Best Budget Accessories for your M4 Mac mini!

MACACCESSORIESM4MAC MINI
Written By Jerry Schulze

Congratulations on your new M4 Mac mini! This compact powerhouse packs a serious punch, offering impressive performance at an incredibly affordable price point. However, to truly get the most out of your new Mac, you'll want to invest in a few key accessories that can enhance your workflow and overall user experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore a carefully curated selection of budget-friendly accessories that strike the perfect balance between quality and value (even if not always the cheapest). Whether you're just starting out with your M4 Mac mini or looking to upgrade your existing setup, these recommendations will help you kit out your workspace without breaking the bank.

Keyboard and Mouse: The Dynamic Duo

The keyboard and mouse are the foundation of any desktop setup, and when it comes to the M4 Mac mini, we've got you covered with some fantastic budget-friendly options.

Logitech MX Keys Mini

For the keyboard, our top pick is the Logitech MX Keys Mini. This compact, Chiclet-style keyboard offers a similar feel to the Apple Magic Keyboard, with just a touch more travel in the keys. The dimpled surface provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience, and the Mac-specific layout ensures a seamless integration with your new M4 Mac mini.

The MX Keys Mini boasts Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to easily switch between up to three devices, including your Mac, iPad, or even a Windows PC. With a battery life of up to five months on a single charge (without the backlight), this keyboard is a true workhorse that won't leave you searching for a power outlet.

Logitech MX Anywhere 3S

For the mouse, we recommend the Logitech MX Anywhere 3S. This compact, ergonomic mouse offers a comfortable grip and a host of features that make it an excellent companion for your M4 Mac mini.

One of the standout features is the MagSpeed scrolling wheel, which allows you to switch between a ratcheted and a free-scrolling mode with the tap of a button. This provides a smooth, inertial scrolling experience that rivals the Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad. Additionally, the mouse features customizable buttons and a quiet click mechanism, making it a pleasure to use throughout the day.

Like the keyboard, the MX Anywhere 3S can connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth, and it boasts an impressive battery life of up to two months on a single charge.

Setting Up Your Bluetooth Accessories

When setting up your new M4 Mac mini for the first time, you may encounter an issue where your Bluetooth keyboard and mouse don't immediately connect. Fear not, as there's a simple solution to this problem.

All you need to do is tap the power button on your Mac mini three times, which will bring up the Bluetooth pairing mode. This will allow you to easily connect your Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, ensuring a seamless setup process.

Desk Accessories: Elevating Your Workspace

With your keyboard and mouse in place, it's time to turn our attention to the desk accessories that can enhance your overall workspace.

Bright Stone Felt Desk Mat

First up, we have the Bright Stone Felt Desk Mat. This soft, comfortable mat provides a luxurious surface for your keyboard and mouse, while also helping to keep them in place thanks to the non-slip rubber backing. The felt material offers a smooth gliding experience for your mouse, and the minimal, clean design complements the aesthetic of your M4 Mac mini perfectly.

Desk Shelves and Stands

Next, let's talk about elevating your display and organizing your workspace. For a budget-friendly desk shelf option, we recommend the Aothia Black Walnut Shelf. This 43-inch wide shelf can comfortably accommodate two 27-inch displays side by side, providing a floating, elevated look for your setup.

If you're willing to invest a bit more, the Fenge Monitor Stand is a sleek and modern alternative. This stand features a built-in shelf for your M4 Mac mini, keeping your desktop clutter-free and your workspace organized.

iPad Integration

To further enhance your productivity, consider incorporating an iPad into your setup. The Ugreen Tablet Stand is a great budget-friendly option that allows you to position your iPad at the perfect angle for use with Universal Control or Sidecar.

Displays: Elevating Your Visual Experience

No desktop setup is complete without a high-quality display, and when it comes to the M4 Mac mini, we've got two fantastic options to consider.

BenQ MA270U

For a display that seamlessly matches the aesthetic of your M4 Mac mini, the BenQ MA270U is an excellent choice. This 27-inch, 4K display boasts a matte finish and an aluminum-inspired design that complements the Mac mini's sleek appearance.

With 98% coverage of the P3 wide color gamut and a peak brightness of 400 nits, the BenQ MA270U delivers vibrant, accurate colors and ample brightness for most indoor environments. The built-in speakers and integration with macOS further enhance the user experience, making this display a fantastic value proposition.

