Apple, some ideas if I may
2-12-2021
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Everyone’s favourite Apple could do so much more with its own computer chips. Such as the ultimate Mac Mini or a cheap micro PC the size of an Apple TV. In future, even completely new designs could be possible.
A year ago I switched from Windows to Mac. I think Apple’s idea of using mobile chip architecture in Macs is very clever. This opens up huge potential for innovation.
One year later, however, there’s still little innovation to be seen. Apple has indeed developed two new, powerful chips – the M1 Pro and M1 Max. And brought out new computers to go along with these chips. But they’re just ordinary notebooks. That’s not what I was dreaming of.
A Mac Mini with maximum performance
Including the powerful processors the Mac Mini should’ve been obvious.
In a desktop computer, these would be especially useful. After all, they need more power than the M1 from 2020 as they’re trimmed more for performance and less for battery life. Instead, Apple has put a chip designed for longer battery life in a computer that doesn’t have one, of all things. Absurd.
I’m optimistic that we’ll eventually get this – perhaps as early as spring 2022. There’s really no reason for Apple not to pimp the Mac Mini. Aside from the fact that the 32,000-franc Mac Pro would become obsolete. But it already is anyway.
Mac Mini? How about Mac Micro
If you’re going to build a Mac Mini with a cheaper chip, why not put a battery in it? This would allow the computer to remain in sleep mode and not have to be rebooted every time it’s connected. And why not make it much smaller so that it can be quickly slipped into a backpack or even a jacket pocket for transport? Technically, this would be feasible, since the current Mac Mini is partially hollow on the inside. Apple has kept the case’s side at just under 20 cm, although the innards take up much less space with M1 architecture. The form factor of an Apple TV (10 cm on the side) should be possible with a reasonably frugal silicon chip.
Source: egpu.io
Why do I want this? I need a portable computer, but it doesn’t have to be a notebook. After all, I’d use the computer almost exclusively at home or at my workplace in Zurich. Both locations have external screens, keyboards and a mouse available. I much prefer to work with those. The first thing I do at the office is attach my notebook to a dock. This would work just as well with a Mac Mini, in it would be even better suited.
A Micro Mac would, of course, be much cheaper than a MacBook, since the screen, keyboard, mouse pad and camera are omitted. I already own these things anyway, even multiple, why should I buy them again?
Endless possibilities
Looking further into the future, full-fledged computers can be built in ever-smaller ways, completely opening up new possibilities. Portable devices can look quite different from a smartphone or notebook. For example, it would be conceivable to build a full-fledged Mac into a keyboard. Just like the Raspberry Pi 400.
Or even cooler: a modular system where the computer is a small plate that can be magnetically bound to a keyboard, screen or anything else and then also connected via direct attachments. Like I recently saw with the DJI Action 2.
An old idea could now finally be realised: docking your smartphone and using it as a PC. Previous attempts, such as the Samsung Dex, not only suffer from performance issues, but also from the fact that desktop systems work differently than mobile ones. However, the M1 can run both. If Apple builds such a chip into the iPhone, it should only be a small step to the macPhone.
These are just a few spontaneous ideas. What’s for sure: the potential for innovation is greater than it has been for a long time. I hope that Apple will dare to experiment more and surprise us again as it did in the past under Steve Jobs.
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
