The Ultimate Mac Mini and iPad Pro Setup - Extremely Portable!

Super Exciting video about making the Mac Mini completely portable and on the go, while using the iPad Pro as the Monitor. This allows you to use Mac OS with touch screen, and even edit Final Cut Pro on the iPad.. Yup. This is the Ultimate Portable Mac Mini and iPad Pro Monitor Setup!
______________________
Products Discussed in this Video:
Luna Display - geni.us/fPuYjJ2
Anker Powerhouse 90 - geni.us/wg4IuI
Benks Infinity Pro iPad Stand - geni.us/EGWg
Nuphy Air Mechanical Keyboard - geni.us/UNMfT
Logitech Anywhere 3 Mouse - geni.us/WTEAJB
M2 Mac Mini - geni.us/1BJCa
M1 iPad Pro - geni.us/HCP6o
______________________
FOLLOW ME!
▶KZbin - / tausifhussain​​​​
▶Instagram - / hussaintausif​​​
▶Twitter - / hussaintausif​​​​
______________________
By using these affiliate links, I make a small commission. Thanks for supporting my channel!
For business enquiries, product reviews, sponsorships, and collaborations, please contact me at: [e-mail].
00:00 - Portable Mac Mini with iPad Pro Stand
00:17 - How to make the Mac Mini Portable
00:57 - M2 Mac Mini
01:11 - M1 iPad Pro 12.9
01:32 - Benks Infinity Pro iPad Stand - The BEST iPad Stand?
01:58 - The Best Portable iPad Stand
02:44 - Nuphy Air 60 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
03:04 - Logitech Anywhere 3 Mouse
03:17 - Portable Power Bank for Mac Mini
03:27 - Anker Powerhouse 90
03:43 - Luna Display Review
04:05 - How to connect Mac Mini to an iPad
04:40 - Testing Mac Mini iPad Pro combo
05:10 - Mac Mini and iPad combo
05:47 - Mac Mini iPad Pro Luna Display Latency
06:34 - Portable Mac Mini Screen on iPad Pro
06:55 - Portable Mac Mini audio issue with Luna Display
07:12 - Apple Sidecar vs Luna Display
07:33 - How to get touchscreen with Mac
#TausifHussain​​​​​​​, #m2macmini, #iPadPro

[@BrownGuyMadeIT]

The fact you found an empty road to set this all up on flabbergasts me

[@TausifHussain]

LOL bro i had a couple close calls and had to shit everything asap. Gotta risk it for the tube 😂🫡

[@bassyey]

Lol must have been an awkward shoot.

[@Len_M.]

@@TausifHussain Is this better than the charging stand? I’m thinking about getting a stand and M2 Pro Mac mini to use with my UAD Apollo Twin X. I have a 13 inch MBP that I will be using with an external display as well as my PC & Laptop. I have 1 Curved 34 inch and 2 Straight 27 inch displays. It will be handy to have my M2 iPad Pro for a display too.

[@AI_Talks_About_The_Bible]

Lol I thought about that the entire video

[@mr.m3747]

take a macbook

[@sharingmatters]

I love the scenery of Mac Mini in the middle of the road. You nailed it! I work from an office twice a week - I have the monitor and all that stuff so will use Mac Mini as a portable device. Amazine!

[@rohit77777777]

Massive Respect for the time and effort u put into this project! Back when i couldnt afford a Macbook i went all out and built a hackintosh mini ITX SFF system that gave me the best of both worlds Mac and windows. Used XDisplay which was usable kinda lol on my 5th gen ipad. I'm a traveling live audio engineer so this was by system tuning/ recording rig. I have however since then moved to the dark side and recently bought a M2 Macbook air 😆 Still hoping windows will catch up some day with software stability coz at heart I love windows. Point is I know the struggle. Love ur passion....Keep em coming!!

[@sparrowsings4260]

This set up is the BOMB! I will living out of country for six months and have been struggling with wanting to take my Mac Mini and how to transport my 27” LG. You saved me the work. All I need is the Luna Display and possibly the stand. I plan to also take my IK speakers. Why sacrifice sound. I live out of a 15” tear drop camper with space limitations between eBike, Oru Kayak, dog pen (3 dogs) etc. etc. etc. Cannot tell you how valuable this information is. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@cosmicspectrum4507]

Can I ask you something, are you a millennial?

