People have been raving about the all-new M4 Mac mini since it launched last month. The combination of power, price, and the new smaller form factor has people drooling over what it could be. But for me, the best part was the new size. It made me wonder, could I use it as a mobile desktop solution? The answer is yes, if you have the right accessories!
Be sure to check out my video below where I demonstrate how I can use my Mac mini as a mobile desktop solution.
Required
In the video above, I mention about 10 different accessories that I used for this setup, but you really only need four to be able to take it on the go. The rest are just nice to have to really feel at home wherever you set it up. But let’s start with the basics.
M4 Mac mini
For my computer of choice, I went with the base model M4 Mac mini. It comes with 16GB of combined memory and 256GB of internal storage. In the next section, I’ll cover some external storage solutions that are easy to take with you. I like to just go with the base model to save as much as possible. Right now, the M4 Mac mini is on sale on Amazon for just $529 brand new! This is an absurd price for such a small and powerful computer.
Espresso Display
Perhaps the most important accessory would be the display. There are plenty of portable displays out there, ranging from $50 to $1,000 if you want to. But the perfect middle ground has to be the new 15-inch Espresso Display. For just $299, you get:
- 15-inch, Full HD, high-definition panel
- 1.68 pounds
- 5.3 mm thick
- 300 nits of brightness
- 2 USB-C ports with power pass-through
- Powered by a single USB-C cable
- Includes stand, microfiber cloth, cable, and carrying case
It literally feels like an Apple product. It even looks like a smaller iMac display! This is the obvious choice if you want a high-quality, well-made portable monitor that also has an insanely low price. Save an extra 10% with code “9to510” at checkout!
Peripherals
The next two products you will need are a keyboard and a mouse. Since this is a travel setup, I tried to find something that would be easy to take on the go. For the keyboard, I chose the ProtoArc Folding Keyboard. And for the mouse, I went with my tried and true Logitech Anywhere S2.
ProtoArc Keyboard:
- Connects to 3 devices
- Charges via USBC, with a 5-month standby time
- Folds down to a compact form factor
- When opened, reveals a 105-key layout with number pad
- Automatically connects when you open the keyboard
- Retails for $35.99
Logitech Anywhere S3 Mouse
- Charges via USBC, with a 70-day battery life
- Connects to 3 devices
- High image quality
- 8K DPI sensor for precision
- On sale for $67!
Backpack – Waterfield Tech Folio Slim
The Tech Folio Backpack by WaterField Designs is the perfect companion for tech lovers, offering a stylish and durable way to carry all your gear, including the M4 Mac Mini Travel Kit. Designed for professionals and creatives, it combines thoughtful organization with premium materials to fit your busy lifestyle.
Key Features:
- Versatile Storage: Perfect for laptops, tablets, chargers, cables, M4 Mac Mini, and 15-inch Espresso Portable Display.
- Travel Ready: Perfect for creating a portable, organized workspace anywhere.
- Premium Build: Made from durable ballistic nylon or waxed canvas and genuine leather.
- Convertible Design: Easily transforms from a folio case to a backpack.
- Easy to Carry: Ergonomic straps and a padded back for all-day comfort.
- Handcrafted Quality: Made in San Francisco with meticulous attention to detail.
Stay organized, stylish, and ready to work on the go with this perfect travel companion. Once you have these items, you’ll be ready to use your M4 Mac mini on the go! But if you need a few more accessories, I’d say it’s a good idea to have the rest.
Nice to Have Accessories
Lexar 2TB SSD External Drive
- Ultra-fast external drive for seamless file backup and transfer.
- Compact and durable design, perfect for on-the-go.
- 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options.
- $154 for the 2TB model!
AirPods Pro
- Active noise cancellation and transparency mode for a versatile listening experience.
- Comfortable fit with customizable ear cushions for all-day use.
- Best headphones for the price
- Currently on sale for $153!
Top comment by JA
I think this is the solution for those looking for a problem. Laptops are popular for a reason.
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Moft Tripod
- Lightweight and foldable, perfect for video calls or presentations.
- Durable design securely holds a variety of devices.
- Helps use Continuous Camera with iPhone to solve webcam task!
AirTag 4-Pack
- Easy tracking of keys, bags, or other essentials.
- The pinpoint search feature makes it quick and easy to find lost items.
- I always throw one of these in every bag.
- Currently $72 for a 4-pack!
Final Take
Of course, buying a laptop is going to be your best bet if you plan on needing a portable computing solution. So if that’s your need, then yes, buy a MacBook Air. But if you’re like me and leave your MacBook Air at home and only use it as a desktop, then this might be for you. This setup is for people who are at their desk 90% of the time, but want to take their Mac mini with them every now and then. That’s where this setup shines.
Let me know what you think. Would you do this? Would you travel with your Mac mini if you needed to? Let’s discuss below!
