Reasons I prefer Mac mini are: I already have spare monitors, speakers, keyboard and trackpad. Also Mac mini just comes with every ports I need. One less common reason is that I can move my Mac mini between office and home much easier.
iMac display, apart for fancy useless white bazel, is lucid, pretty impossible to work with light and reflects in the room. So if you don't want to get stuck and see lights reflects anyway on monitor, you may prefer a MATT display like BenQ PD2500Q Monitor per Designer 25 Pollici QHD, 2560 x 1440 QHD, CAD/CAM, Darkroom Mode, Low Blue Light, Flicker-Free, uncle dog and pork.
Same as well. I moved from an iMac to a mini years back and also already have a keyboard, Wacom touch tablet, monitor, and speakers. Waiting to see what the new "high-end" mini looks like and how it's priced.
My husband had a 2012 Mac Mini and I finally made him upgrade to the M1 Mac Mini, on sale at Costco. He already has a keyboard and mouse along with a 4k display so he's set for another 9 years. A big improvement.
I also have a late 2012 mac mini that was upgraded to 500gb ssd and 16 gb ram. It still runs really fast for medium intensity tasks but I do wonder when the security updates will stop completely. Just deciding between Imac and mini
@@lincolnflick7535 I am not an apple person, but you can do this with macs as well. I have a 2011 macbook pro and a 2011 mac mini both running macos ventura (the latest version) when the latest version they officially supported was high sierra. Just use opencore legacy patcher, it is quite easy and works well. Just takes a bit of tinkering.
You summed it up perfectly with the "you have to ask you" statement. I'm a guitar pedal enthusiast, and it's amazing how many people ask "which pedal is better, X or Y?" and the answer, as always, is "it depends." There are some things I like about the iMac, but it isn't for me, but that doesn't mean it's not for someone else. If there was a "best" mac desktop, then why would Apple need to build multiple of them?
@@TheShakeBoss The upside to that is that in 4 years, you might want a better screen, heh. It's sad seeing people using their Mac Minis with 1080p screens at my work.
As a person who simply works from home and edit simple videos...this gave me the realization that the iMac is fine for me. I am the type that just want a simple set up. Picking out displays and etc overwhelms me and sends me straight into anxiety. Lol
The thing is, if you just want a computer, an all in one where you don't have to fiddle around anymore and you just want to unbox and be done with it. Go with the iMac. Want a bit more "freedom" and flexibility go with the Mac Mini... 🤷🏻♂️
Another angle to consider is that the iMac doesn't just come with a display, it comes with a VERY good display. DCI-P3 color reproduction, very crisp with the ideal retina resolution at 218 PPI, nice and bright at 500 nits. The PPI situation can be particularly bothersome, because if you want to be near that 220 PPI range to get perfectly crisp reproduction you have to get a monitor above 4K, and the options there are rare and expensive.
If you actually have serious work to do, you’d almost definitely have two or more monitors. Good luck having a matching setup with the iMac display on one side and another display on the other. It’ll look horrendous. Your camera and speakers will also be stuck on one side too.
Brilliant video as ways and I love the humor you actually made me laugh out loud at one point. Very informative and I'm going to buy a new jmac in a few months so the whole family can use it. so thanks for helping me. Stay safe.
I use dual monitors, and having them be identical is important. This automatically makes the Mini a better choice for me. My two Dell 4k monitors will fit my needs longer than my 2018 Mac Mini will.
See I have a silver imac 24” with a new silver studio display. Other than the white vs black Apple logo on the back they look nearly identical from the back.
I would rather have the console plugged into a TV and the mac mini with a monitor or the iMac as two different devices plugged into two different screens as it would save me the hassle of switching between the Mac Mini and Console every single time I want to use the iMac or Console
@@svg03 on my monitor every time you switch imput you have to change the color settings, contrast, and brightness as well becuase that is what it requires so most of the time it is not just a couple clicks it takes like 5-10 mins each time. I have one of those Monoprice monitors and it is so frustrating
Upgrading what you connect to a mini and price it way above an iMac is great for people who will replace that mini years later for a MacBook Pro. The problem with the iMac is that apple decides what you can do with it and is costly for people who don’t need what apple thinks you need. The mini is more like older systems that still retained some sort of flexibility. The more they lock us out of changing or expanding them the less worthy they are of owning for that reason.
I’m a designer so for me 99%srgb accuracy matters a lot, the iMac display is AMAZING, but it does falter a little specially when you’re checking colour overlap allowance. So Mac mini is sadly the only option for me.
@@alex_schwartz the point is that the part that makes Touch ID and FaceID secure is that they are designed to function as a kind of closed circuit. It’s not just authentication, it’s separately storing your information to not make it accessible to others(either users or people who trying to steal your information). Making this authentication wireless means that Apple used encryption at either end so that it can only be read at the destination. Meaning it’s safer if a keyboard only works with one iMac. If you could use it with multiple devices, It would be pretty easy for someone to get access to that information; it “opens up the circuit” so to speak. In simple terms, it’s why your Touch ID and Face ID doesn’t transfer across devices and you need to set it up for each one.
My Mac mini setup is the base model, the iPad Air as a display using a wireless adapter, using the magic keyboard, Apple Pencil, and mouse as inputs. It’s a very clean setup and I love it for drawing art
That’s exactly the setup I grabbed for the family. All you need is a Thunderbolt 2 to 3 single and you are good to go. The display looks great, the Thunderbolt hub on the display is really helpful and lets me put the mini where it can’t be seen, and even though the camera and mic aren’t the best, they work in a pinch. Once you add a mechanical keyboard and an mx master 3, it’s probably not “cheaper”, but it is pretty great. I’ve also been thinking about getting a Twelvesouth “backpack” to REALLY hide the mini. But I’m not there yet.
With your encouragement from the past, I added a 500 GB SSD to a 2012 21.5" bottom end Imac, and with low impact uses , web browsing, TH-cam, etc, it compares very favorably to my expectant uses from a new Imac model. Thanks!!
I tend to keep my hardware for ten years or more. I decided to go with a Mac Mini. I really wanted the iMac but if I'm going to have a failure, I'd rather be able to replace the faulty component. Also, I really wanted to try a 27" screen. And with the larger screen, I needed a deeper desk. All said and done, I spent more on my setup. I don't know whether I regret it yet or not. It turns out that I need an expansion device either way and the one I got is the same form factor as the Mac Mini. It looks like part of the machine and it holds a backup disk. Still, that iMac is such a beautiful thing and would have been such a nice looking thing in my room.
@@victorrussell6284 I have a 2014 mini that is still useful. I plan on using these machines for a very long time. But I don't do stuff that requires horsepower. All of that ended when I retired.
As for me - I was deciding between iMac and Mac Mini for the music production studio setup, After some considerations, I went with the Mac Mini, because it’s easier and cheaper to upgrade my setup down the line. It’s cheaper and easier to switch up the Mac Mini in a set up with a new one down the line, while keeping your display, keyboard and mouse, instead of getting the whole new “package” once every few years. If I had to pick a new iMac in let’s say three years - it’s another 1500 dollars I’d have to pay for it, if I had to pick a new Mac Mini - I’d just have to pay 600-800$ for a new one, while keeping all of the stuff I had. Heck, if I wanted to get a new Mac Pro - that’s literally switching the computer part of set up and replugging the cables.
I went Mini last Xmas and feel that it's the best move I've ever made. Went from a 21.5in iMac (2011). I've had ZERO problems editing videos or music. Love this thing!!
