Latest news with #MacminiM4


Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I gave my Mac mini M4 the ultimate upgrade with this Mac Pro-style case — and it fixes some of my biggest complaints
When it comes to putting together the perfect desk setup for your needs, a little customization can go a long way to making a great product even more useful. Don't get me wrong, the Mac mini M4 is easily one of the best mini PCs you can get today but as I noted in my Mac mini M4 review, it isn't perfect. The upgrade from 8GB to 16GB of unified memory is certainly a welcome change as is its powerful new M4 chip and completely redesigned aluminum case. However, after spending 8 months with the Mac mini M4, my original gripes with the device still ring true today. For starters, the Mac mini M4 doesn't have any USB-A ports whatsoever. Instead, you get two USB-C ports on the front and three Thunderbolt 4 ports on the back. While this is fine if you're using Apple's wireless accessories like a Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, it isn't ideal if you have older peripherals you'd rather use instead. The Mac mini M4's power button is also in an odd position on the underside of the device. If you leave your computer running 24/7, then this might not be a problem. However, if you like to power your computer down at the end of the day while saving a bit on your electric bill at the same time, it's less than ideal. Finally, the base version of the Mac mini M4 only comes with 256GB of storage. This likely isn't enough for most people and upgrading to a higher storage tier costs $200 each time you do so which makes what is normally a very affordable Mac at $599 less enticing. While there are a lot of different hubs and stands which address the Mac mini M4's biggest downsides like this one from Satechi, I recently tried out Orico's new MiniPro Dock Case. I think I might finally be done customizing my Mac mini for good, especially now that it looks like a mini Mac Pro. This all-aluminum enclosure for your Mac mini M4 or Mac mini M4 Pro gives your mini PC a Mac Pro-style look in a much smaller package. It also adds more ports, gives you the ability to add up to 8TB of additional storage with an M.2 SSD and you can easily reach your Mac mini M4's power button. Just like the Mac mini M4 itself, Orico's MiniPro Dock Case also features an all-aluminum chassis. However, unlike some of the other stands and hubs you can get, this one doesn't go under or on top of Apple's smallest Mac yet. Instead, you literally put your Mac mini M4 inside and close the lid. To prevent scratching and your Mac mini M4 moving around inside it, Orico has outfitted its MiniPro Dock Case with a silicone inner lining that holds the device in place. While the sides of the case have a smooth matte finish, the front and back have those same circular cutouts you'd find on the significantly more expensive Mac Pro. There are also two carrying handles on top and metal feet on the bottom to complete the look. However, you won't find any optional wheels like the ones for the Mac Pro but at $699 for the wheels themselves, you're probably better off without one of Apple's most expensive optional accessories yet. Installing your Mac mini M4 inside Orico's MiniPro Dock Case is as simple as can be. You just push the slider on top to remove its side panel and from there, you just push your Mac mini inside. I like this approach over some of the other hubs I've seen as you get a completely self-contained unit that also keeps your Mac mini M4 safe from scratches. While I haven't tried it yet (nor do I plan to), I bet the MiniPro Dock Case would also protect the computer if it happened to fall off your desk. Orico sells two versions of its MiniPro Dock Case: one with a free slot for an SSD and one with a pre-installed SSD. I decided to check out the former as not only is it cheaper but you can also expand its storage all the way up to 8TB. To access the SSD slot, there's a removable panel on the bottom of the case and you get a pad of thermal paste to put under your SSD to keep it cool once it's installed. Opening the bottom panel and moving my 1TB WD-Black SSD from my Satechi Mac Mini M4 Hub & Stand to Orico's MiniPro Dock Case was a breeze and only took a few minutes. With my Mac mini M4 and SSD both installed, it was time to plug everything back in and take my new faux Mac Pro for a spin. I have to admit that with both the Mac mini M4 on its own and with Satechi's stand and hub underneath it, I was often inclined to tuck this Apple-powered mini PC out of the way. Now with it inside the MiniPro Dock Case, I felt like it deserved to be front and center which is why I put it on the left side of the desk shelf on top of my desk. Not only is it now a conversation piece but with the underside of the Mac mini M4 exposed, the computer is getting a lot more airflow too. Just like with Satechi's stand and hub, the MiniPro Dock case uses a single cable to connect to your Mac mini M4. One nice touch with this case though is that it's a detachable cable