Latest news with #MacMiniM4
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Gizmodo
UGREEN Mac Mini M4 Dock and Stand Is Back at Its Prime Day Price, Likely a Stock Clearance Move
Both Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro are powerful machines that pack a punch in a compact size, but these don't exactly come with the most generous set of ports or storage options. If the lack of internal storage expansion or enough ports has started to feel limiting, it's time to consider investing in a good dock. Ugreen dock & stand is an excellent option, and right now, you can grab it for just $65 on Amazon, after a sweet 28% discount. It's designed specifically for the M4 and M4 Pro models, and can be a great option for multitaskers and creatives alike. See at Amazon Starting with the basics; storage and speed are more than generous. NVMe SSD enclosure supports up to 8TB of internal storage, which is great for handling large files, editing videos that know no creative bounds, and backing up data. Transfer speeds push up to 10Gbps, so moving files around will no longer be painfully slow. Note that the SSD is sold separately, so you can choose whatever capacity and speed fits your needs. The compact dock offers 11 ports, including three USB-A 3.2 ports (10Gbps), two USB-A 3.0 ports (5Gbps), two USB-C 3.2 ports (10Gbps), and front-facing SD and microSD card slots with up to 170MB/s transfer speeds. You can transfer thousands of images and hundreds of videos in a matter of minutes. Put it to work, step out for a quick water break, and come back to a job already done. It copies the sleek design of Apple products and blends into any workstation without being too loud. There's a power button cutout on the bottom, so turning your Mac mini on or off is going to be easier, too. With anti-slip silicone pads, you won't have to worry about the dock slipping or scratching your desk. No more signal drops, either. The dock features conductive paint shielding that actively blocks interference, so your Mac mini's 5G Wi-Fi stays strong and stable. None of your devices will slow your connection down. If your current setup feels limited or cluttered, this Ugreen dock adds serious utility without taking up extra space. For $65, it's a practical upgrade that can make a serious difference in how your Mac mini setup works day to day. You will be able to work faster and more efficiently, regardless of the tasks at hand. Get your orders in before Amazon decides to push the price back up. See at Amazon
Forbes
20-07-2025
- Forbes
Two New Docking Stations On Sale For Your Apple Mac Mini M4 Computer
The new Apple Mac mini M4 is a tiny but powerful new computer from Apple and already we are seeing ... More lots of docking stations for it with plenty of expansion possibilities. If you've bought an Apple Mac mini M4, then you are probably in the market for a docking station to use with it. Apple's latest mini Mac has three Thunderbolt ports at its rear, plus two USB-C ports at the front and a headphone socket. However, it doesn't have an USB-A ports, memory card slots or any other way of expanding its connectivity. This is where a docking station comes in. There's a growing choice of them on the market for the Mac mini, so I thought I would look at a couple of newly released models to see what they offer. The two I selected both have slightly different approaches to the problem, but each has some extra ports and more storage space in the form of a slot for M.2 NVMe SSD. The first device I looked at is Ugreen's 10-in-1 USB-C Docking Station for Apple Mac mini M4. This unit works with both the basic Mac Mini M4 and the Mac Mini M4 Pro, which has Thunderbolt 5 ports. It's the same dimensions as a mac mini M4. The new Ugreen 10-in-1 docking station for the Mac mini M4 has lots of ports as well as SSD ... More expansion. Ugreen 10-in-1 Mac Mini M4 Docking Station The Ugreen docking station sits beneath the Mac mini M4 but leaves a good amount of space between the two units to allow for adequate air circulation. There is a cable that plugs into the rear of the Mac mini M4, occupying two of the Thunderbolt ports. By taking up two ports, Ugreen has managed to increase the bandwidth of the docking station so it can cope with faster speeds of data transfer. At the rear of the docking station there is a small carved out niche which makes the Mac mini M4's awkwardly placed power switch super-easy to access. That's a useful feature for those of us who like to turn our computers off at night. Also at the rear of the docking station there is a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is much more convenient if you want to plug in a pair of powered speakers into the Mac mini. You can still use the headphone jack on the front of the Mac if you want to listen with a pair of wired headphones, but the extra jack gives you options. There are ports aplenty on Ugreen's 10-in-1 docking station for Apple;s Mac mini M4. Multiple