How to Shop for a 2014 Apple Mac Mini
Known for its stability in the workplace and for entertainment at home, having a Mac offers you access to Safari and the Mac operating system (mac OS X), as well as many other features and benefits. The Mac Mini for desktop, released in 2014, offers many of the same attributes but with an extremely portable size. There are a few different models, and features to keep an eye out for, when you're considering a Mini Mac.
What Is the Difference Between a Mac Mini and a Regular iMac?
The main difference between the Mac Mini and a regular iMac is the size difference of the components. The mini is a good option if:
- You need a highly portable computer that you can take to work or move from room to room
- You're short on space and/or desktop surface area and want a very tiny desktop
- You are looking for an all-in-one computer that offers mouse, keyboard and monitor
The Mac desktop is an optimal choice if:
- You need a larger hard drive to store more files
- You want a more powerful processor such as a dual-core
- You use your computer for graphics-heavy programs
In essence, both are great choices when it comes to work, school or entertainment.
What Are Some Mini Features?
The mini packs many features into its tiny little package, including fast processors (such as an Intel Core i5) that easily rival the iMac. Some features include:
- Several HDMI ports and access to Thunderbolt 2 ports
- Easy connection and access to Wi-Fi and hotspots
- OS X operating system
- Intel HD Graphics 5000
- Up to a 1 TB hard drive
- Bluetooth and Ethernet connectivity
- Many Mac apps are already built in
The 2014 Mini had several different capacities, dual drive processors, and other features, so you can easily "load up" on high-end features to easily rival an iMac, if a fast processor and drive space are a concern. For example, you have a 1.4 GHz processor, or choose the 2.8 GHz model. You can opt for a mini with 500 GB of space, or choose a 1 TB Fusion drive. There are several processors to choose from, including i5-2520M, i5-4308U, i5-4278U, i5-4260U and i7-4578U.
Apple also offers the mini as an all-in-one meaning it comes complete with:
- Monitor (with choice of size)
- Mouse
- Keyboard
- All included wires and cords
What Are Some Mini Accessories?
If you don't opt for the all-in-one or simply would like some accessories to make your computing experience more complete, there are a few made just for the mini, such as:
- Lightning USB cables
- SMART hub/charger
- Thunderbolt adapters
- SATA adapaters
- Mini Display Port adapters
- Beats cables and adapters
- Ethernet adapters