As much as I love the ingenuity here, this seems like a classic example of over engineering a solution to a problem that doesn’t really exist. If you’re constantly working on the go, just get a laptop, that’s literally what they’re made for. Everything is built into one package. Plus a huge downside here is you need to be plugged into a wall with an AC plug. I really don’t see why anyone should realistically do this. I could also bring my iMac with me to the coffee shop, but that would be ridiculous. Just because you can do this, doesn’t mean you should.
occasionally i would use it with my ipad as display through DUET app and the magic keyboard on my ipad will work as keyboard and trackpad. No extra bulky keyboard, monitor and mouse. It's the best combo portable desktop.
@@yvliew yeah that makes sense, I use a similar app called screens to remote control my desktop at home with my iPad if I really need a file or something
@@oliverniehaus7159 very well put, ironically it would be far more practical to just take an M series iMac and use a keyboard/mouse (or trackpad) with you, since iMac has everything built in. You can have one of those iMac travel cases with you even. But ofc a laptop is just the obvious solution.
Nice portable setup for when a laptop is not practical for whatever reason. I can see this for people that run events and need to bring lots of computers with them.
@@oliverniehaus7159 if you you have an IPad or tablet. Just use a capture card and plug the computer somewhere. Also they make small keyboard and mouse package. I have one from Logitech.
this is one of those "try it before you voice your opinion" cases. I have (3) 3K 16:10 OLED portable monitors that I can mount on any table or desk. a mechanical keyboard, mouse, trackpad, Airpods Max, and Mac Mini. Throw in a portable battery bank and I have a completely portable work station that is just as comparable to my 49" super ultrawide monitor setup. Those who use a mechanical keyboard know about the wasted desk space when you have macbook with a keyboard and your mechanical keyboard trying to occupy the same limited space.
I love this idea. After using macbooks for so many years I look forward decoupling my screens and keyboard and cpu. I want to replace them whenever I want, which I cant do easily on macbook.
@@dunforgetYT this is what the "just get a laptop" ppl seem to not understand. After recently having my screen cracked, I realized that siloing all of the components makes more sense for me. My workflows shouldn't suffer just because of a busted screen.
For someone who spends 95% time at home working in one room. This make sense for the very occasional trip for an event. I would use my iPad as the external display with and hdmi capture card. All else is good
I plan to create a similar set up to use with my Vision Pro... A message to the "just get a laptop" folks: Mine is a niche use case and am not expecting everyone to need or even understand it, but here it goes. I currently use an M1 MacBook Air. Within the last 6 months, I have switched to using a lily58 split ergo linear keyboard. it is a much more comfortable and faster typing experience for me and since learning it, its hard for me to go back to the laptop keyboard. I already use the Vision Pro for virtual display primarily and carry a Magic Trackpad with me. I also already have a travel external monitor. And everywhere I use my laptop, I have access to power outlets... So, if I'm already using a different keyboard and an AVP for virtual display, the mac mini is a much more affordable and just as portable option to upgraded my m1 MacBook compared to an M4 MacBook Pro. If you don't understand that, it isn't for you, and that's fine, but for the (very) small group that it does make sense to, this form factor:Power:Price dynamic is absolutely clutch!
99% of the time I want to use my iPad over my MacBook at home and while traveling. This Mac Mini seems compelling since I can take it to the hotel or a friend’s place, and I can use it full time at home.
Can you use an iPad wirelessly as the screen here? That seems like a more versatile solution and would give you something faster to pull out if necessary. The other thought I’ve had about the new mini for road warriors is, could you use it with a Vision Pro as the monitor? As a hotel room setup that seems like it would be awesome.
Not sure id use it as a travel travel ‘puter but would consider taking it to work and plugging into the usb-c Kensington hubs occasionally. I really do wish these had been designed to accept power over USB-c like the MacBooks. Then no need to take a power cable
Replacing the monitor with another one with battery included and using a powerful power bank should be possible use it without the need to outside energy, as a notebook, despite the total space occupied remain bigger.