instead of a hardwired one like on Satechi's which means you can always replace it later on if you need to. I also like the fact that Orico sprung for a braided white cable as this definitely fits better with Apple's whole aesthetic. Around front, you get easy access to both a microSD and an SD card reader at the very bottom. However, there are also large square and rectangular cutouts that allow you to easily reach the Mac mini M4's front ports. They sit a bit farther back inside the MiniPro Dock but I actually kind of like this as they blend into the case when you don't need them but are easy to reach when you do. Besides its unique look and just how easy it is to add extra storage, the other great thing about the MiniPro Dock case is that the Mac mini M4's power button is much more accessible. On hubs and stands where your Mac mini sits on top, you still have to reach around the back to access it but this way, it's just right there by all the ports at the back. Speaking of rear ports, all of the Mac mini M4's original ones are contained within a similar cutout on the back of the case. However, in addition to these ones, you also get two USB-A ports on either side under them with an extra USB-C port in between. At my Mac desk setup, I'm using one of those USB-A ports for the full-size Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Keyboard and the other for a trackball mouse from Logitech. While a lot of people have moved on to using Bluetooth for their peripherals, I still prefer 2.4 GHz wireless USB dongles. The reason for this is that I often move from using one mini PC to another and I just plug one of them in and be ready to go as opposed to having to go through the Bluetooth pairing process each time. It's worth noting though that the Logitech Ergo M575S mouse and Satechi SM3 keyboard I'm currently using at this desk setup both have Bluetooth support too. Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Keyboard: $119 at AmazonThis low-profile, full-size mechanical keyboard works with both Mac and Windows and comes in either a light gray/white or dark gray/gray variation. You can connect up to two devices over Bluetooth, use the included 2.4 GHz dongle or connect it to your computer over USB-C. The SM3 also features low-profile brown switches and a rechargeable 2,500 mAh battery. From the Geekom A6 to the Khadas Mind, there are tons of great mini PCs out there for different workflows and desk setups. However, with the Mac mini M4, there are endless accessories that allow you to customize the look and experience of using Apple's mini PC. While you can get a similarly-specced, Windows-based mini PC for the same price or even cheaper, you're losing out on the ability to customize it after the fact. Whether you want a hub with more ports, a stand or even an under-desk mount, the possibilities are almost endless. They're not just for looks either as you can see with Orico's MiniPro Dock Case and Satechi's Mac mini M4 Hub & Stand since they both allow you to add additional storage without having to pay the Apple tax to do so. Whatever option you decide to go with, you always have the freedom to change things up later while bringing over any extra storage you added. As for me, I plan on keeping my Mac mini M4 in this MiniPro Dock Case for the foreseeable future as not only do I love its unique look but with the computer now standing up vertically, it helps free up even more space on my desk.


Tom's Guide
09-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I love the Mac mini M4 but I wouldn't buy it without these accessories — and they're both on sale for Prime Day
If you've been holding out on picking up a Mac mini M4, now is the perfect time to finally pull the trigger as not only is Apple's smallest Mac yet on sale for Prime Day, so too are my must-have accessories to get the most out of it. Right now, you can get the Mac mini M4 for just $499 at Amazon. That's $100 off its normal price after you clip an additional coupon before adding it to your cart. However, if you need even more power, the Mac mini M4 Pro is $140 off and comes with 24GB of memory (instead of 16GB) and even more storage. The base model Mac mini M4 is a big step up from its predecessor and likely enough for most people without any expensive upgrades. It comes with Apple's powerful M4 chip, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. You also get plenty of ports in a tiny package with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C ports, HDMI and Ethernet. This pro model of the smallest Mac yet takes things up a notch with even more power and extra storage. It comes with Apple's M4 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Likewise, instead of Thunderbolt 4, this upgraded model comes with faster Thunderbolt 5 ports. The Mac mini M4 is without a doubt one of the best mini PCs you can buy today, especially if you prefer macOS to Windows. Likewise, it's a great starter Mac desktop for those looking to make the switch to macOS as well as for people that are just tired of having to