Ultimate BUDGET Mac desktop setup!

[@megatronskneecap]

It's sick how you can now pop an entire desktop in your backpack (minus the monitor) and have an 8k editing workstation right there, on your back. We've come so far.

[@obito9078]

it can fit in pocket

[@sandmanpictureske]

so sick my guy!

[@emilsecker7881]

8K video is so pointless atm

[@megatronskneecap]

@@emilsecker7881 Not really, many companies use it as a standard like RED, Sony and BlackMagic. It's good to have the capability. Also movie theaters run PLEX servers and projectors that use 8K.

[@emilsecker7881]

@@megatronskneecap fair. But I’m telling about average consumers

[@rodster44]

The Apple Thunderbolt 27" display is a much better option. Requires just a small thunderbolt adapter (which is more compatible) slimmer more attractive design with built in FaceTime camera, microphone and speakers and runs a more standard 2540x1440 resolution, and even includes a USB A hub in the back. It's a much newer design 2011-2016, and you can pick one up for under $200.

[@Anne6621]

will that Apple Thunderbolt 27" work with the 2023 Mac Mini entry level 500 dollar model

[@julieannshoemanlewis9069]

@@Anne6621 Yes

[@Anne6621]

@@julieannshoemanlewis9069 i am confused as hell , do i buy the 2023 mac mini or a 2020 27" iMac fully loaded or a 2021 M1 iMac

[@lelluc]

I have been using a 2008 cinema display since I bought it back in 2008, although very heavy for today's standards, it is by far one of the best purchases I've done in my life... 0 problems so far!

[@innovativeadvertising6463]

Hey there! As a fellow tech enthusiast, I'd recommend checking out the HOTO Compressed Air Capsule. It's a compact and powerful device that offers both vacuuming and blowing capabilities. With features like high-quality filters, swift keyboard cleaning, and efficient storage, it seems like a handy tool for maintaining a spotless desktop setup. Plus, the versatile accessories make it ideal for road trips and outdoor activities. Overall, it appears to be a quality product worth considering. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further recommendations!

[@innovativeadvertising6463]

Hey there! As a fellow tech enthusiast, I can totally understand the importance of keeping your desktop setup clean. Have you heard about the HOTO Compressed Air Capsule? It's a versatile tool that combines vacuuming and blowing capabilities, making it perfect for maintaining a spotless environment on your desk and beyond. I've found it to be of good quality and reasonably priced compared to other brands. You might want to check it out!

[@StratsRUs]

Same here, it is great

[@aliataciciek]

That 30" 2004 Cinema Display is insane. It is nearly my age and better than a lot of new monitors you can buy today. Also the design holds up brilliantly. The matte display matched with thin aluminium besels still looks great. The design language hasn't changed that much, the foot of the display tells a lot. I am glad you picked that for this video. You can have a sub-$600 M2 Pro desktop setup in 2022. How the times have changed.

[@TravisLohmannMusic]

running dual 30" Cinema Displays here :)

[@charlessale409]

Great monitor but they use so much electricity. I just sold mine because of this.

[@mracer8]

The sub 600 is not M2 pro

[@eduart79]

run 60Hz ? Thanks

[@realSkyfr]

@@charlessale409the one i use is the apple thunderbolt monitor. only thing that could be better is speakers

[@dgpsf]

First off, love this video. Second, I highly recommend any Mini owner to invest in the little "dock" hubs that fit the exact footprint, they're about 40% of the height of the Mini and add a bunch of front IO such as SD and USB, as well as usually an internal SSD slot inside them. (They just plug into a rear USB-c). It really enhances the usability! And totally agree that if you can do one upgrade these days it may as well be storage, especially since this generation FINALLY graduated to 16GB min ram. I have been helping a friend and it's shocking to me how hard Apple makes it to use external storage for things now. If you like most people want to also use the cloud to back up AND keep a copy locally on your large external SSD, you're out of luck. iCloud Drive can only use storage on your main boot disk, and OneDrive is the same, it can only live on a non-ejectable volume, so that rules out any other disk unless you're using a Mac Pro, I guess?

[@adwian1]

I have one of these and its a godsend.

[@bazwillrun]

apple dont want you using external storage they want all your data in their cloud so they have total control over you..fuck them

[@pjbuma13]

I have the M1 Mac mini and a Satechi hub with a PNY 1TB SSD

[@ZhuJo99]

Those hubs are crazily slow. No thanks. I have thunderbolt nvme enclosure with WD ssd that I use as a boot drive (it has to be WD as other nvme controllers have huge trim issues under macos) and cheap usb 3.2 hub. Maybe not as compact but much faster. Those usb 3.2 ports actually work at full speed.