At the end of the day the iMac is a cleaner, neater package, but the deal breaker is the size of the screen. As good as the screen is, it's just too small for 3+ years of use. If it was a 27 inch it would be a no brainier for me even at a premium. But during every day use, especially for immersion and content creation 28+ is better, especially considering the customization. With the iMac you're locked in with everything, in a year or two we'll be seeing 4K webcams etc. With the Mac Mini, you can buy what you like upfront, then upgrade the computer to it's max specs the next cycle around. Either way you can't go wrong with wither it depends on your use. But for most enthusiasts, I would advise that, since this is the first iteration of M1, play it safe to get into the ecosystem with the Mac Mini and find good deals for the peripherals you like (or own already and save more money), and good cable management. Once you see how the M chips go over the next few years, you can invest in a new Mini or depending on how much money you have a 27 - 32 inch iMac.
The iMac is terrific but it is aimed at non-Pro, non Graphic Designers as much as you wish it wasn't. Neither the M1 Mac mini nor the M1 iMac 24" are for me. But Apple is dragging the chain on larger iMacs with better M1 chips. I'm waiting for a new 30" iMac, a Macbook Pro without the Touchbar, and the next model iPad. Apple is not getting my money until then.
I have the yellow iMac and I high key love it (mainly because of the nostalgia factor)... now i see this guy's green one and suddenly I freaking *need* it in green too. i have a problem. please send help.
iMac display, apart for fancy useless white bazel, is lucid, pretty impossible to work with light and reflects in the room. So if you don't want to get stuck and see lights reflects anyway on monitor, you may prefer a MATT display like BenQ PD2500Q Monitor per Designer 25 Pollici QHD, 2560 x 1440 QHD, CAD/CAM, Darkroom Mode, Low Blue Light, Flicker-Free, uncle dog and pork.
@@macblu8637 The problem with gloss displays is overblown. I worked for years on the Macbook Pro with zero issue. If there was a bright window behind you, move the laptop 2˚ and fixed.
Audio jack on the side is a blessing, not a curse. I hated fumbling around on the back of my iMac to find the audio jack and the SD card and an empty USB port. I want the headphone jack and SDXC slots on the FRONT. Add a USB-A and a USB-C (Thunderbolt 4/USB4) port on the front, too. Aesthetics are nice, but practicality rules. FUNCTION over form, Apple!
There are reasons to choose one over the other, but trying to save money by building up a Mac mini is not one of them. This is my detailed costing from *Created Tech* (he keeps removing anything that contradicts his claims). These are Created Tech's recommendations, not mine: *Mac mini M1* 8-Core CPU, 8-Core GPU, 256GB SSD, 8GB unified memory Gb ethernet US $699/ disc US $629 + Dell UltraSharp U2720Q 27" 4K 3840 x 2160 px 350 nits US $779.99 / LG 27UK650-W 27" 4k 3840 x 2160 px 350 nits US $346.99 + Wireless Keyboard - Keychron k6 Bluetooth 5.1 Keyboard US$69.99 / Logitech MX Keys US $98 + Wireless Mouse - Logitech MX Master 3 Wireless Mouse US $99 + 1080p camera/Microphone - Anker PowerConf C300 US $130 + Speakers/Headphones - Audia-Technica ATH-M30x Headphones $US 69 + Sabrent bracket US $14.98 + HDMI Cable US$10 + Velcro Tape US$10 TOTAL US $1428.96 to US $1889.97. [Discounted: TOTAL US $1358.96 to US $1819.97] *iMac 24" M1* 8-Core, CPU 8-Core GPU, 256GB SSD, 8GB unified memory Gb ethernet US$1499/ disc US$1349 24-inch 4.5K Retina display 4480 x 2520 px 500 nits Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports Two USB 3 ports HiFi speakers 1080p camera and microphone Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. Magic Mouse TOTAL US $1499 [Discounted: TOTAL US $1349] Having opted for markedly inferior displays, the mouse using up one USB port for its dongle, and creating a Chinese laundry basket of tech, you are paying: TOTAL US $70 saving or $391 MORE [Discounted: US $29.96 to US $490.97 MORE] Adding the extra RAM and/or SSD that you really need, does not make the argument any better for the Mac mini. Don't forget that because the display is built in on the iMac that means the iMac effectively has an extra Thunderbolt port over the Mac mini.
As long as you go for the 16GB instead of the 8GB memory M1, you should be fine with both machines. Standard memory use for the average user is about 10 - 12 GB in M1 MacOs. If you buy the 8GB version you will always result with a SWAP file of about 2-4GB that will stress your SSD in the long run. SWAP file use (SSD 3Gb/s) is also about 20 times slower than RAM memory (60Gb/s), although the difference is less notable than on Intel machines, because memory management is smarter. This SMART feature, however, also results in the SWAP file being continuously changed, hence resulting in very high SDD read/writes of easily a few TB per week. Although the SSD should handle this in the long run, I think the 8GB should only be bought if you really have to save that money. From a longevity/durability perspective I think Apple should have included the 16GB as standard. Ps. I prefer Mac Mini in my office and iMac in my living room. I think Apple should also expand their Monitor line-up, with cheaper displays under their own brand name. The LG displays are excellent but they don't fit the design language of the new iMac and Mac Mini. I think the Apple display PPI is a necessity to use with MacOS.
I went back-and-forth on this like crazy. For my personal use case, I just went with the mini with 16 gigs of RAM. The iMac display is beautiful and everything but the fact that I can’t really do much means I’m just losing a monitor and some versatility.
The 24" iMac is good for my needs but Luke was right though when it comes to the screen. It ended up being a little small coming from a 27". But like Luke's my 27" was also 2K only so I appreciate the higher resolution and more color accuracy on the iMac display. The display is so nice I deal with it being a little smaller. Plus I prefer glossy over matte something Luke forgot to mention. If you go with a Mac mini you'll end up spending more than the iMac when trying to find a monitor equally as good as the one on the iMac. BenQ, LG, etc. I think 4K glossy monitors are not easy to find either. At least a high quality one. The only one I know is the LG Ultrafine and we all know how much they can run. I'm good for now with the iMac. I love it. So convenient. Speakers are supringlgy good, display albeit a little small is fantastic and see how I'll feel with the pro models come out.
Jason, thank you for sharing your thoughts on it and Luke thanks for making this video. I was confused between iMac & Mac mini but looking at the video & comments have solved my confusion, If I buy iMac I will get all in one with better quality and long run & mini is also good but you will end in searching Monitor & spend more.
Great video. I've been fighting this over for a few weeks. I bought a mac mini for my dad. He's got a monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers that he likes (albeit that its not a 4k monitor, but he likes the typewriter USB keyboard that he has as well as the rocking Klispch 2.1 pro media that I bought him 3 years ago for Christmas). He doesn't want to spend anymore money than necessary to "upgrade" his 10 year old machine. I've been pushing him into the Apple ecosystem (already has the iphone/ipad thing going). Went with the mac mini. Solid little machine. Your video helped confirmed my bias. Same machine, different use cases. Some like heads, others like tails.
I already decided to go with the Mac Mini. I use a 27“ curved display, an Apple Magic keyboard and a very comfortable mouse with my mid 2015 MacBook Pro. So all I need is just a new computer to replace my current MacBook. But For now, I want to wait to see if a new version of the Mac Mini will be released by the end of this year. If so, I would go with the new version.
Already having all the other equipment, I can see how the mini would be better for me, although something about the matching/all in one single cable setup of the iMac is very attractive short term
Fabulous video my friend - entertaining, informative and not at all patronising as I find some other videos. However, I still can’t make my mind up between the two! 🤪🤪🇬🇧🇬🇧
I just retired my Mini and got the 24” iMac. Both of them are great computers. It really depends on how much you need simplicity or how much you need a more custom setup. If you get the iMac just go ahead and spend the extra $200 for all 8 GPU cores, Two more ports on the back, Touch ID, and Ethernet. Also the 24” display is amazing. I’ve never had such a nice display.
