#Which is better an imac or mac mini for music production software#
#Which is better an imac or mac mini for music production mac#

#Which is better an imac or mac mini for music production mac#

The Mac Mini offers an optional 10 Gigabit Ethernet port, while the 24-inch iMac doesn't. The upgraded $1,499 iMac adds two more USB-C 3.1 along with an Ethernet jack in the power adapter. The 24-inch iMac is more limiting: the base model has just two Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4 ports and a headphone jack. The Mac Mini has a more versatile split of high-tech and old-school connections, providing two Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4 ports, two USB-A 3.1 ports, a headphone jack, Ethernet, and HDMI 2.0. The base Mac Mini has an edge over the base iMac in graphically demanding applications, like games or 3D rendering software.Ĭonnectivity is different, too. The eight-core GPU is found only in the more expensive $1,499 iMac. However, every Mac Mini 2020 with an Apple M1 chip has eight CPU and GPU cores, while the base iMac 2021 has just seven GPU cores. Its feature set and app compatibility is identical on both. Performance and featuresĪpple's M1 chip powers the iMac 2021 and the Mac Mini 2020. TouchID provides one-touch login and payment when shopping online or accessing secure apps. This is not available with the standard Magic Keyboard sold for all Macs, so Mac Mini owners can't snag these features. There's one small perk to the iMac's bundled peripherals the Magic Keyboard can be configured with TouchID. That makes the iMac a little easier to setup and use. It also ships with Apple's Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse in the box. The iMac bundles the display, sound system, and webcam into the desktop. You can expect any app that works on the iMac to work on the Mac Mini, and vice-versa.

#Which is better an imac or mac mini for music production software#

The iMac 2021 and Mac Mini 2020 have a virtually identical setup process and, since both run MacOS, they're identical in built-in software and third-party app compatibility.

The Mac Mini is classic Apple with rounded edges, smooth surfaces, and one classic color: silver. The iMac comes with a color-coordinated Magic Keyboard and Mouse, too. It's a handsome desktop, however, and won't attract much attention.Īpple's 2021 iMac is available in eye-catching colors like yellow, red, and green there are seven color choices in total. You'll have to manage more cords and find a place for the Mac Mini on, or below, or your desk. It's designed for use alongside numerous standalone peripherals including an external display and speaker system. The Mac Mini, though small, is a traditional desktop. Despite this, the iMac has a dramatic, thin profile that will look striking on your desk. The display, speakers, and all internal hardware are bundled into one device, which leads to less clutter and fewer cords. Silver, Blue, Green, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Red, PurpleĪpple's new iMac is an all-in-one computer. Specifications and dimensionsĪpple M1 with 8 CPU cores and 7 GPU cores (upgradable to 8 GPU cores)Īpple M1 with 8 CPU cores and 8 GPU coresġ080p FaceTime HD camera with M1 image signal processorĢx Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4 (2x USB-C optional) and 3.5mm headphone jack, optional EthernetĢx Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4, 2x USB-A 3.1 Gen 2, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, 3.5mm headphone jack It has USB-A ports and an HDMI jack, so you can further shave costs by reusing older peripherals. With the iMac, it means buying an entirely new MacĬonnectivity also swings in favor of the Mac Mini. Upgrading to a new display is easy with the Mac Mini. The iMac is a good value when these peripherals are factored into its price, but they shorten the iMac's long-term appeal. The Mac Mini is more versatile because the display and sound system aren't permanently attached to the device. The base 2021 iMac also lacks wired Ethernet. You must spend $1,499 for the upgraded iMac to see performance on par with the base Mac Mini. That's slightly better than the base $1,299 iMac for 2021, which has eight CPU cores but just seven GPU cores. Though it starts at just $699, the 2020 Mac Mini has an Apple M1 chip with eight CPU and GPU cores.

Mac Mini 2020: which is best?Īpple's Mac Mini 2020 is the better desktop for most people. The iMac bundles everything, including a beautiful display and powerful sound system, into one svelte package, while the 2020 Mac Mini provides more choice at a lower price. The 2020 Mac Mini, announced alongside an updated MacBook Air and Pro, was the first desktop with Apple's M1 processor inside.Īpple's new 24-inch iMac and the 2020 Mac Mini target the same mainstream Mac shopper looking for a powerful, yet affordable, desktop. The 2021 iMac is the first Apple all-in-one to have the fast and efficient M1 chip, but it's the second Mac desktop to equip it. The new model replaces the old 21.5-inch screen with a 24-inch Retina display and boasts an 11-millimeter profile. Apple's redesigned iMac starts at $1,299 with Apple's M1 processor.