Buying a Mac Mini M4? Avoid These 6 Common Mistakes

The Mac Mini M4, launched on October 30, 2024, is already creating waves for its powerful performance and compact design. But let’s face it — buying a new gadget can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure about the configurations and features that best suit your needs.

Hi there, welcome to TopGadge.com, your trusted source for tech reviews and advice. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the six most common mistakes people make when purchasing the Mac Mini M4 and share recommendations to help you make the smartest decision.

Let’s dive right in.

Mistake 1: Misunderstanding the Power Button Placement

There’s been a lot of buzz about the Mac Mini M4's power button placement. Some rumors claim it’s located underneath the device, which would mean lifting the entire machine to turn it on. But let me clear this up — this is not true.

The power button is at the back of the device, just like on the Mac Studio. Yes, it can feel a bit inconvenient at first, but trust me, you’ll quickly adapt.

Honestly, I rarely use the power button. With ARM technology, the Mac Mini uses almost no power in sleep mode, so there’s little need to turn it off. The only time I press the button is during macOS updates, which happen just a few times a year.

Mistake 2: Underestimating the 256 GB SSD

Many people think the 256 GB SSD is insufficient. But here’s the truth — for most users, it’s more than enough.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how SSD space is used:

macOS: ~30 GB
Applications like Final Cut Pro, Lightroom, or Photoshop: ~30 GB combined

Even with all this, you’d still have 200 GB of free space, which is perfect for everyday tasks. For larger files, such as 4K videos, you can always use an external SSD.

Plus, the base model now comes with 16 GB of RAM, so you’ll rarely need to rely on SSD swap memory. At €700, this entry-level option delivers exceptional value without sacrificing performance.

Mistake 3: Worrying About the Front Headphone Jack

The headphone jack placement has sparked another unnecessary controversy. Some prefer it at the back, while others love it in the front. Personally, I’m team front jack, and here’s why:

When I’m editing videos, I frequently plug in my headphones. Having the jack in the front is super convenient. If the jack were at the back, I’d need an adapter to extend the cable, which can be a hassle.

The front ports are designed for accessories you’ll often plug in and remove. For speakers or devices you leave connected permanently, you can use the rear ports to keep your setup tidy.

What’s your take on this? Let me know in the comments if you’re team front jack or back jack!

Mistake 4: Choosing the Mac Mini M4 Pro Just for Thunderbolt 5

Don’t get tempted to splurge on the M4 Pro model solely for Thunderbolt 5. While it sounds fancy, most users won’t need it.

Here’s why:

Thunderbolt 4 already supports:
- Two 4K 60 Hz displays
- One 8K display
- Transfer speeds of 32 GB/s

For the vast majority of users, Thunderbolt 4 is more than enough for the next 5–10 years. Unless you’re running a multi-8K display setup or using high-end 8K cameras, the base model’s Thunderbolt 4 ports will meet all your needs.

Mistake 5: Overestimating the M4 Pro’s Graphics Performance

The M4 Pro chip boasts impressive CPU performance, but its graphics capabilities might not exceed those of the M2 Max or M3 Max.

If you’re a professional working with 3D graphics or high-resolution video editing (8K and above), the M2 Max or M3 Max is a better choice. However, for general users and gamers, the M4 Pro is more than capable of running AAA games and even handling ray tracing.

In short, don’t pay extra for the M4 Pro unless your work absolutely demands it.

Mistake 6: Ignoring External Storage Options

Finally, many people overlook how affordable and effective external storage solutions are. If you’re working with large files like 4K videos, simply investing in a high-speed external SSD can save you from overspending on an internal SSD upgrade.

I recommend pairing the Mac Mini with an external SSD for added flexibility and cost savings. It’s a smart way to expand your storage without breaking the bank.

My Recommendations for the Perfect Mac Mini M4 Setup

Now that we’ve discussed the mistakes, here’s the configuration I recommend for most users:

Base Model (Mac Mini M4)
- 16 GB RAM
- 256 GB SSD
Add-ons:
- External SSD for large files
- 4K Monitor for a seamless experience
Accessories:
- A reliable keyboard and mouse
- High-quality headphones or speakers

Final Thoughts

The Mac Mini M4 is an incredible machine that delivers power, portability, and value. By avoiding these common mistakes and choosing the right configuration, you can unlock its full potential without overspending.

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Got any questions or thoughts? Drop them in the comments below!

Thank you for reading, and happy Mac Mini shopping! 😊

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Recommended Accessories for Your Mac Mini M4

To get the most out of your new Mac Mini M4, here are some essential accessories available on Amazon:

External SSD for Extra Storage
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Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
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Headphones for Editing and Entertainment
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Buying a Mac Mini M4? Avoid These 6 Common Mistakes