Good video. However, for me it was clear: Mac Mini (16GB, 1TB), Mx Master Mac, Mx Keys Mac, Benq EW3280u (4K) costs me in total 2,330€ iMac (16GB, 1TB) costs 2,360€ So the Mac mini setup has a much bigger display, better mouse and costs 30€ less (which is nothing really worth mentioning). However, I can also easily plug the display to any other MacBook or Surface or whatever, which I do regulary …
I just bought a new mac mini last month actually it's the intel version. main reason is it could be upgraded and I put 64 gigs of ram in. I can use what ever monitor I want and when I need to get a new in a few years I can choose a new mini or go PC without the need to change my whole setup
@@nickbrough8335 but potentially my music DAW's will be running rosetta for some time. they only now releasing a version that is 4k graphic so I don't expect them be natively M1 anytime soon
@@humancaos I've been hearing horror stories about Logic Pro in Rosetta, so I've kept running Logic Pro on a 2018 Intel i3 Mini and not used my M1 MacBook Air for recording at all. Then, I was like, this is ridiculous, why am I assuming that other people on the Internet know what they're doing? I went ahead and installed all my plugins on my M1 Air, and started Logic Pro in Rosetta (you do have to run the whole thing in Rosetta), and guess what, it worked 100%, no problem at all. Every single plugin worked just fine, and it ran faster than my Intel Mini did by a mile. And with about 30 tracks, many of them using pretty heavy plugins, I was able to get steady playback without having to freeze or bounce any audio as long as I wasn't doing anything in the background, and this with only 8 gigs of RAM. Obviously, though, in a real-life situation outside of a torture test, I would have bounced a few of those tracks, but anyway, I was shocked. The M1 is so stacked that it's actually faster in Rosetta than the i3 is natively. Not sure how it would stack up to the i5 and i7 Minis, but the M1 has been a better recording computer than my 16" Core i9 8-core, which I sold because what's the point of a recording computer that has loud fans? At least the Intel Minis stay quiet, though they're scalding hot under any load.
Horses for courses. The biggest thing that catches people out is lack of webcam and speakers in the mini. By the time you have added these and a reasonable quality screen, you are spending a lot more than the iMac.
I've had more iMacs than I can shake a hat at (not really sure why I want to shake a hat at my computer) but recently when I upgraded from my old 27" iMac, I got the Mac Mini M1. Paired it with a Dell 27" monitor and I'm McLoving it.
What’s the maximum refresh rate of the iMac screen? The M1 Mac mini can be set to refresh at 144Hz, or 120Hz with HDR, providing your display supports it and you use the correct cable.
Great job! I have a Mac Mini b/c it better suites my needs. It is also SUPER CLEAN AND MINIMAL! I have two, 30" monitors mounted on articulated arms. So the monitors consume no space on my workstation. The Mini it's mounted under the table so it also consumes no space on my workstation. Two speakers...yep, mounted on the wall. No workstation space consumed. All I have on my desk is a keyboard and mouse. Oh, and a picture of my wife and daughter. ♥️♥️♥️
Fewer ad breaks this time around. Good. What I want to say is when I went from windows laptop to the Mac mini all I did was plug the cal digit hub into the Mac mini and now my monitor, printer, 5 mass storage devices, speakers, Wacom tablet ready to go. That was easy.
@MsToshi1990 True. BUT can just pair it with Apple's *Pro Display XDR* if you want *QUALITY* display. But the bells and whistles the iMac display has *doesn't really matter for the standard consumers.*
@@MsToshi1990 The advantage I have and Apple doesn't give it how the monitor is. I can choose in height, in depth, etc. Plus, a 2K is good enough for me, and when the iMac will become a garbage because slowness, I could change my Mac without throwing my monitor. The fact that the monitor and the hardware are together bother me.
Only concern with any all in one, is if the monitor dumps, you lose the use of the computer while the monitor is being repaired. With the Mini, just upgrade to a new monitor.
Both of em can perform exceptionally. It’s just what you want out of it. Like Luke said if you want all in one then get the IMac. If you already have a good monitor, keyboard and mouse then the Mac mini is just perfect. Both will work well.
@@lukemiani take a look at the iMacs leaning over to the right. it's a known defect that apple is still ignoring, plug in a few things and just see what happens.
Its either "minimalist" (iMac) or "maximus" (Mini). One flaw in your analysis is that most folks who would go route of Mac Mini would typically have the requisite accessories (display, keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.). But, as you conclude - these are two solutions to two different requirements, and are def not the same thing! CANT GO WRONG ETHER WAY!!!
I really didn’t notice this particular video on your playlist until now, but it did clarify the questions I had made on the other iMac video. If tidyness is essential, iMac. If you already have a full package of peripherals and don’t care about a lot of wires hanging out behind the computer, then Mini it is. There’s a performance improvement in the Mini but it might be negligible for the average user. Never though of them as being made for different types of consumers, now that’s clear as water for me. It certainly helps on my future decision. Thanks Luke!
for me i already have 32 2k Display "idc about 4k" and speakers and Mic and K&M so i could take the mac mini and use it nicely with my PC and if new M2 came i could upgrade without any problem with same setup and less price
iMac display, apart for fancy useless white bazel, is lucid, pretty impossible to work with light and reflects in the room. So if you don't want to get stuck and see lights reflects anyway on monitor, you may prefer a MATT display like BenQ PD2500Q Monitor per Designer 25 Pollici QHD, 2560 x 1440 QHD, CAD/CAM, Darkroom Mode, Low Blue Light, Flicker-Free, uncle dog and pork.
you're right, it's a lot more practical to send on Apple Care, rather that to close and send an Imac with all packaging. Absolutely right for monitor and keyboards, you can choose the best and left the fancy keyboard and the horrible magic mouse to another one who wants to suffer badly.
@@macblu8637 I've used a Magic Trackpad for 9 years with the old iMac, much better and easier to switch to a MacBook. I don't know why Apple even sells the same magic mouse with the new iMac, instantly disabled the moment you need to charge it!
For me, Mac mini. I can use pretty much whatever monitor, mouse, and keyboard I want, and I can get a stand/hub that sits underneath with various ports in the front (including USB-A and an SD card slot, both of which I need).
I have two choices for studio: - Imac 5k 2017 specs I5 3.4/24Bb/1Tb = $1200 - Mac Mini 2018 specs i5 3.0/16Gb/256Gb SSD ($710) + Monitor 4k 28" ($340) + Mouse, keyboard ($50) + Speaker ($160) So what should i go?
@@nou4605 of course, but they're still more expensive than the base 4k 24 inch monitors and the quality wont be as good as any stand alone speaker web cam set.
I actually watched this video multiple times as I am struggling with which to get. I end up getting the mac mini m1, purchase a 4k resolution monitor, good quality camera and total expenses are way more expensive than the basic iMac but I did get the 16GB ram version of the Mac mini as I am struggling with the 8GB MacBook air m1 I used for 9 months. I think I did the right decision due to the following: screen size, price point compared to 16GB ram, and customization but I do adore the iMac! maybe if they release a 27-inch iMac with m1 then I might upgrade again to that. ahhahahaha
You getting an iPad Pro so you can do the transfer thing to your hearts content? Your money your choice but I fail to see why you want exactly the same processor twice?
@@denislisul5893 - Kind of makes sense... but the M1 mini is small enough to transport to office and have another screen there. Anyhow, what I would do is not what you want to do - we probably have different use cases.
@@fablewalls agreed. This is just my opinion, and works for me. I replaced last gen intel macbook air with M1 iMac. At home i can handle cables, but in my office, cordless is just better option.
