The Apple Magic Trackpad ... hands down! Just as the abacus belongs to prehistory, the rat [sorry: 'mouse'] belongs to the 20th century. I can achieve much more with a trackpad than I can with a rat ... and I don't get hand cramp.
Also a must have accessory, the Lamborghini parked in the garage. You can’t see it from the £600 desk chair but the fact of knowing it’s there is the game changing. It might seem like a bit of a hefty expense, but it really does make a world of difference when using the Mac mini.
The best accessory I got for my M2 Mac Mini 16GB x256 GB SSD, was a pretty popular eBay find. 50$ Dell thunderbolt 3 dock wd19tb3. Not only does it have active cooling and an extra 100w of PD, it Gave me 1 thunderbolt 3 , 1 usbc 10gbps( for a total of 2 usbc ports) , 2 DisplayPort’s, 2 usb A ports, and an HDMI. Works flawlessly with 2 x4K LG monitors, a 1TB WD Black SN770 SSD in a TB3 enclosure, and Logitech Streamcam 1080p. The SSD runs just under 3000 MB/s for read and write. If you want an additional thunderbolt port, there is a newer TB4 model that adds 2xTB4 ports. If you wanna go cheap, there are HP G2 universal USB C hubs for 25$ but make sure u get an HP AC adapter to go with it and they have a similar setup( recommended for M1 or M2 air laptops to get dual external Monitors). I primarily run Win11 virtual machines do some coding and light video work. The empty TB4 port on the back of my M2 mini gives me a lot of piece ofMind for future devices!
I also have a 34" Ultrawide monitor (LG), Big Knob Studio, and Shure SM-7B in my desktop set up and love them. Am looking to add a M2 Pro Mac Mini. I currently have an older MacBook Pro with many USB drives/adapters making it a pain to detach when I want to take the laptop somewhere else (e.g. recording music concerts via my Soundcraft Signature MTK). So adding a desktop (Mac) to my desktop will be more fit for purpose. Will definitely look at that Satechi hub which should really help in reducing my current tangle of USB dongles and adapters. Since I also like to use the same monitor/keyboard/mouse when I work from home (Windows laptop) my go-to accessory is a KVM switch that supports USB device sharing (so my webcam also switches with the keyboard/mouse/monitor).
I'm absolutely loving the Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard. The big one because I'm really attached to the numberpad. I tried to use a Satechi X1 but it did't stick. My old Microsoft Sculpt is still my favorite keyboard ever, but oh boy the MX Mechanical is a banger. Another weird thing is that my Satechi hub is kind behaving a bit funky when there are too many devices hanging on it. Still, loving the fact that I can use my front Type-C for my ZV-E10 as a webcam. Another thing that's just awesome for the Mac Mini is the Elgato HD60X. If anybody plans to do anything with console, this little thing is a beast. The latency is almost non-existing, it works with OBS and Quick Time right out of the box and it is perfect for hooking up a camera and get a feed that way. Goes up to 1440p and if you use the pass-through you can get 4K/VRR on the other monitor while it still records in 1080p or 1440p.
Thank 🙏 you for this great video (as always) and the presentation of your used equipment. I follow your channel with very high interest for a long time. Your setup is very handsome. Well not only Englishmen love the Mackie product like the Big Knob. Also one from Bavaria uses this every day with very great pleasure. Only my monitor speakers are from Neumann. I love the neutral sound characteristic. A Mac Mini M1 also decorates my desk. Two Eizo monitors 32" and 27" are connected to it. A curved is stupid if you have to share your screen, as I often have to do and the far side only has a 24 inch or a notebook screen in use. Please keep up the good work. Servus from a loyal subscriber from Bavaria
Without doubt the best item listed here is the Logitech MX3 mouse. I edit images with micro movements in Photoshop sometimes 10 hours a day. This mouse is a career saver. I’d found I was in pain and was actually getting numb fingertips from the Magic Mouse. I had developed nerve damage and carpal tunnel syndrome. This mouse is a godsend. No pain, accurate and programable for every main app I use. I would recommend it as a professional photographer and editor of 30+ years standing just for its ergonomics but it’s also technically the best mouse I’ve ever used too. This is not a sponsored post. Just a very happy consumer of the product.
