Apple stuck the Mac mini power button on the bottom
Don't expect to fit the new M4 Mac mini into too tight a space because you're going to have to tip it to reach underneath every time you need to switch it on.
The power button is underneath the new Mac mini -- image credit: Apple
If the position of the charging port on the Magic Mouse isn't the questionable design choice it's been called, the New Mac mini power button might be. As pointedly not shown by Apple in its launch video or new ad -- the Mac mini power button is underneath the device.
As can be seen on the online store's page for the new M4 Mac mini, the button is not on the very base of the model. It is, though, underneath it, raised off the ground only by the cooling vent.
Close up view of the power button -- image credit: Apple
It's positioned toward the left rear of the device, as seen from the front. To turn the Mac mini on, then, or to force a restart if it locks up, users will at least need to reach underneath the device.
Given the clearance between the main part of the Mac mini and the slight lift that the vents give it, it's most likely that users will have to tip or lift the device to reach the button.
Previously, the power button was on the right rear of the device, again when facing the M2 Mac mini from the front. It meant having to reach behind the device, but since that's also where power and other cables connect, pressing it did not require moving the unit.
We await the accessories and docks that will result.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
This positioning is just plain stupid unless there is an alternative way to force restart we're not aware of (that does not require a Vision Pro purchase and some funky gesture!)
Perhaps Apple will move into power tools and provide a cut-out saw to put a perfect hole into shelving and desks just so a finger can poke through!
https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/10/29/apple-brings-the-mac-mini-to-life-in-a-new-short-video
the user just slips his finger under the Mac mini and turns it on. It happens very quickly, so it's hard to say if he really tilted it up or not (or how many takes they did for that) but I can't get my finger under a Mac Studio. Unless the mini sits quite a bit higher (which I don't think it does) you would need to lift it up a bit to hit the button. On the other hand, as others have mentioned, how often do you use the power button?
I hit the power button on my Mini EVERY DAMNED MORNING.
It’s raised so a finger can slip under.
But the intended use case is not to power down a Mac every day, you put it to sleep then wake from sleep. Don’t even remember the last time I did otherwise.
I know I sound angry, and you know what, this pisses me off. Apple is better than this. This is just stupid.
Why a whole stand accessory? Just a prosthetic button on the front that somehow reaches underneath.
What's BBW?