Are you wondering what goes on inside Apple’s Mac mini? Perhaps you’ve bought one and want to see what you can do with it?
If so, read on to discover everything you need to know about the Mac mini, from what it is, to how to set it up and tons of different things you can use it for, outside of a regular PC.
What is a Mac mini and what does it do?
The Mac mini is a small desktop computer made by Apple. What makes the Mac mini different from a regular computer is that it’s shipped without an accompanying screen, keyboard or mouse. As Apple likes to say, it’s “BYODKM” (Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, and Mouse).
The reason behind the Mac mini being shipped solo, is because most of its use cases feature around using it to power up another device, as we’ll discuss in more detail below.
It also makes for more of a flexible purchase. For example, if you already have a screen, or a keyboard and mouse, you can pair these with the Mac mini rather than forking out for new ones. And if you don’t, you can easily purchase them alongside the Mac mini anyway.
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The Mac mini has been around since 2005 (launched at the same time as the iPod shuffle) but its design and functionality have changed since then.
The latest 3.6 GHz Mac mini released in 2018 comes in two types of processing speed, the 3.6 GHz Mac mini Core i3 costing about $799 and the 3.0 GHz Mac mini Core i5 costing about $1099.
Specification of the Mac mini
Uses for the Mac mini
- Share presentations to screen
- Listen to music through an app like Spotify
- Share photos to a TV screen
- Access emails
- Play games
Benefits of the Mac mini
Some of the key benefits of the Mac mini include:
- The cheapest Mac Apple sells
- Built in apps such as FaceTime, iBooks, Maps, iTunes and Mail
- Multiple ports, making it more akin to a PC than a media device
- Apple quotes that with fourth-generation Intel Core processors, the device is able to “keep up with computers twice its size”
- Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth
- Easy setup for a keyboard, mouse or screen
- The perfect size to use as the centre of a “digital home”
How to set up a Mac mini
Here’s how to get your Mac mini running, from getting it out of the box to using it for a purchase such as connecting to your home TV.
Before you begin setup some of the questions you may want to consider include:
- What screen will you be connecting to? You’ll need a desktop or a TV screen to get your Mac mini up and running
- How will you connect to the screen? Depending on what screen you’re connecting to you may need a converter lead
- Do you have a Wi-Fi connection? You’ll need this to set up some of the Mac mini features
- How will you control the Mac mini? You’ll likely need either a keyboard and mouse combo or an Apple remote
Once you’ve made your decision and purchased any additional items you need, here’s how to get set up.
- Add power
Plug the power adaptor into your Mac mini and plug the other end into your power outlet. Press the power button on the back of the Mac mini.
2. Attach to your TV or monitor
Connect your Mac mini to your TV or desktop. The Mac mini comes with a HDMI-to-DVI adapter for connecting to a monitor's DVI port, which will allow you to connect to an Apple monitor.
If you want to connect to a TV screen you may need to purchase a mini-displayport-to-VGA adapter which will allow you to connect your Mac mini to a standard analog monitor, projector, or LCD that uses a VGA connector or cable.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi
Once turned on, the setup guide should take you through a few simple steps, including setting up a Wi-Fi connection.
4. Sign in with your Apple id
This will give you access to the App Store and and will link your iCloud account if you wish to connect to your Mail, Photos, Calendar and so on.
5. Begin using your Mac mini
From here, you can begin using your PC or TV screen as a computer, using the desktop to search for apps, open web pages and more.
What can you do with your Mac mini?
Want to ensure you’re getting the most from your Mac mini device? Here are some ideas on how you can use it:
- Access apps on a TV screen
The Mac mini is a great way to take everything you’d usually do on your phone or laptop and access it on your TV screen. This could be sharing photos with a room, opening mail or accessing your documents.
- Use any screen as your computer
The Mac mini is super light, which means you can take it anywhere, plug it into a desktop and you’ll have a powerful computer. This allows you to work from anywhere, or set up shop in any location where there’s a monitor and Wi-Fi available.
