What to Expect from the Latest Mac Mini M4

Ready to discover the future of compact computing? Picture effortlessly editing 4K videos, running music programs, and design software all at once without a single glitch. In this episode, we reveal everything you need to know about the game-changing new Mac Mini powered by the revolutionary M4 chip. Tune in as we unravel the hype around its 10-core CPU, real-time AI-powered transcription, and jaw-dropping speed that promises to make your workflows smoother than ever.

But the excitement doesn't stop there! Imagine a Mac Mini so small it could nearly vanish on your desk, yet packed with five USB-C ports, HDMI, a headphone jack, and an Ethernet port. And guess what? All these phenomenal upgrades are rumored to start at just $599. Curious about how Apple plans to redefine the mini computer? Join us as we share the latest buzz, rumors, and speculations about this astonishing piece of tech set for an October 2024 release. Don’t miss out on what could be a monumental shift in the world of Apple Silicon!

Transcript

Allan: 0:00

All right. So you know we love getting into the rumor mill a little bit. You guys have sent us a ton of stuff on this new Mac Mini.

Ida: 0:08

Yeah.

Allan: 0:09

And it seems like that's what everybody's waiting for, right? Apple's next move, yeah, it's a big one.

Ida: 0:13

I mean the Mac Mini. So many people love them and now, with this new M4 chip coming out, it's going to be a rocket ship. I mean, the current design's been out since 2010. Oh, I mean the current design has been out since 2010. Oh my gosh, Can you believe that?

Allan: 0:24

It's like ancient history in computer years.

Ida: 0:27

Yeah, so we're due for something cool. I think Big time yeah.

Allan: 0:30

So before we get into, like you know, all the nitty gritty details, we're going to see this thing.

Ida: 0:34

So all the rumors are saying October 2024 at a special Apple event. Okay, which would make sense. Yeah, that's when they usually release new Macs.

Allan: 0:43

So October 2024, mark your calendars, everyone. All right, let's talk about the story of the show here. The M4 chip I keep seeing all these articles about it 10-core CPU, neural engine Like it's just a bunch of numbers to me. What does it all mean?

Ida: 0:56

Yeah. So imagine this you are editing a 4K video, you got a music program going in the background and maybe even like a design program, all at the same time.

Allan: 1:04

Okay.

Ida: 1:04

The M4 chip with its 10 cores can handle all that without even blinking. Really no problem.

Allan: 1:11

Wow.

Ida: 1:12

No, lag nothing.

Allan: 1:13

That's impressive.

Ida: 1:14

Yeah, okay, but you mentioned this neural engine thing. What is that? Yeah, so this is where it gets really cool, okay, so imagine like a mini AI brain inside your Mac mini, but you don't have to be like a super genius to use it.

Allan: 1:27

OK.

Ida: 1:27

So let's say you're editing a podcast on your new Mac mini. The neural engine can actually transcribe your audio in real time and make it super easy to add subtitles.

Allan: 1:36

Wait, hold on. Ai powered transcription on the fly. Yeah, ok, I thought this was just about like speed and power.

Ida: 1:43

It's way more than that. Apple is really pushing what a mini computer can do, and I think this neural engine is just the beginning for them.

Allan: 1:52

Okay. So, speaking of pushing it to the limits, there's rumors about a total redesign.

Ida: 1:57

Yeah.

Allan: 1:58

Like some articles are saying, it's going to be closer to the size of an Apple TV.

Ida: 2:01

Yeah.

Allan: 2:02

Are we talking like a Mac mini that can basically disappear on my desk?

Ida: 2:06

That is the rumor.

Allan: 2:08

Wow.

Ida: 2:09

Yeah, so imagine that much power in something so small. You could just like throw it in your bag. Yeah, obviously, making things smaller can be tricky.

Allan: 2:16

Right.

Ida: 2:17

But from what we've seen, it seems like Apple's figured it out.

Allan: 2:19

Okay, but smaller usually means less ports, right?

Ida: 2:22

Yeah.

Allan: 2:23

Please tell me they didn't go too minimalist on us.

Ida: 2:27

So there are some rumors about the ports. It seems like they might be saying goodbye to the old USB-A ports.

Allan: 2:31

Really.