charge one of the best MacBooks each night. Compared to its predecessor, the Mac mini M4 is a big step up. Not only does it feature Apple's M4 chips but the case has been redesigned from the ground up to be smaller and more compact at just 5 x 5 x 2 inches. At the same time, you now get two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front, which means you don't have to reach around back to plug in a pair of wired headphones or to connect accessories to your Mac mini M4. Around back, you now get three Thunderbolt ports, an HDMI port and a gigabit Ethernet port. It's worth noting that while the standard Mac mini M4 has three Thunderbolt 4 ports, the pro version features even faster Thunderbolt 5 ports instead. Unfortunately though, the Mac mini M4 isn't perfect. Apple still charges an arm and a leg for additional storage and you won't be able to power on or off the device without lifting it up on its desk. Thankfully, my favorite Mac mini M4 accessory fixes my biggest gripes with Apple's latest mini PC. Compared to the Mac mini M2, the new Mac mini M4 is a much more capable mini PC thanks to its boosted RAM and faster M4 chip. However, by upgrading, you do miss out on USB-A ports as the latest Mac mini doesn't have any at all. That's where a hub like this one from Satechi can help. Thanks to Prime Day savings, you can pick up a Satechi Mac Mini M4 Hub & Stand for just $79 at Amazon. This is $50 off its normal price and while still somewhat on the expensive side, I consider this hub an absolute must for the Mac mini M4. Designed to perfectly match your Mac mini M4, this aluminum hub and stand adds three USB-A ports, an SD card reader and there's even a slot on the bottom for a M.2 NVMe drive to boost your Mac's storage. There's a braided USB-C cable on the back to plug it into your computer and a cutout on the back left that lets you easily reach your Mac mini M4's power button. Besides all those extra ports up front and the built-in SD card reader, when you flip the Satechi mac Mini M4 Hub & Stand over, there's a small compartment where you can add an internal SSD. Apple still charges $200 each time you move up a tier from the Mac mini M4's 256GB SSD. Want to add a 1TB SSD to your Mac mini M4? That will cost you an extra $400 on top of what you're already paying. With Satechi's hub though, you can add any M.2 NVMe SSD to expand your Mac mini M4's storage by up to 4TB. It's worth noting that multiple SSD sizes including 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280 are supported, so you don't have to look for a particular size if you do decide to add more storage to your Mac mini M4. Satechi seems to have thought of everything though as around back, there's a cutout on the left side of the hub. With your Mac mini M4 docked in it, you can reach the device's power button without having to lift it up off your desk. Apple's Magic Keyboards are certainly popular but they pale in comparison to the experience you get when typing on one of the best mechanical keyboards. Instead of feeling a rubber membrane beneath your keyboard's keys, each key features its only mechanical switch for a more accurate and comfortable typing experience. Once again, thanks to Prime Day, you can get the Satechi SM3 Slim Mechanical Keyboard for just $83 at Amazon right now. This full-sized keyboard features low-profile switches and comes in either a light gray/white or dark gray/gray color scheme to match the rest of your desk setup. It also has a sturdy aluminum case, so you don't feel any flexing or bending while typing. This low-profile, full-size mechanical keyboard works with both Mac and Windows and comes in either a light gray/white or dark gray/gray variation. You can connect up to two devices over Bluetooth, use the included 2.4 GHz dongle or connect it to your computer over USB-C. The SM3 also features low-profile brown switches and a rechargeable 2,500 mAh battery. As for connectivity, Satechi's SM3 mechanical keyboard can connect to your Mac mini M4 over Bluetooth, with the included 2.4 GHz USB dongle or with a USB cable plugged into the USB-C port around back. There you'll also find a handy on/off switch which is great if you want to save battery life. However, with its built-in 2,500 mAh battery, you can get about 20 days worth of usage or 15 days with its backlight on. Oh yeah, did I mention it has white LED backlighting and shine-through keycaps? There are 14 LED backlit patterns to choose from and you can turn down the SM3's backlighting using the F5 and F6 keys right from the keyboard itself. This is also a very comfortable keyboard to use due to its flat keycaps and low-profile design which helps reduce fatigue while typing. It's worth noting that unlike with other mechanical keyboards, you don't have a lot of options when it comes to which mechanical switches you want to use with the SM3. The keyboard only comes with low-profile brown switches which I personally love. They aren't clicky like blue switches and they don't go straight down like red ones. Instead, brown switches have a