I mostly want the iMac because I just want something all in one and I don’t have to think about it. To get a monitor, keyboard, etc. anywhere near the quality of Apple’s, you’ll be spending about the same if not more.
I have my mini connected to a 4k TV. My entertainment center has a custom electric desk mechanism. When I want to use it for work, I just lower the desk part, which lowers the monitor. The sound system is my speakers. Raise it and it stores the keyboard and mouse, while making the TV ready. The mini is also my travel computer. I have the hard case that fits it all and a HDMI cable..
Hey Luke! Very interesting; wish I'd found your channel prior to buying the Mac Mini M1. We are a nonprofit, so going with the cheaper Mac seemed like a good idea. I figured we could connect it to an old 2013 27" iMac desktop for a monitor, but it turns out it requires a little device like Luna Display (which cost us $150). But, unless I'm mistaken, I have to have two monitors, two keyboards, and two trackpads (one set of each on each machine) each time I boot the Mac Mini to use the iMac as a monitor (really cluttering up my desktop, let alone the process annoyance). I tried different monitors, including a 4k Samsung 32" (which I ended up returning), but the overall experience with it was that it's picture was quite dim (no matter how I configured it) and not as sharp as I hoped (was hoping it would be as crisp and clear as my 2019 27" iMac desktop). My question: is the monitor you're using in this video that's connected to the Mac Mini AS GOOD AS the picture/screen of the iMac you're using here? Thank you for the video. I've liked and subscribed!
you convinced me. I will go for Mini. I already have an amazing EIZO screen, apple mouse and a Logitech solar power keyboard(This keyboard is amazing, I don't have to charge it at all, I've been using it for 5 years.) I was debating if I want to work with double screen, but nah, I can work with just one. ( If I really need to, I can take out my ipad as the second screen.)
I started out with the M1 Mac Mini when it first came out. Used an old Acer HD monitor and first gen Magic Mouse and keyboard (used AA batteries), plus some old speakers, as all these I had sitting around collecting dust. While it all worked (apart from the monitor not waking up sometimes and keyboard and mouse eating batteries), My maid reason for the upgrade to the new iMac was to have a neater setup and have everything working together properly and not cobbled together from various bits. The Mac mini has been passed onto another family member to bring them into the M1 world.
you could always buy wireless mouse and keyboard to reduce cords. For speakers, maybe buy a wireless bluetooth one so you only need to plug a monitor and the mini. The camera will be USB powered so no problems there.
is literary the same thing.. If you are smart, apple is just giving you the option to either have one package (iMac) hence the price higher.. The Mac mini on the other hand is giving you the option to use your own monitor keyboard and other accessories, hence why is cheaper.
I thought maybe you might get around to touching on the e-waste aspect at least briefly here. Makes the iMac seem a bit less “clean” as far as I’m concerned - not in a way that negates all other points, but it shouldn’t be ignored.
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Reasons I prefer Mac mini are: I already have spare monitors, speakers, keyboard and trackpad. Also Mac mini just comes with every ports I need. One less common reason is that I can move my Mac mini between office and home much easier.
*all the ports I need
iMac display, apart for fancy useless white bazel, is lucid, pretty impossible to work with light and reflects in the room.
So if you don't want to get stuck and see lights reflects anyway on monitor, you may prefer a MATT display like BenQ PD2500Q Monitor per Designer 25 Pollici QHD, 2560 x 1440 QHD, CAD/CAM, Darkroom Mode, Low Blue Light, Flicker-Free, uncle dog and pork.
@@wojiaobill haha there's never enough ports you need more
Same as well. I moved from an iMac to a mini years back and also already have a keyboard, Wacom touch tablet, monitor, and speakers. Waiting to see what the new "high-end" mini looks like and how it's priced.
@@wojiaobill that’s what she said
“But that’s not very good for boosting my engagement and watch time”. Honest!
Yeah indeed, it’s so annoying nowadays youtubers pushing past 10 min in a longwinded video in what could have been a 3 min one
@@hddhdhxhxb1793 I agree
My husband had a 2012 Mac Mini and I finally made him upgrade to the M1 Mac Mini, on sale at Costco. He already has a keyboard and mouse along with a 4k display so he's set for another 9 years. A big improvement.
I also have a late 2012 mac mini that was upgraded to 500gb ssd and 16 gb ram. It still runs really fast for medium intensity tasks but I do wonder when the security updates will stop completely. Just deciding between Imac and mini
@@samjam6989 you’re suffering from controlled obsolescence, which is like Apple throttling performance
@@Soulseeologia it still works bro but after 10 years there won't be software updates like windows
But at least with windows you can upgrade to the next version for free whether your device is supported or not (with very easy workarounds)
@@lincolnflick7535 I am not an apple person, but you can do this with macs as well. I have a 2011 macbook pro and a 2011 mac mini both running macos ventura (the latest version) when the latest version they officially supported was high sierra. Just use opencore legacy patcher, it is quite easy and works well. Just takes a bit of tinkering.
You summed it up perfectly with the "you have to ask you" statement. I'm a guitar pedal enthusiast, and it's amazing how many people ask "which pedal is better, X or Y?" and the answer, as always, is "it depends." There are some things I like about the iMac, but it isn't for me, but that doesn't mean it's not for someone else. If there was a "best" mac desktop, then why would Apple need to build multiple of them?
It's easy: if you already have a nice screen kb and mouse go mini, otherwise go imac (but not the cheapest one).
Exactly why I went with the mini, and I share the peripherals with my Win10 PC via a powered USB hub.
But I still want the iMac (the boss says NO).
Not only that, 4 years pass by and you want to renew your system. With the Mac Mini you dont need to buy the whole package again.
@@TheShakeBoss The upside to that is that in 4 years, you might want a better screen, heh. It's sad seeing people using their Mac Minis with 1080p screens at my work.
I really want the iMac but already own a Mac Mini. Got me a free monitor from work
As a person who simply works from home and edit simple videos...this gave me the realization that the iMac is fine for me. I am the type that just want a simple set up. Picking out displays and etc overwhelms me and sends me straight into anxiety. Lol
I think the mini is more flexible, but I personally like the all in one-ness of the iMac.
The thing is, if you just want a computer, an all in one where you don't have to fiddle around anymore and you just want to unbox and be done with it. Go with the iMac. Want a bit more "freedom" and flexibility go with the Mac Mini... 🤷🏻♂️
bro if you just want an all in one computer don't buy a whole ass 1500 dollar imac lol
@@shib5267 It all depends on what you want/need
Another angle to consider is that the iMac doesn't just come with a display, it comes with a VERY good display. DCI-P3 color reproduction, very crisp with the ideal retina resolution at 218 PPI, nice and bright at 500 nits. The PPI situation can be particularly bothersome, because if you want to be near that 220 PPI range to get perfectly crisp reproduction you have to get a monitor above 4K, and the options there are rare and expensive.
If you actually have serious work to do, you’d almost definitely have two or more monitors. Good luck having a matching setup with the iMac display on one side and another display on the other. It’ll look horrendous. Your camera and speakers will also be stuck on one side too.
Me who already has an m1 MacBook:
*Yes, this seems interesting!*
same bro hahaha
Still using my 2012 air with 8gb i5 it’s still fast lol
Everyone to Luke: "What's Better? An M1 iMac, or an M1 Mac Mini?"
Luke: "Yes."
Brilliant video as ways and I love the humor you actually made me laugh out loud at one point. Very informative and I'm going to buy a new jmac in a few months so the whole family can use it. so thanks for helping me. Stay safe.
I use dual monitors, and having them be identical is important. This automatically makes the Mini a better choice for me. My two Dell 4k monitors will fit my needs longer than my 2018 Mac Mini will.
Except the mini doesn’t support two 4k
See I have a silver imac 24” with a new silver studio display. Other than the white vs black Apple logo on the back they look nearly identical from the back.
