The new Mac mini has sparked criticism over its power button placement, with many users expressing frustration over this design choice. However, these complaints are largely baseless. The power button is mostly useless on modern Macs, and operating the computer correctly means you’ll rarely need to rely on it beyond initial setup.
In fact, newer versions of macOS running on Apple’s M-series chipsets are extremely efficient, making daily shutdown unnecessary for most users. With MacBook Air M2, battery percentage never drops in hibernation due to automatic task sleeping and efficient power consumption. Similarly, the Mac mini M4’s performance can be resolved with a software restart from the top-left Apple menu.
A group of creative minds has come up with an ingenious solution to this issue by designing an accessory that clicks the power button on behalf of users. This 3D-printed add-on allows users to press the button without having to lift it up, making it more convenient.
Another criticism is aimed at the Magic Mouse’s bottom-positioned charging port, which has sparked memes and complaints since its introduction in 2015. However, this criticism seems unfounded. The Magic Mouse rapidly tops up its battery with a few minutes of plugging in, providing several hours of use. With an efficient battery life, users can easily spare the time to recharge it.
In contrast, some might argue that Apple’s design choices are not practical or ergonomic. But macOS supports thousands of third-party mice with distinct designs and functionalities. The Magic Mouse follows Apple’s modern and elegant design language, making its charging port less of an issue.
Apple’s VPs have defended the power button placement as convenient for the Mac mini’s size. Most criticism comes from users who are unaware of how these devices operate or are ignorant about their actual needs. Instead of obsessing over trivial details, let’s focus on more impactful flaws that Apple should address.
Source: https://www.macworld.com/article/2517471/if-youre-upset-about-the-m4-mac-mini-youre-just-using-it-wrong.html