Good Monitor For Mac Mini
- In this guide, we’ll help you pick the best monitors compatible with the Mac Mini to take your computing experience to a whole new level. 3 Top Monitor for Mac Mini. Best Overall LG 24MD4KL-B. LG delivers a monitor that fits seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem. The 24MD4KL-B comes with Thunderbolt 3 ports for digital video output.
- However, buying a Mac Mini meant I needed a monitor. I knew I wanted some 27 inches or so, the same size as an iMac. I also knew it had to be 4K, again to try and future proof my setup.
- The Mac mini doesn’t come with a monitor, but you can connect it to one using one of the ports on the back of the device. Using the right adapter, you can connect the Mac Mini to any computer screen with a VGA port. The Mac Mini ships with a HDMI-to-DVI adapter but it’s only really Apple monitors which use DVI, so for a regular monitor you.
Are you wondering what goes on inside Apple’s Mac mini? Perhaps you’ve bought one and want to see what you can do with it?
If so, read on to discover everything you need to know about the Mac mini, from what it is, to how to set it up and tons of different things you can use it for, outside of a regular PC.
Best Monitor For Mac Mini 2020
What is a Mac mini and what does it do?
The Mac mini is a small desktop computer made by Apple. What makes the Mac mini different from a regular computer is that it’s shipped without an accompanying screen, keyboard or mouse. As Apple likes to say, it’s “BYODKM” (Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard, and Mouse).
Best monitors under $200 you can get right now. A second (or third) monitor can make working from home much more productive. You don't have to pay much to get a decent one from Dell, LG, BenQ. Mini DisplayPort Monitor reviews, ratings, and prices at CNET. The U2913WM is a good monitor with an excellent price. At AU$599, it's enough that people will be asking if they want a 27-inch.
The reason behind the Mac mini being shipped solo, is because most of its use cases feature around using it to power up another device, as we’ll discuss in more detail below.
It also makes for more of a flexible purchase. For example, if you already have a screen, or a keyboard and mouse, you can pair these with the Mac mini rather than forking out for new ones. And if you don’t, you can easily purchase them alongside the Mac mini anyway.
The Mac mini has been around since 2005 (launched at the same time as the iPod shuffle) but its design and functionality have changed since then.
The latest 3.6 GHz Mac mini released in 2018 comes in two types of processing speed, the 3.6 GHz Mac mini Core i3 costing about $799 and the 3.0 GHz Mac mini Core i5 costing about $1099.
Specification of the Mac mini
Uses for the Mac mini
- Share presentations to screen
- Listen to music through an app like Spotify
- Share photos to a TV screen
- Access emails
- Play games
Benefits of the Mac mini
Some of the key benefits of the Mac mini include:
- The cheapest Mac Apple sells
- Built in apps such as FaceTime, iBooks, Maps, iTunes and Mail
- Multiple ports, making it more akin to a PC than a media device
- Apple quotes that with fourth-generation Intel Core processors, the device is able to “keep up with computers twice its size”
- Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth
- Easy setup for a keyboard, mouse or screen
- The perfect size to use as the centre of a “digital home”
How to set up a Mac mini
Here’s how to get your Mac mini running, from getting it out of the box to using it for a purchase such as connecting to your home TV.
Before you begin setup some of the questions you may want to consider include:
- What screen will you be connecting to? You’ll need a desktop or a TV screen to get your Mac mini up and running
- How will you connect to the screen? Depending on what screen you’re connecting to you may need a converter lead
- Do you have a Wi-Fi connection? You’ll need this to set up some of the Mac mini features
- How will you control the Mac mini? You’ll likely need either a keyboard and mouse combo or an Apple remote
Once you’ve made your decision and purchased any additional items you need, here’s how to get set up.
- Add power
Plug the power adaptor into your Mac mini and plug the other end into your power outlet. Press the power button on the back of the Mac mini.
2. Attach to your TV or monitor
Connect your Mac mini to your TV or desktop. The Mac mini comes with a HDMI-to-DVI adapter for connecting to a monitor's DVI port, which will allow you to connect to an Apple monitor.
If you want to connect to a TV screen you may need to purchase a mini-displayport-to-VGA adapter which will allow you to connect your Mac mini to a standard analog monitor, projector, or LCD that uses a VGA connector or cable.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi
Once turned on, the setup guide should take you through a few simple steps, including setting up a Wi-Fi connection.
4. Sign in with your Apple id
This will give you access to the App Store and and will link your iCloud account if you wish to connect to your Mail, Photos, Calendar and so on.
5. Begin using your Mac mini
From here, you can begin using your PC or TV screen as a computer, using the desktop to search for apps, open web pages and more.