[@coldacre]

the Mac Mini Pro has 2 extra Thunderbolt ports. unless you really need SD... I'm good with 2 X USB & 4 X Thunderbolt 4's

[@BernardManansala]

Love my Apple 30" Cinema Display and refuse to upgrade. I have my 2012 Mac Mini velcroed to the back of it. So basically I turned my Cinama Display into a iMac 😉

[@dereinegreg]

I am totally happy with my Mac Mini M2 (non-Pro). In my setup it’s hooked up to a LG Ultrawide monitor which I’ve had already. This setup masters all the tasks I throw at it.

[@The_kayotic]

Whats the performance like

[@johnbergmann2896]

You can find the 27" TB displays for about $200 these days too. And don't be alarmed if you get one with a crappy cord, either get a new one (~$35 eBay) or get and extension and plug it into the other TB port. I have two of them and they are so nice. Speakers, mic, camera, ports, decent resolution for $200.

[@Robert44444444]

I'm using an Apple 'Magic' Trackpad II currently… been using it for about 6yrs. It's the best trackpad to use with Mac, and I'd argue it's the best input device period… pricey?… hell yeah, but worth it. I'd never want to go back to using a mouse.

[@BOOGOTTINYC]

Can you connect multiple Mac displays together . Keeping in mind that there is only one display port

[@MacSoundSolutions]

Check your power bill from using Cinema display after a few weeks, it probably uses 10 times what the Mini uses. On the other hand it makes for a good space heater if you live in a cold climate.

[@jahkobej6157]

What about the LED version?

[@MacSoundSolutions]

@@jahkobej6157 the 30 inch is LCD you can get the older Thunderbolt Display that came out after the cinema displays

[@Thebestgamer021]

I have one too 20 inch 1920x1200 with gtx960-2gb + first-gen-dual-core i5-sleeper-desktop-pc and with classic 04slim usb xbox controller working as360gamepad in aaa games...

[@MacSoundSolutions]

@@Thebestgamer021 I had the 30inch when they first came out, it got very yellow over time and pixels on the edges started to die but I sure loved it for several few years although I wish I had bought Apple stock with the money back then instead of the crazy expensive monitor.

[@mikepeebles]

Yeah I can confirm that power consumption is horrible on those 30” Cinema Display. I have two of them hooked up to a 2012 MacPro 12 CoreHore, and unplug them when not in use.

[@tkmkirill]

A new (or used) m1 Macbook Air for 800usd and you save almost 500 and also can have a portable computer now and 2 screens. But with half ram.

[@kerningandleading]

I have been using my 30” since I got it in 2008 and my model has yellowed with age a bit but not too bad. I upgraded a few years ago but still keeping it around and continuing to use it. The thing is a beast at over 30 lbs.

[@busyak]

For an extra $40 you can get the 27” Cinema Display from 2011, I got mine for $240 plus $10 for a t-bolt to usb-c adapter, fits the same aesthetic, but, the best part - great speakers!!! Worth it

[@IPULCOLUMBIA]

Got my 30 inch Cinema Display for $50.00 plus my i7 2.6 mini (put in a 2tb SSD) 16 of course- another $50.00 already had my mouse and key board from Apple… the SSD what is $83… total cost $183…opened to Ventura… it’s a beast for that price and that look of the 30 inch monitor it’s incredible!!!!! No stuttering at all!!!

[@TommyTube_]

I purchase 3 ThunderBolt displays for $100 each at the end of 2022...great purchase...only thing that sucks is the I/O ports are out of date and slow

[@AirGunWeb]

Hey there. So Luke. I just converted back to Mac after attempting to migrate to Windows. Your videos certainly helped convince me that continuing to push that particular boulder up the mountain was futile. Anyway, I bought an M1 Max Studio model on eBay and it’s awesome. I needed / wanted more ports and storage so I added the Satechi - Stand & Hub For Mac Mini / Studio With NVMe SSD Enclosure from BesyBuy. $99 and I dropped a 4TB NMME drive in it. Good to go now. I sure you’ve probably covered it, but in case you haven’t, wanted to share it as it’s awesome. Thanks for the great videos. Cheers Rick

[@joscha4133]

Last week i got One 30 Inch Cinema Display with Power suplly for 25 Euros

[@robsquared2]

You should do another one where you build the cheapest apple silicon setup (refurb gen1 mini), cheap monitor, keyboard, mouse and make it targeted for longevity for an older adult. Note: peripherals are 3rd party to be even cheaper.

