Monitors For Mac Mini
The Mac Mini is a very high quality and top-notch performance laptop. However, its screen size can be a bit small for the most immersive experience, which makes you consider buying an good monitor for Mac mini.In this article, we’ll list some of the best monitors for Mac Mini that you can compare between and pick. Mac mini features the Apple T2 Security Chip — second-generation custom Mac silicon designed by Apple to make Mac mini even more secure. The T2 Security Chip consolidates several controllers into one, and includes a Secure Enclave coprocessor that provides the foundation for encrypted storage and secure boot capabilities.
Are you wondering what goes on inside Apple’s Mac mini? Perhaps you’ve bought one and want to see what you can do with it?
If so, read on to discover everything you need to know about the Mac mini, from what it is, to how to set it up and tons of different things you can use it for, outside of a regular PC.
What is a Mac mini and what does it do?
The Mac mini is a small desktop computer made by Apple. What makes the Mac mini different from a regular computer is that it’s shipped without an accompanying screen, keyboard or mouse. As Apple likes to say, it’s “BYODKM” (Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, and Mouse).
The reason behind the Mac mini being shipped solo, is because most of its use cases feature around using it to power up another device, as we’ll discuss in more detail below.
It also makes for more of a flexible purchase. For example, if you already have a screen, or a keyboard and mouse, you can pair these with the Mac mini rather than forking out for new ones. And if you don’t, you can easily purchase them alongside the Mac mini anyway.
The Mac mini has been around since 2005 (launched at the same time as the iPod shuffle) but its design and functionality have changed since then.
The latest 1.4GHz Mac mini spec released in 2014 (which is the cheapest of the three at around US$499.00) looks like the below.
A new Mac mini is also expected to launch in 2018, if the rumors are to be believed.
Specification of the Mac mini
Uses for the Mac mini
- Share presentations to screen
- Listen to music through an app like Spotify
- Share photos to a TV screen
- Access emails
- Play games
Benefits of the Mac mini
Some of the key benefits of the Mac mini include:
- The cheapest Mac Apple sells
- Built in apps such as FaceTime, iBooks, Maps, iTunes and Mail
- Multiple ports, making it more akin to a PC than a media device
- Apple quotes that with fourth-generation Intel Core processors, the device is able to “keep up with computers twice its size”
- Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth
- Easy setup for a keyboard, mouse or screen
- The perfect size to use as the centre of a “digital home”
How to set up a Mac mini
Here’s how to get your Mac mini running, from getting it out of the box to using it for a purchase such as connecting to your home TV.
Before you begin setup some of the questions you may want to consider include:
- What screen will you be connecting to? You’ll need a desktop or a TV screen to get your Mac mini up and running
- How will you connect to the screen? Depending on what screen you’re connecting to you may need a converter lead
- Do you have a Wi-Fi connection? You’ll need this to set up some of the Mac mini features
- How will you control the Mac mini? You’ll likely need either a keyboard and mouse combo or an Apple remote
Once you’ve made your decision and purchased any additional items you need, here’s how to get set up.
- Add power
Plug the power adaptor into your Mac mini and plug the other end into your power outlet. Press the power button on the back of the Mac mini.
2. Attach to your TV or monitor
Connect your Mac mini to your TV or desktop. The Mac mini comes with a HDMI-to-DVI adapter for connecting to a monitor's DVI port, which will allow you to connect to an Apple monitor.
If you want to connect to a TV screen you may need to purchase a mini-displayport-to-VGA adapter which will allow you to connect your Mac mini to a standard analog monitor, projector, or LCD that uses a VGA connector or cable.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi
Best wireless keyboard and mouse for mac. Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, Kang RUI 2.4G USB Full Size Ultra Slim Compatible with MAC PC Laptop Ultra-Thin Laptop Desktop, Available for Windows OS Android DPI800/ Mute (Silvery-2). Oct 17, 2019 Bluetooth turned on, but there are no devices connected to the Mac. See the Make sure that your wireless mouse, keyboard, or trackpad is turned on section of this article. Bluetooth turned on and at least one wireless device is connected. When this icon flashes, at. Get Magic Keyboards, trackpads and mice for Mac. Shop sensor switches and keyboard cases for your Mac. Buy online with fast, free shipping. May 30, 2018 Then use a wired mouse or trackpad — or the built-in trackpad if you're using a Mac notebook — and follow these steps to set up your earlier Apple wireless devices (such as the Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad): Turn on your device. Wait until your device's LED starts blinking, which means that it's in Discoverable Mode.
Once turned on, the setup guide should take you through a few simple steps, including setting up a Wi-Fi connection.
4. Sign in with your Apple id
This will give you access to the App Store and and will link your iCloud account if you wish to connect to your Mail, Photos, Calendar and so on.
5. Begin using your Mac mini
From here, you can begin using your PC or TV screen as a computer, using the desktop to search for apps, open web pages and more.
