The new MacMinis - what can I connect to it?

labibi66 wrote:

Thanks! I did not know that Apple has its "own" USB-C to USB adapters, I found this single one Usb-c till usb-adapter - Apple (SE) , is this what you mean?

That looks like it – although I don't speak Swedish.

I also found a "multiport", would you recommend something like this instead? Usb-c digital AV multiport-adapter - Apple (SE)

I'm not a huge fan of that Apple adapter, mainly because it doesn't have a lot of ports and because it seems to be priced a bit on the high side ($69 USD) for what it does.

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter - Apple

Also, two of the three ports (the HDMI port and the pass-through charging port) are unlikely to doing anything for you, as the owner of an AC-powered Mac mini that already has its own HDMI port.

In your case, I think what you would be looking for is something with four or more USB-A ports, like a USB-A-only hub, or a plain USB-C hub that happens to have that many USB-A ports, in addition to the usual HDMI / Ethernet / SDXC card reader. Ideally something that comes with its own power supply, or that has a port into which you can plug a separately-purchased power supply, as a single portable drive may try to use nearly all of the power that an unpowered hub can draw from the host computer.

Examples of USB-A only hubs (not recommendations):

• UGREEN USB C Hub 4 Ports, USB C to USB Hub – Plugs into a USB-C port, and gives you four USB-A ports, for $15 USD. There is a USB-C power input port for providing the hub with its own power supply (which I think you would want to do if you were going to plug any sort of bus-powered drives into it), but I suspect that you might need to buy a USB-C power brick and charging cable separately.
• intpw Powered USB Hub 10Gbps, 10 Port USB 3.1 Gen 2 Hub with 7 USB 3.1 Data Ports – This one offers seven USB-A ports, connects to your computer at USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s), and includes its own power adapter. It costs $50 USD.

you can connect all usb-a devices to the usb-c ports using adaptors Amazon.com : usb-a to usb-c adapter

you can connect all hdmi displays you feel likely best to minimum get one with a res of 1080p

think for most people on this rock 256GB would be too lille storage in this day and age

labibi66 wrote:

Would I still be able to use my Apple keyboard and mouse (now connected via USB) or would I need to replace them with newer, wireless, models?

I also have a 2014 Apple DVD player, also connected via USB (model nr. AI379), would I still be able to use it?

There are many ways to connect USB-A (USB) accessories to any of the USB-C ports on a M4 Mac mini. In the case of the Apple USB SuperDrive, that drive has a reputation for being somewhat "picky" about power and you might find that it wants to be connected to an Apple USB-C to USB adapter.

You can get powered USB-A hubs that offer several USB-A ports, but that take up only one USB-C port on your Mac. (Also, fancier USB-C and Thunderbolt hubs and docks that offer multiple types of things.)

Last but not least, which specs do I have to look for in order to buy an "average" display? I found the page explaining how to connect more than 1 display but I cannot seem to find the tech specs.

For basic color accuracy, look for an IPS panel and 100% or near-100% coverage of sRGB. If you can't find a sRGB coverage specification, that is usually a sign that the coverage isn't good.

Look for one or more modern inputs: DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C (DisplayPort). Many monitors offer at least two of the three. Some high-end monitors use Thunderbolt, but I don't think the ones you're interested in will. A M4 Mac mini can drive monitors via its HDMI port or its USB-C (DisplayPort, Thunderbolt) ports, and you can get USB-C to {DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, …} adapters and adapter cables for just about anything you might need. You will often have several ways to connect a monitor, any of which will work.

You can get a decent 1 TB SSD in an enclosure that plugs into your USB ports for around £60.

Unless you are doing highly critical colour-corrected work any cheap 1080p 24" or 27" monitor will do for around £100.

You can even plug it into any modern TV and have a gigantic monitor! I've plugged my old mini into the 55" 4K TV we have in the lounge on occasions.

I wouldn't recommend anything Apple sells unless you like paying 4 times as much!

This is the item that I use.

Atolla 7 Port USB Hub

USB-C Adapters

It plugs into a normal USB port so you would need a cheap adapter (NOT Apple) to use it on the M4's USB-C ports.

Note that it has 7 extra ports and its own power supply.

You can get them with only 4 ports and some come without a power supply for under £10 but if you are plugging in mechanical hard drives you need the ones with a power supply.

Don't waste money on new Apple wireless keyboards and mice.

Your current wired ones may not look as good but they will be far more reliable.

The keyboard you haven't used should be fine. Try it again and see for yourself. I'm sure there won't be any "delay" problem once you start using it properly.

You can keep it plugged permanently into the Mac by its charging cable if you want.

Any one should be OK so long as you can plug it into your computer with an adapter.

Make sure it has its own power supply.