[@MarcosRavena]

Man I love this Cinema Display model. I still use my 20" from 2006. Great image. Combines perfectly with my Mac mini or with my wife's iMac as a secondary monitor. Looking today, this amount of cables seem weird, but more than fifteen years ago, it was really innovative. An era where PCs were ugly beige boxes with small tube monitors. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@Suddhadeep]

I do not understand why you would not simply buy a 4k tv for cheaper than that.

[@MarcosRavena]

@@Suddhadeep you just can’t understand or explain a fanboy, man! Hahahahhahahha P.S.: I already use a cheaper 4k monitor. And it’s better than the Cinema Display and the Thunderbolt Display.

[@OptiplexAircraft]

@@MarcosRavena Either way, there was no 4K monitors or even TVs till 6 years later. Plus the cinema display has such a better design in my opinion.

[@baptiste_boo]

@@Suddhadeep You can get the cinema display for like £30 or $40 today second hand and still will provide a great image.

[@DDProCo]

I edit videos on my base model Mac mini. I just bought a few 1TB Samsung T5s and I edit right off of those. I have one for KZbin, one for Freelance work, and one for personal files and that was cheaper than maxing out the storage. Not to mention, I can just get another one when ever I need.

[@limen5442]

Have used my 30" cinema display since I was 18 in 2008. It's gone through Macbook Pros, windows gaming pcs, the 2019 Mac Pro, and now a Mac Studio. I have two 27" refurbished 1440p viewsonic monitors as well mounted vertically on each side. I have a hard time justifying getting another pricey monitor ever again, simply because this one is so great.

[@trentfarmer9862]

I still have this Cinema Display however there was an issue with the model I have where the screen turned pink so it is sitting in a closet and I need to take it to a recycling center.

[@deanzaZZR]

One item I would budget into the mix is a Mac Mini hub or stand. I recently purchased a stand which now has a 1 GB SSD. I also now have 2 USB-C ports and SD card readers within easy reach. No more fumbling behind the Mini to plug in a cable or drive for me.

[@eddiegardner8232]

I am using a 50" 4k Vizio television (~$600 7 years ago) driven directly by the HDMI port on my Mac mini at 60 Hz. 3840x2160 (around 8 million pixels) is basically "Retina" quality for reasonable viewing distances, and noticeably roomier than a 30" old computer monitor for opening lots of windows. No interfaces required, just an HDMI cable. Completing the setup is an Apple Bluetooth keyboard and a Bluetooth mouse, and of course, the base model mini for $400 at the Education store. A $25 flash drive plugged into one of the USB ports provides automatic Time Machine backups. The TV furnishes the speakers, and when work is done, I can watch the evening news on it or use it as a "smart" TV to stream video. Why anyone wants to use a "computer monitor" any more is hard to figure.

[@HOLLYWOODUNAPOLOGETIC]

I know this video is a year old. But I should mention, I bought a 30” from a Goodwill auction for under $200 without the power adaptor. I couldn’t find an inexpensive adapter for months. When I finally did, the monitor powered up, but there was a gradient of brown going from one side to the other. I set the brightness and contrast high, much higher than I normally would and was able to get it somewhat calibrated. I bought it to be used as a third monitor on an old Mac Pro 5,1 set up for graphics and special effects with the hopes of running 3 to replace my 27” Cinema Displays to only find that the monitor now flashes intermittently after the first month of use. I’m a bit disappointed and have the monitor off most of the time. When I do use it, I may be able to get one day of use at a time. I mention this because from my research, both issues are somewhat common on these 30” Cinema Displays your viewers may be interested in knowing if they were planning on setting up a Mac Mini like what you’re doing here. Luke, thanks for what you do, man!

[@1EyeInTheSky]

Still using my Mini M1 and it crunches through video without issue. I would love the M2, but I cant really complain about my performance currently so the pragmatic part of my brain wont justify getting a new one even though the reckless spendthrift part of me wants to really bad.

[@replayit]

Surprised you didn't go with an Apple Thunderbolt Display A1407 which came with built-in camera, speakers and several ports usable in 2023. It's only slightly smaller at 27 inches. There's an adapter to turn the MagSafe connection into USB-C PD.

