Mac Mini Vs Desktop PC Vs NUC Vs MacBook

LMallard on 21/05/2020 - 17:28

I know this is really vague but I am paralysed by choice

Situation

  • We have an office space that we plug in either our Macbook Pro or a low grade Windows PC.
  • I want to get something that is there and ready to go, and buy it before tax time.
  • I use both IOS and Windows all the time, so not bothered
  • Space is not a concern
  • I can get a Windows license for free
  • Kids don't get get onto computers for gaming but are approaching teen years so may want to. Tough if they can't as they have Xbox and Switch
  • I would like to future proof and get the best possible
  • Default option is to get a Mac Mini but only loosely

Questions are:

  • Is there much benefit in getting a NUC or Desktop without Windows and using my own license?
  • What future proofs me best?
  • Is there any benefit in spending $2k vs $1k in this?
  • What would you do?

Thanks. I guess I'm just looking for opinions, advice and experience to help me think it through

Computing

Comments

  • zuccs on 21/05/2020 - 17:43

    Is there much benefit in getting a NUC or Desktop without Windows and using my own license?

    Yes, you don't pay for an extra licence ;)

    What future proofs me best?

    Bit harder to answer. Mac Mini might hold it's value for longer?

    It really comes down to Windows vs MacOS for you.

    Is there any benefit in spending $2k vs $1k in this?

    Spec difference in both the NUC and Mac Mini jump greatly from $1k to $2k.

    • Mallard on 22/05/2020 - 19:02

      Thanks, these are good points. It just seems that there sin't much difference in price to get something with Windows vs something without.

  • fredblogs on 21/05/2020 - 17:53
    +1

    Every time I look at NUCs, a laptop is much better value. Could do that and just plug in a monitor and wireless keyboard/mouse.

    • lubos on 21/05/2020 - 20:56

      Laptop needs to sit on the desk. NUC is a permanent installation on VESA mount behind the monitor or mounted somewhere under the desk. Makes your desk ultra clean and easier for cable management.

    • Mallard on 22/05/2020 - 19:03

      I'm starting to think the same thing. Heart says it would be nice to have a MacMini plugged in but a Macbok Air is not much and is more versatile.

  • scrimshaw on 21/05/2020 - 18:05

    AMD Ryzen platform for best upgrade path I think.

    do you actually need the portability / form factor of a NUC? If not you are most likely better served by a normal ATX desktop. You can't really modify the spec of a NUC / Mac Mini other than it's storage and RAM.

    NUCS are typically pricier than the equivalent spec desktop and don't have as many expansion ports — you can't stick a GPU into it for example to turn it into a gaming machine. They are designed to be mounted at the back of your Office monitor or Living Room TV and take up very little space while also generating low noise. You pay a premium for that.

    • mangoman on 21/05/2020 - 18:50

      Dont some NUCs come with Thunderbolt 3, in which case you could run an external GPU.
      But you aint exactly buying a NUC for that and it would be pricey.

      • scrimshaw on 21/05/2020 - 18:56

        Yeah you are paying not just for the GPU but also the enclosure, and also not getting full performance as there is overhead. Not 100 percent efficient.

    • Mallard on 22/05/2020 - 19:05

      No I don't need the portability or small form of a NUC. I could put a desktop under the desk and have better performance or lower price for the same thing.

      I think I'm being a bit precious going for the neatness of the Mac Mini or NUC when I don't really need it

  • salmon123 on 21/05/2020 - 18:17
    +3

    Is there much benefit in getting a NUC or Desktop without Windows and using my own license?

    Take a look at the dell optiplex 5070/7070 micro and lenovo m720q. Both are similar form factors to the NUC. They have a full desktop CPU, not a mobile CPU like the NUC. They'll both come with a windows license. The pricing seems competitive to the NUC.

    What future proofs me best?

    The mac - good resale value is the best future proofing. I find being able to sell something after a few months/years brings down the total cost of ownership drastically.

    • mangoman on 21/05/2020 - 18:43

      Really don't know but, wondering if retaining a higher resale value when you have to outlay a higher initial price and replacement fee, really works out as a win?

      Also i believe the previous mac mini was quite dated by the time it got a refresh.

      • salmon123 on 21/05/2020 - 20:12

        Really don't know but, wondering if retaining a higher resale value when you have to outlay a higher initial price and replacement fee, really works out as a win?

        You have to crunch the numbers … estimate what you can sell it for the future. It might work out it might not. I don't know what the resale market is like for Mac Mini, but iPhones/iPads is pretty good.

  • mangoman on 21/05/2020 - 18:40
    +1

    Firing from the hip here so could be wrong, but on a minor level i expect a NUC is going to use less power and generate less heat (depending on how much you are willing to spend on a desktop power supply) than a desktop as they use mobile processors.
    Space wise they are handy, if you have a monitor with a vesa mount you can also bolt them to the back of the monitor, and you have an upgradeable version of an imac (but you cant legally use MacOS on it).