@@rthilson 2018 Intel Mac Mini does indeed run dual 4k monitors.
Except the video is for the M1 Mac mini
@@rthilson I'm pretty sure the Mini does support two displays, one up to 4k 60Hz from the HDMI port and one up to 6k 60Hz from Thunderbolt.
One big reason against iMac is gaming. You can’t plug in a PS5 to the iMac screen, but most none-Apple display accepts multiple inputs.
@Joe read again
I would rather have the console plugged into a TV and the mac mini with a monitor or the iMac as two different devices plugged into two different screens as it would save me the hassle of switching between the Mac Mini and Console every single time I want to use the iMac or Console
@@krgamingx2111 most of the time it is just one or two presses when you want to switch input, are you that lazy?🤣
@@svg03 on my monitor every time you switch imput you have to change the color settings, contrast, and brightness as well becuase that is what it requires so most of the time it is not just a couple clicks it takes like 5-10 mins each time. I have one of those Monoprice monitors and it is so frustrating
Gaming on Mac, jesus, who came up with that shit? 😂
Upgrading what you connect to a mini and price it way above an iMac is great for people who will replace that mini years later for a MacBook Pro. The problem with the iMac is that apple decides what you can do with it and is costly for people who don’t need what apple thinks you need. The mini is more like older systems that still retained some sort of flexibility. The more they lock us out of changing or expanding them the less worthy they are of owning for that reason.
I hate when people say mini is cheaper and act like I can just plug my 4k monitor that everyone has laying around
I’m a designer so for me 99%srgb accuracy matters a lot, the iMac display is AMAZING, but it does falter a little specially when you’re checking colour overlap allowance.
So Mac mini is sadly the only option for me.
I just want them to release the touch id keyboard as a standalone accessory
Unlikely since being able to pair touch ID to any Mac would likely result in security problems.
@@alex_schwartz the point is that the part that makes Touch ID and FaceID secure is that they are designed to function as a kind of closed circuit. It’s not just authentication, it’s separately storing your information to not make it accessible to others(either users or people who trying to steal your information). Making this authentication wireless means that Apple used encryption at either end so that it can only be read at the destination. Meaning it’s safer if a keyboard only works with one iMac. If you could use it with multiple devices, It would be pretty easy for someone to get access to that information; it “opens up the circuit” so to speak. In simple terms, it’s why your Touch ID and Face ID doesn’t transfer across devices and you need to set it up for each one.
@@emiliohinojosa9928 so what happens if you need to replace the keyboard? Once you pair it to a mac mini then it will have the same encryption
Agreed. And to those mentioning security issues, it does work. As with iMac, it’s paired via double clicking the power button during setup.
touch id on my laptop dell (Windows hello) works at the first touch, no issue
My Mac mini setup is the base model, the iPad Air as a display using a wireless adapter, using the magic keyboard, Apple Pencil, and mouse as inputs. It’s a very clean setup and I love it for drawing art
Mac Mini with an Apple Thunderbolt 27 Display, now that’s what I would do.
If you can get your hands on one, at a decent price that would be a solid combo
That’s exactly the setup I grabbed for the family. All you need is a Thunderbolt 2 to 3 single and you are good to go. The display looks great, the Thunderbolt hub on the display is really helpful and lets me put the mini where it can’t be seen, and even though the camera and mic aren’t the best, they work in a pinch. Once you add a mechanical keyboard and an mx master 3, it’s probably not “cheaper”, but it is pretty great. I’ve also been thinking about getting a Twelvesouth “backpack” to REALLY hide the mini. But I’m not there yet.
Mac Mini with M1 + full option memory + Dell Ultrasharp monitor
That is what I have , I bought it last year for 100$ and it’s mint, and I use 2 b&o s3 speakers hooked to a dac, Magic Mouse and trackpad
I have that display. Why is it so coveted?
With your encouragement from the past, I added a 500 GB SSD to a 2012 21.5" bottom end Imac, and with low impact uses , web browsing, TH-cam, etc, it compares very favorably to my expectant uses from a new Imac model. Thanks!!
Wow, you’re knocking it out of the park in terms of your production value and overall video quality. Thank you for another great video!!
I tend to keep my hardware for ten years or more. I decided to go with a Mac Mini. I really wanted the iMac but if I'm going to have a failure, I'd rather be able to replace the faulty component. Also, I really wanted to try a 27" screen. And with the larger screen, I needed a deeper desk. All said and done, I spent more on my setup. I don't know whether I regret it yet or not. It turns out that I need an expansion device either way and the one I got is the same form factor as the Mac Mini. It looks like part of the machine and it holds a backup disk. Still, that iMac is such a beautiful thing and would have been such a nice looking thing in my room.
I’m thinking the same. If the new M1 Macs prove unreliable after a few years it would be cheaper to just replace a Mini.
@@victorrussell6284 I have a 2014 mini that is still useful. I plan on using these machines for a very long time. But I don't do stuff that requires horsepower. All of that ended when I retired.
As for me - I was deciding between iMac and Mac Mini for the music production studio setup,
After some considerations, I went with the Mac Mini, because it’s easier and cheaper to upgrade my setup down the line.
It’s cheaper and easier to switch up the Mac Mini in a set up with a new one down the line, while keeping your display, keyboard and mouse, instead of getting the whole new “package” once every few years. If I had to pick a new iMac in let’s say three years - it’s another 1500 dollars I’d have to pay for it, if I had to pick a new Mac Mini - I’d just have to pay 600-800$ for a new one, while keeping all of the stuff I had. Heck, if I wanted to get a new Mac Pro - that’s literally switching the computer part of set up and replugging the cables.
I went Mini last Xmas and feel that it's the best move I've ever made. Went from a 21.5in iMac (2011). I've had ZERO problems editing videos or music. Love this thing!!
At the end of the day the iMac is a cleaner, neater package, but the deal breaker is the size of the screen. As good as the screen is, it's just too small for 3+ years of use. If it was a 27 inch it would be a no brainier for me even at a premium. But during every day use, especially for immersion and content creation 28+ is better, especially considering the customization. With the iMac you're locked in with everything, in a year or two we'll be seeing 4K webcams etc. With the Mac Mini, you can buy what you like upfront, then upgrade the computer to it's max specs the next cycle around. Either way you can't go wrong with wither it depends on your use. But for most enthusiasts, I would advise that, since this is the first iteration of M1, play it safe to get into the ecosystem with the Mac Mini and find good deals for the peripherals you like (or own already and save more money), and good cable management. Once you see how the M chips go over the next few years, you can invest in a new Mini or depending on how much money you have a 27 - 32 inch iMac.
Exactly. Big reason i went Mini
The iMac is terrific but it is aimed at non-Pro, non Graphic Designers as much as you wish it wasn't.
Neither the M1 Mac mini nor the M1 iMac 24" are for me. But Apple is dragging the chain on larger iMacs with better M1 chips.
I'm waiting for a new 30" iMac, a Macbook Pro without the Touchbar, and the next model iPad. Apple is not getting my money until then.
I have the yellow iMac and I high key love it (mainly because of the nostalgia factor)... now i see this guy's green one and suddenly I freaking *need* it in green too. i have a problem. please send help.
Buy some green paint.
@@marcel9568 love the hack suggestion 😂 I want the yellow one too though 😂😂 because I have a problem
Girl be grateful I have been waiting for my iMac for 2 months like at this point I’m never gonna get it
buy all the color paints
@@reallyfamousyoutuber get water paint. just wipe it down when you're bored of green and paint it back when you want it haha
For me a Mac Mini would be the best. For my wife the iMac would be the best.