[@coldacre]

I've been using Apple products for a long time; starting with an iMac G3 DV400 in 2000, a PowerMac G4 in 2002, a 20" Intel iMac in 2006 etc etc. my last purchase up until recently was a Macbook Air in 2020.... right before the silicon chips happened. I knew that I would be getting a desktop Mac in the future, have been biding my time. when I saw the Mac Mini Pro drop earlier this year I knew it was "the one". in my opinion it is the best value for money Mac that Apple have ever released. it is SO powerful. I have Logic, Resolve, multiple browser tabs, virtual instruments, iZoptope / Fab Filter plugins, a webcam all running at once..... the thing is using less than 2% CPU power. it is insane

[@AUNEEKUZIRNAIM]

HAHA! I'm sitting here watching this video on a beautiful 2004 Cinema display! Oh, and because of this Cinema and the 2018 mini, I don't need the wall radiator to heat the room in the winter. The Cinema display is a seriously hot item. Literally. I plan to keep it despite the heat and the exact same Club3D adapter is even worse (lots of artifacts, seems to be an engineering weakness) than the Apple adapter for DisplayPort which I couldn't find a suitable adapter to adapt the adapter to my USB C Mac mini 2018. If you know of an adapter that can go from the Apple Dual DVI / DisplayPort adapter to the USB C on the Mini, please let me know.

[@minecraftcart328]

Buy some Harmon kardon sound sticks pros to fit with the aesthetic

[@Halo9K]

Luke, good effort on the budget project but I think I might have you beat😊. I just bought the M2Pro MM for $1199, an LG 32” 4K via HDMI with built in speakers for $199, Satetchi backlit USB-C keyboard for $79, 2 multiport hubs that sit under the MM and each has 1TB SSD for $69 each, the SSDs were about $100 each, SuperDrive for $79, TrackPad 2 for $99, and a LeCie 4TB HDD for $129. Actually, the only thing I did was replace my 2020 Intel with the M2Pro as Zi already had the other equipment. The hubs have SD card readers as well as extra ports. My desk is a jelly bean shaped glass top desk that is static. You win on the desk😊. I also have a color laser printer/scanner. Very impressed with the M2 Pro which will more than meet my mundane needs and then some. I would’ve liked the Mac Stufio but $1500 is way too much to spend for a monitor by a casual user like myself. I could’ve gone with the base M2(16GB) but I wanted the 4 TB4 ports and the extra umph might come in handy someday so I got the Pro.

[@Jerusalemmade]

Nah if you edited this video on that setup then this is what you should stick with momentarily because everything looks smooth

[@atura5502]

The 2009 cinema Display is the way to go, mini DP works great with any kind of Mac / PC

[@td_kdname5197]

Luke refers back to the conversion he did with a 27" iMac with a 5K display to make it into his monitor. It was a great idea, but here's a pro tip. I did this with a 2K iMac by opening up the iMac and putting the Chinese conversion board inside, but it started to fail after a couple of months when the monitor got too hot. Keep the components outside in another enclosure so if they fail you don't have to pry open your iMac to fix it, which is a hassle and expensive if you buy the mounting adhesive strips.

[@jahkobej6157]

2k iMac??

[@themacintoshnerd]

@@jahkobej6157 yes pre 5k 27 inch iMacs were 1440p

[@dstinnettmusic]

@@themacintoshnerd2.5k

[@kevinherring4631]

I've just finished my conversion on a 27" 5K. Fingers crossed for the long term...

[@smartandee1]

Converted a 27" 5k 2017 iMac around 10 months ago. Working fine & dandy. No heating issues

[@LovelyAlanna]

I need to replace the 40" tv I won at a raffle for an actual monitor, I never considered an apple cinema display for that, they're incredibly cheap for the 23" version, and they're a very good resolution, I think I'll get one of those

[@davidscamerajourney]

Still use my 30" Cinema Display today. It's the updated late 2006 model with the higher contrast ratio and HDCP support. Still a beautiful display to look at.

[@longnightofmike]

Hey, I got my entry level Mac mini with the 8GB ram today... I plan to use it in my home office to edit videos, pictures, etc.... I hope I did not make a mistake I also got a full hd monitor... more was unfortunately just not inside... at work however I have the Mac mini with 24 GB and m2 pro , I had a 2017 iMac before that took 15 minutes to use... I think that should still be an upgrade

[@peterbreis5407]

+ speakers + microphone + camera. I'd buy a Mac w 32Gb RAM. RAM is shared w the graphics and you'll need it because otherwise macOS swaps a lot to the SSD.