I am currently using (3) of them with a Mac Mini. They are excellent. 14" is too small. 16" is as small as I'd want to go for portable monitors. 18" would be the perfect size actually.
@@ilmeridionaleitalian yeah but there is no m4 air yet. Also why would you choose an m3 with 8 cores and 8gb ram over the m4? Air would be for light tasks anyway.
This use to one of my favorite tech channels but recently it seems like it’s just turned into nothing but advertising. In every other video Fernando is trying to sell us the same accessories over and over. Those affiliate links must pay well.
Indeed I agree with you. This is concerning, If he had shown this in 1985 I'd be impressed, but now I would question buying any accessory shown here because any company willing to associate themselves with this type of video is showing a sheer lack of awareness and that puts into question the quality of their products. I am in shock at how absurd the whole thing is.
The small size of the mini makes this possible. I too have had the same idea because I already have a portable monitor, folding keyboard and mouse. But there’s no advantage of this setup at all including cpu power. In fact the biggest disadvantage is that you need an electric outlet to use your setup, unlike the MacBook Air that has a built in battery. This was something done in the past when laptop CPUs were nowhere near as powerful as desktops. There were gaming parties where people used to wheel their desktop computers to these events. It seems pretty quaint and antiquated now. That’s changed with the M series MacBooks (Air and Pro). So, your video seems like something from the past. A time capsule!
when you use the macbook and a mechanical keyboard or other keyboard, you essentially have (2) keyboards occupying the same limited table space. with macbooks, it has one display. with a mac mini and portable monitors, I have (3) displays.
how many displays does a laptop have? 1. how many displays can I use with a mac mini? (3) 16" 16:10 3K OLED 120hz portable monitors. if I prefer using a mechanical keyboard, how many keyboards will be on the table if I use a laptop? 2 if I use a mac Mini? 1
I wonder the same, but I think this makes the case for using a Mac Mini in hotels. It's not going to break the bank, it's not much of a hassle to take it along and you get a lot of power. I can take this setup and my M2 MacBook Air.
@@briancrink-tech I just retired a month ago, and I spent over 24 years traveling (car and airplane) with computers. My opinion was based on prior experience :)
There are several "laptop setup" problems. First, a laptop is not ergonomic at all. Second, those who use mechanical keyboards with their laptops know that the laptop's integrated keyboard uses critical and limited table space. having the laptop's keyboard is useless if I prefer the experience of a mechanical keyboard. Third, if you have experienced a super ultrawide monitor or a multi-monitor setup before, it is really difficult to maintain the same workflow when you only have (1) monitor. With ultra-slim portable monitors, I can carry (3) portable monitors with me and it takes up the same space as one macbook and an ipad.
@@9to5Mac buy (3) UPerfect's 3K OLED 16:10 portable monitors. Place them in the X-wing orientation. left monitor - vertical orientation, middle monitor - landscape, right monitor - vertical orientation. mount the portable monitors on folding portable monitor stands. For peripherals, Magic Trackpad on the left side, mechnical keyboard in the middle, logitech mx3 on the right. Airpods Max for headphones. Use (3) 3' Thunderbolt 4/5 cables to connect the (3) portable monitors to the (3) rear ports on the Mac Mini. The front (2) usb-c ports can be for external drives or charging peripherals. This is my setup. It is comparable to the experience of my 49" super ultrawide monitor desk setup at home.
No. I have an iPad Pro with magic keyboard for when I travel and it’s my on stage chart and lyric computer as well. I bought an M4 Mac Mini for my home music studio because I just wanted it always on and ready to use without the hassle of connecting and disconnecting a laptop all the time. My Mac Mini doesn’t need to go anywhere!
