Can You Have Too Much Tech?

I have a lot of tech. Probably more than most but given my previous career I guess that's not surprising. I had to test code on multiple devices - OK I could have used emulators but hey, I just wanted the flashy hardware. November 2024 saw Apple release the new Mac Mini and I am a complete Apple geek. The new Mac Mini probably has the best spec of any current Apple computers (at time of writing) and is REALLY cheap (for power versus buck). My mouth was watering I had to get one.

So off I browsed to the Apple Store, went through the process of configuring my mac and added it to my bag. I'd left my card downstairs. So I thought I'd come back to it later to compete the purchase as at the time I had no way of getting downstairs, I'd ask my wife to bring it up when she got in from work with me being laid up at the time. I flipped apps on my iPad and whiled away the afternoon.

At some point I was musing on 'stuff' and planning my actions, when it occurred to me, do I really need a new Mac Mini? I have a 2018 Mac Mini currently and prior to that I got one in 2010 which worked fine (and probably still would if powered on) prior to getting the 2018 one. I also have a very powerful gaming PC, a 17" 2011 MacBook Pro (still going strong after having a new GPU), a HP Laptop, several mini pc's, 2 kindles, a 2007 iMac (again going strong, but running Linux), assorted strange android tablets, an Xbox S and of course a swanky M4 iPad Pro .. do I REALLY need a new Mac Mini. Nope. Do I fancy a new Mac Mini, yes definitely, but I certainly don't need it.

Then I got to thinking, gaming PC aside, when was the last time I actually used my Mac Mini (or any other of the desktops) for real work; as in not just browsing / watching You Tube etc.? I could not really remember. I have Affinity on my iPad so I use it on that rather than on the Mac. As I no longer do any data analysis for work at home (I got issued a personal laptop due to a change in data policies) so I've not done any 'heavy lifting' work on the Mac for ages. I write and draw on my iPad - which is the main type of "work" I tend to do at home. Email and other communications I do on my phone (I've never really used e-mail - apart from webmail - on a desktop anyway, just seems mad to do so). So the new Mac Mini was looking rather at risk.

I never did ask my wife to get my wallet when she came home. Instead, I set myself a challenge. I will only use my iPad for six months for everything I would probably do on my Mac Mini (obviously at work I have to use my work PC etc.). So when at home, doing what I do, just the iPad. At the end of six months, if I have had need of my Mac Mini, then I can go back to my Bag at the Apple Store and checkout.

So far, I've not powered up the Mac Mini - or any other desktop or personal laptop - since November 2024, so for nearly two months now. In all honesty I have not really had any need to. I will admit to missing a keyboard and mouse some times, but I can always use my Bluetooth ones if I really need to. Not going to get conned in to buying that overpriced Magic Keyboard case for sure!

There have been some unforeseen benefits too. In the past if I had to use the Mac, I'd be in another room - where it is - so I'd be isolated. I can use the iPad anywhere, so I am with my wife more, she says she appreciates this (but maybe she is being kind). Also, the iPad does not seem so permanent, it's had to describe, but because its so mobile I seem to be more unrestricted both physically and mentally. I never need to be 'in the computer place' to use it, so it's quite liberating - I know what I mean even if I can't express it.

This experiment also enabled my wife to get me two Christmas presents - for once I was not too hard to buy for - so bonus! She got me a UGREEN 2000mAh power bank and a swanky bag big enough for my iPad Pro (and the power bank plus wires) as I was running out of power a lot and taking the thing all over the house as well as out and about too (more so now that it is my only means of 'computing').

I am quite happy about how this is going so far, I can see possibilities of having to use a desktop - I have to do some heavy spreadsheet work in the not too distant future - I'll try Excel on the iPad first but I do think the desktop will be easier, we will see. That said I do not think my existing Mac Mini needs replacing anytime soon, the shiny new model can wait a while methinks. I will revisit this experiment in May and see what I think then.