A big upgrade to a computer setup is a major boost to any user. And today’s featured rig, though it may look unassuming, got a doozy of a makeover. A Mac mini dating all the way back to 2012 finally retired after a long career. And a powerful new M2 Max Mac Studio took over, with a late-model MacBook Air riding shotgun.
But that’s not all. Read more about other bonuses in the rejuvenated setup besides the laptop, and check out the full gear list below.
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Sleek MacBook Air for travel complements setup upgraded to M2 Max Mac Studio with dual 4K displays
Portugal-based Redditor PBRarq showcased the much-upgraded setup in a post entitled, “My new setup.” From the sound of it, the rejuventated setup advanced by more than a decade in computing power, visual splendor and even sound quality.
So just how much did they upgrade the setup? Here’s what they said:
Coming from a Mac mini late 2012 and two 24 Dell monitors, I think it’s a pretty big setup. Mac Studio M2 Max 2 LG 32un650 which as the same display as the 880. A pair of Bowers MM1. A MacBook Air for traveling.
Those are serious upgrades. Even a base-level M2 Max Mac Studio is going to smoke a 2012 Mac mini. A new Mac mini with formidable configuation would compete with versions of the Mac Studio, but a 13-year-old mini with an Intel processor? Not so much. And even a newish MacBook Air — anything with an M-series chip — would seriously outclass the old mini. PBR said the MacBook Air serves mostly for travel, so it’s more of a bonus in this productive setup.
Bigger, better screens and terrific speakers
And those aren’t the only upgrades. PBR’s pair of 24-inch Dell monitors, probably with 1080p resolution, stepped aside for 32-inch LG UltraFine 4K displays boasting 3820 x 2160 pixel resolution. That’s a nice visual boost and bigger screens to boot, adding 8 inches of screen real estate apiece.
And the setup is no slouch in the audio department, either. It’s not 100% clear from the post if the fine speakers on the desk are new, too, but it sounds like they are.
They’ve been available for years — starting in 2010 — but this may the first appearance in our Setups coverage by the Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 Hi-Fi Computer Speakers, currently listed for $534 on Amazon (see below).
The English brand, dating back to 1966, is legendary for its high-fidelity speakers and headphones. So whenever PBR added those studio monitor-grade speakers, it was likely a big leap in desktop audio quality.
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If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
This version of Apple's powerful desktop computer comes with an M2 Max chip and 32GB of unified memory.
