📚 Main Topics

1. Overview of the Devices

   • Comparison between the M4 Mac Mini, M4 Pro Mac Mini, and Geekom GT1 Mega.
   • Price points: M4 Mac Mini ($600), M4 Pro Mac Mini ($1399), Geekom GT1 Mega ($989).

2. Performance Testing

   • Real-world tests including productivity tasks, video editing in DaVinci Resolve, gaming, and photo editing in Lightroom.
   • Power consumption tests to evaluate efficiency.

3. Design and Connectivity

   • Aesthetic comparisons and port availability.
   • Discussion on the upgradeability of the Geekom GT1 Mega versus the Mac Mini.

4. Gaming Performance

   • Analysis of gaming capabilities on both Mac and Windows platforms.
   • Performance of the Geekom GT1 Mega in gaming scenarios.

5. Video Editing and Photo Editing

   • Performance in video editing tasks, particularly in DaVinci Resolve.
   • Lightroom performance for batch processing of images.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Value for MoneyThe Geekom GT1 Mega offers a better price-to-performance ratio compared to the Mac Mini, especially when considering upgrades.
• UpgradeabilityThe Geekom allows for easy upgrades of memory and storage, which is a significant advantage over the Mac Mini's fixed configurations.
• PerformanceWhile the Mac Mini excels in certain creative tasks, the Geekom holds its own and often outperforms the Mac Mini in gaming and some productivity tasks.
• Fan NoiseThe Geekom GT1 Mega is noisier under load compared to the Mac Mini, which operates more quietly.
• ConnectivityThe Geekom provides more USB-A ports and supports multiple 4K monitors, while the Mac Mini has limited USB-C ports.

🧠 Lessons Learned

• Consider Your NeedsDepending on whether you are in the Apple ecosystem or need a versatile mini PC, your choice may vary. The Mac Mini is great for lighter tasks, while the Geekom is better for gaming and upgradability.
• Budgeting for UpgradesWhen purchasing a Mac Mini, consider the additional costs for upgrades, as they can significantly increase the total price.
• Real-World TestingBenchmarking performance through real-world tasks provides a clearer picture of how devices perform in everyday use rather than relying solely on specifications.