Mac Mini with Apple M1 processor: The best computer for most users in India

Mac Mini with Apple M1 processor:

A few days ago, I reviewed the new 13-inch MacBook Pro, powered by the Apple M1 processor. This is a great laptop with excellent performance and useful feature sets, and I believe anyone who buys it will be more than happy with it, especially with its battery life, speed and the way it runs cool. But it is also an expensive machine. So, don’t you want to spend Rs 122,900 on MacBook Pro. The other option is the new MacBook Air, which also uses the M1 processor and is more or less similar to the Pro. It costs Rs 92,900. That’s very expensive, and both of them have laptops. What about desktop? Enter the new Mac Mini.

Earlier, I mostly rejected Mac Mini. This is because usually, users have been able to get a better and faster Windows computer at the same cost. But now the picture has changed. First, the Apple M1 Processor Mini, which makes it much faster inside, is faster than most general-purpose computers at its price point. And two, good computers have become very expensive for various reasons.

My main computer at home is a machine that I assembled in 2012. Given that I live in the dusty and polluted National Capital Region, its chassis is soiled and littered that I dare not open it. I think a couple of case fans have failed, and people still have spin audible noise. One of the USB ports in front of it does not work. Hard disks are full, and I think 8GB of DDR3 RAM, running at a meager 1600 MHz, is insufficient for applications like Lightroom. But it still feels like a faster computer, even compared to some newer desktops and laptops that I use.

There are two reasons: the main components in one are very good, reliable and match properly. This computer cost me around Rs 1.25 lakh in 2012 and two, there has not been much progress in terms of core computer hardware for regular users. The only thing that has made real progress is storage where using the NVMe interface has brought incredible performance improvements to SSDs.

So, now in 2020, or 2021 for that matter, if I decide to move to a new desktop, I don’t have many good options. The only machines that I would consider are computers based on the AMD Ryzen 5000 series, or perhaps the upcoming Intel Rocket Lake processor – and that these machines will give me a real upgrade feel on my existing computer. And these computers are going to cost a lot. Even computers based on basic Ryzen 3000 series CPUs or Intel 10th generation processors are going to cost close to 1 million rupees once you factor in the price of Windows 10, the software you need and use, and quality components Like motherboard support wi fi and bluetooth, you’ll have to pick up.

And this is for a general purpose computer. Not a gaming PC or a workstation. Mac Mini with Apple M1 processor:

Effectively, what I mean to say is:

1- Computer performance has remained stable for years, especially in mainstream markets where Intel and AMD have failed to offer significant benefits to users.

2- The price of good computer hardware has gone up significantly. This means that if you are assembling a computer, set aside at least Rs 1 lakh. And if you want a top of the line processor like the Ryzen 5950, that chip alone is Rs 70,000 in India price gouging (MRP is Rs 60,990, but supply is low, demand is running high so price gouging.) In fact, after this Running with all the good PC components will cost. A Seasonic PSU that costs $ 150 in the US costs 40,000 rupees in India, that is if you can find it at all.

3- If you are looking in the market for pre-made desktop computers, all the good bucks cost around 1 lakh, which you can get something good. Otherwise, companies like Dell and HP are selling computers that cost above Rs 40,000 and only 4 GB RAM.

Mac Mini with M1 changes the game :-

Mac Mini with Apple M1 processor:

The current market scenario for desktop computers means that the new Mac Mini suddenly makes a lot of sense. The M1 processor ensures that users will edit a 4K video without any hiccups to offer sublime performance, or in other words good enough. Compared to almost all mainstream desktop processors, the M1 is faster in general purpose computing. And that 8GB, as I said in a MacBook Pro review, doesn’t feel as limited as 8GB in an Intel processor.

Even the price is quite good. For Rs 64,900, it is a compelling option. But of course, there is a finer syllable. This price does not include some accessories you would have to buy with the Mini to use it. You will need a monitor for this. As well as a keyboard and mouse. Good monitor can be between Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10,000 depending on what you want.

The Dell P series monitor with a 24-inch IPS display costs Rs 13,000. This is a great option for most users, so consider it. Logitech’s wireless keyboard and mouse combo is 256 GB of storage, meaning you’ll need an external hard disk to use with it, which is the base version of another Rs 1500 Mac Mini. So let’s also get a 1TB hard disk, which will cost another Rs 3500.

The total comes to a little less than Rs 82,000. A fast and up-to-date computer with a large 24-inch monitor, it is a fairly reasonable price to pay.

Then there are other considerations:

— With the Mac Mini, there is no hassle of buying Windows and or worrying about the next OS upgrade. MacOS makes the whole thing transparent to users.

— You do not have to purchase Microsoft Office (in most cases), because bundled apps such as Photos, iMovie, Pages, Numbers, Keynotes etc. are enabled and full featured programs, or for that matter, photo editors.

— The Mac Mini looks slick and is extremely compact. It weighs 1.2kgs. It is smaller than a PC tower.

— This is a fraction of the power that a PC consumes. Keep it running 24X7 and it will not affect your electricity bill. You cannot say the same for a powerful PC nowadays. The TDP of most mainstream processors – and it is just one component – is between 65W to 95W. According to the new Mac mini, Apple consumption, maximum 39W. The figure for the Mac Mini 2018 with Intel processors was 122W.

Best computer to buy in India Mac Mini :-

Mac Mini with Apple M1 processor:

No, I’m not going to get a Mac Mini. But my reasons have nothing to do with its merits. For the last 20-odd years I’ve always collected my own computers, and for now I’m going to continue with that. I have to do in choosing the components, so I can customize every aspect of the computer that can still be optimized. But if I’m the pre-made desktop computer that is fast, power efficient, works well, looks great, and has a reasonable price, the Mac Mini is an easy choice.

There is only one case where the Mac Mini is not a good choice for most consumers. And that is if they want a gaming PC. A Mac is (still) not a gaming machine like an Alienware computer. But understand that good gaming computers cost a lot. Likes very much. If you want to do something to play games, Microsoft Xbox X and Sony PS5 are better value for money.

In other words, you can use the home, which is working from home, or just a computer on which your children can study, or on which you can create stuff or browse the web stream. Or your office report Looking for a desktop computer for want, or to write your book. Or to run your business, just then you could do no better than the Mac Mini paired with a good monitor. There are cheaper machines available, but they are cheaper for a reason. There they are not the more expensive computers in the market as well but in most cases much above what the Mac Mini does.

For many people, especially people like me. Who have spent their lives with a Windows and Intel computer, the Mac Mini is an unusual option. But all things considered, this is the best option right now.

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