nice tactile bump to let you know when a key is actuated. They're great for both a home or office environment too as they aren't loud unless you have a tendency to bottom out while typing. If brown switches aren't for you though, you're going to want to look elsewhere as the SM3 isn't a hot-swappable keyboard where you can change out its switches whenever you want. This is because its mechanical switches are soldered to the keyboard's motherboard. You could still technically swap them out but that would require desoldering the brown ones, adding new switches and then soldering them. I've been using Satechi's SM3 mechanical keyboard with my Mac mini M4 since it was released and I haven't had any issues yet. It's a very comfortable keyboard and I like how I have all of the macOS-specific keys right at my fingertips. However, it does work on Windows and even on Chromebooks too. With the extra ports and storage from Satechi's hub and its SM3 keyboard connected, the Mac mini M4 instantly transforms from a great mini PC to a near perfect one. Even with the base model, I found it could handle my workload which involves having dozens of Chrome tabs open simultaneously while writing and editing. If you're thinking about picking up a Mac mini M4, I highly recommend getting these accessories with it. You'll also need a mouse or, if you're like me, a trackball mouse and one of the best monitors to complete your desk setup. While it makes sense to choose a monitor with built-in speakers so you don't have to buy a pair of the best computer speakers too, it's worth noting that the Mac mini M4 does have a single speaker inside which should work in a pinch for listening to music, watching content online or even taking video calls. I've wanted to switch back to using a Mac for years now but it wasn't until the release of the Mac mini m4 that I finally did. The experience was almost perfect and I'm very impressed with Apple's smallest Mac yet. However, once I added Satechi's hub and keyboard to the mix, I was finally able to ditch my Windows PC for good.


Tom's Guide
17-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I review mini PCs for a living and this Mac mini M4 deal is an absolute steal at $100 off
There's never been a better time to ditch your laptop or downsize from a big bulky desktop and pick up one of the best mini PCs instead. While there are plenty of great mini PCs that run Windows, there's only one that runs macOS though and after using it for the past six months, I have to admit the Mac mini M4 is almost perfect. Thanks to Apple's powerful M4 chips and the fact that the base model now comes with 16GB of RAM as standard, the Mac mini M4 is a powerful mini PC that's perfect if you don't want to shell out extra cash for one of the best MacBooks. Right now you can get the Mac mini M4 for just $499 at Amazon, $100 off its normal price. Need even more power? The Mac mini M4 Pro is also $100 off and comes with 24GB of memory and even more storage. The base model Mac mini M4 is a big step up from its predecessor and likely enough for most people without any expensive upgrades. It comes with Apple's powerful M4 chip, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. You also get plenty of ports in a tiny package with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C ports, HDMI and Ethernet. This pro model of the smallest Mac yet takes things up a notch with even more power and extra storage. It comes with Apple's M4 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Likewise, instead of Thunderbolt 4, this upgraded model comes with faster Thunderbolt 5 ports. Compared to its predecessor, the Mac mini M4 is a big step up. Not only does it feature Apple's M4 chips but the case has been redesigned from the ground up to be smaller and more compact at just 5 x 5 x 2 inches. Likewise, you now get two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front, which means you don't have to reach around back to plug in a pair of wired headphones or to connect accessories to your Mac mini M4. Around back, you now get three Thunderbolt ports, an HDMI port and a gigabit Ethernet port. It's worth noting that while the standard Mac mini M4 has three Thunderbolt 4 ports, the pro version features even faster Thunderbolt 5 ports instead. One of my favorite things about the Mac mini M4 when compared to other mini PCs I reviewed is that it features an internal power supply. This makes cable management just as easy as bringing this PC with you on a trip since you don't have to lug around a bulky power adapter with you. It also uses a standard power cord, so it's easy to replace or get a longer one if you need Mac mini M4 is an excellent all-around mini PC that's great for both work and play. It's also very easy to set up and use which makes it a fantastic choice for older users as well as younger ones. At $100 off its normal price, this is a deal you won't want to miss, especially if you're looking for a new Mac. Check out my article on reasons to buy or skip the Mac mini M4 if you're still on the fence!