[@viasland]

i had the 2009 mac pro and the 27" cinema display + the classic usb magic keyboard and magic mouse 1st gen they always looked so clean to this day i still use the cinema display as my main monitor for my 2014 imac after i broke the lcd on te imacs built in display

[@genreonlinenet]

What about a Thunderbolt Display?

[@Reldeifekirneh]

Great video! But the 2010 27 inch Cinema Display is a better option in my opinion. It looks better and it has built in speakers and an iSight camera. And the resolution is with 109 dpi (vs 100 dpi on the older model) also slightly better.

[@davidempire4874]

A refurbished 14" MBP is the best value. Typing this comment from my refurbished 1TB 14" MBP, which I got for $1469. Looks and feels brand new and came in sealed Apple box. Can't go wrong.

[@gliixo]

Honestly people sleep on the official apple refurbished section, so many great deals there for basically new tech. I'm planning on getting one of the new 24 inch imacs refurbished, you can get crazy specs for like $700 cheaper than normal sometimes

[@jahkobej6157]

​@@gliixo UHM. WHERE! THAT WOULD BE LIKE $599!!

[@gliixo]

@@jahkobej6157 ..... wat?

[@mendodsoregonbackroads6632]

@@gliixoYea, I was going to mention the 24” iMac. Even new, an up speced one 16/1TB is $2,099. The mini M2 with the same storage and ram is $1,499. Even though the monitor he used is under $200 it’s a cable mess and doesn’t come with speakers or camera. Yes the 24” iMac has a smaller screen than the 30” but it’s still a 4.5k monitor that also has 4 ports on the back and a headphone jack if you want one of those. Not to mention a matching Touch ID keyboard, and a magic mouse, which I actually like. But cool setup anyway. Luke is pretty inventive.

[@RS-kf7wg]

I have the two versions of the USB c to dvi club adapter that is advertised here. None of them work properly with my Apple 30 inch display that I found at a thrift store for $20 bucks. The only adapter that did work with my set up was Apple's DVI to display port adapter. Again the club adapter does not work. If someone needs USB c to dvi then get the thunderbolt to USB c plus the dvi to display port adapter that Apple made from back in the day. Hope this helps anyone.

[@readybear64]

I would love to do this with but with the m4 Mac mini

[@fen0221]

What’s the energy consumption of that monitor??

[@bilalahsan678]

I have almost the same setup, except that I use m1 Mac mini, so that would be a more budget friendly setup, I got m1 Mac mini Display I got for 100, Keychron K3 Keyboard (Which I think is much better than Mac keyboard) and a Phillips mouse, can u beat that, I run m1 Mac mini with (ubuntu and Windows 11 in parallels) I get best of all worlds, a Thunderbolt External Drive with 2500Mbps rate) to extend the internal setup and also a 50$ Lenovo Think vision display as a secondary monitor, now I plan to get the M2 pro

[@JakobRD]

Btw the colors after grading look slightly better than your previous videos-a little more natural skin tones and more natural saturation! It looks awesome, and your color grading skills are really good! What do you film on? RAW?

[@JakobRD]

@USERNAME_MRLUKEMIANI2 🤣

[@RavageEject84]

I have a M1 MacBook Air 256GB 16Ram 27inch Cinema Display OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock 2TB Samsung T& Apple Keyboard and MagicPad Twelve South BookArc Stand for MacBook I'm extremely happy with my setup, one cable plugs into the MacBook and keeps it charged.

[@LoganSteel]

Get one of those home pod Speakers and a shetechi dock for the mac mini

[@pepperguy37]

I bought a Mac mini 2014 about 18 days ago running Monterey hook up to my 50 inc TV with a wireless keyboard mouse combo for 130$ I'm happy does when I needed to do and if I ever want to put Ventura on it I can use opencore.

[@SportsIncorporated]

I've purchased 8 monitors over the past few months. All either 27" or 32". I wouldn't go past 27" if you're working arms length from the monitor. And frankly at that distance I prefer 20". I'm using a 27" monitor at 32" away. It works pretty well at this distance.

[@patrickfarnburn5704]

Funny, after seeing many of your video's on YT, yesterday I made the decision and order the Mac Mini M2 Pro, but I only I spend extra money for a 1 TB SSD because I see many warnings about the SSD don't last forever, in particular when you you write many times to the SSD. I like to see your videos thanks for showing this, and it can help many people to make the right decision.