This is a great example of why Apple still makes the Mac mini and the iMac, different people prefer different form factors
@@ConorORegan Exactly. They both have different target consumers.
Helps when you already own a big monitor and BT keyboard/mouse.
iMac display, apart for fancy useless white bazel, is lucid, pretty impossible to work with light and reflects in the room.
So if you don't want to get stuck and see lights reflects anyway on monitor, you may prefer a MATT display like BenQ PD2500Q Monitor per Designer 25 Pollici QHD, 2560 x 1440 QHD, CAD/CAM, Darkroom Mode, Low Blue Light, Flicker-Free, uncle dog and pork.
@@macblu8637 The problem with gloss displays is overblown. I worked for years on the Macbook Pro with zero issue. If there was a bright window behind you, move the laptop 2˚ and fixed.
Audio jack on the side is a blessing, not a curse. I hated fumbling around on the back of my iMac to find the audio jack and the SD card and an empty USB port. I want the headphone jack and SDXC slots on the FRONT. Add a USB-A and a USB-C (Thunderbolt 4/USB4) port on the front, too. Aesthetics are nice, but practicality rules. FUNCTION over form, Apple!
I watched 2 full ads of 3 minutes, just to support Luke cuz he deserves it👍🏻
Hi Luke Miani😂
🙏🙌
And here I am a jerk with uBlock Origin.
@@miguelmontoya1320 at least try to support yters you like in other ways
@@lukemiani should I stop skipping ads then I didn’t know you tuber make less
Some people already have extra hardware from multiple other systems, I think that is one of the real keys for the Mini.
This is the very reason I purchased the Mini.
surely better hardware than a ridicolous 24" display in 2021 or magic mouse, unusable when you want to work hard.
I'm leaning towards the iMac. Since my current Mac is a 2010 MacPro 5.1, I think that the iMac will be HUGE Improvement for a decent price.
There are reasons to choose one over the other, but trying to save money by building up a Mac mini is not one of them.
This is my detailed costing from *Created Tech* (he keeps removing anything that contradicts his claims). These are Created Tech's recommendations, not mine:
*Mac mini M1* 8-Core CPU, 8-Core GPU, 256GB SSD, 8GB unified memory Gb ethernet US $699/ disc US $629
+ Dell UltraSharp U2720Q 27" 4K 3840 x 2160 px 350 nits US $779.99 / LG 27UK650-W 27" 4k 3840 x 2160 px 350 nits US $346.99
+ Wireless Keyboard - Keychron k6 Bluetooth 5.1 Keyboard US$69.99 / Logitech MX Keys US $98
+ Wireless Mouse - Logitech MX Master 3 Wireless Mouse US $99
+ 1080p camera/Microphone - Anker PowerConf C300 US $130
+ Speakers/Headphones - Audia-Technica ATH-M30x Headphones $US 69
+ Sabrent bracket US $14.98
+ HDMI Cable US$10
+ Velcro Tape US$10
TOTAL US $1428.96 to US $1889.97. [Discounted: TOTAL US $1358.96 to US $1819.97]
*iMac 24" M1* 8-Core, CPU 8-Core GPU, 256GB SSD, 8GB unified memory Gb ethernet US$1499/ disc US$1349
24-inch 4.5K Retina display 4480 x 2520 px 500 nits
Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports
Two USB 3 ports
HiFi speakers
1080p camera and microphone
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.
Magic Mouse
TOTAL US $1499 [Discounted: TOTAL US $1349]
Having opted for markedly inferior displays, the mouse using up one USB port for its dongle, and creating a Chinese laundry basket of tech, you are paying:
TOTAL US $70 saving or $391 MORE [Discounted: US $29.96 to US $490.97 MORE]
Adding the extra RAM and/or SSD that you really need, does not make the argument any better for the Mac mini. Don't forget that because the display is built in on the iMac that means the iMac effectively has an extra Thunderbolt port over the Mac mini.
As long as you go for the 16GB instead of the 8GB memory M1, you should be fine with both machines. Standard memory use for the average user is about 10 - 12 GB in M1 MacOs. If you buy the 8GB version you will always result with a SWAP file of about 2-4GB that will stress your SSD in the long run. SWAP file use (SSD 3Gb/s) is also about 20 times slower than RAM memory (60Gb/s), although the difference is less notable than on Intel machines, because memory management is smarter. This SMART feature, however, also results in the SWAP file being continuously changed, hence resulting in very high SDD read/writes of easily a few TB per week. Although the SSD should handle this in the long run, I think the 8GB should only be bought if you really have to save that money. From a longevity/durability perspective I think Apple should have included the 16GB as standard.
Ps. I prefer Mac Mini in my office and iMac in my living room. I think Apple should also expand their Monitor line-up, with cheaper displays under their own brand name. The LG displays are excellent but they don't fit the design language of the new iMac and Mac Mini. I think the Apple display PPI is a necessity to use with MacOS.
Great video. Get the Mac mini if you already have all the other stuff to plug-in, if you don’t go for the iMac 24”.
I already have a screen, so mini would be cheaper for me ,regardless of set up
Try to clean the dust out of the fan of the imac at home.
I went back-and-forth on this like crazy. For my personal use case, I just went with the mini with 16 gigs of RAM. The iMac display is beautiful and everything but the fact that I can’t really do much means I’m just losing a monitor and some versatility.
I am a pc guy but you are the only person who posts mac videos that I can watch and be very entertained. I’m thinking of trying out an m1 Mac mini.
The 24" iMac is good for my needs but Luke was right though when it comes to the screen. It ended up being a little small coming from a 27". But like Luke's my 27" was also 2K only so I appreciate the higher resolution and more color accuracy on the iMac display. The display is so nice I deal with it being a little smaller. Plus I prefer glossy over matte something Luke forgot to mention. If you go with a Mac mini you'll end up spending more than the iMac when trying to find a monitor equally as good as the one on the iMac. BenQ, LG, etc. I think 4K glossy monitors are not easy to find either. At least a high quality one. The only one I know is the LG Ultrafine and we all know how much they can run. I'm good for now with the iMac. I love it. So convenient. Speakers are supringlgy good, display albeit a little small is fantastic and see how I'll feel with the pro models come out.
Jason, thank you for sharing your thoughts on it and Luke thanks for making this video.
I was confused between iMac & Mac mini but looking at the video & comments have solved my confusion, If I buy iMac I will get all in one with better quality and long run & mini is also good but you will end in searching Monitor & spend more.
" Bit of a different Experience" ..... Lol !!!! Great delivery on that line. Thanks for posting.
Great video. I've been fighting this over for a few weeks. I bought a mac mini for my dad. He's got a monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers that he likes (albeit that its not a 4k monitor, but he likes the typewriter USB keyboard that he has as well as the rocking Klispch 2.1 pro media that I bought him 3 years ago for Christmas). He doesn't want to spend anymore money than necessary to "upgrade" his 10 year old machine. I've been pushing him into the Apple ecosystem (already has the iphone/ipad thing going). Went with the mac mini. Solid little machine. Your video helped confirmed my bias. Same machine, different use cases. Some like heads, others like tails.
I already decided to go with the Mac Mini. I use a 27“ curved display, an Apple Magic keyboard and a very comfortable mouse with my mid 2015 MacBook Pro. So all I need is just a new computer to replace my current MacBook. But For now, I want to wait to see if a new version of the Mac Mini will be released by the end of this year. If so, I would go with the new version.
M1 macbook has everything included and you can hook up a external monitor to behave like a mac mini
Fewer ports, higher price, and thermal throttling.