No. Get a laptop. It’s not ideal to travel with. You don’t need to simp apple every time. They should have put the power supply outside and allowed usb c charging to be travel friendly at least with a decent power bank or other wise a decent battery inside rather than PS. Btw irrelevant title as well.
understood. but, he said this for people who have this m4 mini mac. And yes, you do need AC, so okay for people going to WeWork or any of those work spaces. There would be less heat if the ac/dc brick was external.
your opinion is flawed for several reasons. One, most macbook users at coffee shops are plugged into A/C power anyway. Two, portable battery banks are inexpensive, provide more watt hours, and can fit in my bag just the same. Three, the Mac Mini essentially acts as a powered USB-C hub for peripherals, simplifying cable management instead of using several outlets for each device. One power cable -> AC wall outlet or battery bank. Mac Mini Thunderbolt 4/5 port -> USB-C cable -> portable monitor Mac Mini Thunderbolt 4/5 port -> USB-C Cable -> peripherals for charging
As much as I love the ingenuity here, this seems like a classic example of over engineering a solution to a problem that doesn’t really exist. If you’re constantly working on the go, just get a laptop, that’s literally what they’re made for. Everything is built into one package. Plus a huge downside here is you need to be plugged into a wall with an AC plug. I really don’t see why anyone should realistically do this. I could also bring my iMac with me to the coffee shop, but that would be ridiculous. Just because you can do this, doesn’t mean you should.
This!
occasionally i would use it with my ipad as display through DUET app and the magic keyboard on my ipad will work as keyboard and trackpad. No extra bulky keyboard, monitor and mouse. It's the best combo portable desktop.
@@yvliew yeah that makes sense, I use a similar app called screens to remote control my desktop at home with my iPad if I really need a file or something
yep, youll be spending more in monitors an accesories... just get a macbook pro
@@oliverniehaus7159 very well put, ironically it would be far more practical to just take an M series iMac and use a keyboard/mouse (or trackpad) with you, since iMac has everything built in. You can have one of those iMac travel cases with you even. But ofc a laptop is just the obvious solution.
Makes sense if you mainly need a desktop but have an occasional need for portability.
Nice portable setup for when a laptop is not practical for whatever reason. I can see this for people that run events and need to bring lots of computers with them.
In what situation would this be more practical than a laptop?
@@oliverniehaus7159 if you you have an IPad or tablet. Just use a capture card and plug the computer somewhere. Also they make small keyboard and mouse package. I have one from Logitech.
this is one of those "try it before you voice your opinion" cases. I have (3) 3K 16:10 OLED portable monitors that I can mount on any table or desk. a mechanical keyboard, mouse, trackpad, Airpods Max, and Mac Mini. Throw in a portable battery bank and I have a completely portable work station that is just as comparable to my 49" super ultrawide monitor setup. Those who use a mechanical keyboard know about the wasted desk space when you have macbook with a keyboard and your mechanical keyboard trying to occupy the same limited space.
I love this idea. After using macbooks for so many years I look forward decoupling my screens and keyboard and cpu. I want to replace them whenever I want, which I cant do easily on macbook.
@@dunforgetYT this is what the "just get a laptop" ppl seem to not understand. After recently having my screen cracked, I realized that siloing all of the components makes more sense for me. My workflows shouldn't suffer just because of a busted screen.
3:38 | You should have chosen the ViewSonic VX1655 4K OLED Portable Monitor.
4:40 | What is the purple cable shown in this shot?
For someone who spends 95% time at home working in one room. This make sense for the very occasional trip for an event. I would use my iPad as the external display with and hdmi capture card. All else is good
iPad Pro + Orion app + folding keyboard / trackpad
I plan to create a similar set up to use with my Vision Pro... A message to the "just get a laptop" folks: Mine is a niche use case and am not expecting everyone to need or even understand it, but here it goes. I currently use an M1 MacBook Air. Within the last 6 months, I have switched to using a lily58 split ergo linear keyboard. it is a much more comfortable and faster typing experience for me and since learning it, its hard for me to go back to the laptop keyboard. I already use the Vision Pro for virtual display primarily and carry a Magic Trackpad with me. I also already have a travel external monitor. And everywhere I use my laptop, I have access to power outlets... So, if I'm already using a different keyboard and an AVP for virtual display, the mac mini is a much more affordable and just as portable option to upgraded my m1 MacBook compared to an M4 MacBook Pro. If you don't understand that, it isn't for you, and that's fine, but for the (very) small group that it does make sense to, this form factor:Power:Price dynamic is absolutely clutch!