[@Gustavosilveirlopes]

I’m still rocking my LED Cinema Display with my MBP I picked up used for 300 before they came out with the studio display and I use ir everyday and it is SO much better than anything I could get for the pice

[@davidcolton1957]

Totally agree I've just got an M2 mini and its amazing replacing both my 2012 iMac ( 32Gb ram 1 TB running Ventura via opencore patcher) and my 2013 Macbook pro (1TB 32GB) its totally worth the money (27" 4K Dell ex demo display was dead cheap on Amazon at $300!)

[@darrenc8455]

I bought M2 Mini base model for $499 + 27 Thunderbold Display $75 + Magic Keyboard $20 + Apple USB C converter $15 from eBay + Old Magic Mouse from drawer $0. I got full Apple experience with speaker and camera for about $610.

[@mitchellcamps7595]

I owned this monitor for about 5 years, bought it used on Craigslist for about $600, sold it again for $600. I now own a Pro Display XDR and plan to own it for many, many years.

[@thomasm.houston8258]

Awesome! I tried using my HDMI to Cinema Display but it did not work. Maybe this is the answer? I have an old 28” Apple display but it does not have the dvi. It has a mag charger, a usb and display connector. I hope to get this to work with my new Mac mini M2! Any suggestions are welcome!

[@marcel.bianchi]

Luke, is it possible to use one of those 24" imacs as a monitor? It doesent have any displayport

[@roddyalcivar]

Watching this in 2024. Need a sequel to this with the base model Mac mini M4.

[@Kenzo9063]

I use a dell P2723de. Since it has usb c and it connects using one cable. Some monitors have built in webcam and speakerphone but a word of caution, some may not work with macOS

[@daspec]

To be historically accurate, the Apple display did have the highest resolution for a 16 : 10 monitor in the 2000's, but the world record for the 4 : 3 format in the '90s belonged to the legendary EIZO/NANAO F784W, the Mitsubishi Diamontron and the IIyama VisionMaster (I had all of them) all working @ 2048X1536 and the EIZO REQUIRED a purpose built Omniverse 60 VGA card that cost just as much. These monitors were priced at about $4000 each in today's money WITHOUT a VGA card and were gigantic, we needed 2 people to move them!!

[@julieannshoemanlewis9069]

I remember that monitor! My Dad had one. :-)

[@invaider88]

I own 30" Cinema display and it is terrible for your eyes to work with it after retina display on my macbook. so i work with laptop monitor as main screen and use 30" and old 19" as aditional screens. if you need a big main screen - 4k modern display sounds better option

[@madness8556]

I would love a budget mac desktop set up for home studio based music production. I currently use a fully maxed out 2012 i7 27" imac with 500gb SSD and 32gb ram but it's starting to show its age. What would you recommend in 2023 for music production with no high spec video/graphics editing.

[@mitchelldries6628]

have had mine for a couple months and love it. a bit more computer than i really need, but having the option of having three monitors at a time is what sold me on it for my recording studio...

[@LarryGanz]

We replaced our 2015 27" iMac with this, even though it had a 32GB RAM/2TB SSD upgrade in 2020. For being Future Proof, we got the Mini with M2 Pro 12/19, 32GB RAM, 4TB SSD, 10Gbps network. We should get another 8 years out of this, like we did the iMac. Paired with the old keyboard and mouse, and my extra Asus VG27AQ 1440p monitor and a Brio 4K webcam it's great! I could have got by with a 2TB drive, but backing up 6 iPhones and 4 iPads was eating up 500 GB right there, with another 500 GB of storage used up for my photos and my wife's photos (two users on the mini, syncing different include accounts. I don't want the only full copy of photos and iOS backups to be solely on the iCloud. My iTunes is all on a 16TB RAID with 50% space free, after 20 years of collecting music and movies, so it uses no internal storage space.

[@julieannshoemanlewis9069]

Such a sweet setup. I really should do the same. Everything I have is in iCloud and google cloud. Prob not the best idea.

[@fanlinsen7092]

Glad to see video like this. I encountered a problem when using a Mac with an M1 chip: For non-Apple monitors (such as DELL, LG and BENQ), there is a certain probability that the screen will flicker, and Apple has not solved this problem so far. I'm currently using a Displaylink dock to connect the monitors so I don't have to buy an expensive Studio Display. It's very disappointing that Apple does its best to make you use only Apple's own products.

