My "Pro" M2 Mac mini Setup!

When I first opened the new M2 Pro Mac mini I knew I wanted to make a video focusing on a simple setup that really showcased not only how simple and clean the Mac mini is but also how powerful it can be with just a few added accessories.
Desk Table Top: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/anfallar...
Alex Drawer: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/alex-dra...
Legs: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/hilver-c...
*Desk Accessories*
Grovemade Shelf: bit.ly/3Xn3JIO
Grovemade Wool Felt: bit.ly/3jTp1jy
Grovemade Headphone stand: bit.ly/40OPfnN
Get 10% off any Grovemade product with code: GREGSGADGETS
🖥️Computer Setup🖥️
M2 Mac mini: amzn.to/3Ihe30v
Satechi Hub: amzn.to/3XnM6sf
SSD Storage for Hub: amzn.to/3Z0J2Uj
Studio Display: amzn.to/40OOFGv
⌨️Keyboard & Trackpad⌨️
Apple Extended Keyboard with Touch ID: amzn.to/3Yv5EfO
Apple Trackpad: amzn.to/3YGfESN
🎧HeadPhones🎧
AirPods Max: amzn.to/3jJfjjL
Master & Dynamics MH40: amzn.to/3JX1Q2n
🔊Speaker🔊
HomePod: www.apple.com/shop/buy-homepo...
💾External SSD💾
Sandisk: amzn.to/3xgbl5i
SD CARD: amzn.to/40LVUPJ
Links above may be affiliate links which may generate revenue for the channel if you use them.

[@GregsGadgets]

What are your favorite desk accessories for your Mac?

[@ElbayMalik]

This is basically everything Apple made + Satechi. Who needs apple bluetooth keyboard and bluetooth mouse when usb keyboard&mouse are much more cheaper and much more reliable with connection? And airpods max? Really? You advise low cost mac mini buyer to use 500 euro airpods? 🫠

[@stephensonmatthew7]

I’m visually impaired, so my accessories are: large print keyboard, wireless mouse, laptop stand, miniDisplayPort to HDMI cable. My monitor is a 24” FireTV. Extra: USB A hub as my MacBook Air 2015 only has 2 USB ports. Getting M2 MacBook Air soon too.

[@GregsGadgets]

@Scott Stumpf The leather is vegan leather I believe so it should be cruelty free

[@matthiasmaiwald8236]

@@ElbayMalik -- Agree completely. Why would I want to have wireless connections (mouse, keyboards) if I can have (much more secure and cheaper) wired connections?

[@bilalahsan678]

Chair

[@MarbsMusic]

I've never liked trackpads, always preferred a mouse until I bought a MB a few years ago, then tried the trackpad as well and since really only use a mouse for gaming. Great video, setting up a work space that fits how you work can truly make a big difference on productivity.

[@MrThebigd1973]

Thanks Greg. Now I want to update my work station in my home office. Good choices and ideas. Thank you kindly

[@davidrogis1110]

Greg, that is an awesome set up that you have inspired me to want to get something like that as well in the near future. Thanks for the video.

[@GregsGadgets]

Awesome! Hope you make a cool space for yourself.

[@jefferyjones8399]

I am currently rocking a similar setup although I like having multiple screens. Apple Studio Display, M1 Max Mac Studio, M1 iPad Pro 12.9, M1 Pro MacBook 14, HomePod 2, Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and AirPods Max. The only non Apple things on the desk are an external Samsung SSD, an Anker MagSafe iPhone charging stand, a Logitech desk mat, some cheap laptop stand from Target for the MacBook, and Rain Design mStand for iPad. I have played around with a Logitech Mechanical Mini and MX Master Mouse but I end up just defaulting back to the trackpad. I keep a Magic Mouse around too but again...I just love the trackpad.

[@BillHosler]

Love your setup. You nailed it. Great video!

[@GregsGadgets]

Thank you 🙏

[@gxjansen]

I like the Satachi hub and how it blends in with the MacMini itself! Does feel a bit like a lost opportunity to not have it (also) have any add ports on the back though...

[@alangeorgebarstow]

I am with you all the way on the intuitive nature of the trackpad. I wouldn't be without mine. I find the mouse SO 20th century and it cramps my hand to hold it. I also have a similar rack to yours, but I made my own from a huge plank of Douglas fir.

[@tyyohr1841]

I liked your information and input on the M2 set up you got going on there but yeah all in all your vide helped me out

[@stephenrebori]

Love the set up Greg! I would love mine to look like yours because my set up is not so good.

[@jeffstauffacher]

Greg, Love your videos. In your opinion, what is better for a small office mac mini setup, a single homepod 2 or a stereo pair of minis? Thanks!