What can you do with your Mac mini?
Want to ensure you’re getting the most from your Mac mini device? Here are some ideas on how you can use it:
- Access apps on a TV screen
The Mac mini is a great way to take everything you’d usually do on your phone or laptop and access it on your TV screen. This could be sharing photos with a room, opening mail or accessing your documents.
- Use any screen as your computer
The Mac mini is super light, which means you can take it anywhere, plug it into a desktop and you’ll have a powerful computer. This allows you to work from anywhere, or set up shop in any location where there’s a monitor and Wi-Fi available.
- Set up digital signage with the Mac mini
The Mac mini is a great way to turn any screen into a digital sign. This allows you to pre-schedule and setup content to show on your digital screen such as social media feeds, presentations, travel updates, news feeds and more. Read the full guide on setting up digital signage with the Mac mini here.
4. Create a home viewing centre
With the Mac mini and a screen, or desktop, you can create a home viewing centre that allows you to watch movies, surf the internet and listen to music. Via streaming apps such as Netflix, or even through movies you’ve bought on iTunes, you can easily set up movies to play on any screen. You can also use music apps available in the Apple App Store or use Safari to get online.
5. View and share photos
The Mac Mini includes a SDXC card slot so you can simply remove the memory card from your camera and insert it. This allows you to view photos on a monitor, or share them with the room from your TV screen.
Mac mini question buster
Can you use any monitor with a Mac mini?
The Mac mini doesn’t come with a monitor, but you can connect it to one using one of the ports on the back of the device. Using the right adapter, you can connect the Mac Mini to any computer screen with a VGA port. The Mac Mini ships with a HDMI-to-DVI adapter but it’s only really Apple monitors which use DVI, so for a regular monitor you may need a HDMI-to-VGA or mini displayport-to-VGA connector instead.
How do you turn on a Mac mini?
Simply press the power button on the Mac mini box.
Can you use any keyboard with a Mac mini?
Most keyboards and mouses can be used with the Mac mini by connecting them using the USB port. For Bluetooth devices, connect the USB dongle to the Mac mini using the USB port.
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Bestmonitors for Mac miniiMore2019
Apple has unveiled its new Mac mini to the world. Unlike the iMac, the Mac mini doesn't have its own monitor, which means that you'll need to supply your own. To that end, any of the monitors in this group would be a great choice for your new tiny Mac.
Update to a favorite: LG 27UK850
Get 4K resolution, a plethora of additional ports, and excellent color reproduction in this slim-bezeled USB-C monitor. An update to the LG 27UD88, and available for just a few dollars more than the older monitor.
$645 at AmazonUltraFine, ultra expensive: LG UltraFine 5K
Made for your Mac in cooperation with Apple, the UltraFine is a Thunderbolt 3 display that outputs up to 5K resolution at a premium price. Features one Thunderbolt 3 port, along with three USB-C ports for connecting additional accessories.
$1,300 at AppleApple-friendly 4K: LG UltraFine 4K
Like the UltraFine 5K, the USB-C 4K model was developed by LG in conjunction with Apple. What the display lacks in resolution and size compared to its bigger sibling it makes up for in wallet-friendliness, coming in at just over half the price of the 5K model.
$700 at AppleProper eye care: ASUS Designo MX27UC
The ASUS Designo MX27UC is a near-bezel-less 4K USB-C display built with the company's Eye Care technology, which is meant to reduce eye strain. In addition to USB-C on the back, you've also got a couple of USB-A ports, an audio jack, an HDMI port, and a DisplayPort connection.
$570 at Amazon4K for less: HP Envy 4K
HP's 27-inch Envy 4K monitor is a decent option if you want 4K, but are looking for something a little less expensive. Note that, unlike the other 4K and 5K monitors on this list, the HP Envy does not have built in speakers, so if you need speakers, you'll need to get an external set.
$430 at AmazonBudget friendly: Dell S2718D
Dual Monitors For Mac Mini
If 4K isn't that important to you, but a USB-C connection is, consider Dell's 27-inch, 1440p monitor. With extremely thin bezels, multiple ports, and support for a variety of tilt positions, the S2718D would be a fine addition to your Mac mini setup.
$350 at AmazonCompact and inexpensive: ASUS ZenScreen
While it's certainly meant to be more of a portable option, there's no real reason you can't use the 15-inch, 1080p ASUS ZenScreen at your desk, especially if you're looking to create a more compact setup. And if you ever decide to take your Mac mini with you somewhere, now you have a monitor that can easily come with you.
$240 at AmazonThese are all great USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 monitors for your Mac mini. Most of them offer 4K support, along with additional ports for plugging in accessories when the ports on your Mac mini aren't enough. But if I was picking one of these monitors for myself, I'd pick the ASUS Designo MX27UC. It offers many of the same features as the other monitors on this list, while priced notably lower than most of them.
Best Monitor For Mac Mini 2018
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