Ports And An SSD Slot There is a DisplayPort at the rear which can drive an second 4K display with a refresh rate up to 240Hz. Ugreen has also included two USB-A ports with a 10Gbps transfer speed and a sapre USB-C port with 10Gbps. That extra USB-C port means that although the docking station takes up two Thunderbolt ports, you get one back one although it's not a Thunderbolt port but you still have one of those available on the Mac Mini and Thunderbolt devices can be daisy chained. Moving around the to the front of the docking station there are two more USB-A ports rated at 10Gbps speed plus two slots for an SD and microSD memory card. That's a lot of extra connectivity and should be enough for most people's needs. Finally, the Ugreen docking station has a small hatch on its underside which opens to reveal a slot for an M.2 NVMe SSD. The slot can accommodate all sizes of M.2 SSDs and with capacities up to 8TB. There's no fan or heatsink installed, so it's probably wise to add a silicone cooling pad and choose an SSD that runs cool, such as one of the Samsung models. Some SSDs run very hot, so choose your storage wisely. The Orico Mini Pro is a tower-style docking station for the Mac mini M4 and comes with two USB-A ... More ports, two memory card slots and a chamber for accommodating an M.2 NVMe SSD. Orico MiniPro Chassis Stand The second dock for the Apple Mac Mini M4 comes in the form of the Orico MiniPro Chassis Stand. Looking a lot like a miniature version of Apple's Mac Pro, this aluminum case takes the Mac mini M4 vertically and features cutouts on the front and back for the computer's ports. The dock connects to the Mac mini M4 with a single USB cable that plugs into one of the spare computer's Thunderbolt ports. Like the Ugreen docking station, the Orico has a button for firing up the Mac mini's awkwardly placed power switch. As far as extra ports are concerned, the Orico doesn't offer quite as many options as Ugreen, but it does include two USB-A ports with speeds of 10Gbps. On the front of the case are slots for SD and microSD memory cards. That's about the limit of ports that this docking station has to offer except for its SSD chamber. On the bottom of the Orico Chassis Stand is a small door secured by a single screw. The chamber opens to reveal a slot for holding an M.2 NVMe SSD so you can expand the storage of your Mac mini M4. Apple charges a massive premium for its internal SSD storage, although it does use very fast modules that are soldered to the motherboard and provide exceptional speeds which are handy for heavy duty use like video editing. The Orico MiniPro for Apple's Mac mini M4 computer can accept an SSD up to 8TB capacity. Expand Mac Mini M4 Storage The SSD expansion can be ordered from Orico empty, leaving you free to source your own SSD or you can specify one of Orico's own SSDs which can be factory installed for you. Fitting an SSD in the slot is easy and you can add one up to a maximum of 8TB capacity. There's no active cooling built-in, so some sort of passive cooling method like a silicone pad is recommended. Both these docking stations are an easy way of adding more storage to Apple's Mac mini M4 or M4 Pro. Which docking station you choose will depend on the look you want and, more importantly, how many extra ports you need. It's probably fair to say that the Ugreen offers more expansion for the money, while the Orico has the chunky look of Apple's Mac Pro and may suit those who don't need too many extra ports. The Orico MiniPro is a miniature case for Apple's smallest desktop Mac. The Ugreen 10-in-1 USB-C Docking Station for Apple Mac mini M4 is available now from the Ugreen website and Amazon priced at $66.49 / £59.98. The Orico MiniPro Chassis Stand is available now from Orico and priced at $89.99 / £67.50. Ugreen 10-in-1 Docking Station For Mac Mini M4 Orico MiniPro
Gizmodo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Apple Joins the Prime Day Frenzy, Mac Mini M4 Drops to a New Low with This Coupon
Apple never discounts its products, but this Prime Day is defying the pattern. Amazon has gone all out and discounted almost all of the new and current Apple products—iPads, MacBooks, AirPods, AirTags, Apple Watch and best of all, the new Mac Mini powered by the incredibly powerful M4 chip. For a short while, and exclusive to Prime members (yes, even those who are free-trialing for 30 days), the 2024 Mac Mini M4 is discounted to its all-time lowest price of $499 after coupon redemption on Amazon, down from $599. See at Amazon The Mac Mini M4 has the new Apple M4 chip, featuring a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU with the level of performance making everything feel satisfyingly fast and responsive. This chip is also designed for Apple Intelligence, Apple's new personal intelligence platform. Inside its compact five-by-five-inch frame, the Mac Mini M4 is a powerhouse capable of anything you need for a workspace. The compact