What can you do with your Mac mini?
Want to ensure you’re getting the most from your Mac mini device? Here are some ideas on how you can use it:
- Access apps on a TV screen
The Mac mini is a great way to take everything you’d usually do on your phone or laptop and access it on your TV screen. This could be sharing photos with a room, opening mail or accessing your documents.
- Use any screen as your computer
The Mac mini is super light, which means you can take it anywhere, plug it into a desktop and you’ll have a powerful computer. This allows you to work from anywhere, or set up shop in any location where there’s a monitor and Wi-Fi available.
- Set up digital signage with the Mac mini
The Mac mini is a great way to turn any screen into a digital sign. This allows you to pre-schedule and setup content to show on your digital screen such as social media feeds, presentations, travel updates, news feeds and more. Read the full guide on setting up digital signage with the Mac mini here.
4. Create a home viewing centre
With the Mac mini and a screen, or desktop, you can create a home viewing centre that allows you to watch movies, surf the internet and listen to music. Via streaming apps such as Netflix, or even through movies you’ve bought on iTunes, you can easily set up movies to play on any screen. You can also use music apps available in the Apple App Store or use Safari to get online.
5. View and share photos
The Mac Mini includes a SDXC card slot so you can simply remove the memory card from your camera and insert it. This allows you to view photos on a monitor, or share them with the room from your TV screen.
Mac mini question buster
Can you use any monitor with a Mac mini?
The Mac mini doesn’t come with a monitor, but you can connect it to one using one of the ports on the back of the device. Using the right adapter, you can connect the Mac Mini to any computer screen with a VGA port. The Mac Mini ships with a HDMI-to-DVI adapter but it’s only really Apple monitors which use DVI, so for a regular monitor you may need a HDMI-to-VGA or mini displayport-to-VGA connector instead.
How do you turn on a Mac mini?
Simply press the power button on the Mac mini box.
Can you use any keyboard with a Mac mini?
Most keyboards and mouses can be used with the Mac mini by connecting them using the USB port. For Bluetooth devices, connect the USB dongle to the Mac mini using the USB port.
Got a question to add? Email us: hello@screencloud.com
- List of Best Monitor for Mac Mini
- HP Pavilion 27 xw Monitor
- Dell UltraSharp U2913WM Monitor
Are you on the lookout for the best monitor for Mac Mini? Well, you are the right place. We have picked some of the best out there to make your life easy. This list should help you in making a better choice.
Apple has broadened the horizon of technology with its eye striking products that not only appeal to the eye but serve their users with a package of unique qualities. It has elevated the usage of technological products all around the globe from your office desk to your home.
From a simple MacBook to iMac, each and every product comes with a set of immaculate qualities that would leave you in awe. Talking about its product, if you are an Apple user and have just given yourself a treat by buying Mac Mini, then you are going to enjoy it. But, you need to have a good monitor to ago along with it.
The thing about getting the best monitor for Mac Mini is that it needs to elegant. Apple is all about elegance, so if you do not do justice to that, you will have wasted potential. The requirements for running a Mac Mini aren’t high. Since Mac Mini itself is a budget Apple system, the monitor needs to be as such too.
You may want a monitor that doesn’t need you to pay a fortune. Although you are most welcome to look out for high-end monitors such as those with professional grade colors, we are more focused here on what an average person would go for.
Check out some other great monitor categories here:
Summary
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Dell UltraSharp U2913WM |
List of Best Monitor for Mac Mini
Most of you will be thinking of going for a monitor that is expensive; Apple users have a tendency to search out for the most expensive out there. However, if you are a smart buyer, you will know that you can get almost the same value for a monitor at a much cheaper price tag. Below are some of the best monitors for Mac Mini which can work exceptionally with the system.
Dell UltraSharp U2415 Monitor
Display: 24″ 16:10, IPS Panel, 1920×1200, 6 ms Response Time, 60Hz
Notable Features: 99% sRGB, VESA (100mm), Fully Adjustable Stand
Ports: 2 x HDMI, mDP, DP in, DP out, Audio out, 6 x USB 3.0 Hub
Price Scale: 2.5/10
Rating:
The first in our list is this product by Dell which is just under $300. Based on an IPS panel, this monitor displays superior color accuracy and viewing angles offering a high quality of visuals on the screen. Thus making this one of the best monitors for Mac Mini.
