Apple Mac Mini Desktop Computer, M2 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 10-Core GPU, Early 2023, - 16GB, 256GB SSD

I got sick of waiting for the M4 Mac Minis, and my wife insisted that we replace a 12 year old Mac mini I was using (with OCLP). I went for the computer with more RAM and the minimum amount of storage. I then added an SD Drive connected by firewire/USBC. Using ChatGPT I found out how to use terminal to edit the OS so that I could put the Downloads folder and Pictures onto the external SD drive. Now I have a Mac mini with adequate memory AND adequate storage without paying the Apple tax to upgrade the internal drive. It's been working great for the past two months.

Fast, compact and high functioning Mac.

This is my first Mac and I’m absolutely blown away by the performance. There was a bit of a learning curve when making the switch but I don’t regret it one bit. The M2 chip is impressive and the Mac Mini runs quiet even when gaming or benchmarking. I highly recommend going with this 16gb memory model over the base 8gb so you have some future proofing and can speed through apps and tasks. The included HDMI 2.0, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and two USB A ports allow for any sort monitor, keyboard and mouse set up you want. Bluetooth and WiFi connections stay strong and I’ve never had a problem with either. I expect this computer to serve me for years to come and I’m glad I made the switch.

I read a lot of reviews before buying this one. I knew Apple makes good products, but I'm always skeptical and listen to what other people have to say. What I kept on reading with the other mini computers with more memory and a lesser price was the intermittent WIFI. I don't have a wired connection to my router, so I needed a solid WIFI. I am not that tech savvy, so here's a quick recap after having it for a few weeks. PROS: 1. WIFI is solid - no issues there 2. I sometimes compose music, so I wanted the Garage Band and the famous Apple music hardware. You will read that if you compose music or listen to music, Apple hardware is pretty good. 3. Blazing fast with applications and browsing 4. Super quiet. 5. Easy setup 6. No issues with an external Viewsonic monitor CONS: 1. It's expensive because of the 16GB of memory 2. There are 2 USB ports, so you'll need to buy a device for more USB ports 3. It can be a bit intimidating without a monitor, keyboard, and a mouse UPDATE AFTER ONE YEAR: After about a year of heavy use, I wanted to change my rating from 5 to 4 stars. The reason being that the mac mini restarts itself every now and then because of memory problems. Also the system just shuts itself off and I have to do a hard reboot to get things going again. This has happened numerous times and it's not Ok by a $1T+ company. Other than this ongoing issue, and after several MAC OS updates, it runs well, but I still have to warn the customers about it. The most severe problem is a random erratic slow mouse movement while you're working. A hard reboot fixes the problem every time. And then it happens again after a few months, so be warned. However, when the OS works, it's fantastic and super fast. I am bringing my grade down from an A to a B+. It is nowhere near excellent.

I was so surprised with the quality and power from the Mac mini. I love the desktop feel but taking it on the go is easy but you have to think ahead. 10/10 computer I love everything about it. I edit videos and post on social media using this same device so it can handle your work.

I bought this because I will be starting a coding bootcamp next month. It far exceeds the system requirements set by my program. It is extremely fast, comes preloaded with Ventura and all the popular Mac apps [Garageband, iMovie], runs super quietly, and takes up very little desk space. I honestly love this Mac Mini. Because it is a 2023 model and 16gb RAM, I expect it will last me at least a good decade, assuming God doesn't strike it down or something. Also Apple really buckfutts you with the RAM prices. The exact same 8gb RAM model was $300 cheaper. But it is what it is.

I got this to replace my old desktop pc. Needed something just for video editing, some animation and graphics work. Got the 16 gb model And it works great. Bought a hub and base so I have extra thunderbolt and USB’s connections and SSD card readers. The hub also has a place for external SSD, so I bought a western digital 1tb card and installed it and wow it works great. This M2 Mac is plenty fast enough for all I need.

Good balance of price and features, this is a good daily driver computer with minor gaming. The size of the "hard drive" may be too low if you want to do heavy video editing. I do development work on this machine, play minor games and have lots of web pages open and I have never seen swap get used.