Make your Mac mini mobile

Get a MacBook, without the MacBook.

Author

Leander Kahney
November 18, 2024

In partnership with

The new Mac mini is so small it raises the intriguing possibility that it could be used as a portable computer. Kinda like a MacBook, without the built-in screen, keyboard and trackpad.

If this sounds silly and impractical, it’s actually not!

The new mini makes for an excellent mobile computer, especially if you already have some other gear, like an iPad.

Here’s our guide for using the new Mac mini as a computer you can take on the road.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • Apple reportedly will relaunch the AirTag next year with better range and some other tweaks. High on my list is making the darn things easier to open to replace the battery. Here’s a pro tip: Cover both halves in painter’s tape or something similar to get better traction when trying to twist the AirTag apart with your palms.

  • Our writer D. Griffin Jones put together some really nice video reviews of the new M4 Mac mini and M4 iMac. Don’t miss ’em!

  • Ahead of Black Friday, the new Mac mini is already on sale with savings of up to $130.

  • This sounds like a very solid casting call: The fearsome Javier Bardem is set to star in Apple TV+’s upcoming Cape Fear remake. And no, he’s not playing the good guy.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

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How to make your Mac mini a portable computer

Find out why and how you can transform your Mac mini into a portable powerhouse with the right accessories. No need for a MacBook!

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A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

M4 Mac mini drops big in this early Black Friday deal

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Apple might soon retire its Lightning to Headphone jack adapter

The dongle is marked "sold out" in Apple’s online store.

Javier Bardem set to terrorize Apple TV+'s reimagined ‘Cape Fear’

The talented Spaniard plays a good psycho, so his Max Cady should thrill and chill in new Apple TV+ series.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

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These $60 Beats earbuds are built for busy music lovers

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M4 Mac reviews go multiball! [The CultCast]

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Don’t miss our M4 Mac mini and iMac video reviews

Anyone considering the Mac mini or iMac with the speedy M4 processor needs to watch our video reviews of these new desktops.

‘Shrinking’ and ‘Disclaimer’ stay hits for Apple TV+

The Apple TV+ comedy “Shrinking” and the sexy drama “Disclaimer” continue to pull in big audiences for Apple’s streaming service.

Use your iPhone as a webcam for your Mac with Camo

Camo is a powerful app that lets you use your iPhone, and any connected USB camera, as a webcam for your Mac.

Today in Apple history: Apple introduces its biggest iMac G4 yet

On November 18, 2003, Apple debuted its 20-inch iMac G4. The sunflower-inspired design looked familiar, but the screen was noticeably larger.

Powered studio monitor speakers focus M4 MacBook rig's sound [Setups]

Edifier speakers ideally suited to clear, moderate-volume sound at close quarters find their way into this M4 Pro MacBook setup.

Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

(On his black turtlenecks made by clothing designer Issey Miyake) I asked Issey to make me some of his black turtlenecks that I liked, and he made like a hundred of them. That's what I wear. I have enough to last for the rest of my life.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

What’s the best portable Apple computer?

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Results from Friday’s poll: Do you use emoji?

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