. Will they be productive enough to handle the most complex projects?
In June 2010, Mac mini prices started at $699, contrary to tradition - and speed was sacrificed graphics performance. Now everything has changed, in the year of Thunderbolt and unearthly love between Apple and Intel, one could not think about such trifles as a “special price” (Apple bought Core and Core 2 for almost a third of the price). I heard that the conditions under which Apple bought were supposedly even more profitable ...
Many users use external monitors for work: these are the owners of desktop Mac Mini, Mac Pro, and more portable solutions - MacBook Pro and MacBook. Everything would be fine, if not for one thing - the last time Apple updated its branded monitor in 2011. True, if rumors are to be believed, Apple is already working on a new generation.