[@DanielJacksonMusic]

Hey Luke, im just wondering how did you get the newer Mac mini working with your old Cinema Display?! I have one, but it didn't work with the M1 for some reason so I had to go a completely different route of my computer setup, although that was 3 years ago now, so how did you do it?

[@jasonmackenzie3052]

I've got to x2 of the 24inch displays connected to my pc, love them still :)

[@nasabiraphillbert8220]

There's this monitor that was featured on Mac Address and man it was so good, I'd spend that 500-600 bucks for a good monitor. Tho that Cinema display is good

[@adamburgess1287]

Still got a 20" Cinema Display that's been all over the world with me since 2004! At the mo, I have a couple of LG Ultrawide monitors with my Mac mini M1 - yes - base model! But, the Cinema Display lives on paired with an M1 MacBook Air. The Cinema Display was truly a great monitor back in the day, and for almost 20 years old - it was worth it!

[@TheDrExaviouse]

I used two 30" displays for about a year. They were fantastic but ran extremely hot. eventually replaced them with an ultra wide and after a few years upgraded to triple 32" monitors

[@tweakpc]

I already mentioned this in the comments - you can replace the CCFL backlighting with LEDs

[@dronefilmsgermany]

does the Mac mini go to sleep like a normal Mac book pro when we close the lid. In this case there is no lid so how does the sleep - hibernate function work?

[@joecool2162]

2014 mac mini ventura plus 2009 24 inch apple cinema display all-in at under $500 works great. Second display 30 inch cinema display. on Ikea desk. Backup computer, 2009 Mac pro with 8tg hard disk and two 1tb ssds. ALL under $1000 plus storage and ram. 2012 Imac with 1tb ssd sits in the family room. $350. Complete apple setup UNDER $1,500. Thanks Luke!

[@robertzambo4935]

I also have an Apple Cinema Display 30 inches . I love it and watching movies is perfect for graphic work and video editing.

[@willm5032]

I use the 24 inch one of these and as a graphic designer, for colour it's one of the best monitors I've used. I'm getting a pro mini soon and I've already bought a dvi-hdmi cable (old boxed stock from apple) not bad for an £80 monitor. Also theres docks that add ports and SATA storage too for cheap too!

[@djbelly4968]

i have the same setup with 30" & 23" Cinema Display and a Mac mini M2 with extra storage trough an ACASI Thunderbolt Case it works perfekt.

[@marekmecir5822]

Hi Luke, Satechi makes a hub/stand/dock for Mac Mini, it is made from aluminium, and brings connectors to the front, also SD card slot..and I think I saw some dock with inegrated nvme storage (not included)

[@kasoimusic]

Two Questions: 1. How much for the DualDVI to DP adapter. 2. Does the Monitor support native upscaling from macOS itself? Thanks, always in touch with your content.

[@jahkobej6157]

Adapter is 40 dollars, he got the studio display for 200. And also most likely for the other one

[@Mooooooof]

These cinema displays still look incredible, it was unbelievable when the 30” one was announced. I had the very first gen Mac mini g4 with 20” Cinema Display. Looked so cool together

[@SamFigueroa]

I'm watching this on one of those old displays, and just got a shocked by how old this display is. I'm amazed it actually still works and that the backlight hasn't given out yet.

[@EremittV]

They are still very good, considering their age. But their power draw is no joke

[@DengueBurger]

@@EremittVyeah the power draw is concerning. I got a Thunderbolt Display for $17 + $20 gas (2 hour drive) recently. It’s beautiful. And only needs one connection on my 2012 Mac mini (Thunderbolt).

[@fuadhussain449]

nice to see luke miani also watches carwow

[@jamespike8279]

I bought a 27" Apple Thunderbolt display from a woman on Facebook for $300. Think it's a 2013 model. Works perfectly and I set it up with my M1 Mac mini that I bought a couple of years ago when my 2009 27" iMac finally bit the dust. Still have that one boxed away. So it's like having a brand new iMac really. Hope it lasts for many, many years to come. Love it.

[@julieannshoemanlewis9069]

You might be able to take the innards out and use the 27” as a monitor. The hard drive prob just failed. The picture is still good.

