Mac Mini Archives

Winsage

April 7, 2025

Windows 365 Link Cloud PC now available for $349.99

Microsoft has launched the Windows 365 Link, its first cloud PC, available for purchase in the U.S. at a price of .99. The device features an Intel N250 processor, 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 64GB of UFS storage. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-A 3.2 Gen1, USB-A 3.2 Gen2, USB-C 3.2, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.4. It measures 120 x 120 x 30mm. The device requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance, and its hardware specifications may not meet the demands of intensive tasks. In comparison, Apple's Mac Mini, priced at 9, features an M2 chip, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB of SSD storage. Microsoft claims that Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop can save employees 6 to 12 minutes daily and organizations between .1M and .2M over three years through BYOPC programs. The Windows 365 Link is aimed at businesses integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a cost-effective solution for cloud-managed workstations.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Vole punts pricey plastic brick for cloudy PCs

Microsoft has introduced the Windows 365 Link, a compact device priced at £349, designed to connect users to Windows Cloud PCs hosted on Azure. Weighing 418 grams, it features HDMI, USB-C, three USB-A ports, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. The device is only compatible with organizations using Windows 365 (Enterprise, Frontline, or Business), Intune, and Microsoft Entra ID, excluding government users. It promises high-performance video playback and conferencing, particularly with Teams, but functions primarily as a cloud dongle aimed at simplifying IT administration and enhancing security. The Link connects to Windows 365 in seconds and is available through select resellers like Ricoh UK and Insight Enterprises in the U.S.

Winsage

April 4, 2025

Gone all in on Windows 365? Microsoft has a box for you

Microsoft's Windows 365 Link is a compact device priced at £349, designed to connect users to a Windows 365 Cloud PC hosted in the Azure cloud. It measures 120 mm x 120 mm x 30 mm and weighs 418 grams. The device features an HDMI port, a USB-C port, three USB-A ports, an Ethernet socket, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi support, but lacks local storage. It is aimed at organizational use for employees utilizing Windows 365 with Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID, supporting Windows 365 Enterprise, Frontline, and Business editions, while excluding Windows 365 Government. The device is marketed towards desk-based or frontline workers in shared workspaces and is available through select resellers like Ricoh UK and Insight Enterprises in the US.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Raycast is a better launcher than anything on Windows

The author has transitioned from using Flow Launcher on Windows 11 to Raycast on a Mac Mini and finds Raycast to be superior in elegance and functionality. Raycast is described as a comprehensive solution with high extensibility and customizability, offering an intuitive design that enhances productivity. A Windows version of Raycast is anticipated in the future, and the author hopes it will match the quality of the Mac version.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

4 features in Parallels that make it the best VM software on Mac

The discontinuation of Boot Camp support for Apple Silicon Macs has led to the rise of virtualization software, with Parallels being a leading solution. Parallels simplifies the installation of Windows 11 by automatically downloading the operating system and creating a local Windows account, avoiding the need for a Microsoft account. It supports high refresh rates, allowing Windows VMs to run at up to 120Hz on compatible monitors. Parallels integrates seamlessly with macOS, enabling users to access files across both operating systems and facilitating a fluid workflow. The Coherence feature allows Windows applications to run within the Mac desktop environment, making them feel like native macOS apps. Parallels is recognized as the premier virtualization choice for running Windows on Apple Silicon Macs, demonstrating strong performance even on entry-level devices.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Hands-on: uBar is the macOS taskbar for those who can’t let go of Windows

uBar is an application designed for Mac users transitioning from Windows, providing a customizable taskbar experience that allows for better management of applications and windows compared to the traditional macOS dock. It presents each window separately, offers extensive customization options, includes a Windows-style Start menu for easy access to folders and applications, and features additional elements like a clock and volume indicator. However, users have reported issues such as the Finder app appearing on the taskbar despite settings to hide inactive applications, misaligned menu options when right-clicking, and closed windows remaining visible on the taskbar. A free trial is available for users interested in exploring uBar's capabilities.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 365 Link PC shows up in real life photos ahead of availability this spring

Microsoft introduced the Windows 365 Link, a compact mini PC that operates as a thin client, streaming Windows 11 from the cloud while running a streamlined version of Windows locally. It is currently undergoing private testing with select customers, with a broader release anticipated in April. The device is small enough to be held in one hand and features various ports, including USB-A, USB-C, ethernet, DisplayPort, and HDMI. It is powered by an Intel N250 processor, has 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Priced at , it requires an active subscription to a Windows 365 PC, which is currently an enterprise-only service, though Microsoft may expand it to consumers in the future.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

This macOS feature will make it really hard to go back to Windows

The author has transitioned from Windows to Mac, specifically using the M4 Mac Mini for video editing. They discovered a noise reduction feature in macOS called the AUSoundIsolation filter in DaVinci Resolve, which improves audio clarity by isolating voice and eliminating echo. This has enhanced the audio quality of their content, leading them to value the Mac Mini for video editing. The Mac Mini's performance and unique features have made the author consider staying within the Mac ecosystem for their professional work.