footprint means it can slide in easily alongside any monitor or even stashed out of the way but without ever feeling constrained in ability. With 16GB of shared memory and 256GB SSD storage (there's a 512GB version also on sale), there is plenty of elbow room for multitasking and storing your critical files. At the back you have Thunderbolt, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet connections, so you have plenty of options for plugging in monitors, external drives, and networks. Apple has for the first time added front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack so it's even more convenient to plug in accessories or audio devices where you need them. This Prime Day offer is exclusive to Prime members and, given the popularity of Apple products, is likely to sell out quickly. See at Amazon
Geeky Gadgets
03-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
How to Upgrade Your M4 Mac Mini SSD
Upgrading the SSD in your Mac Mini M4 can significantly enhance its storage capacity and performance, making it better suited for demanding tasks. The awesome video below from GOT good old tech provides a detailed walkthrough for replacing the factory-installed 256GB SSD with a 2TB drive. By following these steps, you'll learn about the tools required, the disassembly process, and how to configure the new SSD, ensuring a seamless upgrade experience. Watch this video on YouTube. Why Upgrade the SSD in Your Mac Mini M4? The base 256GB SSD in the Mac Mini M4 may quickly become insufficient for users who work with large files, resource-intensive applications, or extensive media libraries. Upgrading to a 2TB SSD offers several tangible benefits: Expanded Storage: Gain ample space for files, applications, and backups, reducing the need for external drives. Gain ample space for files, applications, and backups, reducing the need for external drives. Enhanced Performance: Enjoy faster read and write speeds, leading to smoother multitasking and quicker file transfers. Enjoy faster read and write speeds, leading to smoother multitasking and quicker file transfers. Cost Efficiency: Upgrading the SSD is often more affordable than purchasing a higher-storage Mac Mini model directly from Apple. However, this process is specific to the Mac Mini M4 and requires a compatible third-party SSD. It's important to note that opening the device will void its warranty. Proceed only if you are confident in your technical skills and comfortable with the risks involved. What You'll Need for the Upgrade Before starting the upgrade, gather the necessary tools and prepare your Mac Mini. Here's what you'll need: Screwdrivers: T3, T5, and T8 screwdrivers to disassemble the device. T3, T5, and T8 screwdrivers to disassemble the device. Prying Tools: Essential for carefully removing the back cover and internal components without causing damage. Essential for carefully removing the back cover and internal components without causing damage. Backup Software: Use Time Machine or similar software to create a complete backup of your data. Use Time Machine or similar software to create a complete backup of your data. Second Mac: Required for configuring the new SSD using DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. Backing up your data is a critical step, as the upgrade process involves erasing the existing SSD. Ensure your backup is complete and reliable before proceeding to avoid data loss. Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Your SSD Step 1: Disassembling the Mac Mini To access the SSD, you'll need to carefully disassemble the Mac Mini. Follow these steps: Power off the Mac Mini and disconnect all cables. Use prying tools to gently remove the back cover, taking care not to damage the casing. Unscrew and remove the fan to expose the internal components. Locate the SSD and use the appropriate screwdriver to remove it from its slot. Handle all components with care to avoid damaging sensitive parts. Keep track of screws and other small pieces to ensure a smooth reassembly later. Step 2: Installing the New SSD Once the old SSD is removed, you can install the new 2TB SSD: Insert the new SSD into the designated slot, making sure it is properly aligned and securely connected. Fasten the SSD in place using the appropriate screws to prevent movement during operation. After installation, the new SSD must be configured using DFU mode to make it functional. Step 3: Configuring the SSD in DFU Mode DFU mode is necessary to restore and update the Mac Mini's firmware for the new SSD. Here's how to do it: Connect the Mac Mini to a second Mac using the center Thunderbolt 4 port. Boot the Mac Mini into DFU mode by following Apple's instructions for your specific model. On the second Mac, use Apple Configurator to restore the Mac Mini's firmware and install macOS on the new SSD. This step ensures the new SSD is fully functional and compatible with your Mac Mini. Step 4: Reassembling the Mac Mini After