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Best monitors for Mac mini. Joseph Keller. 14 Nov 2018 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. Best Mac monitors & displays 2018 Even if you have an iMac or MacBook you might want a second screen. And those with a Mac mini or Mac Pro will need a display of some kind. Putting better-equipped systems to shame, the new Mac mini (2018) is a no-brainer for any Mac mini user looking to upgrade, and a smart choice for anyone else. The Azulle Access Plus is the best. The Mac mini, MacBook Pro and Mac Pro also have HDMI. Pictured here is the Mac mini and its HDMI (left) and Thunderbolt (right) ports. Your best bet is to use a digital connection like DVI, HDMI. Dell's tried and tested U2718Q is a feature-laden monitor that supports HDR content playback. It's still, unfortunately, missing a USB-C port, but it does have a USB 3.0 hub, HDMI, DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It's the best 4K monitor for most people.
The Rundown
- Best Overall:HP Pavilion Wave at Amazon, 'It delivers exceptional performance for the size, with plenty of power to spare.'
- Runner-Up, Best Overall:Apple Mac mini at Apple, “A sophisticated and compact desktop-class computer.'
- Best Budget:Lenovo IdeaCentre 310S at Walmart, 'The 500GB of hard drive storage has more than enough space for pictures, videos, and applications.”
- Best Alternative to Windows:Acer CXI3 Chromebox at Amazon, “Browsing the web with 20 tabs open and streaming 4K video won’t slow you down.'
- Best Gaming:Lenovo Legion C530 Cube at Lenovo, “Built with one-touch, tool-free access to all the inner workings you might want to upgrade later on.”
- Runner-Up, Best for Gaming:MSI Trident 3 Arctic at MSI.com, 'One of the smallest VR-ready PCs ever made.'
- Best Value:ASUS VivoMini PC at Amazon, “The VESA support for wall mounting makes it the perfect media machine.'
- Best for Business:HP ProDesk 400 at Amazon, 'Designed to hold up for more than 120,000 hours of use.'
- Best Kit:Intel NUC8 Mini PC Kit at Amazon, 'The smallest NUC Intel has ever created, and also the most powerful.'
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: HP Pavilion Wave
At first glance, it’s easy to mistake the HP Pavilion Wave for a stylish Bluetooth speaker or digital assistant. It’s actually both of these things, but it’s also a mini PC packed with plenty of features. And that unique design serves a purpose — the top of the Pavilion Wave is a parabolic speaker that directs high-quality audio (from B&O Play) 360 degrees around the room.
The Pavilion is powered by a 7th-generation quad-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and both a hard drive and solid-state drive that are 1TB and 256GB respectively. It delivers exceptional performance for the size, with plenty of power to spare for demanding tasks like video or image editing. This PC can easily handle 4K video playback, and multi-monitor support ensures that you can watch video on one monitor and multitask on another. Built-in Amazon Alexa adds voice control so you can check a calendar, create shopping lists, or ask questions without pulling up a browser.
The compact design weighs a nominal six pounds and measures only 9.25 inches in height.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Apple Mac mini
While Apple’s laptops and all-in-one desktops get all the glory, the Mac mini is a sophisticated and compact desktop-class computer. As with most Apple products, the mini’s design is the first thing you notice — available in Apple’s muted Space Gray color, the hardware measures a mere 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 inches and weighs under three pounds. At that size, it seems like the mini might have performance limitations. But that’s not the case.
Apple’s move to a solid-state drive ensures the mini will run faster, cooler and quieter. Buyers can choose between two 8th-generation Intel processors (i3 or i5) as well as up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. Note that the RAM is user-upgradeable after purchase, but the SSD is not. An Intel UHD Graphics 630 chip won’t satisfy most gamers, but it’ll work fine for basic gameplay and 4K video playback. Capable of powering up to three displays at once, the mini comes equipped with four USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports alongside HDMI and dual USB 3 ports.
Best Budget: Lenovo IdeaCentre 310S
With a striking design and affordable price tag, the Lenovo IdeaCentre 310S is a compact PC the whole family can enjoy. Packed with 500GB of hard drive storage, there’s more than enough space for pictures, videos, and applications. The IdeaCentre 310S also includes 4GB of RAM, an AMD A9-series processor, and AMD’s Radeon graphics card that can handle 1080p video playback with aplomb but probably won’t be able to handle 4K streaming.