If you're setting up a music production studio a control surface is going to be useful. I have 2 SSL UF8s' which I couldn't be without. Avid also make some pro-level ones. The Big Knob will have to go though - it's really a monitor controller. A Focusrite Carett 4-pre would be a better choice
I had the little brother of your Mackie Big Knob but ended up getting rid of it due to the speaker shattering bang that occurs whenever you switch it on or off! I thought that it was a fault of my unit but Mackie themselves admitted that it is present. Such a shame really because other than that, it's fabulous!
M2 Mac Mini has arrived and thinking about a short throw Projector as main monitor as Logic Pro doesn’t really need 4k resolution but the projector would provide a very large amount of screen estate
Mine are: A Samsung T7 SSD drive for my TimeMachine backups, a M-Audio air audio interface, magic keyboard & mouse and my beloved magic trackpad, a Hue Gradient lightstrip behind my desk for a great atmosphere and of course my Apple Studio Display.
I have the Mac Mini with only 2 thunderbolt ports... As it turns out, Im using both to connect both my mointors. So I was hoping there was an accessory (in this case the satechi) that also had additional ports in the back.
Any other suggestions for displays? There are loads of suggestions out there but also lots of complaints regarding scaling etc? Any chance of a monitor for m2 pro review video? Thanks
From what I understand, the Satechi hub uses older tech with slower transfer rates. Do you find these slower rates are fine for your use? Is the speed with NVME really only needed for gaming?
Have they finally sorted out the rubbish bluetooth they had on the pre M1 Mac minis? I had an intel one which was borderline useless due to the connection which kept cutting off.
I am curious to know how you connect it to get the best quality and refresh rate out of the monitor. As I am currently looking for a monitor for my MacBook Air m2
I do watch all of your content and as much as I like the hub in this episode it is not making use of the full speed of the usb 3/thunderbolt 4 hub. Until a hub like this comes out I suggest waiting. Why settle for crippled performance? I want one now but there seems not to be any viable options in the UK.
Thanks for watching my content! As for the hub, it's for convenience, as noted in the video - and for peripherals that don't require lots of speed, it's a godsend :)
Nice layout with all the accessories! As I'm retired, I have two 32' Monitors and A 2k Digital Camera for video-chats. I know I can get 4k monitor/TVs with my M1 Mac-Mini but so far I'm quite happy to watch Videos, and read off them.
@@MarkEllisReviews sorry must admit I agree - the herman miller is prohibitively expensive, that doesn't make the hinomi good value. £600 is extortionate and would never have been paid for a work chair until the last few years and youtuber snobs
It doesn't work for me on my M1 Mac mini. Another problem with the hub with ssd is, that it only supports SATA ssds, not nvme. The transfer speed is limited to about 400 MB/s. Otherwise, I like it a lot. But my M2 Mac mini will get a thunderbold 4 hub that allows almost 3000 MB/s.
These videos that go on about “those of you who are video editors” like there’s a bit portion of the human population who edit videos. Out of the total number of people buying any Mac in a given year, professional video editors will make up well under 1% of them.
Speaking of monitor. After 3 years of using an ultrawide I am moving back to the 16:9 monitor. During the past year or so I realize I have problem in focusing and get distracted very easily when too much stuff is shown right in my face. I am keeping my ultrawide but need some time to see how I re-purpose it.
That is why I was hesitating to buy a widescreen monitor. I like to have one thing on my monitor at once to focus and have a side smaller monitor as a support. Thank you for sharing your point of view.
Not to mention ultrawide monitors typically only come in 109 pixels/inch or lower option unless you are willing to pay big bucks for the 5K2K version. Once you get used to the 133/166/215ppi options offered by the 16:9 4K/5K displays it's really hard to look at lower ppi monitors again. The pixels really jump out and now they drive me crazy.
Hi Mark! I'm really looking forward to seeing how you set up your home studio! You may find some inspiration on my channel! My studio is based on a M1 Mini. See you then! 🍀
Wish the magic keyboard was backlit. Its hard finding decent mac bluetooth keyboards that have backlights without spending the earth or there being quirks with button placements
Anyone else having problem with usb-connected third party mouses? I've been trying two different, from Logitech and some no name company and both of them keep dropping out all the time. Extremely annoying!
