Apple 2023 Mac Mini with Apple M2 Chip with 8-core CPU (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage) Silver (Renewed)

Hi! I'm an old computer user who started out on the Texas Instruments 99/4A back in the 80s. I've had Tandy computers, IBM originals, Commodore computers, and I've built PCs myself since the late 1980s back when it wasn't easy or fashionable. And yes, I used older Apple computers, and classic Macs.In the 90s I went through a Mac-only phase. I had the colorful iMac, a couple PowerBooks, the lamp iMac, a Mac clone, even a clamshell iBook (and honestly, I loved that stupid thing. It was definitely the most unique laptop I've ever owned.) But after a while, I moved away from Apple's computers because the price was a major issue. I was also more into gaming and Macs weren't that great for gaming at that time. But one thing I did do on my Macs, before I took a break from it for a while, was music production. I produced a few albums and released them. I created some great music on my Macs.So the last couple decades I've been on Windows. I still have Windows computers, but I've learned in that time that while there are lots of things I love about PCs and Windows, music production on Windows isn't one of those things I love. In fact, it's kind of like pulling teeth. You can do it, and you can even do it very well, but you have to spend a lot of money, a lot of time setting it up to get exactly what you want, and a lot of effort to make Windows behave and let you work uninterrupted.So when I got back into making music (it only took a divorce and a decade of self-reflection and support from loved ones, right?) I gave it a shot on Windows, and it went... Okay. Just okay. It was more work than I wanted it to be, and it wasn't as friendly as I remembered it being on my Macs.So I decided this year I would take advantage of the ability to finance things, and I gave myself a Yuletide present: A Mac mini. I'll be paying for it for a year, but so far, it's been worth it.First: Mac OS Sequoia is really nice. Still familiar to me after a couple decades (I left sometime around Lion, I think) but with a lot of streamlining, and a much more robust App Store that-- What? Allows you to use iPhone apps on your Mac? How cool is that?Second: As expected, very easy to set up. I mean, I guess that's a given. Macs just work.Third: Did I mention this was a refurbished Mac? I mean, I'm not surprised I forgot, because honestly, it arrived looking brand new. Sealed box, totally pristine Mac, everything works, and it's even covered by AppleCare for a while. I'm very pleased. Especially since I saved a few bucks going this way.Fourth: FAST shipping. Thanks for that. I was worried I'd have to wait as long as Amazon estimated, and then it arrived four days earlier! Yay!So yeah, to segue a bit... This is a low-powered Mac mini. I mean, it's an 8GB RAM, 256GB unit. And these M2 2023 Mac minis are NOT upgradeable. That's a major bummer, but I knew about it going in. That said, the 8GB isn't holding me back (yet), and the storage space is easily remedied with external storage devices. But it was me dipping my toe back into Mac-land, and you know, it's enticing. In a few years I might go for something bigger, but this did solidify my resolve: If you're going to do anything with music, or several other types of artwork (video, digital art, etc.) the Mac is the better choice for a dedicated work computer. I still use Windows PCs for some other stuff (especially gaming and my video library) but I'm going to keep my eye on Macs.Five stars. A good investment if you want to get some work done.

I love this thing! Works better than a brand new PC. Doesn't even get warm which most computers do. Needs very little space. You can plug any brand of monitor keyboard and mouse into it it doesn't have to be Apple.

Fantastic bang-for-the-buck. I'm very pleased with this purchase. Note: You can't expand the RAM or Hard Drive. You can, however, get an expansion hub and install a M.2 SSD:Expansion Hub:Satechi Mac mini Hub & Stand with SSD Enclosure for NVME/SATA M.2, Mac mini Dock with USB C 10Gbps, 3 USB A 5/10Gbps, 2.0 Audio Jack, for Mac Studio, Mac mini M2/M1 (Not Compatible with M4) - Silver ($99.99)M.2 SSD Drive:Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 1TB, PCIe Gen 4x4, Gen 5x2 M.2 2280, Speeds Up-to 7,250 MB/s ($64.99)I have the OS running on the internal 256GB drive and all of my data on the external drive. It works great.

So far so good! Looks brand new, took a minute to boot up and install Sequoia but everything seems to be running smoothly, connected well with my other devices, was able to fairly quickly install my Adobe applications. Hoping it will work well for at least a couple years! Will update this review after I’ve had it for awhile. Only gripe is the power cable is a little short but not a big deal.

This is my second purchase of the Mac mini. I currently have this one set upon my home network to handle my home audio and video connected to my receiver and projector as well as an external monitor. I love that it is fast and can handle what I can throw at it. It pretty much stays on constantly with the exception of updates and monthly maintenance and configurations.

Awesome product. It came in the original manufacturer box. You could barely tell that it had been used previously. The price was phenomenal as well. The Mac Mini has always hit far above its size and price point. Even the older ones are still more than most people would need. I use it for some Steam gaming (Oblivion, the Elder Scrolls works well with only a few settings on less than max) and video/audio editing. Do plan on getting an external hard drive as you cannot upgrade anything inside the computer.

Big fan of the mini; replacing one that aged out of support (it will get repaved with Linux and repurposed). This new one arrived looking and working like brand new.

works good but was surprisingly dirty? said condition was “excellent”. Arrived in bare minimum packaging and dirty finger prints or something. Other then that seems to work. hopefully wont get hacked