[@raindogred]

@@cosmicspectrum4507 I turn 60 next year,l ooking at the grey nomad/van/rv lifestyle...everything he says makes perfect sense to me..Why would he be a millenniel...I think hes old :)

[@cosmicspectrum4507]

@@raindogred lol, I’m thinking he’s a millenial because he used the term “The bomb”. That is a slang term that was extremely popular for those of us who grew up in the 90s.

[@nissan_skyline]

It would be helpful to know more about the power bank and how long you were able to keep the Mac Mini running for before reaching 0%. I think that's what most people who want a portable Mac mini setup as a replacement for their laptop are interested in since making the Mac Mini portable to begin with is pretty straight forward (power bank, portable monitor, bluetooth mouse & keyboard). Also, for internet access, you can just use your phone as a mobile hotspot if your plan allows it, or locate one of Xfinity's free WiFi networks using their app. They're all over the place within major cities, so you don't have to go to a coffee shop or try to find an establishment that offers free wifi. Just make sure to use a VPN at the same time, as you should while accessing any public wifi network.

[@tienphotographer]

i agree. how long does it run on the portable battery??

[@purposebee]

Using a free open wifi .... puts you and your security on vulnerability so dont do that thats how most of the payment or cards are being stolen the network should always be secured period. In this case scenario not even the mac firewall can protect... peace 😊

[@AndrewMorrissey]

Amazing! This was the set up I was hoping for. Excellent video.

[@HeresMo]

This is exactly what I wanted to do, knew YT would deliver. Great looking production too bro. Nice.

[@ajschot]

So love the Luna Display, i use my old ipad air 2 as a second display on my macbookpro 2019 to have a big clock window when recording live concerts. Never had an issue, other than a broken lightning cable (own fault) 😊

[@nerdgrafx]

You always go above and beyond for the skits and thumbnails and I'm here for it! I think this could be useful to artists that are used to having a Wacom with a screen and maybe want to switch to the iPad for the portability, it's definitely a cool concept

[@TausifHussain]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching!

[@storyboardman9459]

Just wondering if the Apple Pencil can be used as usual for drawing on the screen … also if software like toonbooms storyboard pro (which works on an iMac , so I’m assuming it will work with this setup too 😅

[@obenjerry674]

Bro! This video is Bunkers. I do not understand a single thing from what you said but hell Yeah! I am still watching it. Why? cuz the video is so good, so entertain, and attention-trapping. Bro, you nailed it. this seems like a very borrowing topic but you made it so interesting.

[@lynmariecastucianoarayata7658]

I watched your video same content but by the snow. However, you make it more clear and make my decision complete by purchasing Mac mini for my iPad. Thanks for your video. Very helpful

[@ShervinShares]

I want a desk in the middle of the road - this is sick

[@TausifHussain]

Hahaha try procrastinating knowing you gotta pack up any second.

[@gamer30000]

dude amazing video! really interested in this set up and love how it's extremely portable! bless up! might opt same and get the ipad mini just to reduce in size but be extremely portable!

[@lifeofjaya989]

Thank you for this video Im getting a Mac Mini as a gift on Monday Im the person who needs a M2 on the go Im so excited that I came across your video

[@ben_bot7289]

Just got a m2 Mac mini and this seems like such a cool idea

[@starrboii1994]

You now have mini xdr pro display! Great idea.

[@tebellomekeleli5314]

this is definitely very useful for me... im putting to practice soon

[@jamison74]

Great video! I legit love the vibe of your channel. Best wishes in all that you do. 👍🏼

[@TausifHussain]

Thank you so much! Appreciate the support and thanks for watching!

[@robertlinkroum5964]

Thank you, I did not know most of these devices existed. Will be buying the AstroPad • Luna and others soon.

[@katelynnmatta2378]

I'm definitely one of those niche use cases: looking to be an international student with hopes of changing countries permanently. I've got an iPad mini and a MacBook Air, but my Mac mini+dock are my main storage locations, and when I move obviously it's not feasible to take my two giant monitors with me as well. This is a great solution I was looking for!

[@TausifHussain]

I’m so glad I could help! Good luck on your move!

[@MattCMilne-kc9fx]

Loved your video! I’m a fan now. Happy to subscribe here. Very well done man!! 💪👊👏

[@ChronicallyJessie]

I have a lot of hand pain and need more touchscreen options than my ipad pro, some work requires chrome browser on desktop & this is such an awesome solution

[@user-fg1up1ql5i]

Everything I needed to know. Thanks!