configuring the new SSD, reassemble the Mac Mini by reversing the disassembly steps: Reattach the fan and secure it with screws. Replace the back cover, making sure it snaps into place securely. Reconnect all cables and power on the Mac Mini to verify the upgrade. Once the system is operational, restore your data from the Time Machine backup or other backup software. Performance Benefits of the Upgrade Upgrading to a 2TB SSD delivers noticeable improvements in both storage and performance: Increased Storage: Easily manage large files, applications, and backups without worrying about running out of space. Easily manage large files, applications, and backups without worrying about running out of space. Faster Speeds: Experience write speeds of up to 3,300 MB/s and improved read speeds, allowing faster file transfers and application loading. Experience write speeds of up to 3,300 MB/s and improved read speeds, allowing faster file transfers and application loading. Enhanced User Experience: Enjoy quicker boot times, smoother multitasking, and better overall system responsiveness. These enhancements make the Mac Mini M4 a more versatile and capable device, especially for users with demanding workloads. Key Considerations Before Upgrading Before proceeding with the SSD upgrade, keep the following factors in mind: Warranty: Opening the Mac Mini will void its warranty, so only attempt this upgrade if you are confident in your technical skills. Opening the Mac Mini will void its warranty, so only attempt this upgrade if you are confident in your technical skills. Compatibility: Ensure the new SSD is specifically designed for the Mac Mini M4 to avoid compatibility issues. Ensure the new SSD is specifically designed for the Mac Mini M4 to avoid compatibility issues. Precision: The process requires patience and attention to detail to prevent damage to internal components. By carefully considering these factors, you can minimize risks and ensure a successful upgrade. Final Thoughts Upgrading the SSD in your Mac Mini M4 is a practical way to enhance its storage capacity and performance, making it better suited for modern computing needs. By following this guide, you can replace the factory-installed SSD with a 2TB drive, making sure your device meets your storage and speed requirements. While the process demands careful preparation and technical precision, the benefits of increased storage and improved performance make it a worthwhile investment for users seeking to maximize the potential of their Mac Mini M4. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to Mac Mini M4 SSD Upgrade that you may find helpful. Source & Image Credit: GOT good old tech Filed Under: Apple, Guides, Hardware Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Gizmodo
30-06-2025
- Gizmodo
UGREEN M4 Mac Mini Dock Costs Peanuts for Early Prime Day, Adds 8TB and 10 Ports to Your Apple Mini PC
If you pick up a Mac Mini for yourself, then it might feel like you've got everything you need. After all, it's such a dinky little device, and it houses so much power already, so what else is there? That's all good and well, but at some point, you may start to want a bit more. Your options at that point often boil down to just having to buy a new one, and that's a pricey proposition. You don't have to just do that though, you can actually get an upgrade or two for it. See at Amazon A great example of this is the Ugreen Mac Mini M4 Dock, which adds a fair amount of utility and is currently just $66. That's 34% off the usual price of $100. We do recommend grabbing this one as quickly as you can though, as it's a limited-time deal on Amazon, which basically means it's not going to last very long at all. This little device essentially serves as a dock for your Mac Mini M4, but also as an all-in-one upgrade. From a physical standpoint, it has anti-slip features underneath it to make sure that your little Mac stays safe when it's in it, but it's also just riddled with all sorts of ports that will allow your Mac Mini to last longer than it normally would. It has a 4K240Hz port to allow you to output to an extra monitor, which is amazing if you're in need of more digital space, or you're just someone who finds themselves with a distraction on one screen, while they work on the other. It also has multiple USB ports, data ports, SD ports and more. It is a simple way to connect more things to your Mac Mini, while also allowing the device to do more. One of its best features though, is that it supports M.2 NVMe SSDs of up to 8TB. This is an incredible way to add more storage to your Mac Mini if you're looking to do so, all you need to do is pick your preferred SSD for it. All-in-all, this little dock can do a lot of good work, and it's a great option for people who own the Mac Mini M4. It's only going to $66 for a little while longer though, so if you do decide you want it, we recommend you act quickly to avoid missing out on it. See at Amazon
