New Mac mini

[KristinG80]

Now that the new Mac Mini's are out, which do you suggest and what options?  I have a 2017 iMac and it's on it's last leg. I need to upgrade ASAP and cannot wait for an updated Mac Studio. I don't do any video.  Just Photoshop. I have no need for it to be portable, so I don't need a MacBook...mostly because I don't know if i could go from a 27" screen to a 16"!

[Brian]

*Sigh*

Money is burning a hole in your pocket, eh?  

Since I can't stop you, here is how I would configure a new M4 Mac Mini:

• Start by selecting "Mac" and choose the M4 Pro. We are after the GPU Cores, and you want the 16-Core GPU to start, but we will be upgrading:
  
  
   
• Select the "Apple M4 Pro chip with 14‑core CPU, 20‑core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine" for $200 more.
  
  
• Increase the RAM to 64GB of unified memory. Sure, you could get by with 48GB, but since there is no upgrading after-the-fact, might as well go the "Full Monty" and get 64GB.
  
  
   
• Increase the Hard Drive to 1TB. It's up to you if you want a larger internal drive, but 1TB is still "fine" heading into 2025. Chances are, you are going to have a large 20TB External Thunderbolt 3/4 Drive anyway.
  
  
   
• Ethernet. If you are planning on upgrading your Internet to your home that is above 1Gbps to something like 2.5Gbps or faster, then you will need the 10 Gigabit Ethernet Port. If you are in an area that doesn't have those internet speeds, the default Gigabit Ethernet is also fine. This option is totally up to you. For Techno-weenies like me, spending this much money on a stupid Mac Mini, might as well spend the extra $100. I plan on upgrading to 2.5Gbps (hell, I will probably get 10Gbps,) so the higher end Ethernet Port is what I'm after. For the other 99.999999% of the folks here, 1Gbps is perfectly fine. So for this example, we will leave it at the default.
  
  

By now, the specs should look like this:

The cost should be $2399.00 before Shipping and Tax.

• Click Continue.
• Choose the Apple Studio Display with the Standard Glass.
  
  
   
• I'd choose the standard Tilt-adjustable Stand. If you want to be able to adjust the height up and down, then you will have to upgrade. But in reality, the standard Tilt-adjustable stand is similar to how your 27" iMac is now.
  
  
   
• Add Apple Care for the Studio Display:
  
  
   
• A choice will appear. Either choose 3 years coverage or pay annually $49.99 / year until cancelled. Which one? Either. 3 years is more than enough, but paying $50 a year also works and is a easier pill to swallow over time, especially if you plan on keeping the Apple Studio Display for at least 7 years. Or you can pay the flat $149 and be done with it. Honestly? If your equipment hasn't died within 3 years, there is a good chance, (minus external forces, like a power surge or flood,) that it will last 7 years without issue. But this is your decision. For now, I will leave this example at the $49.99 subscription. 
  
  
  
   
• Click "Add to Bag."
   
• Choose Apple Care. I'd pick three years of coverage for the Mac Mini. It's a Mac Mini and is easily replaceable.
• Choose the Keyboard Color you'd like, along with a new USB-C Charging Port Mouse.
  
  
   
• Click Add to Bag for all three.
  
  
   
• Click "Review Bag" and it should look like this if everything is done correctly. Pay attention and make sure Apple Care is attached to both the Studio Display and Mac Mini.
  
  
  
  
   
• If you purchase the Apple Care with your Mac Mini, AND add the Keyboard & Mouse, Apple Care on the Mini should cover those two items. If not, it's just a Keyboard & Mouse.
  
  
   

The subtotal should be $4355 and the Shipping should be free. Then add the applicable taxes and you should be around $4600-ish for the whole thing.

Oh! one more thing!!

I HIGHLY-HIGHLY-HIGHLY RECOMMEND BUYING THIS APC SINE WAVE 1500VA UPS TO PLUG EVERYTHING INTO.

Not only does that UPS provide power in the event of a power outage, the "Sine Wave" portion actively monitors the current, which makes it better for sensitve electronic equipment. If you are going to spend $4600-ish on a computer, do not use an el-cheapo power strip. Plug the Mac & Studio Display, plus external Hard Drives into the "Battery+Surge" Side, and things like Laser Printers and Speakers into the "Surge Only" Side.

 

Some external Hard Drive Power Bricks might be a bit large, in which case simply use these Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG Heavy Duty 13A Short Power Extension Cord 1 ft to give you some room.