Mac mini (2014)by Apple

TECHWALLA
VERDICT
A solid product. Despite some flaws, it's still a good value.
80 %
TECHWALLA SCORE
based on the following sites
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PROS

  • The mini is the lowest-cost Mac with performance that rivals more expensive Macs.
  • Hook up with wired and wireless networks, Bluetooth 4.0, four USB ports, two Thunderbolt ports, and HDMI for maximum connectivity.
  • Super well built, with a case cut from a solid block of aluminum.

CONS

  • Each model of the mini has its memory soldered in place, and it can't be user upgraded.
  • A keyboard and mouse are not included.
  • The Mac mini gets pricey quickly as you move up to a faster chip and more memory.
Carved from a solid aluminum block, the Mac mini (2014) packs a lot into its 7.7-inch square case. You can choose your price range with 1.4 GHz, 2.6 GHz, or 2.8 GHz dual-core Intel processors, a 500GB hard drive (expandable to 2TB), and 4GB to 16GB of memory. The Intel HD Graphics 5000 or Intel Iris outputs to HDMI or Mini DisplayPort video and supports up to two 2560 X 1600-pixel displays. Connect it with Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth 4.0. Add your peripherals with four USB ports, two Thunderbolt 2 ports, audio in and audio out, or an SDXC card.
Name Mac mini (2014) Chromebox CB1-014 Chromebox 3010 Chromebox M004U Pavilion Mini
Manufacturer Apple HP Dell Asus HP
Techwalla Score
80%
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List Price $500 $179 $500 $180 $320
80%

The entry level Mac Mini, while not especially powerful, has a unibody aluminum design and works about as well as a MacBook Air laptop (the …

The entry level Mac Mini, while not especially powerful, has a unibody aluminum design and works about as well as a MacBook Air laptop (the components are very similar), which is one of our favorite computers.

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80%

The latest Apple Mac mini has more competition to contend with than its predecessor did, but it still manages to hold its own, and then some…

The latest Apple Mac mini has more competition to contend with than its predecessor did, but it still manages to hold its own, and then some.

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80%

The new Mac mini (Late 2014) is built around exactly the same cool and understated ingot of aluminium, milled from solid into a perfect roun…

The new Mac mini (Late 2014) is built around exactly the same cool and understated ingot of aluminium, milled from solid into a perfect round-cornered square of 21st century computing.

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80%

newly released Geek Bench benchmark PROVE the NEW MINI is considerably (yes indeed) SLOWER than the 2012 model.

newly released Geek Bench benchmark PROVE the NEW MINI is considerably (yes indeed) SLOWER than the 2012 model.

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80%

First launched in 2005, Apple's Mac mini has never received the same design plaudits as the MacBook Air, but it has been almost as influenti…

First launched in 2005, Apple's Mac mini has never received the same design plaudits as the MacBook Air, but it has been almost as influential upon the competition.

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The real beauty of this portable desktop is that it’s as travel-friendly as a desktop can be and still packs a wallop of a punch.

The real beauty of this portable desktop is that it’s as travel-friendly as a desktop can be and still packs a wallop of a punch.

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... the small size and the low prices come with compromises in performance and your ability to upgrade the computer in a couple of years.

... the small size and the low prices come with compromises in performance and your ability to upgrade the computer in a couple of years.

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100% Said they'd buy it again.
Positive Reviews
Small and sweet
by Everett Griffiths9/11/2015
Good things come in small packages... this lets me re-use my older monitors and keyboard. The fact that it doesn't have upgradeable components is a fair tradeoff for its compact size... for people who budget for a decent computer every 3 years or so, this fits the bill nicely.