Tag: Mac Mini M4

  • RayCue Mac Mini Docking Station with Display, M.2 SSD, USB PD

    RayCue Mac Mini Docking Station with Display, M.2 SSD, USB PD

    Key Takeaways

    1. RayCue is crowdfunding a new docking station for the Mac Mini M4 on Kickstarter, with a pledge starting at $150 and shipping expected in August 2025.
    2. The docking station features a built-in 1.65-inch display that shows charging power, data transfer rates, and information about connected devices.
    3. It includes an HDMI port for connecting an external 4K monitor at up to 60Hz and supports SSD speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s.
    4. Additional connectivity options include SD and microSD card readers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and three USB Type-C ports with varying power outputs.
    5. The dock is designed to allow proper ventilation for the Mac Mini, which does not sit perfectly flat on it.

    We have talked before about some interesting docking solutions for Apple’s new Mac Mini, which is currently priced at $545 on Amazon. There are plenty of accessories to choose from, and you can find various options available at big retailers. Now, the company RayCue is trying to fund a new docking station through Kickstarter. Supporters can snag one for a pledge of about $150, with shipping expected to start in August 2025. As with all crowdfunding projects, there are financial risks involved, but it’s worth noting that RayCue is a somewhat established company, not just a newcomer.

    Docking Station Features

    The main feature that RayCue is promoting for this Mac Mini M4 dock is its built-in display. This display is 1.65 inches and can show various information, like charging power, data transfer rates of attached USB storage and SD cards, or specifics about the SSD or connected monitor. An HDMI port is included for linking an external 4K monitor at a refresh rate of up to 60Hz. Furthermore, the SSD connected can achieve speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s. There are also two USB 3.2 Type-A ports that can deliver speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s.

    Additional Ports and Connectivity

    You will find both SD and microSD card readers in addition to a 3.5mm headphone jack. On the front side, there are three USB Type-C ports that provide power with up to 140, 100, and 30 watts. The dock is powered through a standard barrel connector, and the connection to the Mac Mini M4 happens via USB Type-C. Finally, it’s important to note that the Mac Mini doesn’t sit perfectly flat on the dock, which is intentional and is meant to allow for proper ventilation and airflow.

    Kickstarter.

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  • Apple Mac Mini Accessory: 8TB Storage & 40Gbps Transfer Speed

    Apple Mac Mini Accessory: 8TB Storage & 40Gbps Transfer Speed

    The M4-based Mac Mini is a relatively fresh product that was unveiled at the end of October, coinciding with the launch of Apple’s new MacBook Pro models, the 14-inch and 16-inch versions. Since its release, users have been eager to enhance their experience with the mini-PC, whether by adding accessories or even creating a sleek Space Black version.

    New Docking Options

    RayCue was the pioneer in launching a Mac Mini M4 dock, which is expected to start shipping later this month. Hot on its heels, Satechi also introduced a similar dock that features nearly the same design and capabilities. Now, Orico has entered the market with the MiniMate, which they assert has been tailor-made for Apple’s latest Mac Mini, currently priced at $579 on Amazon.

    Speed and Functionality

    In summary, the MiniMate offers impressive transfer speeds of 40 Gbps, which sets it apart from the products offered by RayCue and Satechi. It’s important to note, however, that the MiniMate functions solely as an external SSD, meaning it doesn’t provide any additional ports like the docks from RayCue or Satechi. Furthermore, Orico does not have a barebones version available for those wanting to install their own SSD.

    Pricing and Storage Options

    Consequently, the MiniMate starts at a price of $139.99, which includes 512 GB of storage. Users have the option to upgrade to configurations with 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, and 8 TB drives, priced at $199.99, $279.99, $499.99, and $999.99 respectively. For additional information, check out Orico’s website.

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  • New Apple Mac Mini to Feature Replaceable SSDs

    New Apple Mac Mini to Feature Replaceable SSDs

    The new Mac mini has officially arrived, featuring Apple’s M4 ($579.99 currently on Amazon) and M4 Pro processors. As mentioned in earlier discussions, Apple has revamped the design of this mini-PC, leading to an unconventional placement for the power button.

    Removable Storage Capabilities

    Interestingly, this updated model allows for removable storage, which is a departure from past Apple M-based versions. In this way, the new Mac mini shares similarities with the Mac Studio. However, Apple continues to use proprietary storage formats instead of standard M.2 2230 or M.2 2280 SSDs.

    While expanding storage on the new Mac mini is feasible, it involves technical complexities. That said, things could change in the future. Recently, Polysoft Services rolled out the first range of third-party drives for the Mac Studio, which we have previously reported on.