[@iRell865]

This video is for me! Thank you. I’ve been wanting an easier solution for editing video on my Mac mini when i can’t make it to the studio where it stays.

[@ChilenonetoYoutube]

at last!!!! A youtuber creating for non-youtubers Ipad usage... Genious idea

[@MrJerkfaceKevin]

I’ve used Jump desktop for a couple years now for quick wireless checks on my desktop. I’d be curious how this compares to Duet which allows a wired connection.

[@RSV9]

The most difficult thing to transport is... the table and a chair 😂😂

[@TausifHussain]

LOL 😆

[@bunbohue369]

this is going to be my next set up.

[@donaldlongjr]

This is dope! Hopefully Apple can natively integrate these features between iPadOS/macOS now that iPads have M chips. Won't hold my breath tho 😪

[@_aisolo]

This is actually super cool! i have a mac mini m2 as well and the ipad pro m2.. alwasy wanted a portable way to take my mac mini this is pretty dope

[@TausifHussain]

Glad I could show an extra use case / utility!

[@busymicroslave]

I use the same concept when working while traveling but with Duet Display instead of Luna.

[@MarcGlen-Scott]

Excellent! Thanks so much and Subscribed!

[@JasonLawrenceNoel]

Super enjoyed the video thank you!

[@urbancolab]

Love this idea thanks for video.

[@hoodskulls6736]

Great video, thanks! Wouldn't a dummy HDMI plug and Sidecar function the same as the Luna dongle?

[@user-bx9qc8fj1y]

Hi! thanks for the video. I was thinking of combining mac mini m1 and the new ipad pro and this video helped. Just one question: can you also use the ipad pro's amgic keyboard while using the ipad pro as a mac mini display monitor, instead of another keyboard like in the video? thanks in advance

[@denisemc607]

You Rock! I love this portable setup and having a touchscreen. This is outstanding! Help!!!! I forgot to change the settings in the mini and it has lost the connection to the iMac 2015. I no longer have a second monitor (sent back when I got the Luna working) to "repair the iMac as secondary". Did you use a Thunderbolt USB C cable for both or either end? Thanks

[@wavingcat5]

I remember when you did something like this before! Love it. I finally got an iPad Pro which I will be paying off all year lol. Maybe after that I can get a Mac Mini…. Oh btw I got the stormtrooper look with the space grey iPad Pro and the white Magic Keyboard! Your video on the colour combinations helped, Thankyou so much!

[@TausifHussain]

Yesss haha. Wanted to do a more detailed video on it this time. Lol congrats on the iPad! Hope you’re enjoying it! Glad to hear I was able to help!!

[@manuelpelliza]

Thanks so much for making this video I found it super useful and I am looking forward to create this setup! Quick Question: Is the iPad charging while is connected to the Mac Mini through the USB-C cable? Thanks in advance and greetings from Mexico brother!

[@Skyprex]

Great Video, I really enjoyed it!

[@nikolaoskortimanitsis1577]

Great video! Congratulations ! I have a small question! I can't find the Anker Powerhouse 90 to buy it ! The video is great! and I fave similar stuffto you but I am missing this one which is relatively small compared to others!

[@NothingHereForYou]

I’ll be moving out of the country next year and need to keep it light. I already have an iPad, but was debating whether to get a mini or an air. I think I’ll save me the money and get the mini

[@mahfros]

Thanks Tausif for the video this really helps me. I have ipad pro 2nd gen. But i dont have any computer except the one from the company I work. I thought of getting a macbook but I know I won’t use much. I use my iPad more. I saw that used Mac Mini M1 is cheaper then macbook air but I’m concerned of the portability if I ever need to bring it somewhere. I have a monitor and keyboard but knowing that I have option to use it with my iPad is really great. Thanks a lot!

[@HiiipowerdanniRuns]

I love your channel and how you edit. Keep creating and I hope you keep growing.

[@TausifHussain]

Thank you so much! Appreciate the kind words and yessss well keep chugging along!

[@HiiipowerdanniRuns]

@@TausifHussain I'm a new creator and I am building my platform. Inspiration for sure. You're very welcome!