[@xuansanter111]

Thank you Greg.

[@Evie0133]

that intro was CLEAN :D + the Mac Mini really is a banger this year :3

[@GregsGadgets]

Thank you and yeah what an amazing computer!

[@YungStinkyWinky]

I really love this desk!! MKBHD had one like it but it was this like $7000 Herman-Miller desk, so noooooot in my budget lol. But this one is the exact same form factor with the little shelf, so I'm so glad there's an Ikea option :P

[@AppleBman]

Your set-up is almost identical to mine, except I'm rockin' the original M1 Mac Mini. Great video!

[@hi_sayri]

Hey Greg! Watching your video made me interested in a Grovemade desk just like yours. Could you tell me what size you went for for your wool desk mat?

[@Bassistking]

One part of my Mac mini setup I recommend is the Harmon/Kardon Soundsticks III. They sound so crisp, and the transparent body looks so cool as they should since they were designed by Jony Ive himself. Despite lacking bluetooth, it gains AirPlay via Mac mini, making remote play possible.

[@DamianAronidisTV]

I had the first generation along with my first iMac G3. What a futuristic setup that was!

[@cchristner]

I still have the first gen Soundsticks and the only complaint is that the main unit is a bug magnet. They fall in and can't get out, nor can you easily remove the by upending the unit and shaking. So, after 10 years the bottom is a bug graveyard. I notified HK soon after I noticed the problem, thinking they'd fix the problem with a sound transparent grid placed halfway down the shaft, but it seems they've not done that.

[@Technocrat.]

Nice setup.

[@aic0809]

I really like your set up - it’s so clean and elegant! I’ve had a great experience with the studio display, too. Up until I got it last year, I had not used an external monitor for several years and my eyes really suffered from staring (well, squinting 🫤) at my MacBook Air every day for 2+ years nonstop. It’s helped me and my workflow tremendously. I was able to get rid of my speakers, too, which freed up space on my desk. Thanks for your video!

[@aaronbakerbcg3984]

I have that exact same dock. It's actually pretty decent.

[@bennym1956]

Great info/set-up. I'm still using my 2017 27" iMac w/16 GB ram. Considering any Mac mini w/ any external display ( apple studio display $1,500 ouch ) vs waiting on a new ? 27" M2-3 iMac if it comes out in near future and pricing. Also just re-use my current Apple extended KB. Wait and see.

[@chrisheath5233]

Years ago, I had to move the mouse from my right hand to my left hand. Surprisingly a right-hand mouse is easier to use with my left-hand. Then I added a track pad for my right hand. I use both the mouse and the trackpad together. It’s far more efficient.

[@amill1563]

Greg which Iphone should I get? I'm coming from a 6s plus. I want to stay with a pre owned phone like a 10s Max or 11 pro max. Of those two which is better?

[@HCheatNcool]

I just ordered an M2 pro base spec refurbished from apple for $1,100 I hope this proves to be a good value I am looking to get intro video editing

[@coldacre]

@8:30 ..... you can do all of those things with a Magic Mouse. its a mouse & a track pad combined.

[@panoschargr]

i have the exact same setup and I love it. I am just thinking about trading my pro mini for a mac studio with 64 gb ram for future proofing as I intend to stich to a mac for 4 years minimum

[@DaeViZ0n3]

I am considering to buy a mac mini and a linux based tablet (or iPad Air) for remote desktop connections to my mac mini. I do not necessarily need a MacBook but I want to have a portable device for programming when I sit on the couch. Thoughts on what tablet to get?

[@amill1563]

Nice breakdown. Seems like the Studio Display is the way to go in spite of price.

[@GregsGadgets]

Yeah. There is some decent sales if you hunt around and sometimes you can find them refurbished.

[@CS-bj3cj]

i have one that’s still brand new in the box and never opened

[@amill1563]

@@CS-bj3cj I would make an offer but I'm not ready yet.

[@CS-bj3cj]

@@amill1563 let me know when!

[@Vartan297]

Have you ever used the USB C’s on the studio display? Like if you used a card reader into the back of the display… is it still fast enough?

[@mendodsoregonbackroads6632]

I like the look of that dock but it doesn’t add any USB C ports to the setup. It takes one away at the back and only adds one up front. The SD card slots are nice though, and I didn’t know about the storage connector on the bottom. That would be a good place for a Time Machine backup. I would give up all three of those USB A ports on the front for an extra type C connector.

[@andrewpeters7737]

Curious as to what you've done with your Mac Studio?