IPS panels have almost replaced TN panels in all categories. If you want to enjoy great colors, then you will be delighted to know that this monitor cover 99% of sRGB color gamut. This means that this monitor has a lot of colors to offer. If you are into designing or editing, this is a very affordable monitor that will go along with Mac Mini perfectly. You can check out more professional monitor here:
This monitor offers more resolution than an average FHD monitor thanks to its 16:10 aspect ratio. The 16:10 aspect ratio gives a generous room to the user to accommodate windows side by side. As a result, the resolution of the monitor is 1920×1200 instead of 1920×1080. It has several connectivity options including one 1.2 DisplayPort along with a mini DisplayPort, two HDMI ports, and five USB 3.0 ports.
The all-round performance, features, specs and extras of both the U2414H and U2415 were impressive, so you can really choose based on whether you want a 16:10 aspect ratio screen or a 16:9 aspect ratio. – Simon Baker – TFTCentral.co.uk
Not only is it flexible in offering connectivity options but the also with adjustability options. You can adjust the height, tilt, pivot and swivel of your monitor.
HP Pavilion 27 xw Monitor
Display: 27″, IPS Panel, 1920×1080, 8ms Response Time, 60 Hz
Notable Features: Affordable
Ports: 2 x HDMI, VGA
Price Scale: 2/10
Rating:
This is a pretty good looking all rounder 27-inch monitor that you can use for your Mac Mini. It is not designed for professional work, but it can carry out semi-professional work without any hassle. The best part is that it is quite affordable. For a 27 inch monitor, this monitor does not ask for a hefty sum to pay.
Furthermore, this monitor has received almost flawless reviews from its customers. They have praised the looks and the overall quality it. This monitor is available in many sizes ranging from 21.5 inches all the way to 27 inches. If you are looking for best monitor for mac mini in terms of value for money, this is one of them.
ASUS MX27AQ
Best Monitor For Mac Mini 2014
Model: ASUS MX27AQ
Display: 27″, AH-IPS, 2560×1440, 5 ms response time, 60 Hz
Notable Features: stereo speakers, 0.8mm Bezel, 100% sRGB
Ports: 2x HDMI, 1x HDMI/MHL, DisplayPort 1.2, Headphone
Price Scale: 4/10
Rating:
Now as we mentioned earlier, Apple Mac Mini is an elegant product, so it only makes sense if you combine it with a monitor that is of equal class. You should note that this is not a cheap monitor. In fact, it is one of the most expensive in this list.
What separates this monitor from rest is its frameless design. This monitor has the smallest bezel in the market of 0.8mm. This is almost invisible to the eye. Another great feature of this monitor is that it has WQHD resolution. You will appreciate this real estate on the screen especially when you are multitasking or working on professional software.
ViewSonic VX2776-SMHD
Display: 27″, IPS Panel, 1920×1080, 7ms Response Time, 60 Hz
Ports: HDMI, DP, VGA
Notable Features: Stereo Speakers, Thin Bezel
Price Scale: 2/10
Rating:
This yet another supremely beautiful monitor that can complement your Mac Mini. This is a 27 inch IPS monitor that is available at a very affordable price. It has a decent set of connectivity options including HDMI, DP, and VGA.
This isn’t a monitor built for designing or editing; it is perfect for casual work. It’s price point and looks makes it one of the best candidate for a great Mac Mini monitor. This monitor available in sizes ranging from 22″ to 27″.
Planar PLL2410W Monitor
Display: 24″, IPS Panel, 1920×1080, 5 ms Response Time, 60 Hz
Ports: DVI-D, VGA (HDMI Adapter Needed)
Notable Features: Super Affordable
Price Scale: 1/10
Rating:
One word to describe this monitor: affordable. This monitor is the cheapest 24-inch monitor in this list. The thing is, if a majority of your work revolves around writing reports, researching or casual surfing on the internet, then there is no need to invest in a rather expensive monitor.
This is also true if you do not care much about the looks. Almost all of the good looking monitors charge an extra premium for their looks. This monitor is as bare minimum as is possible.
Despite being a very cheap monitor, it still manages to fit an IPS panel. The screen resolution is a standard 1920 x 1080 and has a response time 5 ms. This isn’t entirely bad. Even some of the high-end IPS monitors offer 5 ms response time.
When it comes to connectivity options, it includes a VGA port and a DVI-D port. The only major drawback of this monitor is that it does not include an HDMI port. Therefore, you will need to get a VGA to HDMI or DVI-D adapter to interface it with the Mac Mini. This you can get for very cheap on the market.
Dell UltraSharp U2913WM Monitor
Display: 29″, IPS Panel, 2560 x 1080, 8 ms Response Time, 60 Hz
Ports: HDMI, Dual Link DVI-D, DP, mDP, VGA, DP (out), 5 x USB 4.0
Notable Features: Ultrawide, 99% sRGB
Price Scale: 3.5/10
Rating:
Here we have a monitor with an Ultrawide display. If you haven’t already heard of these monitors, let me tell you that they are the latest trend in the market. Ultrawide monitors displays have an aspect ratio of 21:9 that grants you a lot of space for efficient multitasking.