[@jjay.kempis]

As a college student running on a budget, this "detachable head" setup (as described by my friends) give the best that a mac offers with the additional benefits of an iPad. I have been using this setup with my Mac Mini M1 and iPad Pro A12Z for over 2 years now and it's been reliable with a few caveats. *3 caveats:* - requires a power source (either external powerbank supply, or a socket from the library/cafe) - App Dependent, I had this occurrence when an update happened midway through my work. It disabled the app from pairing between the two devices because the app on the mac mini required a re-login and additional setup post-update. It would be nice if apple's sidecar feature integrated the same features that Luna/Duet provides - needs peripherals (keyboard & mouse, as compared to just owning a laptop) But overall, with how I use my device, I don't see any problems plus it saved me a lot of money going for this setup instead.

[@storyboardman9459]

It’s reassuring to hear from someone who has been using it for a while , I’m wondering if Apple Pencil would work as usual to draw on screen , and softwares which work on iMac would also work well on the Mac mini setup .. that’s the route I’m looking at … been looking for a a while actually 😂😂,, right now I use the Astropad app on my android laptop for a software called storyboard pro(toonboom) to match screen on my iPad … works well enough ,, but something tells me there’s a bigger option here with Mac mini

[@NorthCountyRealEstateTeam]

Great Video, question with the Luma Display can you use the iPad Camera for Zoom?

[@IAmNumber4000]

The demented IT Bro setup 😂 I might actually need to do this though since my MBP died, I have an iPad Pro, and all I can afford RN is the Mac mini

[@laurentroose2429]

As somebody who isn’t sponsered I use the Magfit stand with ports. My iPad airM1 looks like a mini iMac 😉

[@gabubot]

Hi there, so if you're connecting your mac mini to the iPad directly do you still need the Luna plug? Thanks

[@LindaIBrown]

Love the concept! I purchased my Mac Mini because it was small and I could pack it up and be portable! The thought of donating my Mac Mini mid 2011 back to Apple because it’s not supported anymore makes me 🤢 why because I take good care of all my devices and they look brand new! I’m big into repurposing!

[@paulhorn24]

Use it or donate it to a social charity or environmental organisation???

[@SkeeterMelody]

Question, if you hook the iPad 12.9 directly to the Mac mini and the Mac mini is in the house plugged in to the wall will it charge through the USB-C to the iPad Pro so iPad is being charged while you're using it? Thank you I really enjoy your videos👍

[@Hawtload]

I'm gonna be stuck at a job for 3 days next week and I'm considering using my ipad pro as a monitor and hooking it up to my mac studio so I can do some work while I'm sitting around all day

[@jcamillegray]

Awesome presentation

[@javanthropus2750]

I have concent to the power durability, how much long uptime can be provide by this powerbank ? 1 hour ? Or more ?

[@pdppdp3854]

question: how many hours and minutes did the Anker powerhouse 90 last??

[@rickeymoore572]

Hey Tausif, great idea.... You mentioned the touch screen benefit. . . what about the camera on the IPad, is that usable on the Mini?

[@butterflylr]

If I connect it to my iPad Pro will the Apple Pencil work on it as well or just basic touchscreen? I’m just thinking the possibilities with photoshop.

[@kevinpinck8499]

So it looks like if I wanted an even more minimalist setup, I could just use the iPad Magic Keyboard with a Mac Studio and the Luna dongle. Thanks for the great video.

[@gabyfrank0307]

What is the cable you use to connect the mac mini to the ipad?

[@6cyb999]

Hello! Great video!! I'm actually currently trying to figure out if I can pull off a similar set up with macbook air instead of an IPad. If you can help me figure this out that'd be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!! Thank you for your time and hope to hear from you soon💯

[@MSYESEM]

Thanks for video. Can you use wifi internet in this case?

[@Rockthedice]

Pretty cool set up. Not sure if I wound do this over a Macbook. However it’s cool

[@TausifHussain]

Haha yeah makes sense. It’s cool if you already have a Mac Mini or studio and an iPad lol

[@EmmyRichOfficial]

I really enjoyed this video. So well made, and informative. thanks

[@TausifHussain]

Thank you for watching!! So glad you liked it!

[@dancolombo]

Hi, thanks for the video, what would you recommend in terms of battery for a Mac Studio ? Thanks

[@RSV9]

I was precisely thinking of leaving my Mac mini on in my work room and using my iPad 12" in the living room while I watch TV, but I didn't know if it would work with the distance. But I just saw that Luna is expensive. Great video 😅

[@TausifHussain]

Haha yeah that should be possible and how well it works is up to the wifi connection! Thank you for watching!! 🫡

[@beachton]

I wanted to use an old Mac Mini to run Lightburn to control a laser cutter but I don’t have another monitor. But I do have an old iPad Air. I might try this.