@@FlandraLabs and battery and a screen and portability and Touch ID and many more
@@riccardobrandolini2545 it costs 700 euros extra and you can find a 4k screen a mouse and a keyboard of better quality for much cheaper
@@riccardobrandolini2545 I hate Apple pet boards I can only use mechanical anyways and before you say anything I'm typing this one an iPhone 12 prob
@@riccardobrandolini2545 it's just that my fingers are like claws 😂
There's gotta be someone from apple watching this video. So here it goes: WE WANT THAT SD SLOT BACK. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
Already having all the other equipment, I can see how the mini would be better for me, although something about the matching/all in one single cable setup of the iMac is very attractive short term
Fabulous video my friend - entertaining, informative and not at all patronising as I find some other videos. However, I still can’t make my mind up between the two! 🤪🤪🇬🇧🇬🇧
I just retired my Mini and got the 24” iMac. Both of them are great computers. It really depends on how much you need simplicity or how much you need a more custom setup. If you get the iMac just go ahead and spend the extra $200 for all 8 GPU cores, Two more ports on the back, Touch ID, and Ethernet. Also the 24” display is amazing. I’ve never had such a nice display.
I love how u put a logo on the front of the 23.5 inch iMac on the the thumbnail
Luke your expecting the impossible. Your expecting people to think!!! Beyond what they think they know!
Good video. However, for me it was clear:
Mac Mini (16GB, 1TB), Mx Master Mac, Mx Keys Mac, Benq EW3280u (4K) costs me in total 2,330€
iMac (16GB, 1TB) costs 2,360€
So the Mac mini setup has a much bigger display, better mouse and costs 30€ less (which is nothing really worth mentioning). However, I can also easily plug the display to any other MacBook or Surface or whatever, which I do regulary …
I just bought a new mac mini last month actually it's the intel version. main reason is it could be upgraded and I put 64 gigs of ram in. I can use what ever monitor I want and when I need to get a new in a few years I can choose a new mini or go PC without the need to change my whole setup
I would have waited for the M1X mac mini myself. Better performance at the same price, especially as its only weeks away (probably).
@@nickbrough8335 but potentially my music DAW's will be running rosetta for some time. they only now releasing a version that is 4k graphic so I don't expect them be natively M1 anytime soon
@@humancaos I've been hearing horror stories about Logic Pro in Rosetta, so I've kept running Logic Pro on a 2018 Intel i3 Mini and not used my M1 MacBook Air for recording at all. Then, I was like, this is ridiculous, why am I assuming that other people on the Internet know what they're doing? I went ahead and installed all my plugins on my M1 Air, and started Logic Pro in Rosetta (you do have to run the whole thing in Rosetta), and guess what, it worked 100%, no problem at all. Every single plugin worked just fine, and it ran faster than my Intel Mini did by a mile. And with about 30 tracks, many of them using pretty heavy plugins, I was able to get steady playback without having to freeze or bounce any audio as long as I wasn't doing anything in the background, and this with only 8 gigs of RAM. Obviously, though, in a real-life situation outside of a torture test, I would have bounced a few of those tracks, but anyway, I was shocked. The M1 is so stacked that it's actually faster in Rosetta than the i3 is natively. Not sure how it would stack up to the i5 and i7 Minis, but the M1 has been a better recording computer than my 16" Core i9 8-core, which I sold because what's the point of a recording computer that has loud fans? At least the Intel Minis stay quiet, though they're scalding hot under any load.
@@mbvglider next one probable will be an M something, but for now I stick with the Intel
@@humancaos Yes, I guess m1 transitioning is too much trouble for some mac user base sizes
Horses for courses. The biggest thing that catches people out is lack of webcam and speakers in the mini. By the time you have added these and a reasonable quality screen, you are spending a lot more than the iMac.
Very Good Points! .. One more is that you can Actually move the IMac from Room to Room with ease because it is not as Weighty as Previous Imacs ☝️
Light weight, and only the one cord. Moving my Mini around would be a half-hour project, with all the stuff plugged into it.
I've had more iMacs than I can shake a hat at (not really sure why I want to shake a hat at my computer) but recently when I upgraded from my old 27" iMac, I got the Mac Mini M1. Paired it with a Dell 27" monitor and I'm McLoving it.
Congratulations on being very early!
What’s the maximum refresh rate of the iMac screen?
The M1 Mac mini can be set to refresh at 144Hz, or 120Hz with HDR, providing your display supports it and you use the correct cable.
I love the simplicity of the iMac and I REALLY hope Apple comes out with a bigger screen.
Great job! I have a Mac Mini b/c it better suites my needs. It is also SUPER CLEAN AND MINIMAL! I have two, 30" monitors mounted on articulated arms. So the monitors consume no space on my workstation. The Mini it's mounted under the table so it also consumes no space on my workstation. Two speakers...yep, mounted on the wall. No workstation space consumed. All I have on my desk is a keyboard and mouse. Oh, and a picture of my wife and daughter. ♥️♥️♥️
Now that's apples to apples comparison
I like the added character and quirkiness in this video. Very engaging/entertaining. Great job 👍
uhh, why does 480p look so good?
also 4k is scary......
Fewer ad breaks this time around. Good.
What I want to say is when I went from windows laptop to the Mac mini all I did was plug the cal digit hub into the Mac mini and now my monitor, printer, 5 mass storage devices, speakers, Wacom tablet ready to go. That was easy.
Mac Mini 🚀
More versatile. I choose my display, much better.
As long as your Display is not 4.5k resolution and fully P3 and Adobe RGB accurate it is not better than what is in the iMac.
@MsToshi1990 True. BUT can just pair it with Apple's *Pro Display XDR* if you want *QUALITY* display. But the bells and whistles the iMac display has *doesn't really matter for the standard consumers.*
@@MsToshi1990 The advantage I have and Apple doesn't give it how the monitor is. I can choose in height, in depth, etc. Plus, a 2K is good enough for me, and when the iMac will become a garbage because slowness, I could change my Mac without throwing my monitor. The fact that the monitor and the hardware are together bother me.
@@MsToshi1990 bud it's a 700 dollar difference between Mac mini and imac. I'm sure you can find your own display with better specs.
@@MsToshi1990 You don't know much about monitors do you. Just drinking up the kool aid Apple sells
Only concern with any all in one, is if the monitor dumps, you lose the use of the computer while the monitor is being repaired. With the Mini, just upgrade to a new monitor.
Both of em can perform exceptionally. It’s just what you want out of it. Like Luke said if you want all in one then get the IMac. If you already have a good monitor, keyboard and mouse then the Mac mini is just perfect. Both will work well.
You can use Bluetooth speakers with either. Just plug them into a power socket. (Ports aren’t occupied).
At least the Mac mini doesn't have a crooked display that makes it fall over.
What?
Ok I don’t think they have been falling over…
@@lukemiani take a look at the iMacs leaning over to the right. it's a known defect that apple is still ignoring, plug in a few things and just see what happens.
@@warrenfantom666 sadly yes. Apple needs to figure this out and probably offer replacements. I was able to return mine in time thankfully.
Its either "minimalist" (iMac) or "maximus" (Mini). One flaw in your analysis is that most folks who would go route of Mac Mini would typically have the requisite accessories (display, keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.). But, as you conclude - these are two solutions to two different requirements, and are def not the same thing! CANT GO WRONG ETHER WAY!!!
You here me saying “I’m not sponsored to get all this devices. I need to buy them all myself” 😳
I really didn’t notice this particular video on your playlist until now, but it did clarify the questions I had made on the other iMac video.
If tidyness is essential, iMac. If you already have a full package of peripherals and don’t care about a lot of wires hanging out behind the computer, then Mini it is. There’s a performance improvement in the Mini but it might be negligible for the average user.
Never though of them as being made for different types of consumers, now that’s clear as water for me. It certainly helps on my future decision.