- Set up digital signage with the Mac mini
The Mac mini is a great way to turn any screen into a digital sign. This allows you to pre-schedule and setup content to show on your digital screen such as social media feeds, presentations, travel updates, news feeds and more. Read the full guide on setting up digital signage with the Mac mini here.
4. Create a home viewing centre
With the Mac mini and a screen, or desktop, you can create a home viewing centre that allows you to watch movies, surf the internet and listen to music. Via streaming apps such as Netflix, or even through movies you’ve bought on iTunes, you can easily set up movies to play on any screen. You can also use music apps available in the Apple App Store or use Safari to get online.
5. View and share photos
The Mac Mini includes a SDXC card slot so you can simply remove the memory card from your camera and insert it. This allows you to view photos on a monitor, or share them with the room from your TV screen.
Mac mini question buster
Can you use any monitor with a Mac mini?
The Mac mini doesn’t come with a monitor, but you can connect it to one using one of the ports on the back of the device. Using the right adapter, you can connect the Mac Mini to any computer screen with a VGA port. The Mac Mini ships with a HDMI-to-DVI adapter but it’s only really Apple monitors which use DVI, so for a regular monitor you may need a HDMI-to-VGA or mini displayport-to-VGA connector instead.
How do you turn on a Mac mini?
Simply press the power button on the Mac mini box.
Can you use any keyboard with a Mac mini?
Most keyboards and mouses can be used with the Mac mini by connecting them using the USB port. For Bluetooth devices, connect the USB dongle to the Mac mini using the USB port.
Got a question to add? Email us: [email protected]
Model 1
Space Gray
4-Core
- 3.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i3
- 6MB shared L3 cache
6-Core
- 3.0GHz 6-core Intel Core i5
- Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz
- 9MB shared L3 cache
Configurable to:
6-Core
![Games Games](/uploads/1/1/8/8/118883149/501609566.jpg)
- 3.2GHz 6-core Intel Core i7
- Turbo Boost up to 4.6GHz
- 12MB shared L3 cache
Configurable to:
6-Core
- 3.2GHz 6-core Intel Core i7
- Turbo Boost up to 4.6GHz
- 12MB shared L3 cache
8GB
- of 2666MHz DDR4 SO-DIMM memory
Configurable to:
- 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB
256GB
- PCIe-based SSD
Configurable to:
- 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD
Intel UHD Graphics 630
Support for the following combination of maximum concurrent display setups:
- Up to three displays:
- Two displays with 4096-by-2304 resolution at 60Hz connected via Thunderbolt 3 plus one display with 4096-by-2160 resolution at 60Hz connected via HDMI 2.0
- or
- Up to two displays:
- One display with 5120-by-2880 resolution at 60Hz connected via Thunderbolt 3 plus one display with 4096-by-2160 resolution at 60Hz connected via HDMI 2.0
Thunderbolt 3 digital video output supports
- Native DisplayPort output over USB‑C
- Thunderbolt 2, DVI, and VGA output supported using adapters (sold separately)
HDMI 2.0 display video output
- Support for one display with 4096-by-2160 resolution at 60Hz
- DVI output using HDMI to DVI Adapter (sold separately)
- Built-in speaker
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- HDMI 2.0 port supports multichannel audio output
Thunderbolt 3
(USB-C)
(USB-C)
USB 3
3.5 mm
headphone
jack
headphone
jack
Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports with support for:
- DisplayPort
- Thunderbolt (up to 40 Gbps)
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps)
- Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, DVI, and VGA supported using adapters (sold separately)
- Two USB 3 ports (up to 5 Gbps)
- HDMI 2.0 port
- Gigabit Ethernet port (configurable to 10Gb Ethernet)
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
Wi-Fi
802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology Ethernet
10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
Configurable to 10Gb Ethernet (Nbase-T Ethernet with support for 1Gb, 2.5Gb, 5Gb, and 10Gb Ethernet using RJ-45 connector)
