Vratislav Holub Apple introduced a pair of new Macs and the HomePod (2023nd generation) in mid-January 2. As it seems, the Cupertino giant finally listened to the pleas of apple lovers and came up with a long-awaited update of the popular Mac mini. This model is the so-called entry device to the world of macOS – it offers a lot of music for little money. Specifically, the new Mac mini saw the deployment of the second generation Apple Silicon chips, or M2, and the new M2 Pro professional chipset.
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It was for this that the giant received a standing ovation from the fans themselves. For a long time, they have been calling for the arrival of the Mac mini, which will offer the professional performance of the M1/M2 Pro chip in a small body. It is this change that makes the device one of the best computers in terms of price/performance. After all, we addressed this in the article attached above. Now, on the other hand, let's take a look at the basic model, which is available at a completely unbeatable price, starting at CZK 17.
Cheap Mac, expensive Apple setup
Of course, you need to have accessories for it in the form of a keyboard, mouse/trackpad and monitor. And it is precisely in this direction that Apple gets a little confused. If an Apple user would like to make a cheap Apple setup, he can reach for the mentioned basic Mac mini with M2, Magic Trackpad and Magic Keyboard, which would cost him 24 CZK in the end. The problem arises in the case of the monitor. If you choose the Studio Display, which is by the way the cheapest display from Apple, the price will increase to an incredible 270 CZK. Apple charges CZK 67 for this monitor. Therefore, let's briefly summarize the individual items from this equipment:
- Mac mini (basic model): CZK 17
- Magic Keyboard (without numeric keypad): CZK 2
- Magic Trackpad (white): CZK 3
- studio display (without nanotexture): CZK 42
So only one thing clearly follows from this. If you would be interested in complete Apple equipment, then you will have to prepare a big bundle of money. At the same time, using a Studio Display monitor with a basic Mac mini doesn't quite make sense, as the device can't use the potential of this display that well. All in all, the Californian company's offer is woefully lacking in an affordable monitor that, like the Mac mini, would function as an entry-level model into the Apple ecosystem.
Mac mini M2 (2023)
An affordable Apple display
On the other hand, there is also the question of how Apple should approach such a device. Of course, to reduce the price, it is necessary to make some compromises. The Cupertino giant could start with an overall reduction, instead of the 27″ diagonal we know from the already mentioned Studio Display, it could follow the example of the iMac (2021) and bet on a 24″ panel with a similar resolution of around 4 to 4,5K. It would still be possible to save on the use of a display with a lower luminosity, or in general to proceed from what the 24″ iMac is proud of.
Undoubtedly, the most important thing in this case would be the price. Apple would have to keep its feet on the ground with such a display and its price tag would not exceed 10 crowns. In general, it can be said that Apple fans would welcome a slightly lower resolution and brightness, if the device was available at a "popular" price and with an elegant design that would harmonize with the rest of the Apple equipment. But it seems like we will ever see such a model in the stars for now. Current speculations and leaks do not mention anything similar.
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