    From a laptop perspective, not everyone has the space to place a notebook on their table, but it does offer more versatility if you want to walk away.
    I wouldnt run a laptop 24x7x365, the cooling on a lot of notebooks usually isnt all that great.

  • mangoman on 21/05/2020 - 18:52

    PS. What do you mean by using your own license?
    You have a full retail version of Windows? As that is not common.

    Most people have an OEM/OEI/whatevertheycallit version of windows, which while you can usually install on another computer. Its not legal to do so.

    • salmon123 on 21/05/2020 - 20:10

      Its not legal to do so.

      Install two copies isn't kosher, but transferring the license from 1 PC to another, is a grey area. In Europe, I believe it's allowed.

    • Mallard on 22/05/2020 - 19:06

      I can get a free version of Windows Education via my wife's job

  • Mallard on 22/05/2020 - 19:09

    Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I think it's helped me narrow down to:

    • Cheapish Windows desktop that can be shoved under the desk
    • A Macbook Air that can be left plugged in all the time

    I don't need the small form factor of a Mac Mini or NUC.

    I guess the Macbook Air gives me a heap of extra options too

  • Niko123456 on 22/05/2020 - 21:23

    I bought an NUC three years ago. I added more ram earlier this year. ("Upgrade")

    The small form factor, low cost, low noise is fantastic. Choosing Bluetooth keyboard and mouse allows for fewer USB ports in use.

    I can't imagine owning a "big" desktop again.

    I run Ubuntu as my main driver though and don't play games.. but the graphics hardware could use some work. I find my three year old NUC can't pump out a smooth 4K experience via HDMI but surely a more modern NUC can..

    I'd only get a Mac Mini if OSX was really important to you. Doubt you could add more ram to that..

    I also have my work laptop but since being at home I never use it.

    • Rockets84 on 27/05/2020 - 10:13

      I've got a NUC7CJYH4 with a J4005 Celeron processor & UHD 600 graphics doing HTPC duty. Handles 4k HEVC/VP9 & Dolby Amtos files no problem. Great little box that only cost $240 with 4GB of RAM.

  • jasonbon818 on 22/05/2020 - 22:28

    Is there much benefit in getting a NUC or Desktop without Windows and using my own license?

    a window license is about $150 ish..

    What future proofs me best?

    dont future proofs, there is no point when computer hardware has improved so much in last two years, who knows the next two years, buy what you need for current situation is always the advice i give my customer

    Is there any benefit in spending $2k vs $1k in this?
    1k for now then use another 1k to upgrade the entire system in two years will be much better than u spending 2k now for sure

    What would you do?
    it depends what do you want for your situation, a lot of people actually didn't think enough until they bought the wrong things, we all have been there,
    look at your options, Mac Mini Vs Desktop PC Vs NUC Vs MacBook..they can't be more different to each others..
    but its ok,,,let go through it together…
    first question ..3 options have no monitor one has..do u need to use the device outside your workplace, if that is a yes, then best option will be macbook or laptop.
    second question, will the device handle any gaming,if it will, most games doesn't support apple systems, so mac mini and macbook is out of equation, nuc 9 extreme that recently come out can handle some light gaming and easiest to move around but it is very very expensive

    at the end, what i would do, i would build a small itx machine (they can be really tiny now a day) in your budget if u dont need gaming now then put the graphic card when u do, everything except power cord can be wireless,mouse and keyboard even display, then all you need is a backpack or shopping bag put everything in when u want to move around

  • nodeahs on 22/05/2020 - 23:43

    While gorgeous and versatile,the MacBook air's ram is not upgradable in the future if that matters but Mac Mini's is. Nuc has only 4 core CPU unless you go for i7 10th gen one. $1800 Mac mini has a 6 core 65watt CPU in it 👍 good luck

  • Noblejoker on 26/05/2020 - 14:38

    Honestly if you can go with a desktop windows PC just keep an eye out for the next Techfast deal on here for $600-$700

    Or even better try for a refurb Dell Optiplex - like this one a month ago https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/533163
    16gb ram and SSD and it is a very useable office machine for $334 delivered

    • Mallard on 26/05/2020 - 23:49

      Honestly if you can go with a desktop windows PC just keep an eye out for the next Techfast deal on here for $600-$700

      Yes that's where I think I'm heading.

      But now I keep thinking of getting one a bit better, then a bit better again, and now I'm thinking of building my own for a $1k budget.

      I'm falling down a rabbit hole.

      • Niko123456 on 27/05/2020 - 10:43
        +1

        Oh Christ, me too.

        8th gen is fine. I only run work stuff anyway. I never play games.

        Maybe 9th is important though, so as not to be too far behind.

        Oh, well 10th gen just dropped so maybe that's the way to go for future proof.

      • Noblejoker on 27/05/2020 - 15:50

        That's why you buy refurb a couple of generations old - you aren't even in the upgrade game
        Perfectly fine for office use and the whole setup is cheaper than the upgrade from 8th Gen to 10th gen
        If you want to upgrade later pull the ssd and give the whole thing to charity!

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