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Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini Q&A
Update Published November 19, 2018
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What are the "pros and cons" of the Aluminum "Unibody" Mac mini? Is one right for my needs?
Like any other purchase, only you can make the decision whether or not a discontinued siliver colored Aluminum Mac mini -- from the "Mid-2010," "Mid-2011," or "Late 2012" or "Late 2014" series -- or a current dark "Space Gray" "Late 2018" Mac mini is the right Mac for you, but you can evaluate objective pros and cons of the series to see if your needs are met.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Silver Mac mini with Apple Display)
For those interested in more detail, EveryMac.com also offers in-depth comparisons of the discontinued "Mid-2010", "Mid-2011", "Late 2012", and "Late 2014" lines as well as the current "Late 2018" models.
However, for those most interested in the quickest "run down," the following may be helpful in making a decision:
Pros:
- Tiny, attractive and well built aluminum case.
- Lack of integrated or bundled display, keyboard, and mouse allows one to use existing peripherals or choose from a variety of third-party options, some of which cost substantially less than Apple's and can be reused with a new system later at no additional cost.
- On pre-Late 2014 models (and current Late 2018 models), removable bottom panel makes it easy to upgrade the RAM, vastly easier than upgrading the RAM in earlier polycarbonate Mac mini models. Unfortunately, the "Late 2014" models have soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded at all.
- Discontinued Quad Core "Late 2012" Mac mini models and current Quad and Six Core "Late 2018" models, in particular, are quite fast for most tasks.
- All models have a fast form of external connectivity for an external hard drive (depending on the model, either Firewire "800", Thunderbolt, Thunderbolt 2, or Thunderbolt 3).
- USB 3.0 ports on "Late 2012" and later models also can be used for fast external connectivity (earlier models only have USB 2.0 ports).
- At least Dual display capability on all models (the current "Late 2018" models support as many as three displays).
- Standard HDMI port and IR remote support makes use with a television easy (unfortunately, the current "Late 2018" Mac mini models no longer support a remote without a third-party solution).
- Integrated SDXC-capable card slot (on "Late 2014" and earlier models).
- The least expensive new Apple computer.
Cons:
- Requires one to have, or to purchase, a display, keyboard, and mouse. Depending on the desired configuration, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a faster new or used Aluminum iMac.
- The RAM is soldered in place on the "Late 2014" models (it is upgradable on earlier models as well as the current "Late 2018" line).
- Upgrading the storage drive(s) is more challenging than it could be (and impossible for the current "Late 2018" series).
- The processor is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded.
- The video processor is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded.
- Integrated graphics "borrow" system RAM and are substantially slower than dedicated graphics. All models except for the discontinued Mac mini "Core i5" 2.5 (Mid-2011) and "Core i7" 2.7 (Mid-2011) have relatively slow integrated graphics.
- The discontinued "Late 2014" models cannot support a 4K display at 60 Hz. Earlier models cannot support 4K at all.
- SD card slot is inconveniently located on the rear of the system (and omitted entirely on the current "Late 2018" models).
- "Mid-2011" and later models lack an optical drive.
So, is an Aluminum Mac mini right for me?
Basically, if you want the cheapest new Apple computer you can buy and have no need for internal expansion, an Aluminum Mac mini would be a good choice. If compact size is important and you already own a compatible display, keyboard and mouse, it could be perfect.
Although at this point, most have moved on to video streaming devices, if you want a Mac to connect to a television, an Aluminum Mac mini also is the easiest option. However, the omission of out of the box IR remote support for the current "Late 2018" models makes them less convenient for TV use.
However, if performance is a higher priority for a desktop system, a new or used Aluminum iMac could be a better choice.
New & Used Mac mini Purchase Options
There are many places to purchase a new or used Mac mini. However, buying from a quality company with a long track record in the Mac market will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new Mac mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb Mac mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell a Mac mini, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac will buy your older Mac mini with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used Mac mini models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise may have used Mac mini models available at low prices and with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
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