The only thing I really don't like on this video is the misleading title that also other RUclipsrs use. It's about the M2 Pro Mac mini and not the M2. It's twice as powerful. I'm not a photographer or a pro user but I'm enthusiastic about accessories that could be useful for me as a m2 Mac mini user. No photographer would purchase the normal M2 mac mini and so is the opinion from every RUclipsr around the last weeks. Another Thing is why appreciating the Satechi Hub if you were more into that other Hub in another video when just the M1 was around. The Satechi Hub is a budget hub but by far not the best. Why not mentioning the specs a little bit more. There are no useful speeds in USB on this thing for a pro user like photographers. Even for me the problem is that the USB C Port can't charge anything and can't even do active video editing for example from an external drive.
What's your go-to Mac mini accessory?
The Apple Magic Trackpad ... hands down! Just as the abacus belongs to prehistory, the rat [sorry: 'mouse'] belongs to the 20th century. I can achieve much more with a trackpad than I can with a rat ... and I don't get hand cramp.
Also a must have accessory, the Lamborghini parked in the garage. You can’t see it from the £600 desk chair but the fact of knowing it’s there is the game changing. It might seem like a bit of a hefty expense, but it really does make a world of difference when using the Mac mini.
The best accessory I got for my M2 Mac Mini 16GB x256 GB SSD, was a pretty popular eBay find. 50$ Dell thunderbolt 3 dock wd19tb3. Not only does it have active cooling and an extra 100w of PD, it Gave me 1 thunderbolt 3 , 1 usbc 10gbps( for a total of 2 usbc ports) , 2 DisplayPort’s, 2 usb A ports, and an HDMI. Works flawlessly with 2 x4K LG monitors, a 1TB WD Black SN770 SSD in a TB3 enclosure, and Logitech Streamcam 1080p. The SSD runs just under 3000 MB/s for read and write. If you want an additional thunderbolt port, there is a newer TB4 model that adds 2xTB4 ports. If you wanna go cheap, there are HP G2 universal USB C hubs for 25$ but make sure u get an HP AC adapter to go with it and they have a similar setup( recommended for M1 or M2 air laptops to get dual external
Monitors). I primarily run Win11 virtual machines do some coding and light video work. The empty TB4 port on the back of my M2 mini gives me a lot of piece ofMind for future devices!
Excellent video plenty of coverage on all the items and if your interested you can go look them up. Nice clean look on the desk.👍
I also have a 34" Ultrawide monitor (LG), Big Knob Studio, and Shure SM-7B in my desktop set up and love them. Am looking to add a M2 Pro Mac Mini. I currently have an older MacBook Pro with many USB drives/adapters making it a pain to detach when I want to take the laptop somewhere else (e.g. recording music concerts via my Soundcraft Signature MTK). So adding a desktop (Mac) to my desktop will be more fit for purpose. Will definitely look at that Satechi hub which should really help in reducing my current tangle of USB dongles and adapters. Since I also like to use the same monitor/keyboard/mouse when I work from home (Windows laptop) my go-to accessory is a KVM switch that supports USB device sharing (so my webcam also switches with the keyboard/mouse/monitor).
Apple Keyboard + MX3 is a dream.
I'm absolutely loving the Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard. The big one because I'm really attached to the numberpad. I tried to use a Satechi X1 but it did't stick. My old Microsoft Sculpt is still my favorite keyboard ever, but oh boy the MX Mechanical is a banger.
Another weird thing is that my Satechi hub is kind behaving a bit funky when there are too many devices hanging on it. Still, loving the fact that I can use my front Type-C for my ZV-E10 as a webcam.
Another thing that's just awesome for the Mac Mini is the Elgato HD60X. If anybody plans to do anything with console, this little thing is a beast. The latency is almost non-existing, it works with OBS and Quick Time right out of the box and it is perfect for hooking up a camera and get a feed that way. Goes up to 1440p and if you use the pass-through you can get 4K/VRR on the other monitor while it still records in 1080p or 1440p.