Ida: 2:32

But to make up for it, they're adding five USB-C ports. Five, three on the back and get this two on the front.

Allan: 2:39

Wow.

Ida: 2:39

No more reaching around the back of your computer.

Allan: 2:41

That's awesome. Yeah, five USB-C ports. Talk about being future-proof.

Ida: 2:45

Yeah.

Allan: 2:46

Okay, but what about the important stuff? You know, HDMI, headphone jack, the things we actually use every day?

Ida: 2:51

They're not getting rid of all the classics.

Allan: 2:53

Okay, good.

Ida: 2:54

You'll still have your HDMI port, your headphone jack.

Allan: 2:56

Phew.

Ida: 2:57

Yeah, and the Ethernet port too.

Allan: 2:59

Nice, they're not totally wireless on us.

Ida: 3:01

Not yet.

Allan: 3:02

All right, so this all sounds expensive, right? All this new tech, a redesigned case, it's got to cost a fortune, right?

Ida: 3:09

Well, the rumors say the base model M4 Mac mini will start at $599.

Allan: 3:14

Wait, really. Yeah, that's the same as the M2? I know it's pretty crazy. Apple usually loves to charge a premium for new stuff.

Ida: 3:19

Yeah, but this could be huge for people who want to try Apple Silicon without spending a ton of money.

Allan: 3:24

That's true.

Ida: 3:25

Of course, if you want the M4 Pro, that'll cost a bit more.

Allan: 3:28

Okay, so what are we talking about for the Pro? How much more?

Ida: 3:31

It's looking like around $799.

Allan: 3:34

Okay, so for that extra power, it might be worth it. Yeah, a lot of people are saying it's a good deal. So we've got a Mac Mini that's potentially the size of an Apple TV, a crazy fast M4 chip, a bunch of ports, and it's affordable. Yep, is that everything?

Ida: 3:49

Well, we can't forget about the neural engine and all the AI stuff.

Allan: 3:52

Oh yeah, that's right.

Ida: 3:53

I mean, imagine connecting this thing to a 4K monitor. Oh man, the graphics would be insane with that M4 GPU, right. But here's the thing the neural engine actually makes it even better, so it can actually analyze how you use your Mac Mini and, like, learn your preferences. No way. Yeah, so it can automatically adjust things like the graphic settings to optimize for what you're doing. Wow, it can even help you save battery life.

Allan: 4:18

So it's like having a personal assistant for my Mac Mini.

Ida: 4:20

Exactly.

Allan: 4:21

So it's learning how I use my computer and making it better.

Ida: 4:24

Yeah, basically, it's taking all the power of the M4 and making it work smarter, not harder.

Allan: 4:29

I got to say at the beginning of this, I was just excited for a faster Mac Mini. Now it feels like something totally different. I know it's crazy, right it's like Apple, sneaking a revolution in through the back door.

Ida: 4:39

Totally, and they never make a big deal out of it Right, they just do it. Like oh yeah, and it has AI now.

Allan: 4:45

Exactly.

Ida: 4:45

But that's what people love about Apple, right.

Allan: 4:47

Yeah, it just works. Okay, so to wrap this up for everyone listening, who probably already has their wallets out for this thing, yeah, if this little computer is already doing all this, what does it mean for the rest of the Mac lineup? Oh, man. Imagine an M4 Mac. Pro.

Ida: 5:02

Don't even get me started.

Allan: 5:03

Like the things people could do with that.

Ida: 5:05

We're talking crazy fast. Video editing, 3d modeling all that stuff would be insane.

Allan: 5:13

It's kind of hard to even imagine.

Ida: 5:15

Right now, we're just using our phones to watch cat videos.

Allan: 5:17

And this thing's going to be like 10 times faster than that.

Ida: 5:20

At least All right.

Allan: 5:21

So it sounds like we are on the edge of something big here with the Mac Mini and with Apple in general.

Ida: 5:26

I think so, and it all starts with this little computer.

Allan: 5:29

Well, there you have it A smaller, more powerful AI Mac Mini. Who knows what Apple's going to do next?

Ida: 5:34

Yeah, we'll have to wait and see.

Allan: 5:36

Until next time, keep sending us those rumors.

Ida: 5:38

We love this stuff.

Allan: 5:40

And we'll be back to break it.