If the lack of 4K streaming isn’t a dealbreaker, then the Lenovo has plenty of other convenient features. For one, it’s tiny — nearly 50% smaller than the average desktop-class PC. Measuring less than 3.5 inches wide, the hardware is easy to fit on or under a desk. However, the small size didn’t prohibit Lenovo from cramming in a bevy of ports. The front of the computer is adorned with four USB 2.0 ports as well as a built-in media reader for a variety of memory cards. Lenovo has even included a DVD/CD burner, which is often only found on full-size desktop hardware. The addition of 802.11ac Wi-Fi standards ensures the Lenovo can browse and download at fast speeds.
Best Alternative to Windows: Acer CXI3 Chromebox
If you’re looking for solid performance but don’t necessarily need Windows, the Acer CXI3 Chromebook is a terrific mini PC. It comes equipped with an Intel i7 processor (8th generation), 16GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Even browsing the web with 20 tabs open and streaming 4K video won’t slow you down. Chrome OS isn’t a gaming system, but it can handle some browser-based games.
The hardware itself falls firmly in the mini PC category. Measuring 5.9 x 5.9 x 1.6 inches in size and weighing only 1.2 pounds, it’s lighter than the vast majority of laptops, let along desktop units. The black plastic shell is low-profile and designed to hide the hardware components inside. The front of the computer is well-equipped with two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card slot, power button, and a headphone jack. The rear of the hardware adds in more connectivity with four additional USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, USB Type-C and Ethernet.
Best for Gaming: Lenovo Legion C530 Cube
Small but capable, the Lenovo C530 is a serious piece of hardware in a portable package. It has the latest 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, 32GB of RAM and up to 256GB SSD, making this computer a true powerhouse. Fully capable of handling the latest in VR-gaming, you have your choice of NVIDIA’s GTX 1060, 1050 Ti, or 1050 graphics card. It will also last you into future, which takes some the sting out of the premium price tag: the C530 is built with one-touch, tool-free access to all the inner workings you might want to upgrade later on.
The exterior of the computer is just as smart as the inside, with an integrated carrying handle that makes it surprisingly portable. A slew of HDMI and USB ports on the back can quickly become a cable nightmare, but Lenovo has avoided this problem by adding a cable organizer in the back (a rare find on mini PCs).
Best Screen For Mac Mini 2016
Runner-Up, Best for Gaming: MSI Trident 3 Arctic
MSI’s Trident 3 Arctic is a small yet powerful VR-ready PC — it's actually one of the smallest VR-ready PCs ever made. Weighing only seven pounds and measuring 13.63 x 2.83 x 9.15 inches, it’s about as big as an Xbox One. For a desktop-grade gaming system, it’s lighter and slimmer than most gaming PCs on the market. It can also sit horizontally or vertically, depending on preference.
The Trident 3 runs on an 8th Gen Intel i7-8700 processor and an Nvidia GTX 1070 graphics card, which is enough power for playing 1080p games with ease. For a lower price tag, you can also get configurations with an Nvidia GTX 1060 or 1050 graphics card. The PC comes with 16GB of memory, a 256GB Solid State Drive and a 1TB hard drive, which is enough storage and memory for gameplay and multitasking with Windows 10. MSI’s proprietary cooling system means that when the PC is running, its fans are practically silent. But what’s most convenient about the MSI Trident 3 Arctic is its front-facing VR port, which makes plugging in VR headsets easy.
The only drawback is that the PC needs a pretty clunky external power adapter to work. But that aside, the MSI Trident 3 Arctic is a massively powerful VR gaming PC in a tiny, silent package.
Best Value: ASUS VivoMini PC
The ASUS VivoMini has long been a staple of the mini PC market and for very good reason. For home computing, the ASUS strikes an appealing balance between performance and price. Powered by a 7th-generation Intel i5 processor, the computer can also add up to 16GB of separately-purchased RAM and any 2.5-inch full-size SSD. Installing extra components isn’t for everyone, but the result is worth the time involved. That’s even truer when you consider the ASUS’ integrated 4K UHD graphics, built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0. Two front-mounted USB ports include fast charging for quickly powering up portable devices, and the four-in-one card reader provides yet another option for media downloads.
The 5.1 x 5.1 x 2-inch footprint is incredibly compact, and the VESA support for wall mounting makes it the perfect media machine. ASUS even saw fit to include their media streaming applications and Remote Go! apps for boosting its entertainment capabilities. It’s easy to connect the VivoMini to your HDTV using HDMI input or DisplayPort++ connectivity.
