Which Mac

[Ben Jenssen]

The Mac Mini Bluetooth performance problem is unquestionable, as far as I can see. It's a fundamental design problem, as many with me have concluded.


I have explored this for weeks now, as I have mice and keyboards both close and across the room. I've found that these things help the performance:
Place the mini so that there are no physical obstacles.
Turn it on it's side so that the underside faces front.
Turn off Wifi.
Don't use USB ports. Connect USB devices to adapters connected to the Thunderbolt ports instead.
These things combined helps so that I now can sit across the room, like four meters away, 12 feet, and magic mouse/keyboard works fully reliably.
I think the most important factor is the use of the ports. I'm now using none of the two USBs and just two of the TBs.

[SomeOtherGuy]

Thanks, very helpful info--

[sleiweke]

If you are the kind of person that pushes the machine to it's limits all the time, there are reports of mini's caving in after time. I've heard that from LA film mixers. Actually burning up mother boards.

If that's the case, go with a new Mac Pro. I went that route. And I'm really glad I did.

But it's not for everyone.

s

[Brawders]

All great info and replies here. I was leaning towards the Mac Mini, but I’m curious to see now everything with the ARM chips coming soon.

I mean my setup isn’t terrible now. I need to update my graphics card so it’s compatible with my Mojave and I can use two monitors. My issue I’m having, and the reason I asked is I’m getting some latency with my setup and the Focusrite Scarlett. The biggest track I’ve ever worked on has been maybe 17 channels, 12 six inputs, a master fader, and every track about 1-4 plug ins. But when I record new guitar tracks it’s a noticeable delay. I’ve tried lowering the sample rate, but sometimes I get a CPU tan out of power.

[uptheoctave]

Originally Posted by Brawders

All great info and replies here. I was leaning towards the Mac Mini, but I’m curious to see now everything with the ARM chips coming soon.

Don't wait for ARM.
Those of us who lived through the early days of Mac Intel- it was horrible.

I had a Mac mini 2018.
It was a fine machine but the lack of discrete video RAM meant I would get video tearing all the time.
On a 2019 Mac Pro now and wouldn't go back for anything.

If I wasn't using a Mac Pro then I'd go the latest iMac and live with the lack of expandability.

[creativecontrol]

I agree - if you need a powerful workhorse computer - the 7,1's are amazing. As an in-between option however, consider adding an eGPU to your 2018 Mac Mini. I currently have a Sonnet attached to mine and it has made a very significant difference.

best,


Jeff

[Brawders]

I actually figured out that for what I’m doing the 3.1 is actually pretty decent. I just need to upgrade the video card. I wish I could afford a 7.1 but I already have a mortgage.

Between my souped you 3.1 and an eventual Mac Mini I think for my basic home use is perfect.