What is a Mac mini?
The Mac mini is a small desktop computer that is the lowest price Mac in Apple’s range. It has every feature you would expect from a Mac but you need to use your ownn display, keyboard and mouse. Despite it’s size and price they are very capable devices that will run the latest software with ease, but if you are looking for a more powerful device then the Mac Studio has more powerful chips and better connectivity.
Buying a used Mac mini vs refurbished
Although the Mac mini is the cheapest product in the Mac range it is still a sizeable investment. Buying a Mac mini refurbished from Hoxton Macs provides reliability, warranty, finance options and next day delivery - all factors that might be lacking if buying used from a marketplace.
Buying a new Mac mini from Apple vs Hoxton Macs
We offer many of the benefits of a new Mac mini but at a great saving, plus it’s great for the environment too. Super quick delivery, warranty and expert advice is all part of the service from Hoxton Macs, the largest seller of refurbished Mac in the UK.
Mac mini vs iMac - what is better?
Both the M1 Mac mini and M1 iMac have very similar features and performance, however with the Mac mini you will need to provide your own display, keyboard and mouse. If you already have these or prefer to use your own, then it makes a very cost effective way to use a Mac.
How many displays can you connect to a Mac mini?
The Mac mini can connect to external displays using HDMI or Thunderbolt,
* Mac mini M1 & Mac mini M2: 2 displays
* Mac mini M2 Pro, Mac mini M4 & Mac mini M4 Pro: 3 displays
What about the Mac mini M3?
Apple decided to skip the M3 Mac mini and released the M4 Mac mini in 2024 to replace the M2 Mac mini.
How much memory (RAM) can the Mac mini have?
Mac mini M1 (2020) - 8GB or 16GB
Mac mini M2 (2023) - 8GB, 16GB or 24GB
Mac mini M2 Pro (2023) - 16GB or 32GB
Mac mini M4 (2024) - 16GB, 24GB or 32GB
Mac mini M4 Pro (2024) - 24GB, 48GB or 64GB
Mac mini vs Mac Studio
The Mac Studio sits above the Mac mini in Apple’s product range, it’s more expensive but more powerful and offers better connectivity. Check out our deep dive here.
What is the difference between the Mac mini Intel vs M1 / M2?
The Mac mini 2018 models have Intel processors whereas the Mac mini 2020 and 2023 models have M1 and M2 chips respectively. For most applications the M1 and M2 Mac mini have more processing power, however they have less capacity for memory. The 2018 Mac mini can have 8GB, 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of RAM memory but the M1 is limited to a maximum of 16GB and the M2 is limited to 32GB. The memory in the 2018 models is upgradeable, however it is not possible with the M1 and M2 models. All models can have up to 2TB of SSD storage.