    SSD Module Compatibility

    In brief, these ‘Studio Drive’ SSDs won’t work with the newest Mac mini. PolySoft Services is looking to support this mini-PC sometime down the line. Although they haven’t provided an exact release date, they shared these comments online:

    Last week brought an unexpected delight: like many, we were thrilled to learn that the new Mac mini M4 has a replaceable SSD module capacity of up to 2TB, while the M4 Pro can accommodate an SSD module of up to 8TB.

    These modules are not only physically distinct from one another but also differ from the modules for our Mac Studio M1 and M2. Nevertheless, they are nearly identical in terms of electronic specifications, so we are already gearing up to work on them, benefiting from our existing knowledge of the Mac Studio modules!

    Future Plans for SSD Modules

    Of course, our primary focus will be on delivering modules for the Mac Studio, but we are also commencing work on the Mac mini M4 modules.

    It’s a bit premature to confirm, but we’re likely to initiate another campaign for SSD modules for the Mac mini M4 and M4 Pro when we have a functional prototype ready for those models!

    Kickstarter, Quinn Nelson – Image credit

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  • New Mac Mini Leaks: Fresh Design, 64GB RAM, M4 Pro Chipset

    New Mac Mini Leaks: Fresh Design, 64GB RAM, M4 Pro Chipset

    Apple introduced its new 24-inch iMac on Monday, just a few days after refreshing the iPad mini with its seventh-generation version. While the iPad mini 7 is powered by last year’s A17 Pro chip, the new 24-inch iMac is the first Mac to feature the Apple M4 chipset (curr. $1,299 on Amazon). It seems Apple still has more Mac products to unveil in the near future.

    More Devices on the Horizon

    In conjunction with the announcement yesterday, Apple suggested that additional devices will be revealed later this week. Current predictions indicate that these products will include updated versions of the MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16, as well as a revamped Mac mini. Interestingly, MacRumors has found hints of the upcoming Mac mini in a comparison table on Amazon, which we have included below.

    Exciting Upgrades for the Mac Mini

    If the information is correct, the forthcoming Mac mini is set to not only include M4 and M4 Pro chipsets, but will also feature a complete redesign resembling a smaller Mac Studio. Additionally, Apple has trimmed down the front-facing ports to just a 3.5 mm jack and two USB Type-C ports. Moreover, the same comparison table seems to verify details about the yet-to-be-released M4 Pro chipset, which is said to have 14 CPU cores, 20 GPU cores, and support for up to 64 GB of unified memory. As it stands, Apple is anticipated to officially announce both the Mac mini and the M4 Pro chipset later today.

    Amazon via MacRumors, Peng Originals (Unsplash) – Image credit

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  • Apple Mac Mini with M4 Chip: Compact Design and Powerful Performance

    Apple Mac Mini with M4 Chip: Compact Design and Powerful Performance

    Following the announcement of the M4 iMac yesterday, Apple has shifted its focus back to the Mac lineup with a significant update to the Mac Mini. The latest version comes equipped with the new M4 chip and enhanced Apple Intelligence features, all packed into a notably smaller design. Let’s dive into the specifics.

    Design and Specifications

    The most striking alteration is the revamped design. As anticipated, Apple has considerably minimized the already compact Mac Mini. Now measuring just five inches on each side, this model is astonishingly tiny.

    To manage heat in such a compact space, the M4 Mac Mini employs "an innovative thermal architecture" that effectively directs airflow throughout the system, with ventilation solely through the base.

    Ports and Performance

    Even with its reduced size, the Mac Mini still offers a good range of ports. On the front, there are two USB-C ports alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack. The back includes ethernet, HDMI, and three USB-C ports, all supporting Thunderbolt connections.

    Interestingly, the USB-A ports found in earlier models have been removed. However, the layout remains similar, as the base M4 Mini replaces the two USB-A ports with an additional Thunderbolt port, bringing the total to five.

    The performance of these ports varies depending on the version of the M4 processor. The standard M4 includes Thunderbolt 4, while the M4 Pro comes with the newer Thunderbolt 5, which offers quicker read and write speeds.

    Performance and Configuration

    As expected, the M4 Pro outperforms with its 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU setup. In contrast, the base M4 chip features a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU.

    For the first time, the latest chip architecture supports ray tracing, and Apple provides the computer with a default RAM of 16GB, likely to enhance the Apple Intelligence features. Users have the option to upgrade RAM to 32GB with the M4 and up to 64GB with the M4 Pro.

    Storage options are impressive, reaching up to 8TB, making the small Mac Mini a surprisingly robust machine for those ready to spend. The familiar 10-gigabit ethernet is also available as an optional upgrade for users desiring faster wired connections.

    Pricing and Availability

    Despite Apple’s efforts to enhance the portability and functionality of the new Mini, the pricing remains largely unchanged. The base M4 model starts at $599, while the more powerful M4 Pro edition is priced from $1,399. Both configurations are now available for pre-order and will hit stores on November 8th.

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