If an FHD resolution on a conventional 16:9 widescreen monitor is 1920 x 1080, on an ultrawide monitor like this it would be 2560 x 1080. This essentially gives you the same space as two separate 19-inch monitors placed together. best monitor for mac mini don’t have to be boring. This is fun monitor to have in your living room. Its unique in its design.
This monitor is built for professionals. It is not a very expensive monitor, but it has all the features of one including the coverage of 99% sRGB with delta-E of less than 5. It can support around 1.07 billion colors which are a plus point for graphic designers or photo editors. The monitor has a decent response time of 8 ms, which is not ideal, but also not entirely bad for most purposes. It provides plenty of connectivity options such as 2 x DVI ports, one HDMI port, and DisplayPort connectors. You only need one connection out of your Mac Mini to run this.
The user can easily facilitate himself with its adjustability options including tilt, swivel and height. It is a monitor packed with amusing qualities making it one of the best monitor for Mac Mini. If you want to check out more ultrawide monitors visit this page:
Dell UltraSharp U2515Hx
Display: 25″, IPS Panel, 2560×1440, 60Hz
Notable Features: QHD, VESA (100mm)
Ports: HDMI, DP. mDP,
Price Scale: 3.5/10
Rating:
QHD monitors are the way to go. They are the most trending monitors in the market. We know that Apple computer is all about visual quality. Therefore, why not get a monitor that promises high visual fidelity.
This is a rather professional monitor. It offers 99% sRGB coverage. Along with that, it has a supremely elegant look with a thin bezel.
Quality wise, it is one of the best monitor for mac mini.
Why Go for Mac Mini?
Well, it all depends upon your budget. Mac Mini is much cheaper compared to Apple iMac. Apple iMac is an all in one computer. Meaning, the hardware of the CPU is attached to the monitor. The Mac Mini, on the other hand, is a desktop CPU with all the hardware inside. It is very compact and slim and can be carried around almost anywhere. It is cheaper than most laptops even.
However, the fact that it does not come attached to a display means that you will need to make a separate investment for the screen. Fortunately, since the Mac Mini is not a high-end computer, you don’t need to invest a fortune into the monitors. You can settle for any great monitor that comes with decent enough features.
Can I Connect Any Monitor with Mac Mini?
Mac Mini has two ports: HDMI and Mini DisplayPort. It has support for two monitors. It would be wise to get monitors that have either of these connectivity options. However, if your monitor fails to have any of these ports, then you can easily get adapters such as Mini DisplayPort to DVI or Mini Display to VGA and Dual-Link DVI that are sold separately.
If you are thinking of getting a monitor that does not have a DisplayPort or an HDMI port to cut cost, just take into consideration how a much a quality adapter will cost you.
The two monitors can have a resolution of up to 2560 x 1600.
Can I Connect Two Monitors to Mac Mini?
Best Monitor For Mac Mini Photo Editing
You most certainly can. As stated earlier, Mac Mini has two ports: HDMI and Mini DisplayPort. So you can essentially connect two monitors without any hassle.
The best way to do this would be select a screen that has a combination of HDMI and a VGA port, HDMI and a DVI port or HDMI and a Display Port.
Considering that you choose two monitors that have HDMI + VGA ports, you will connect one monitor directly HDMI of the monitor with the HDMI port of the Mac Mini. You will connect the second monitor via VGA cable to a VGA-mDisplayPort adapter and then connect the adapter to the Mac Mini. This video explains the concept there:
You would follow the same principle if you choose two monitors that have a combination of HDMI + DVI Ports. However, instead of a getting a VGA – mDisplayPort adapter, you will need to get a DVI – mDisplayPort adapter.Lastly, if you choose two monitors each of which has a combination of HDMI + DisplayPort as inputs, then you don’t need to invest in any adapters. You can simply connect one monitor with HDMI and another with the DisplayPort. Make sure the cable that you get for display has one end that is miniDisplayPort.
Conclusion
Getting the best monitor for Mac Mini should have become quite simpler with this list. Apple monitors have been discontinued. Also, since they cost almost the same as the Mac Mini itself, we have given you a list of cheaper options to go for. These are some of the best selling monitors out right now that you can get for Mac Mini.
Mac Mini can support up to two monitors. Mac Mini comes with a Mini DisplayPort and an HDMI port; you need to have the important ports on the monitor, or you need to have compatible adapters to connect the monitor. It can support up to two monitors.