[@Hektormydog]

The APPLE Cinema Display’s 30 inches is nice…, but I went Thunderbolt Display for a few reasons. Of course the TBD is a Very-Solid all metal and glass display, beautifully designed and still has that ‘APPLE-look.’ Slightly higher than the Cinema; DPI at 109 [vs 100], brightness [375 vs 270] and contrast ratio [1000 vs 400], beautiful color!. Great built-in speakers, with an OK usable camera/mic. And, it’s an easy set-up with an APPLE TB2-USB-c adapter (not all that mess of the Cinema). Unlike 3rd party displays everything ingrates into the APPLE eco-system software/hardware without any problems. And, it works as a port hub for me too, although maybe outdated without modern ports, it works perfect for me with Ethernet, USB 2.0 ports (older drives and my USB APPLE SuperDrive), even that FireWire 800 port finds work with some old drives I have. They all work with the one TB2 to USB-c input to my MBP M1. I got mine a couple years ago, almost like-new in the original box, late production, for about $200, add the adapter price of $50, and I’m very happy with this display choice.

[@DDProCo]

There is a $99 Satechi base that adds more ports and a slot for an SSD.

[@danielfernandezaguirre]

that's a great setup for the price although the monitor is decent i would prefer an asus or Huawei one. they have ones with the apple aesthetic and better features.

[@lordberg3793]

hej Luke, grejt video. I do own a 23" apple cinema display and recently upgraded to the 27" Thuderbolt Display (2011) connected to the trashcan. Would be fun to watch you upload a video review on that one and what your thoughts would be. ;))

[@ToothlessJustin]

I would love to see you put a higher resolution screen in the Cinema Display shell and arrange all the ports etc properly!

[@johng8024]

Apple Cinema Display 30 is so underrated. Holds up really well even in 2023.

[@robcarr8505]

I'm just looking for something to edit short action camera videos for myself and a few friends and I know I can just do it on my phone but I think this is going to make it easier and faster. I like the idea of having a semi professional looking setup.

[@ruolov1]

Could you recommend an affordable portable monitor for the new mac mini? I want to use it like a macbook setup, but mac mini book. I need to be affordable and efficient.

[@sfrv]

Great Video couple of questions how would this stock M2 Pro Mac mini compare to a Mac Studio - Apple M1 Max Chip currently at Costco for 1499 and the 30" display vs a 27" Apple Thunderbolt Display.

[@benmuetsch]

Watching from a 2019 Mac Pro and a 23-inch Apple Cinema HD Display.. still like those old displays a lot. Nice to see a 30-inch paired with an M2 Mac Mini (y)

[@watercannonscollaboration2281]

I’ve had plenty of mini PCs, and the best thing about Mac minis is the integrated power supply, which makes its size surprisingly competitive

[@luv4mpower]

I dont think the display supports DRM video streaming? For example, Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.

[@vanCaldenborgh]

There is something important you should know before buying an used 30" Apple Cinema Display: Not all devices support HDCP, only the ones produced about the last two years or so, I don't know exactly what time they added HDCP, could not find precise documentation. A 2004 produced model will f.e. not show NETFLIX or similar streaming services.

[@BubuBORG]

My setup is similar: M1 Mini with a Thunderbolt Display from eBay, magic mouse and keyboard with Touch ID, and a second 1080p monitor. All I need is a new desk.

[@josemedeiros007]

Cool video Luke, you forgot to add the link to the Club DVI-D to USB C adapter in your video details. If it were me, I rather have a Macbook Air then a Mac Mini.

[@algheroman6476]

My 30” Apple Cinema display finally died after 10+ years. I replaced it with a 30” Dell (U3023E) with the same 16x10 aspect ratio and 2560 x 1600 resolution. It’s much lighter than the Cinema display (with an adjustable stand), and has a built in hub for multiple connections on the back. No power brick either, it is all internal. It even has a built in KVM switch to hook up two different computers. If you use a MacBook Pro, it can even charge your laptop at the same time with the single USB C cable. It is pricey for what it is, but found it on sale at B&H for $629. I bought two!

[@incredible0le]

Recommending a twenty year old display, the uses CFL for backlighting, that tends to dim (while shifting whitepoint) and die , is not exactly practical. Sure the aesthetics are great, but you're better off with a mostly bezel-less LG 32" 4k display (I got one mounted to a VESA-arm, that just looks mostly like the pro display XDR, when you look at it up front), that might be a bit more expensive, but is a way better choice overall. Your'e very lucky that you got one, that obviously seems to have a backlight in good condition.

[@mathewsklover8795]

Your a god. So basically i can get an older monitor and use it with a mini? Starting to want to run a desktop for editing and def on a budget.