Electronics

[Mz iMac]

@dooBdoo   Need to pick your brain if you don't mind......

How are you enjoying your Mac Mini?

Do you have the M1 or M2 version?

Are you using Apple's Studio Display or a 3rd party monitor?  If the latter which one?

Do you have a "station dock?"

I have been doing quite a bit of research on the Mac Mini & decided I will wait for the M4 which will be out either the end of 2024 or early 2025.

I have been doing quite a bit of research on the Studio Display vs. 3rd party monitors that my brain is fried.  I was at the cost of a Studio Display.  I will more than likely go w/Apple's refurbish route for a Studio Display since they already come w/cam & speakers pre-installed.

I could not find any Mac Mini station docks on Apple's site.  Yet, found several 3rd party MM docks on Amazon & BestBuy, all w/good reviews.

[dooBdoo]

@Mz iMac, 

greetings, friend!😊

My 2023 Mac Mini M2 purchase last summer was one of the best decisions!  

GMTA!  Coincidentally, I recently started reading articles and watching videos related to the docking stations and also the Mini. 

It's nice to see follow-ups by techies (even those who were/are skeptics and not particularly Apple fans) reporting with pleasure how their Mini has held up so well in the years following their purchase.

I decided to wait before buying a docking station to see what my needs will be, but I think I'll eventually get one due to the limited port selection on my Mini (my only issue with the Mini) and all the options the docking stations offer to broaden the appeal of the Mini.
I find myself liking the vertical stands, but I think for me that's just my visual preference (and uses less space on my desk).
I don't recall seeing Apple selling these -- all those I've considered were 3rd-party.

How sad I was, and still am, that Apple didn't choose to continue the 27-inch iMacs.
I still love my ancient iMac 24-inch I bought in 2012, another of my best purchases ever.
It still serves beautifully for storage of lots of things like photos, documents, and for other features, too -- I just can't/won't use it online since it no longer qualifies for security updates or newer applications.

I do love my iPad, too...  (what can I say, Apple has served me well over all the years they've been around).

As far as display...  I had an unusual situation in which I was practically given a new BenQ 27" monitor for free 😃 so right now that's what I use, with a couple of inexpensive speakers.
It's just adequate, mediocre, not great...  so, I've been keeping an eye on the Apple Studio Display, by far the best in my book.
Not only is the display crisp, clear, bright, and much better for my vision problems but the speakers sound system is great.

I would definitely consider an Apple refurb... might do that in the future (but I won't try to beat you in a race to get the best one they make available😁😉).

Sounds like you've got a good plan in place.  Can't wait to see what you choose.😊

[dooBdoo]

Wanted to add:

@Mz iMac wrote: "found several 3rd party MM docks on Amazon & BestBuy, all w/good reviews."

Keep an eye on B&H's listings and prices, too. 

They have a good inventory, helpful experts, a wider variety of products than most people realize, often have good sales (I got my Mac Mini for $100 less than elsewhere including Apple), fast (often free) shipping, and their customer service and customer care is extraordinarily "old school" top notch.😊

[Mz iMac]

@dooBdoo   Thank you very much for your response.  Much appreciated.

I forgot all about B&H.  Thanks for the heads up.  I am still at Apple & still in morning  about them getting rid of the 27 inch iMac.

I know ziltz about M1,2,3,4 differences.  That's more research I need to do.  I may not want or need a M4.  M2 or 3 is probably more than I need.  I may have to have my oldest grandchild  Apple fanboy to explain it.

Again, thank you for your imput. 

[gadgetgal613]

I agree with both you and dooBdoo about the discontinuation of the 27" iMac.  Mine is my go to computer and I love, love, love the big screen.  When mine needs to be replaced, I'll consider all of my options including getting the mini mac and a 27" monitor.  People who use small devices must have much better eyesight than I do.