Configurable to 10Gb Ethernet (Nbase-T Ethernet with support for 1Gb, 2.5Gb, 5Gb, and 10Gb Ethernet using RJ-45 connector)
Width: 7.7 inches (19.7 cm)Height: 1.4 inches (3.6 cm)Depth: 7.7 inches (19.7 cm)
Games For The Mac Mini Mouse
2.9 pounds (1.3 kg)
Line voltage:
100–240V AC
100–240V AC
Frequency:
50Hz to 60Hz, single phase
50Hz to 60Hz, single phase
Maximum continuous power:
150W
150W
Operating temperature:
50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C)
50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C)
Storage temperature:
–40° to 116° F (–40° to 47° C)
–40° to 116° F (–40° to 47° C)
Relative humidity:
5% to 90% noncondensing
5% to 90% noncondensing
Mac Mini Buy
Operating altitude:
tested up to 16,400 feet (5000 meters)
tested up to 16,400 feet (5000 meters)
Typical acoustical performance:
Sound pressure level (operator position): 5 dBA at idle3
Sound pressure level (operator position): 5 dBA at idle3
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Your Mac mini comes with 90 days of complimentary technical support and a one-year limited warranty. Purchase AppleCare+ for Mac to extend your coverage to three years from your AppleCare+ purchase date and add up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $99 for external enclosure damage, or $299 for other repairable damage, plus applicable tax.
- Mac mini
- Power cord
macOS
macOS is the operating system that powers every Mac. macOS Catalina gives you more of everything you love about Mac. So you can take everything you do above and beyond.
Learn moreAccessibility features help people with disabilities get the most out of their new Mac mini. With built-in support for vision, hearing, mobility, and learning, you can create and do amazing things.
Features include:
- Voice Control
- VoiceOver
- Zoom
- Increase Contrast
- Reduce Motion
- Siri and Dictation
- Switch Control
- Closed Captions
- Text to Speech
Configure your Mac mini with these options, only at apple.com:
- 3.2GHz 6-core Intel Core i7 processor
- 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory
- 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD
- 10Gb Ethernet
Mac mini is designed with the following features to reduce its environmental impact:
- BFR-free
- PVC-free5
- Beryllium-free
- 100% recycled aluminum enclosure6
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Meets ENERGY STAR requirements
- Rated EPEAT Gold7
Apple and the Environment
Read our Product Environmental Reports for detailed information on the environmental performance of every Apple product.
Apple Trade In
Letting go of your old Mac is easy. If it’s in good shape, you can trade it in for Apple Store credit. If it’s not eligible for credit, we’ll recycle it responsibly at no cost to you. Good for you. Good for the planet.
Mac Software
Displays and Adapters
VLC Remote® lets you remotely control your VLC Media Player on your Mac or PC. Easily control VLC from your sofa! Works with VLC on your Mac, PC or Linux machine Stop, Play and Pause Full DVD controls Control volume, position, next track and previous track Turn fullscreen on and off Control subtitles, aspect ratio, audio track and delays Use the picker control for fine control of volume. VMR Connect simplifies the setup & connection between your computer and VLC Mobile Remote, allows you to control mouse, keyboard features from the app. This VLC Remote Control App lets you control VLC Media Player on your desktop or laptop and allows you to browse, play your computer files as well as YouTube videos. + Access all your PC or Mac. Remote Control App for VLC Media Player on your PC, Mac or Linux Tired of hunting for keyboard shortcuts in the dark while watching a movie? Or running to your computer just to change the music track? You no longer have to do that! With VLC Mobile Remote, you can control your favorite media player right from your Windows Phone. By now, you should be able to see your computer in the VLC Remotes page under 'Found Computers'. If VLC is running on your computer, then you should see a Traffic cone next to the computer entry. You can then select that computer and control it remotely. Vlc remote for mac.
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