ASUS ProArt PA27JCV

If you're in the market for a 5K display, the ASUS ProArt PA27JCV is a compelling option. This 27-inch display offers a stunning 5K resolution (5120 x 2880) at 218 pixels per inch, providing exceptional clarity and detail for your creative work or media consumption.

While the ASUS ProArt display offers slightly better color accuracy than the BenQ MA270U, it does come with a few trade-offs. The built-in speakers are of lower quality, and there's no macOS integration for features like volume control. However, if you prioritize the highest possible visual fidelity, the ASUS ProArt PA27JCV is a worthy investment.

Webcam and Microphone: Elevating Your Video Calls

With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, a reliable webcam and microphone setup is essential. Fortunately, we have the perfect budget-friendly solution for your M4 Mac mini.

Logitech BRIO 100

The Logitech BRIO 100 is a compact, 1080p webcam that delivers impressive performance without breaking the bank. This plug-and-play device requires no additional software, making it a hassle-free option for your video calls and conferences.

Beyond the basic functionality, the BRIO 100 also features a built-in microphone and a privacy shutter, ensuring your video and audio quality remain top-notch while protecting your privacy when not in use.

Connectivity and Expansion: Unlocking the Full Potential

The M4 Mac mini comes equipped with a variety of ports, including USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 connections. However, to truly unlock the full potential of your new machine, you may want to consider a versatile hub or dock to expand your connectivity options.

CalDigit Element Hub

Enter the CalDigit Element Hub, a Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C hub that provides a wealth of connectivity options. With eight ports, including four high-speed USB-A ports and three Thunderbolt 4 ports, this hub can handle all your peripheral needs, from external storage to dual 4K display setups.

The Element Hub is fully powered, meaning it can provide up to 60 watts of power to your M4 Mac mini, ensuring your device stays charged and ready to go. Additionally, the hub can function as a standalone charger, making it a versatile addition to your desktop setup.

Audio: Elevating Your Listening Experience

No workspace is complete without a solid audio setup, and for the M4 Mac mini, we've got the perfect budget-friendly solution.

Creative Stage SE Soundbar

The Creative Stage SE Soundbar is a compact, 48-watt audio system that delivers surprisingly impressive sound quality. Unlike some budget-friendly speaker options that rely solely on the computer's power, the Creative Stage SE has a dedicated power input, ensuring a more robust and immersive audio experience.

The soundbar connects to your M4 Mac mini via USB-C, allowing for seamless volume control integration with your keyboard. It also features Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to stream audio from your other devices. While it may not rival a high-end audio setup, the Creative Stage SE is more than capable of handling your daily media consumption and music listening needs.

Storage: Expanding Your Capacity

The M4 Mac mini offers impressive performance, but the base storage options can quickly become limiting, especially for users with large media libraries or those who work with high-resolution content. To address this, we have a fantastic budget-friendly storage solution.

Samsung T7 SSD

The Samsung T7 SSD is a compact, portable solid-state drive that provides ample storage space without breaking the bank. Available in capacities up to 2TB, the T7 SSD offers lightning-fast transfer speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, making it an excellent choice for tasks like video editing, photo processing, and general file management.

Compared to the costly storage upgrades offered by Apple, the Samsung T7 SSD is a much more affordable solution, allowing you to expand your M4 Mac mini's storage capacity without draining your budget.

Accessory Extras: Rounding Out Your Setup

To complete your M4 Mac mini setup, we have a couple of additional accessories that can prove invaluable.

Anker SD Card Reader

The Anker SD Card Reader is a compact, USB-C-enabled device that allows you to quickly and easily transfer files from your camera's SD or microSD cards. Its small form factor makes it a convenient addition to your workspace, and the ability to read both standard and micro SD cards simultaneously further enhances its versatility.

Anker USB-A to USB-C Adapters

While the M4 Mac mini is equipped with USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 ports, you may still have legacy USB-A devices that you need to connect. The Anker USB-A to USB-C Adapters provide a simple and affordable solution, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your existing peripherals into your new M4 Mac mini setup.

Conclusion

By investing in these carefully curated budget-friendly accessories, you can elevate your M4 Mac mini experience without breaking the bank. From the essential keyboard and mouse to the versatile connectivity and storage solutions, each of these recommendations has been selected to provide the perfect balance of performance, features, and value.

Remember, your workspace is a reflection of your productivity and creativity, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination of accessories that cater to your unique needs. With these budget-friendly options, you can create a setup that not only looks great but also empowers you to achieve your goals with your new M4 Mac mini.

Jerry Schulze
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