Mac mini (2020): complete technical sheet and price of the computer

Released in March 2020, the latest version of the Mac mini does not really change from the previous one, except in terms of price and available internal storage options. But the device nonetheless remains agreat desktop computer, offering a price that is quite attractive and even less expensive than Apple's portable modelslike the MacBook Air released at the same period.

To find out more about the Mac mini 2020, you need to look at the components that its manufacturer has chosen to integrate inside, but also at the possibilities offered by its software. We will then realize that the machine is mainly dedicated to a particular audience, beyond the traditional sphere of consumers who are fans of premium products. But what makes theMac mini (2020)so special? And does it stand up to all its competitors, including the Californian brand? This is what we will explain to you in this review.

Design: minimalism in all its splendor

You have probably noticed: it is difficult to do moreonthan the design of the Mac mini. And for good reason, the manufacturer has chosen here to deliver a simple aluminum block with rounded corners, which is reminiscent of the Apple TV in a size approximately twice as imposing: count 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.6cm. Suffice to say that it fits in any backpack, even if, as we will see later, you need more equipment to be able to use it seriously.

Another advantage: the Mac mini shell - which weighs only 1.3 kg - is made of 100% materialrecycled: the ideal opportunity to make a slightly more responsible gesture than usual by purchasing it. In terms of colors, only space gray is available here, with the famous emblematic fruity logo in the middle of the machine. What more can I say? With the Mac mini 2020, Apple has imagined a refined tool free from any unwelcome frills. A true gem of simplicity.

Note also that the Mac mini (2020) was designed to operate in temperate environments between 10 and 35° Celsius: this is certainly sufficient for most people, but forget it right away if you live in the south of France and your home is not cooled by aair conditioningin due form. Good to know at a time when heatwaves have become commonplace.

Mac mini performance (2020)

When purchasing the Mac mini (2020), Apple will offer you the option to choose the configuration that you like best. It starts with the processor: three are offered. The first is a quad-core SoCIntelCore i3 clocked at 3.6 GHz with 6 MB of shared L3 cache memory, which is sufficient for office use especially with the fluidity of macOS, but not very advantageous compared to the base price offered. Otherwise, you can also opt for a hexa-core Intel Core i5 at 3 GHz (Turbo Boost up to 4.1 GHz) with 9 MB of shared L3 cache, which is more honorable. Last option: a hexa-core Intel Core i7 chip at 3.2 GHz, whose Turbo Boost is limited to 4.6 GHz and coupled with 12 MB of shared L3 cache memory.

As for theRAM, four choices are possible: 8 GB of SO-DIMM DDR4 RAM at 2,666 MHz, or double, 32 GB or even 64 GB. The graphics processor, for its part, does not change: it is an Intel UHD Graphics 630 Finally, the storage offered ranges from 256 GB to .2 To, all in the form of a PCIe SSD only. On a daily basis, the Mac mini (2020) is a very powerful computer, which does not hesitate to deliver its maximum performance when necessary and without latency.

Certainly, die-hard gamers will rather turn to even more demanding technical sheets like that of the Mac Pro, but the performance of the Mac mini (2020) is more than sufficient for more professional daily and intensive use or quite simply for playing onApple Arcade. In short, you really will not be disappointed, and even particularly energy-intensive software such as that of the Adobe suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, etc.) will run without problem on your Mac mini (2020).

macOS at its peak

Like any Apple computer, the Mac mini (2020) is powered by macOS. Considered particularly responsive by critics, it is true that the program is successful and, what's more, is pleasant to use on a daily basis.

Security

The Mac mini (2020) is equipped withT2 chip. In silicon, this was designed to make the device more secure than before (this is already its second generation) by bringing together several controllers in a single component. Added to this is a Secure Enclave coprocessor, responsible for starting the device securely and encrypting its data.

This part of the Mac mini (2020) demonstrates Apple's desire to make it an asset for yourconfidentiality, which therefore also affects the day to day use of macOS: the emphasis is regularly placed on the protection of privacy, to the point of blocking even the installation of software not available on the Mac App Store.