Thank 🙏 you for this great video (as always) and the presentation of your used equipment. I follow your channel with very high interest for a long time. Your setup is very handsome. Well not only Englishmen love the Mackie product like the Big Knob. Also one from Bavaria uses this every day with very great pleasure. Only my monitor speakers are from Neumann. I love the neutral sound characteristic. A Mac Mini M1 also decorates my desk. Two Eizo monitors 32" and 27" are connected to it. A curved is stupid if you have to share your screen, as I often have to do and the far side only has a 24 inch or a notebook screen in use.
Please keep up the good work. Servus from a loyal subscriber from Bavaria
Without doubt the best item listed here is the Logitech MX3 mouse. I edit images with micro movements in Photoshop sometimes 10 hours a day. This mouse is a career saver. I’d found I was in pain and was actually getting numb fingertips from the Magic Mouse. I had developed nerve damage and carpal tunnel syndrome. This mouse is a godsend. No pain, accurate and programable for every main app I use. I would recommend it as a professional photographer and editor of 30+ years standing just for its ergonomics but it’s also technically the best mouse I’ve ever used too. This is not a sponsored post. Just a very happy consumer of the product.
No, it’s a shit mouse. It’s ridiculously over-sized and uncomfortable. The MX3 is the goto mouse for everyone who don’t know mice.
If you're setting up a music production studio a control surface is going to be useful. I have 2 SSL UF8s' which I couldn't be without. Avid also make some pro-level ones. The Big Knob will have to go though - it's really a monitor controller. A Focusrite Carett 4-pre would be a better choice
Very nice accessories
I had the little brother of your Mackie Big Knob but ended up getting rid of it due to the speaker shattering bang that occurs whenever you switch it on or off! I thought that it was a fault of my unit but Mackie themselves admitted that it is present. Such a shame really because other than that, it's fabulous!
Love your vids, Mark!
Thanks!
M2 Mac Mini has arrived and thinking about a short throw Projector as main monitor as Logic Pro doesn’t really need 4k resolution but the projector would provide a very large amount of screen estate
Mine are: A Samsung T7 SSD drive for my TimeMachine backups, a M-Audio air audio interface, magic keyboard & mouse and my beloved magic trackpad, a Hue Gradient lightstrip behind my desk for a great atmosphere and of course my Apple Studio Display.
Nice!
I have the Mac Mini with only 2 thunderbolt ports... As it turns out, Im using both to connect both my mointors. So I was hoping there was an accessory (in this case the satechi) that also had additional ports in the back.
Any other suggestions for displays? There are loads of suggestions out there but also lots of complaints regarding scaling etc? Any chance of a monitor for m2 pro review video? Thanks
Mine is an under desk mount for the Mac mini that keeps it out of sight.
I picked up a new MacBook Pro 13 in M2. I’m definitely to buy a newer Mac Mini
My last thing on my last is my Big Knob…. (awkward pause) - nice one
From what I understand, the Satechi hub uses older tech with slower transfer rates. Do you find these slower rates are fine for your use? Is the speed with NVME really only needed for gaming?
Have they finally sorted out the rubbish bluetooth they had on the pre M1 Mac minis? I had an intel one which was borderline useless due to the connection which kept cutting off.
I am curious to know how you connect it to get the best quality and refresh rate out of the monitor. As I am currently looking for a monitor for my MacBook Air m2
What about that monitor stand? I bought one, then noticed it was a black version of the one in your videos.
Any problems with the logitech mx master for Photoshop?
I hear the side scroller doesn't work with Photoshop brushes
I do watch all of your content and as much as I like the hub in this episode it is not making use of the full speed of the usb 3/thunderbolt 4 hub. Until a hub like this comes out I suggest waiting. Why settle for crippled performance? I want one now but there seems not to be any viable options in the UK.
Thanks for watching my content! As for the hub, it's for convenience, as noted in the video - and for peripherals that don't require lots of speed, it's a godsend :)
Nice layout with all the accessories! As I'm retired, I have two 32' Monitors and A 2k Digital Camera for video-chats. I know I can get 4k monitor/TVs with my M1 Mac-Mini but so far I'm quite happy to watch Videos, and read off them.
"Very affordable" chair - only £599!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂
Look up Herman Miller.
@@MarkEllisReviews my grandmother says he’s not a very nice bloke
Over 10 years it is 60 pounds a year or 25 pence per working day.
@@dreswan1 Not bad for looking after your back and posture, eh?
@@MarkEllisReviews sorry must admit I agree - the herman miller is prohibitively expensive, that doesn't make the hinomi good value. £600 is extortionate and would never have been paid for a work chair until the last few years and youtuber snobs
Great video! My M2 Mac Mini's on the way, I'm very excited. Can the Satechi hub charge peripherals like keyboards/mice?
It doesn't work for me on my M1 Mac mini. Another problem with the hub with ssd is, that it only supports SATA ssds, not nvme. The transfer speed is limited to about 400 MB/s. Otherwise, I like it a lot. But my M2 Mac mini will get a thunderbold 4 hub that allows almost 3000 MB/s.
Yep, it can charge stuff too.
im looking into the MSI MODERN MD241PW, have any idea if its compatible?
I think I am a normal people (some of my friends disagree) but thank you for your reviews, very much appreciated!
Haha - we're all normal ;) Glad you enjoy them, John.
and double monitor ?
These videos that go on about “those of you who are video editors” like there’s a bit portion of the human population who edit videos. Out of the total number of people buying any Mac in a given year, professional video editors will make up well under 1% of them.
Have you got any research to back that up, mate?
Speaking of monitor. After 3 years of using an ultrawide I am moving back to the 16:9 monitor. During the past year or so I realize I have problem in focusing and get distracted very easily when too much stuff is shown right in my face. I am keeping my ultrawide but need some time to see how I re-purpose it.
That is why I was hesitating to buy a widescreen monitor. I like to have one thing on my monitor at once to focus and have a side smaller monitor as a support. Thank you for sharing your point of view.
Not to mention ultrawide monitors typically only come in 109 pixels/inch or lower option unless you are willing to pay big bucks for the 5K2K version. Once you get used to the 133/166/215ppi options offered by the 16:9 4K/5K displays it's really hard to look at lower ppi monitors again. The pixels really jump out and now they drive me crazy.
Hi Mark!
I'm really looking forward to seeing how you set up your home studio! You may find some inspiration on my channel! My studio is based on a M1 Mini. See you then! 🍀
Wish the magic keyboard was backlit. Its hard finding decent mac bluetooth keyboards that have backlights without spending the earth or there being quirks with button placements
Good shout.
Satechi Slim x1 is a good alternative imo. Backlit & very similar to magic keyboards for a decent price.
Agreed. I use the Logitech MX Keys keyboard and it's fantastic. I don't understand why Apple doesn't make theirs backlit. Makes no sense to me.
No speakers? Or am i late in french
The problem is not having 2-3 HDMI ports for multiple monitors!
Any Bluetooth issues on the M2 Mac Mini? 😢
Find out on Friday!
That BENQ light bar gets no attention
I know. Hence the mention in the description.
Anyone else having problem with usb-connected third party mouses? I've been trying two different, from Logitech and some no name company and both of them keep dropping out all the time. Extremely annoying!
'Mouses'? Not MICE then?
You mean Ben Q, not Benq!!!
You say M2 Mac mini, but you present M2 "Pro" Mac mini. Why? lol.
Very interesting, when I get rich and famous, I will buy Apple products until that time. I will be stuck with my older Samsung phone lol lol…
The only thing I really don't like on this video is the misleading title that also other RUclipsrs use. It's about the M2 Pro Mac mini and not the M2. It's twice as powerful. I'm not a photographer or a pro user but I'm enthusiastic about accessories that could be useful for me as a m2 Mac mini user. No photographer would purchase the normal M2 mac mini and so is the opinion from every RUclipsr around the last weeks. Another Thing is why appreciating the Satechi Hub if you were more into that other Hub in another video when just the M1 was around. The Satechi Hub is a budget hub but by far not the best. Why not mentioning the specs a little bit more. There are no useful speeds in USB on this thing for a pro user like photographers. Even for me the problem is that the USB C Port can't charge anything and can't even do active video editing for example from an external drive.
The title is for SEO purposes mate (and to keep it nice and short). These accessories suit every Mac mini 👍
@@MarkEllisReviews from pro/photographer standpoint yes
@@jazzfreak38 the only thing that directly benefits a pro photographer in this list is the front loading SD card slot. Have you watched this video?!