[@BaaSicStuff]

Yeah, I just need to know what plug to plug in

[@ottobyte]

Is the wifi on the Mac mini ok? I heard there were some people with issues. Great video!

[@cristinaurdaneta7086]

Thanks for all the info. If you need to make a FaceTime video without airpords or headset is that possible? Do I need to Apple pod?

[@SurferBro1000]

I’ll really want to buy the Mac mini m2 pro and yeah almost all the other things you have. The display I think is way too expensive. So I'm waiting for the Samsung Viewfinity S9 the be released. My concern is that it might be foolish to buy the mini now or wait till September when Apple maybe is releasing a new mini with a new m3 chip. What are your thoughts on this?

[@user-mj2cy5gb8w]

Hiya, Great video - what is the wallpaper on the Studio Display? Thanks :)

[@Vartan297]

Great video. Would you recommend a HomePod if I use Spotify? Also do you find the MacMini or that Dock you use slip around a lot? Recently got a M2 Mini and same display. Switched over from an older pre 4K iMac. Also… lol sorry- I had a 3tb Fusion Drive on my iMac and now I’ve got external ssds to contend with. Are there any ideas you might have to help me? Lol. Quite a lot there and I’m a bit of a noob.

[@Vartan297]

I have liked and subscribed btw. Thank you in advance 😊

[@chiefbryan]

How well does that Satechi Hub work with your M2? I have M2 Pro on the way and some of the reviews online mention the "disk not ejected properly" error with their M2 setups.

[@oguzhasas289]

Hi Greg, it is very good setup. Why didn't you do any upgrade on your m2 mac mini pro? I'm considering getting one too, but I'm worried about whether to upgrade.

[@fledgling5616]

What?

[@branscombe_]

very cool ‘n clean. A1

[@tomcollins6989]

I try to focus with music on my work when I am in the creative zone and I’m always looking for music to help. I find Pink Floyd’s division bell great for focus. I would be interested in your lo FI hip hop soundtrack Greg. Do you have a playlist you could share please ?

[@erickperdomo277]

I like thjs Satechi hub...the add on SSD...sounds pretty fast...SATA connection...fast enough for video editing? Is 1TB the largest capacity I can add? how about over heating if any? Is there any other similar hub that would have a faster add on SSD? I like it...thanks

[@SolespireMarcus]

I have been Team Magic Trackpad for desktop Macs too, ever since Steve Jobs introduced them.

[@TheEmrickman]

Love the new Samsung M8 32” 4k smart display. On sale at Amazon for $349.

[@user-mj2cy5gb8w]

@GregsGadgets - What is that wallpaper? Do you have a link? Cheers

[@RickFarris]

How heavy a monitor can that stand hold up?

[@PolluxChung]

When a M2P mini has to be spec'ed up to match the config of the Studio the price is the same or even higher. I maybe just me but a mini is still a mini. It's like loading up a Honda Civic but for the same price I can have a Honda Accord with similar amenities.

[@sl22uk]

Is there any lag when playing videos with HomePod 2?

[@eeesti216]

Look forward to getting a nice Samsung 5K monitor for less than the Apple Studio Display, when it's released

[@GregsGadgets]

Looks like a nice option honestly

[@MarkMcLenaghan]

Track pads all the way. I knew there was a reason I connected with you.

[@GregsGadgets]

It’s so good

[@rashadtoffiq5602]

Thanks

[@markflanagan521]

Hi Greg, nice clean set up and more than enough for 99 percent of ones needs. My own set up is going to be base model Mac mini M2 pro, which I am saving for currently to replace my ageing late 2013 21 inch iMac , to be paired with my recently purchased, barely used and immaculate condition (new to me) Apple (27 inch) thunderbolt display from 2015 (bargain price of 200 euros) and I love this 1440 display by the way🤩. colours accurate and great for photographic editing and printing, so the studio display will have just have to wait for me🥲 😭😭😭

[@focusonsimple]

I don’t think newer Macs scale so well with 1440 displays sadly

[@markflanagan521]

@@focusonsimple Aah F'''''' it 😡 what would the M2 chipset do the appearance on the thunderbolt screen , if you have time to answer , i would appreciate it👍

[@focusonsimple]

@@markflanagan521 Search for scaling for 1440 external monitors for M1 and M2 Macs. There are some free apps you can use. The scaling available in the OS is not optimised for 1440p.

[@focusonsimple]

Although on review it appears that since the Mac OS Monterey was released it may now have built in support for 1440p which is good news for me too!