Mac mini apps (2020)

With the Mac mini (2020), you are also entitled to many applicationsfreedelivered as standard with macOS. Among them, we find in particular:

• Photos (the same as on iPhone)
• iMovie (montage)
• Pages (word processing)
• Numbers (spreadsheet)
• Keynote (presentation software)
• Notes, synchronizable with all your Apple devices from iCloud
• Calendar
• Contacts
• Messages, to find SMS messages received on iOS
• Time Machine, to back up computer contents
• Locate, to find your lost devices
• Podcasts and free audio shows
• Home, to manage your smarthome
• Dictaphone
• GarageBand
• Siri (assistant vocal)
• Apple TV and its Apple TV+ streaming service at 4.99 euros per month (First year free with the purchase of a Mac mini)
• Apple Music, with its unlimited listening platform from 9.99 euros per month
• the Safari browser
• the universal Mail inbox
• FaceTime, for video calls
• Apple Maps (mapping service)
• Bourse
• Livres

Note also that the Mac mini can be delivered with Logic Pro X (MAO) and Final Cut Pro

UI

The macOS interface on the Mac mini (2020) is, like the hardware design, simple andrefined. Icons help to easily navigate through the different menus, while particular care seems to have been taken on each of the proprietary applications allowing them to be used even as a beginner without having to go through multiple tutorials.

Mac mini updates

Like all Apple computers, the Mac mini (2020) is only supported for a few years, after which the publisher no longer sends new macOS updates. A criterion to take into account if you do not want to find yourself with an obsolete machine in a short time, especially since with its security promises Apple takes the opportunity to block manual installation, unlike a Windows PC which even if it is no longer eligible, it can still be updated by downloading an OS yourself. For the Mac mini, count on averagesix years of support.

What setup for the Mac mini (2020)?

As you probably noticed from the photos above, the Mac mini (2020) is just a “simple” central processing unit. What we must understand by this is thatit only comes with its power cable, which means that it is essential to connect accessories to it to be able to exploit its potential to its maximum (and even to the minimum, for that matter). Starting with a screen.

Yes, yesPro Display XDRobviously serves as a reference in the field, the video compatibility possibilities are substantial. With three screens, for example, we can benefit from two panels of 4096 x 2304 pixels at 60 Hz - connected via the Thunderbolt 3 ports on the back of the Mac mini (2020) - to be coupled with a screen with a resolution of 4 096 x 2,160 pixels at 60 Hz this time connected to the HDMI 2.0 port. Otherwise, with only two screens, we can do better since in this case the5Kbecomes accessible, again in USB-C, although it will still be difficult for you to find compatible products at the right price with the universal standard to date. But there are adapters: 59.95 euros with the Belkin also available at Apple.

Sideconnectivityprecisely, the Mac mini (20230) offers at the back a charging socket for the cable which powers it from the sector, but also a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port as well as four socketsUSB-Cand two classic USB 3 sockets. Added to this is the HDMI 2.0 video output and finally a 3.5 mm jack socket, for connecting headphones or wired earphones.

But that's not all, since the Mac mini 2020 must also, like any desktop computer, be accompanied by a mouse and a keyboard to work. The most suitable models are most likely the Magic Mouse 2, the Magic Trackpad and the Magic Keyboard, all three designed by Apple andto be purchased separately.

Network

The Mac mini 2020 communicates via the internet using an IEEE-compatible 802.11ac Wi-Fi chip802.11a/b/g/nallowing you to achieve rather fast connection speeds in the majority of cases: you will therefore have no problem downloading a film or watching a series on Netflix from a box provided by one of the four major French operators. The 2020 Mac mini is also equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology. This is essential when you wish to call onwireless headphones like AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM3, but is also used to use video game controllers or to connect keyboard and mouse.

Conclusion: Mac mini price and availability (2020)

You've probably already guessed after reading this spec sheet: the Mac mini (2020) isn't really a regular computer. In fact, it particularly differentiates itself from other central units on the market thanks to itssize wasp and its successful design which even makes it portable. However, unlike its clamshell counterparts,it does indeed require investmentin a complete installation with at least three more accessories (screen, mouse, keyboard) to really be able to use it fully. But if you already have these devices at home, then this is an opportunity to make aaffairen or !

Its price actually starts at929 eurosonly, which remains very accessible for a Mac, where all the other models are sold beyond the symbolic bar of 1,000 euros. In addition, the software that powers the Mac mini 2020 edition is very fluid and critically acclaimed for its simplicity and ease of use since its inception: it's hard to do better. Not to mention that if you already have aiPhone, the Apple ecosystem will offer you practical and quick synchronization possibilities that you will no longer be able to do without.

To buy the Mac mini 2020, you can consult our tablecomparativeof the best prices below: