Apple just repeated its worst design mistake in the last 20 years — the M4 Mac mini got Magic Mouse’d

[admin]

Stop putting important things on the bottom

Apple just repeated its worst design mistake in the last 20 years — the M4 Mac mini got Magic Mouse’d : Read more

 

[BKman]

It's a mini. The whole point is that power consumption is so low you can keep it running 24/7/365.

 

[wcate]

Crucial info missing: is it under a front-side corner, or a back-side corner? Front would be better (because of course) but why do I fear that won't be the case

 

[Southlakewa]

Well, at least you freely admit your neurosis!

Seriously, the location of the button isn’t ideal, but I can see myself needing to press it more than 3 times a year, based on current experience with my Intel iMac, which rarely needs a hard reset or requires starting up after power outage.

If the button becomes truly problematic for people, I could see someone designing a small device with a spring that clips on and enables the button to be pressed from the back of the mini.

 

[highlanderplaysgames]

People who turn off their computer when they're not using it also clap when the plane lands.

 

[toddlich]

Oh thank the Lord they moved it. I can't count the number of times I inadvertently pressed the power button when unplugging the power cable, taking my mini home for the day. I don't care where they moved as long it was away from where you have to grab the power cable to undo it.

 

[Louglugger]

Crucial info missing: is it under a front-side corner, or a back-side corner? Front would be better (because of course) but why do I fear that won't be case

Front right. With the fan on the bottom, it creates a small gap that should be enough to get a finger onto the switch.

 

[charlesb88]

These two complaints about the new Mac Mini IMO are way overblown. First, regarding the power button location, I don’t expect most people will have much trouble with the power button being on the bottom as a lot of people using this Mac Mini will mostly just put it to sleep when not using in and will wake it via the keyboard/mouse. Only when you need to do a hard reset it this going to be an issue at all and I expect most average people can easily get their finger under the button to press it IMO and for you fat fingered types you can lift up the Mac Mini slightly if need be as it very light.

As for the Magic Mouse’s “USB-C charging port on bottom” issues, thats another overblown issue. Changing the port location requires a redesign of the mouse and makes the back of the mouse look ugly IMO (YMMV). I would be willing to accept this change if charging the mouse via the bottom was really a major hassle and inconvenience but it’s not. The mouse runs a full week on a charge and charges back to full in 5-10 minutes. So all you really need to do is when the. Mouse’s charge is too low is to take a break for 5-10 min, for a snack, coffee, bathroom stop, to check your phone, etc. All you’d really gain by having the ability to use the mouse while charging is maybe 10 min per week of extra use which is hardly worth redesigning the mouse for IMO. Had the charging of the Magic Mouse via USB-C been a slow process then I agree with you there about this being a problem.

 

[wcate]

Front right. With the fan on the bottom, it creates a small gap that should be enough to get a finger onto the switch.

Sweeeeet -- thank you

 

[DAHh]

When I read through the initial blurbs on the new Mini and saw the photos of the power button placement, I was pleased with the change. This removes the risk of paperwork/accessories bumping into it. It also makes a button with almost zero use invisible (I hardly ever turn my computers off—restarting maybe once every couple of weeks). It’s only real function today is turning the thing back on after a power outage (once every quarter if that in my area—UPS for time to shut down as the outages tend to be long when they happen) or the very rare hard reset someone else mentioned. Putting the thing near the fan may impact dust intrusion, but whether in a positive or negative way, I couldn’t say. Your article actually confirms my positive impression of the button placement.

 

[DavidGurney]

The "can't accidentally bump it" rationale is a red herring. You have to press and hold the power button for it to work. Come on, that has been true for decades.

The Magic Mouse sucks anyway, but the charging-port location is embarrassingly dumb. Another testament to the incompetence of Jony Ive.

In the scheme of things, this power button is a pretty minimal issue and this "article's" headline is asinine hysteria. The soldered-in RAM and SSD are far bigger offenses, on an otherwise cool product.

 

[Fox Tread3]

It's a mini. The whole point is that power consumption is so low you can keep it running 24/7/365.

People who turn off their computer when they're not using it also clap when the plane lands.

October 30, 2024 - 😂😂Happy Halloween. 🧛‍♂️🦇 I totally agree with you.👍 I expanded my OS universe about six months ago when I purchased my Mac Mini basic version. I have it hooked up to my TV and connect to my streaming services with it. I never turn it off. I don't even remember where the on/off button is on it. Stay well.

 

[wcate]

October 30, 2024 - 😂😂Happy Halloween. 🧛‍♂️🦇 I totally agree with you.👍 I expanded my OS universe about six months ago when I purchased my Mac Mini basic version. I have it hooked up to my TV and connect to my streaming services with it. I never turn it off. I don't even remember where the on/off button is on it. Stay well.

Well yeah, until it locks up, or your power goes off, etc. Point being - you will need to use that button at some moment; it's location is not irrelevant

 

[bananass]

This article is like whining on a different level, when they can't find anything else to criticize. Sure, not the best placement, but a whole article just for content?

Another garbage site that I am adding to my blacklist

 

[JacobC11]

a) who’s turning their Mac off and on that often
b) the thing is raised to it’s really not that difficult

 

[Fox Tread3]

Well yeah, until it locks up, or your power goes off, etc. Point being - you will need to use that button at some moment; it's location is not irrelevant

Thanks for your comments. I was basically joking.. and.. the Mini is so small that everything on it can be located in seconds. Stay well, and have a great holiday season.

 

[Fox Tread3]

Oh thank the Lord they moved it. I can't count the number of times I inadvertently pressed the power button when unplugging the power cable, taking my mini home for the day. I don't care where they moved as long it was away from where you have to grab the power cable to undo it.

October 31, 2024 - Your comments are very interesting. Placing important controls that are easily hit or pushed accidentally on devices. Can be a problem. I'm old and my hands shake sometimes and accidentally hit the left button on my PC mouse. Often taking me back to a previous screen or even website. So yeah.. I understand completely, though as pointed out in most of the comments here. Most of us never need to go anywhere near the Mini on/off button most of the time. Stay well and Happy Halloween🦇🧛‍♂️🦇😊

 

[BigAl6884]

When I read through the initial blurbs on the new Mini and saw the photos of the power button placement, I was pleased with the change. This removes the risk of paperwork/accessories bumping into it. It also makes a button with almost zero use invisible (I hardly ever turn my computers off—restarting maybe once every couple of weeks). It’s only real function today is turning the thing back on after a power outage (once every quarter if that in my area—UPS for time to shut down as the outages tend to be long when they happen) or the very rare hard reset someone else mentioned. Putting the thing near the fan may impact dust intrusion, but whether in a positive or negative way, I couldn’t say. Your article actually confirms my positive impression of the button placement.

I read somewhere that this a better location than cutting a hole in the aluminum casing. The fans all run through the base and this allows proper flow downwards instead of along the front or top. Much like a power button on a Mac, you have to search for it. Probably a reason they don’t have the power button on the front of the Mac too