[@markflanagan521]

@@focusonsimple Thanks sincerely for the reply and info, will still probably go with the Mini M2 pro, as i like the set up of small computer and stand alone monitor with the ability to add others if needed Regards Mark 👍

[@chrismv102]

So why did you replace the Mac Studio? It's at least as fast as the M2 Mac Mini. If it ain't broke why fix it?

[@Guironey]

niceeee

[@beltrangarrote1982]

I need the wallpaper. Is it for sale?

[@ninja_boy]

I like the look of that dock, but that just makes me think it's crazy how Apple won't put any front ports on this thing. And that just makes me want the Studio instead since at least there are a few on it...

[@GregsGadgets]

Yeah when (if) they redesign the mac mini they should put a few ports on the front.

[@zekew7546]

What am I missing? Why not just turn around the M2 Mini so the back ports face the front and allow for easy access to them?

[@brentsmithline3423]

Excellent set up. Feel this hits the middle mark for Apple now until either the new Apple Mac Pro, or Apple updates the Mac Studio lineup. Technology marches forward. PhD Robert Metcalfe "The Father of Ethernet" (inside joke) often told me..."The amount of change in our industry (computer/local area networks) in six months is equal to a decade in any other industry". So far innovation keeps moving forward at this pace. Sometimes a bit slower, and others blazing fast change. The Satechi Type-C Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure is something I would buy in a heartbeat for the Apple Mac mini M2 Pro. What I would use the internal SSD enclosure for is my Time Machine backups. Would purchase for the extra $100.00 US the 10Gb Ethernet option (Nbase-T Ethernet with support for 1Gb, 2.5Gb, 5Gb, and 10Gb Ethernet using RJ-45 connector). Then use at least an external RAID 5 storage solution with a 10Gb Ethernet using RJ-45 connector to hold my projects. If I did not open my March 2022 Apple MacBook Air M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 7‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine, 16GB unified memory, 2TB SSD storage with my Apple Watch I would change from my Logitech K750 Mac keyboard to the Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad for Mac models with Apple silicon - US English - Black Keys. Have used my K750 with my Mac's since it first came out so I have used the same keyboard for a number of years. Now the monitor. When the Apple MacBook Air first came out I could not purchase the Apple Studio Display with the "Pick up in store" option like my MacBook Air. You can do this now of course. So did some research and purchased the LG Ultra HD 5K Ultra Slim 27MD5KA-B Monitor on a black NB North Bayou VESA Monitor Arm Desk Mount to replace my Apple iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) with 2TB SSD storage.

[@yeffblanco]

Subscribed and liked.

[@kosta7613]

kann ich bei den satechi hub meine samsung evo plus 2tb nvme ssd reintun erkeehnt er die auch ohne probleme ???

[@rockanroleropr3467]

Did the thunderbolt ports get updated to support 3.2 gen 2x2? No one’s talking about that

[@GregsGadgets]

I don’t believe so.

[@RaudiRaul]

Looking swoll Greg! I see the gym is paying off my brotha 💪 keep pumping!

[@GregsGadgets]

Damn this means a lot. Thank you 🙏

[@gospelaccordingtojohn8959]

Great setup. I love my Logic Studio to be simple and clean.

[@kevinkrause5798]

It looks like you changed something about your lighting, color grade, camera/lens…or something. There’s something more “cinematic-ish” about your talking head shot. Whatever you did, it looks great. 👍🏼

[@markasplinhq]

My Saatechi hub is awful, headphone Jack doesn’t work, sd card slots are temperamental and doesn’t give you any extra usbc ports

[@stancartmankenny]

wolf belt? Do wolves wear pants?

[@asdf51501]

I personally love Apple's trackpads.

[@staiain]

HDMI 2.1

[@mehuldesai2666]

You should have gone with iMac

[@forvoice5528]

Wait a minute! What version is this? Mine never came with any USB at the front! WTF, Apple are scammers man, WTF

[@ExDeadman]

I can not for the life of me set up the Apple mouse to this new Mac mini m2 ? There is 2 of us and we can’t even find a video explaining how to, it is a blue tooth mouse and we have been using it for 10 years now ? No luck at all.! So we can’t even set up the Mac mini

[@OG_Pl4tterz]

Why not have both a mouse and trackpad? You already saved space on the PC's design splurge a little geez.

[@FujiXH1]

Great the Ultimate slowdown for all your Macs.. 10 GBITs shit don't do that !

[@marcp5099]

i love that desk stand - shipping and tax make it too much to import - shame

[@GregsGadgets]

Ah that’s a shame 😔

[@bitkahuna]

apple studio display... fat bezels, thick, ridiculously expensive.

[@bobgrimes8618]

Now waiting for your Mini to be replaced by the Mac Pro.