Best for Business: HP ProDesk 400
If you’re on the hunt for a capable mini PC for business, the HP ProDesk 400 is an excellent option. Packed with an Intel i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, the HP won’t buckle under pressure. If you require even more power, the ProDesk adds two bays and two half-height slots for expandable storage or extra RAM. At 6.69 x 13.3 x 10.79 inches in size, the computer easily fits underneath or on the side of a desk. A total of eight USB ports between the front and back means there’s plenty of inputs for multiple monitors.
As an investment for a small business, the HP is designed to hold up for more than 120,000 hours of use. “Sure Click “ technology protects against malware and viruses keeping both data and client information secure, and HP’s client manager is also included to defend against any data theft. Finally, HP Biosphere ensures that you’re always up to date with automatic updates and security checks.
Best Kit: Intel NUC8 Mini PC Kit
If you aren’t put off by the glowing skull, Intel’s NUC8 mini PC kit is a fantastic do-it-yourself option. The smallest NUC (Next Unit of Computing) Intel has ever created, it’s also the most powerful. Inside the compact hardware rests an 8th-generation Intel i7 processor with Radeon RX Vega M graphics with 4GB of dedicated memory. This kit is powerful enough for even hardcore PC gamers, so it’s more than capable of handling everyday processes like multitasking, streaming 4K video, or video editing. There’s even support for up to six 4K or 5K monitors with a variety of HDMI, Thunderbolt, USB and DisplayPort inputs.
As a do-it-yourself kit, getting the most out of this machine requires a little extra legwork. There’s support for up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, but it must be purchased separately. The same goes for solid-state storage, which is easily installed after removing a few screws. If you aren’t afraid of a little assembly, the NUC8 has a winning combination of power and price that makes it a great option for do-it-yourself types.
What to Look for in a Mini PC
Size -If you’re buying a mini PC, size is probably pretty important to you. Best spam blocker for mac. While all the devices on our list are compact, some are more so than others, ranging from the size of a gaming console down to a deck of cards. Often times, the larger it is the more powerful it is, but the tradeoff is up to you.
Processing power Best position for mac dock. - You’ll find that most processors are made by Intel and their power depends on how many cores each processor has: the more cores and the faster the speeds, the more powerful the processor. Depending on your use, though, you may not need the most powerful processor out there.
RAM - RAM, or random access memory, is the hardware inside your mini PC that temporarily stores data. RAM lets a computer work with more information simultaneously, which usually has a big effect on total system performance. So how much do you need? We recommend at least 4GB of memory, although PCs will have an option to add more via a microSD card or hard drive.
Thanks to the fierce competition, Apple is under more pressure to design the best Macs ever. As a result, we’re getting better and more powerful machines like the Mac Pro 2019, which is coming later in 2019 possibly alongside the rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro.
In fact, if you’d rather not wait and want to get your hands on one of the best Macs now, there’s already quite a few excellent options to choose from, especially with Apple recently giving its MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro and 15-inch MacBook Pro much-needed refresh.
To expand your choices further, the Apple computers are incredibly diverse. The best Macs cover everything from thin and light notebooks like the 12-inch MacBook, which is still on hand at third-party sites despite being discontinued, to professional workhorses like the iMac Pro.
Taking all these into consideration, it can be tricky choosing the perfect Mac for you. We put together a list of the best Macs we’ve tested ourselves – from iMacs to MacBooks – to help you with that important decision. Let’s dive in to all the best Macs you can buy right now, no matter your budget and use.
1. Mac Mini 2018
CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i3 – Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 8GB – 32GB | Storage: 128GB – 2TB PCIe-based SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.6cm Best free money management software for mac.
Hugely improved specs
Expensive
Mac Mini fans, rejoice! The Mac Mini has finally been upgraded with modern hardware, ushering Apple’s smallest Mac to the modern age and naturally warranting it the top spot in our best Macs list. This tiny thing is packed with 8th-generation desktop processors, a ton of RAM and some of the fastest SSDs we’ve seen – all while keeping the same adored form factor. It’s a tad pricier this time around, but with the raw speed on offer, you’ll find that it’s worth the price increase.
Read the full review: Mac Mini 2018
2. MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
Apple’s productivity machine gets the latest Intel tech
CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 555X – 560X, Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 16GB – 32GB | Screen: 15.4-inch, 2,880 x 1,800 Retina display | Storage: 512GB – 4TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 34.93 x 24.07 x 1.55cm
Powerful
Screen remains gorgeous
Lack of ports
If you want the most performance you can get in a MacBook without needing to pull off a heist, you’ll want to look into the MacBook Pro 15-inch. Now refreshed with hexa-core 9th-generation processors and up to 32GB of RAM, you won’t be held back by anything you throw at it – especially now that you can get Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics. With that kind of performance, the MacBook Pro takes a lofty spot on our best Macs list without breaking a sweat.