99% of the time I want to use my iPad over my MacBook at home and while traveling. This Mac Mini seems compelling since I can take it to the hotel or a friend’s place, and I can use it full time at home.
This is for workers when 1 or 2 days a week you are required to go to the office
Could you use an iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard hooked up to the Mini?
that is the question no youtuber seems to be able to answer 🤔
@jz4492 Are you going to use the iPad pro as a monitor? I don’t think so.
iPad Keyboard doesn’t work on Mac
Can you use an iPad wirelessly as the screen here? That seems like a more versatile solution and would give you something faster to pull out if necessary. The other thought I’ve had about the new mini for road warriors is, could you use it with a Vision Pro as the monitor? As a hotel room setup that seems like it would be awesome.
Mac mini can connect to power bank?
Not sure id use it as a travel travel ‘puter but would consider taking it to work and plugging into the usb-c Kensington hubs occasionally. I really do wish these had been designed to accept power over USB-c like the MacBooks. Then no need to take a power cable
thank you so much for the video, it would be great if we have a solutions that mac mini have a battery at least maybe for 2-4 hours
10000mah power bank will be dry out very soon, even it’s Mac mini ?
What about portable ac outlet for long train trips we have in the UK?
One place it would easily travel well is in an EV. I can’t think of any reason you’d want to but my Ioniq 6 has a mains socket
Replacing the monitor with another one with battery included and using a powerful power bank should be possible use it without the need to outside energy, as a notebook, despite the total space occupied remain bigger.
The new UPerfect 16” 3k 120hz OLED 16:10 screens may be better for some. Hoping for the same specs in a 14” comes out soon.
I am currently using (3) of them with a Mac Mini. They are excellent. 14" is too small. 16" is as small as I'd want to go for portable monitors. 18" would be the perfect size actually.
I do love this idea. The issue is a MacBook Air even M3 is cheaper and more portable than this whole setup
@@ilmeridionaleitalian yeah but there is no m4 air yet. Also why would you choose an m3 with 8 cores and 8gb ram over the m4?
Air would be for light tasks anyway.
I travel with the Studio. The mini can’t handle what I do after all it is a mini 😂
This use to one of my favorite tech channels but recently it seems like it’s just turned into nothing but advertising. In every other video Fernando is trying to sell us the same accessories over and over. Those affiliate links must pay well.
Indeed I agree with you. This is concerning, If he had shown this in 1985 I'd be impressed, but now I would question buying any accessory shown here because any company willing to associate themselves with this type of video is showing a sheer lack of awareness and that puts into question the quality of their products. I am in shock at how absurd the whole thing is.
It’s almost like people are trying to get paid for their time and effort.
Affiliate links for anyone or any entity with a following usually do well. Affiliate marketing is an entire business model.
@@j.sauer.photo_ There's trying t make a living and then there is this.
What kind cable do you recommend if dont have usb c monitor do you recommend hdmi cable for a tv. Cable
The small size of the mini makes this possible.
I too have had the same idea because I already have a portable monitor, folding keyboard and mouse.
But there’s no advantage of this setup at all including cpu power.
In fact the biggest disadvantage is that you need an electric outlet to use your setup, unlike the MacBook Air that has a built in battery.
This was something done in the past when laptop CPUs were nowhere near as powerful as desktops.
There were gaming parties where people used to wheel their desktop computers to these events. It seems pretty quaint and antiquated now.
That’s changed with the M series MacBooks (Air and Pro).
So, your video seems like something from the past. A time capsule!
when you use the macbook and a mechanical keyboard or other keyboard, you essentially have (2) keyboards occupying the same limited table space. with macbooks, it has one display. with a mac mini and portable monitors, I have (3) displays.