[@mushy213]

yea that hub does not fit the axle aesthetic

[@chancesareshewears]

No one mentions how sloppy it is to have cables hanging out at the front of a usb enclosure... hardly minimalism

[@joemahma3457]

It sucks being broke, FML 😂

[@Obsessed.garage]

Find it that annoying having to press a button to turn your monitor on? Sheesh.

[@markm6525]

The felt may feel and look nice, but it's going to get disgusting quickly. And the felt will probably harbor stinky bacteria. YMMV

[@ichigen511]

If you already owned a Mac Studio and it was even "slightly" faster, I just don't understand spending more money on a computer to replaced it that is slightly inferior. What the hell am I watching?

[@justinyadao744]

the problem is that the m2 Pro beats the cpu of the m1 max. the difference of max and pro nomenclature is mostly that in the max version, u dont get the binned cores, so those two performance cores are activated. The problem with cpus, as it was back then, is that theres a limit to core count optimization. when you see a 15-25% increase in performance in benchmarks, but see around 10% minimal gain in lets say rendering speeds, its the apps that did not optimize. so thats why youtubers always say its a welcome future proof upgrade, but not worth going up from m1 pro or m2 pro. these machines will last you 5-6 or 8 year if you really tried… and within 1-2 years you’d see the optimizations happen in apps utilizing the entire cpu. for example, i have the a12z ipad pro(gen before the m1 ipad pro), It released 2020, its 2023 and im doing animations for client work and 60 FPS, 12 layers compressed per layer at 3000x4000 pixels per frame. I also do reels commercials on it, its a beast cuz of optimizations. thats why the m2 and m1 ipad pros were looked down upon, the power is just going up extremely fast, but the software and app optimizations werent catching up at the same speed. not that they were slow- its just apples upgrading faster. now going back to mac specific CPUs, the m2 pro can actually beat the m1 ultra in many tasks that dont utilize more than 8 performance cores. the m1 ultra for reference has 16 performance cores running at 3.2 Ghz and the unbinned m2 pro has 8 performance cores at 3.4 Ghz. tasks that utilize faster cores and have a diminishing return in core count, for example, is adobe after effects. thats why when u try to order custom PC builds specialized for adobe after effects- u select a 8-10 core unlocked K processor. but then again, remember apples job is to make a processor that can do everything and to not stutter in any workflow-hopefully, a cou that caters for every work. so thats why u see mixed results of the mac mini being similar or slightly better or slightly worse, and in HEAVY OPTIMIZED CPU OR GPU TASKS, perform very worse. so if u see that for ur work u r benefiting off of a bench mark such as the 60 gpu cores on the m1 ultra cutting ur frames down in lets say unreal engine… then it makes more sense to buy the m1 ultra over the m2 pro/max. its all a matter of: do u need it. and for creative professionals: you use a variety of tools that export in different formats, and use an abundant amount of creative suites that all come down to : software support -one thing apple has always been good at but weve reached a point their cpus are getting so good that were seeing a growing speed in comparison to optimizing. conclusion: m_ chips are standard mpro chips double the bandwidth and adds mor encoders and GPU -also available in binned cpu versions for a discount m Max version are full m pro chips with double the GPU cores. also doubke the bandwidth again m Ultra variants are literally just two combined max chips… and only benefits those who have creative suites or tools that benefit from those gpus and cpus. and a nano meter upgrade is a die shrink, resulting in less power consumption and much greater efficiency. so the m3 chips coming up are a better upgrade over m2.. however just note that if the m3 chips offer 14 cores, refer back to: do apps even utilize it? hence u see worse battery life in m2 12core 14 inch vs last years: this years processor upgrade wasnt a die shrink. its a performance upgrade. and only the 16 inch cooling system reaped the most benefits off this upgrade.if u wait for 3nm tho… expect a 25 hour rating on the 16 inch and the 14 inch to be a well matured, and perfect work laptop on the go.

[@jaysgood10]

Wow. What a commercial.

[@GregsGadgets]

Not a commercial for anything. No one sponsored this video lol

[@olivergroves2007]

First

[@Vipwhips13]

Smh

[@hsj1273]

No,,,,,,,,,,,,not THIS DOCK....

[@FollowTheJohn]

But you are not on a "budget". 8-)

[@GregsGadgets]

Haha that is true!

[@CO8848_2]

This hub is crap, $100 for UHS-I, USB 3.1, USB-A, only headphone no microphone, why even pay for this?

[@dm.b7560]

This guy spent 1500+ in an Apple display, because a power button is "annoying".....

[@GregsGadgets]

Uhh more reasons than that. Display resolution, accurate colors, built in speakers.