Read the full review:MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
3. Apple iMac (27-inch, 2019)
Apple’s most affordable all-in-one
CPU: up to 3.6GHz 8-core Intel Core i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 570X – Radeon Pro Vega 48 | RAM: 8GB – 64GB | Screen: 27-inch (diagonal) Retina 5K display 5120 x 2880 | Storage: 1TB Fusion Drive – 2TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 51.6 x 65.0 x 20.3 cm
Stunning 5K display
SSD upgrades are expensive
The iMac has long been one of the cheaper ways to get into the macOS ecosystem, and we’re glad that hasn’t changed. Though what has changed, we also appreciate. The new iMac is packing with 8th- and 9th-generation desktop-class processors, letting this stylish all-in-one reach that fabled 8-core performance. If you’re looking for an all-in-one Mac, the new 27-inch iMac might just be the best Mac for you, at least if you’re on a budget.
Read the full review:iMac (27-inch, 2019)
4. MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13-inch, mid-2018)
CPU: 7th-generation Intel Core i5 – 8th-generation Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 – 655 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2,560 x 1,600 | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.49cm
Much more powerful
Keyboard learning curve
The biggest issue with the older MacBook Pro was that it was still packing Kaby Lake processors while its rivals had moved ahead. Luckily, the MacBook Pro 2018 changes everything, making it more powerful than ever. It still has the controversial Butterfly keyboard, but that’s also been improved so that its quieter and more reliable. It’s not hard to recommend the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2018 to anyone looking for the best Macs. Best mac for college students 2016.
Read the full review: MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13-inch, mid-2018)
5. iMac Pro
![Best screen for new mac mini Best screen for new mac mini](/uploads/1/2/6/6/126610284/619480123.jpg)
CPU: 8 to 18-core Intel Xeon W | Graphics: Radeon Pro Vega 56 - Radeon Pro Vega 64 | RAM: 32GB – 256GB DDR4 ECC | Screen: 27-inch 5K (5,120 x 2,880) Retina display (P3 wide color) | Storage: 1TB – 4TB PCIe 3.0 SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 65 x 20.3 x 51.6cm
Most powerful Mac you can buy
Very expensive
Professionals and creatives need something that can handle any workload they can possibly throw at it. If you’re one such user, the iMac Pro isn’t just one of the best Macs for you; it’s the only Mac to consider. Not only does it have a vibrant 27-inch 5K display with a P3 wide color gamut, but it also boasts the most powerful hardware Apple could get its hands on. It’s extremely expensive though, so it’s really only meant for folks who have deep pockets and need that unbridled power to get through their daily workloads.
Read the full review:iMac Pro
6. Apple MacBook Air (2019)
CPU: 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 617 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) 2,560 x 1,600 LED-backlit display with IPS technology | Storage: 128GB – 1TB SSD | Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches (30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56cm; W x D x H)
Lovely design
Fantastic battery life
Underpowered
Apple takes the MacBook Air (2018) and gives it a bit of refresh, adding True Tone technology to its display and an even more reliable keyboard. Unfortunately, it hasn’t upgraded the specs – which actually leads us to think that there might be a bigger update by early 2020. However, to be fair to this refresh, the 2018 version has already made our list, so this improved version is just as deserving or more so. But the best part is yet to come: this refresh is even cheaper, so you’re definitely getting more value for less.
Read the full review: MacBook Air (2019)
7. MacBook (2017)
Small and stylish
Best Screens For Mac Mini
CPU: Dual-core Intel Core m3 – Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 12-inch Retina (2,304 x 1,440) IPS | Storage: 256GB – 512GB PCIe SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.04 x 7.74 x 0.14~0.52in
Incredibly portable
Best Display For Mac Mini 2014
Too expensive
While Apple has officially taken the MacBook out of its MacBook lineup, many third parties are still carry it. And because the 12-inch MacBook has found its niche as an ultraportable and lightweight laptop, it’s still deserving of a spot on our best Macs list… that is, until stock runs out. It’s low on ports, but that’s hardly a surprise in a laptop this thin. It can support basically everything under the sun with its Thunderbolt 3 port, anyway. It’s not as powerful as the MacBook Pro, but if you’re looking for a MacBook that’s easy to take with you wherever you go, look no further.
Best Screen For Mac Mini 2014
Read the full review: Apple MacBook (2017)
Michelle Rae Uy, Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article
Best Screens For Mac
- Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptops 2019
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