M4 Mac mini Buyer's Guide - Don't Make these 8 Mistakes!

Apple's M4 Mac mini is CONFUSING, so here are 8 Mistakes to Avoid, as well as our Buyer's Guide!

Timestamps ⬇️
M4 Mac mini Buyer's Guide - 00:00
Mistake #1 - 0:22
Mistake #2 - 1:01
Mistake #3 - 1:39
Mistake #4 - 2:06
Mistake #5 - 2:34
Mistake #6 - 3:26
Mistake #7 - 4:57
Mistake #8 - 5:30
Who Should Buy M4 Mac mini? - 6:19
Who Should Buy M4 Pro? - 7:28
Do you need Graphics Power? - 8:25

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[Wwjoey]

Your first recommendation made me want to close this video

[michawilke]

To long didn‘t watch:
Mistake No. 1: Don‘t buy the 256 GB storage base model. Full storage slows down the machine. [imo: bad advice]
Mistake No. 2: Don‘t think you need to take the Pro model. Base model as fast as previous M3 Pro. Only if you need pro GPU performance.
Mistake No. 3: Don‘t feel you need to max it out to 64 GB of RAM. 32 GB are enough even for some video editing.
Mistake No. 4: The power button on the downside should not stop you buying, it‘s not a big deal.
Mistake No. 5: If you‘re only upgrading because of the thunderbolt 5 ports, stop and think about how much it matters. Data connections are only 80 not 120 Gbps and thunderbolt 5 accessories are rare (2024-11-01)
Mistake No. 6: If you need real fast graphics performance you do should buy something else. Graphics performance of base model m4 is weaker than cpu performance, relatively to max or ultra m chips.
Mistake No. 7: Headphone jack in front isn’t bad at all, it is really convenient for video editing or music tasks.
Mistake No. 8: Don‘t forget that mac mini comes without accessories. Magic mouse and apple keyboard cost you 200 $ extra [imo: I‘d use cheaper stuff] and you‘ll still need a display.

[marciobarbato]

I find it always amazing that the reviewers always think everyone is a video or photo editor lol

[djross]

256GB is NOT too little storage if your needs are modest. I've been using 256GB laptops for years, both on the Windows and Mac sides, and have never had an issue. Between cloud storage and external SSDs, spending $200 for an extra 256GB is crazy (for me). Caveat: I'm a home user and NOT a video editor or prolific photographer. Of course those folks might need more, but to me the very best Mac Mini model for value is the base model.

[Boogieb]

How can this guy recommend spending an additional $200 on 256GB of storage with a straight face

[Juanzla]

I have an m1 macbook pro 14” base model and do a lot of video editing on davinci, i kinda want to get into 3D rendering, would the base m4 mini be able to handle that work flow or should I go with the m4 pro chip and upgrade to the higher gpu/cpu

[robertallen]

I currently have an Intel-based iMac (2017) and ordered the Mac mini M4 Pro to replace it. I went with the standard 24GB of RAM, but upgraded to the 1TB internal storage option. In anticipation of the new Mac mini release, I looked for (and found) a used Apple Studio monitor for just under $1k. I'm looking forward to getting the new machine next week! Thanks for this video.

[Verpal]

Wait, why can't I buy 256GB base model and use the $200 saved to buy external storage? Apps can be install in external storage completely fine, 256GB can fit system, couple of often use app + ram swap and still have storage left.

[MohamedAmirios]

Paying 200$ for an extra 256GB, madness !
Buy an external SSD guys and don't listen to him !

[juangaortiz]

Which one is good for maya? And can I hook up an external hard drive?

[RodParmenter]

Is there a recommended affordable 27" display that people are using with the Mac Mini M4, 4k and at least 120Hz? LG vs ASUS vs Dell, etc.

[zeetrain]

Can you recommend a good monitor for this, one good for vidoe and photos? Thanks

[nick]

You can buy an external SSD if you need more than 256GB. Thunderbolt 4 is plenty fast and the vast majority of Apps and all of your data can be stored on it. Maybe it’s not quite as fast as the internal storage but then if you are in the market for a $599 Mac Mini do you really care?

[ChaseMusic]

Will M4 Pro Mac Mini with 64GB Ram and 2TB ssd be enough for daily photo, video editing, audio mixing and maybe blender for example? Im thinking if this is better than buying second hand M2 Ultra 64GB is am with 1 TB ssd. Please advise. TIA

[chriscich]

Unless you’re making money on your Art and Music… just buy the base model and get a thunderbolt compatible SSD. There is no reason to spend $200 on 500Gb internal.

[DTUFINOPhotography]

looking to get a 24gig - 1tb mac mini with M4pro to replaced my outdated Imac 27inch... i just do some editing and come fcpx stuff. mostly photo editing using photoshop and lightroom and normal web browsing! Would that be enough for me?

[gokart]

Sorry but mistake number 1.... paying the Apple upgrade tax. The base model with EDU pricing is $499. I just pre-ordered it and I brought a Crucial 4TB Pcie gen 4 for $250 and a thunderbolt 4 enclosure for $100. So for $850 I have a M4 Mac mini with 4TB. Apple will charge you $750 just to upgrade to a 2TB.... sorry but no way!

[ferraphotography]

Very good video, which Mac mini do you recommend? I take large format photos with a high resolution camera. Which Mac mini do you recommend?

[btk]

"Upgrade to an iMac" (?) because the Mac Mini doesn't have a mouse, keyboard, or monitor (?) - That's probably the worst advice ever -- How about go online and buy a Logitech mouse for $20, a Macally keyboard for $39, and a 27" monitor for $100 . . . just saying

[kidsokol]

Hi, I need recommendation for which configuration of the Mini will best suit my needs as a concept painter using Photoshop. My current work conditions are: 2 external monitors, 1 Cintiq tablet in 1080P, 1 in 4K 27" display and my 5K iMac as the main display. At least 10 youtube tabs open, zoom and multiple Photoshop documents open at all times around 5. The Files average 100 mbs. Finally, viewing 3d models in FBX Preview for visual reference only. My 27" imac 7700K, Pro 580, 32GB ram, 512SSD chugs and is loud and hot. Cheers.