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Yahoo
One Plug, Endless Potential: Macally's MMINIDOCK Supercharges the Mac Mini M4
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Macally, a leader in Mac-compatible accessories, steps in where the Mac mini M4 falls short (limited ports, fixed storage and clutter) transforming it into a full-scale workstation. Today, the company unveils the MMINIDOCK, a minimalist hub designed exclusively for the Mac mini M4. The MMINIDOCK seamlessly adds extra storage, essential ports and a clean all-in-one design, while preserving the sleek Apple aesthetic. With a single USB-C connection, the MMINIDOCK delivers: Versatile Connectivity: Easily connect peripherals through three USB-A 2.0 ports, SD and TF card readers, a 4K HDMI output, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Expandable Storage: The integrated SSD enclosure supports up to 8TB of high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD, providing ample space for backups, creative projects, and large libraries of photos, videos, and design files. Sleek, Minimalist Design: Seamlessly matches the Mac mini M4 with a clean, unified look. A single USB-C connection keeps your desk tidy while preserving easy access to the power button. Uninterrupted Airflow: Designed with precision cutouts, the dock preserves the Mac Mini M4's internal cooling—ensuring optimal airflow and peak performance without compromise. Quick Installation: Includes everything needed for quick setup—a USB-C cable, screwdriver, mounting screws, thermal strip, and SSD mounting nut. Until now, Mac mini M4 users had to piece together multiple external drives and hubs to get the functionality needed for serious creative work. For just $100, this all-in-one dock changes that, bringing ports, storage, and design harmony into one streamlined device. Perfect for content creators, photo editors, students, and hybrid professionals, the MMINIDOCK gives users a clean desk setup without compromising on performance. Pricing and Availability: The Macally MMINIDOCK is available now at an introductory launch price of $79.99 on Amazon and with code MYMINI. Regular MSRP: $99.99. © 2025 Macally. All rights reserved. Macally and the Macally logo are trademarks of Macally. Apple, the Apple logo, and Mac mini (M4) are trademarks of Apple Inc. The Macally MMINIDOCK is not affiliated with Apple Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on Contacts For media inquiries please contact:Ms. Cindy Araujocindya@ Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data


Business Wire
16-06-2025
- Business Wire
One Plug, Endless Potential: Macally's MMINIDOCK Supercharges the Mac Mini M4
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Macally, a leader in Mac-compatible accessories, steps in where the Mac mini M4 falls short (limited ports, fixed storage and clutter) transforming it into a full-scale workstation. Today, the company unveils the MMINIDOCK, a minimalist hub designed exclusively for the Mac mini M4. The MMINIDOCK seamlessly adds extra storage, essential ports and a clean all-in-one design, while preserving the sleek Apple aesthetic. Upgrade your Mac mini M4 with Macally's MMINIDOCK — extra ports, up to 8TB SSD, 4K HDMI output, and a sleek design, all in one. Share With a single USB-C connection, the MMINIDOCK delivers: Versatile Connectivity: Easily connect peripherals through three USB-A 2.0 ports, SD and TF card readers, a 4K HDMI output, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Expandable Storage: The integrated SSD enclosure supports up to 8TB of high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD, providing ample space for backups, creative projects, and large libraries of photos, videos, and design files. Sleek, Minimalist Design: Seamlessly matches the Mac mini M4 with a clean, unified look. A single USB-C connection keeps your desk tidy while preserving easy access to the power button. Uninterrupted Airflow: Designed with precision cutouts, the dock preserves the Mac Mini M4's internal cooling—ensuring optimal airflow and peak performance without compromise. Quick Installation: Includes everything needed for quick setup—a USB-C cable, screwdriver, mounting screws, thermal strip, and SSD mounting nut. Until now, Mac mini M4 users had to piece together multiple external drives and hubs to get the functionality needed for serious creative work. For just $100, this all-in-one dock changes that, bringing ports, storage, and design harmony into one streamlined device. Perfect for content creators, photo editors, students, and hybrid professionals, the MMINIDOCK gives users a clean desk setup without compromising on performance. Pricing and Availability: The Macally MMINIDOCK is available now at an introductory launch price of $79.99 on Amazon and with code MYMINI. Regular MSRP: $99.99. © 2025 Macally. All rights reserved. Macally and the Macally logo are trademarks of Macally. Apple, the Apple logo, and Mac mini (M4) are trademarks of Apple Inc. The Macally MMINIDOCK is not affiliated with Apple Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.