[@victorcolney2121]

Instead of using External Keyboard and Mouse can i use the New Apple Magic Keyboard As a stand trackpad and keyboard(connect the ipad and mac mini with usb c) for the ipad+ Mac Mini Setup????❤

[@Z__K217]

Greetings. How long would the anchor power plock power the mac mini for word processing? Thank you !

[@filthyrottenmedia]

So with Luna you can connect via usb c too? I just got the Mac mini pro m2 and I’m trying to use my iPad Pro as the primary display. From my research it seems like Luna is the only viable way to do so, wired and wireless? Any suggestions ?

[@gabrieladolfo2969]

Really cool bro! Just here me out, why a portable usb-c display? Could you do a video about the best usb-c display available for the Mac Mini, but with the same portability idea?

[@jessejohnson8210]

How long did the power bank keep the Mac Mini powered during your use case?

[@impulsesystems]

Great video. I am a fan of the Mini and of Luna Display. Luna seems better behaved and more versatile than SideCar, allows touch on the iPad, use of older Macs and even PC screens! Don’t you also need to set up auto-login on the Mac Mini? This does not work if you have FileVault turned on; in other words if you have file encryption on your drive.

[@TausifHussain]

Thank you so much! Yes you’re right. You need to turn on auto login and turn off file vault! Had to do those steps to get this to work. But yeah overall a pretty neat solution!

[@shalfeiisolid]

if you use ipad for mac mini as a monitor, would you be able to use the apple pencil or no?

[@9amStudio]

Will the Luna display work with my old iMac 2017 and Mac Mini M1?

[@Zacky577]

How long does the Anker Power Househouse 90 last when used with the Mac mini?

[@jessicahartzell3434]

I’m going back into teaching. I have an iPad Pro, but don’t want to spend the money on buying a new laptop. This seems like a great idea. I already have a Logitech keyboard with touch pad for the iPad, do I need anything else?

[@relative_vie]

I’m trying to control my macbook pro on ipad. Sidecar and Universal control doesn’t do the jon or I’m just dumb. With the Lunar Display be my solution? Also I should note I am using magic keyboard as well.

[@newyaso]

What do you think about the jump desktop app? All you need is to keep the Mac mini running at home

[@roccoroselli3957]

When the Mac mini is connected directly to the Ipad through the port does it also charge it at the same time?

[@burakhandan8643]

While you are connected with also type-c cable, would you able to get an audio from iPad? How is iPad's battery performance with luna app?

[@sean.sullivan]

curious if there are any issues or restrictions with airports and this kind of power supply?

[@box4aza]

Love this portable setup!

[@TausifHussain]

Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it !

[@jursoy]

Hola, tengo un Mac mini M2 y un IMac 27” de finales de 2015, puedo usar el IMac como pantalla principal del Mac Mini M”?. Gracias

[@NoAlliance]

If the iPad has data service does it work? Like can the mini connect to the internet from the pad?

[@Emeraldcrownn]

Thank you for this. I rather use my mac mini for travel.

[@demonhogo]

does that stand work with the first gen 12.9 ipad pro?

[@fleurstube]

Can you use the ipad camera within the mac mini’s OS?

[@SingerOmayChannel]

Hi without mac luna usb we cannot connect it to the mac mini to the Ipad?

[@danadouglass2822]

That’s awesome

[@gergemall]

Ex😢❤excellent. I really enjoyed your video.

[@vicluistudio3320]

For a cable method : So no need HDMI cable, just a normal cable with USB C on both side, to connect the mac studio/ mac mini with ipad air/ ipad pro?

[@sighupcmd]

So it's just remote desktop streaming using 3d party software? Is there a native solution for doing that? Or better stream commands and not rasterized frames? There should be a way to do that

[@willhayden895]

What is the red USB "thing" you plugged in with the Luna display app? What is that piece and where does it come from?

[@Seravat7]

Do you need the mouse, or does the touchscreen work?

[@doriswoodruff4810]

how does the iPad stay charged?? by plugging into the studio or mac mini?

[@danm9561]

If you use a usb-c cable to connect ipad to mac mini, do you still need the luna dongle?

[@rockjoshua7781]

Can i power my ipad while I connected to mac mini with cable?

[@zweiwing4435]

Can you do Tablet and with Windows? and Linux laptops?

[@ShinAkarri]

How many hours does the Anker battery last, with the Mac mini plugged in, before dying?

[@proactivex]

will sidecar work or do you have to buy luna?