Umm.. Your macbook is gonna need a power outlet too bro
My goodness, you look SO handsome with that hair style. 🤤 Honestly. I’m a fan. 🥰
If only Apple did like portable laptops, wouldn't that be a dream?
not everyone can afford a macbook tho
how many displays does a laptop have? 1.
how many displays can I use with a mac mini? (3) 16" 16:10 3K OLED 120hz portable monitors.
if I prefer using a mechanical keyboard, how many keyboards will be on the table if I use a laptop? 2
if I use a mac Mini? 1
Since using a Mac mini as a portable is a bad idea I can't help but wonder if this was just an excuse to promote the backpack.
I wonder the same, but I think this makes the case for using a Mac Mini in hotels. It's not going to break the bank, it's not much of a hassle to take it along and you get a lot of power. I can take this setup and my M2 MacBook Air.
try it first before asserting your opinion ;)
@@briancrink-tech I just retired a month ago, and I spent over 24 years traveling (car and airplane) with computers. My opinion was based on prior experience :)
@@bryans8656 congrats on retirement 🍻 I suppose you now have the freedom to travel without any sort of computers now :)
@@briancrink-tech Thanks. I do, but I still take my laptop with me. Old habits die hard :)
wow bro! hell a expensive price for a back pack
Microphone?
id say just take an iPad with an HDMI to usb-c that is it.
$1000 + solution for a problem no one has.
There are several "laptop setup" problems. First, a laptop is not ergonomic at all. Second, those who use mechanical keyboards with their laptops know that the laptop's integrated keyboard uses critical and limited table space. having the laptop's keyboard is useless if I prefer the experience of a mechanical keyboard. Third, if you have experienced a super ultrawide monitor or a multi-monitor setup before, it is really difficult to maintain the same workflow when you only have (1) monitor. With ultra-slim portable monitors, I can carry (3) portable monitors with me and it takes up the same space as one macbook and an ipad.
Dolphin really cute
Imagine setting all this up in the airport lounge 😂
Haha. Challenge accepted
@ I’m from Pakistan and I don’t like Trump. I like America 🇺🇸
@@9to5Mac buy (3) UPerfect's 3K OLED 16:10 portable monitors. Place them in the X-wing orientation.
left monitor - vertical orientation, middle monitor - landscape, right monitor - vertical orientation.
mount the portable monitors on folding portable monitor stands.
For peripherals, Magic Trackpad on the left side, mechnical keyboard in the middle, logitech mx3 on the right.
Airpods Max for headphones.
Use (3) 3' Thunderbolt 4/5 cables to connect the (3) portable monitors to the (3) rear ports on the Mac Mini.
The front (2) usb-c ports can be for external drives or charging peripherals.
This is my setup. It is comparable to the experience of my 49" super ultrawide monitor desk setup at home.
🎉🎉🎉🎉 shankramma
laptop
No. I have an iPad Pro with magic keyboard for when I travel and it’s my on stage chart and lyric computer as well. I bought an M4 Mac Mini for my home music studio because I just wanted it always on and ready to use without the hassle of connecting and disconnecting a laptop all the time. My Mac Mini doesn’t need to go anywhere!
🐬
buy a laptop ...
🐬🐬🐬
No. Get a laptop. It’s not ideal to travel with. You don’t need to simp apple every time. They should have put the power supply outside and allowed usb c charging to be travel friendly at least with a decent power bank or other wise a decent battery inside rather than PS. Btw irrelevant title as well.
understood. but, he said this for people who have this m4 mini mac. And yes, you do need AC, so okay for people going to WeWork or any of those work spaces. There would be less heat if the ac/dc brick was external.
your opinion is flawed for several reasons.
One, most macbook users at coffee shops are plugged into A/C power anyway.
Two, portable battery banks are inexpensive, provide more watt hours, and can fit in my bag just the same.
Three, the Mac Mini essentially acts as a powered USB-C hub for peripherals, simplifying cable management instead of using several outlets for each device.
One power cable -> AC wall outlet or battery bank.
Mac Mini Thunderbolt 4/5 port -> USB-C cable -> portable monitor
Mac Mini Thunderbolt 4/5 port -> USB-C Cable -> peripherals for charging
🐬
🐬
🐬
🐬
🐬
🐬