Thanks Luke!
the rarer colors of that mouse and keyboard will be worth a lot on ebay in 10 years
The LG, Dell and Philips USB-C screens with built-in speakers and webcam are a good pairing.
for me i already have 32 2k Display "idc about 4k" and speakers and Mic and K&M
so i could take the mac mini and use it nicely with my PC and if new M2 came
i could upgrade without any problem with same setup and less price
That's one plus with the Mini, in a couple of years get the next faster version for lower cost and sell off the M1 Mini.
God damn 1080p and 32 inches that's horrible. I could not live without 4K at that screen size. You're an absolute madlad.
iMac display, apart for fancy useless white bazel, is lucid, pretty impossible to work with light and reflects in the room.
So if you don't want to get stuck and see lights reflects anyway on monitor, you may prefer a MATT display like BenQ PD2500Q Monitor per Designer 25 Pollici QHD, 2560 x 1440 QHD, CAD/CAM, Darkroom Mode, Low Blue Light, Flicker-Free, uncle dog and pork.
you're right, it's a lot more practical to send on Apple Care, rather that to close and send an Imac with all packaging. Absolutely right for monitor and keyboards, you can choose the best and left the fancy keyboard and the horrible magic mouse to another one who wants to suffer badly.
@@macblu8637 I've used a Magic Trackpad for 9 years with the old iMac, much better and easier to switch to a MacBook. I don't know why Apple even sells the same magic mouse with the new iMac, instantly disabled the moment you need to charge it!
For me, Mac mini. I can use pretty much whatever monitor, mouse, and keyboard I want, and I can get a stand/hub that sits underneath with various ports in the front (including USB-A and an SD card slot, both of which I need).
Satechi Stand & Hub
M1 macs are amazing
I have two choices for studio:
- Imac 5k 2017 specs I5 3.4/24Bb/1Tb = $1200
- Mac Mini 2018 specs i5 3.0/16Gb/256Gb SSD ($710) + Monitor 4k 28" ($340) + Mouse, keyboard ($50) + Speaker ($160)
So what should i go?
For me Mac mini,
Just 4K Monitor/TV Setup, Trackpad and magic keyboard ⌨️ simple!
plus speakers, web cam and cables...
Yes, I missed it
@@nickbrough8335 You do realize there are monitors with built in webcam and speakers?
@@nou4605 of course, but they're still more expensive than the base 4k 24 inch monitors and the quality wont be as good as any stand alone speaker web cam set.
Thank you Luke 'Skywalker' Miami 😉
7:26 that’s what she said
For an average consumer, IMac is the way to go. It is not expensive once we added up all the extras.
I actually watched this video multiple times as I am struggling with which to get. I end up getting the mac mini m1, purchase a 4k resolution monitor, good quality camera and total expenses are way more expensive than the basic iMac but I did get the 16GB ram version of the Mac mini as I am struggling with the 8GB MacBook air m1 I used for 9 months. I think I did the right decision due to the following: screen size, price point compared to 16GB ram, and customization but I do adore the iMac! maybe if they release a 27-inch iMac with m1 then I might upgrade again to that. ahhahahaha
Damn my respect for you went through the roof when I saw that B&O Beosound M5 made a cameo
Well, i bought both of them! :)
That’s one approach!
You getting an iPad Pro so you can do the transfer thing to your hearts content? Your money your choice but I fail to see why you want exactly the same processor twice?
@@fablewalls mac Mini on TV, home setup, and iMac for clean office setup!
@@denislisul5893 - Kind of makes sense... but the M1 mini is small enough to transport to office and have another screen there. Anyhow, what I would do is not what you want to do - we probably have different use cases.
@@fablewalls agreed. This is just my opinion, and works for me. I replaced last gen intel macbook air with M1 iMac. At home i can handle cables, but in my office, cordless is just better option.
Subscribed! I like when people get to the point from the beginning
The Mac mini is my preferred option because it’s more affordable
Just say you’re broke
@@trapsarentgay4195 I buy Apple products so I’m not really
@@GHSTSTRSCRM exactly I just like to save money and I like the idea of using my own monitor
@@scotsmanmike especially for video editing or logic 16gbs of ram is very handy
If you have a 4K monitor good keyboard mouse etc, agreed
I don't know why there is a Mac Mini if you need to buy a display y mouse and keyboard! Then go for the iMac instead!
The iMac screen is equivalent to a 600 dollar monitor so it's worth it
If you don't have a good monitor and keyboard mouse. Then get iMac. Getting all those seperate will cost more then the whole package together
I mostly want the iMac because I just want something all in one and I don’t have to think about it. To get a monitor, keyboard, etc. anywhere near the quality of Apple’s, you’ll be spending about the same if not more.
I have my mini connected to a 4k TV. My entertainment center has a custom electric desk mechanism. When I want to use it for work, I just lower the desk part, which lowers the monitor. The sound system is my speakers. Raise it and it stores the keyboard and mouse, while making the TV ready. The mini is also my travel computer. I have the hard case that fits it all and a HDMI cable..
Hey Luke! Very interesting; wish I'd found your channel prior to buying the Mac Mini M1. We are a nonprofit, so going with the cheaper Mac seemed like a good idea. I figured we could connect it to an old 2013 27" iMac desktop for a monitor, but it turns out it requires a little device like Luna Display (which cost us $150). But, unless I'm mistaken, I have to have two monitors, two keyboards, and two trackpads (one set of each on each machine) each time I boot the Mac Mini to use the iMac as a monitor (really cluttering up my desktop, let alone the process annoyance). I tried different monitors, including a 4k Samsung 32" (which I ended up returning), but the overall experience with it was that it's picture was quite dim (no matter how I configured it) and not as sharp as I hoped (was hoping it would be as crisp and clear as my 2019 27" iMac desktop). My question: is the monitor you're using in this video that's connected to the Mac Mini AS GOOD AS the picture/screen of the iMac you're using here? Thank you for the video. I've liked and subscribed!
you convinced me. I will go for Mini. I already have an amazing EIZO screen, apple mouse and a Logitech solar power keyboard(This keyboard is amazing, I don't have to charge it at all, I've been using it for 5 years.) I was debating if I want to work with double screen, but nah, I can work with just one. ( If I really need to, I can take out my ipad as the second screen.)
iMac for me. I play on my computer, don’t own any consoles to connect to a monitor.
I like the convenient overall package.
IF that's total price for a mac mini 4k monitors and a set of KRK rokits I'd say that's a WAY better deal for the money...
I started out with the M1 Mac Mini when it first came out. Used an old Acer HD monitor and first gen Magic Mouse and keyboard (used AA batteries), plus some old speakers, as all these I had sitting around collecting dust. While it all worked (apart from the monitor not waking up sometimes and keyboard and mouse eating batteries), My maid reason for the upgrade to the new iMac was to have a neater setup and have everything working together properly and not cobbled together from various bits.
The Mac mini has been passed onto another family member to bring them into the M1 world.
Good point about cords - the first accessory I bought for my Mac Mini was a ten outlet power strip.
you could always buy wireless mouse and keyboard to reduce cords. For speakers, maybe buy a wireless bluetooth one so you only need to plug a monitor and the mini. The camera will be USB powered so no problems there.
is literary the same thing.. If you are smart, apple is just giving you the option to either have one package (iMac) hence the price higher.. The Mac mini on the other hand is giving you the option to use your own monitor keyboard and other accessories, hence why is cheaper.
I thought maybe you might get around to touching on the e-waste aspect at least briefly here. Makes the iMac seem a bit less “clean” as far as I’m concerned - not in a way that negates all other points, but it shouldn’t be ignored.
I have had many since the original G4 Mac Mini. When you look at PC video card prices and the benchmarks for Optimized M1 software it a No-Brainer!
THANK YOU. This was exactly the information I needed. Subbed.