Advice for new Mini purchase

[sluggo]

I'm strongly considering replacing my late 2012 Mini. It works well currently, as it was updated with with a 2TB solid state drive a few years ago along with an extra 8GB memory. So I'm at 16GB/2TB.
But I'm wondering if it's getting near time to update. I'm using Catalina 10.15.7 and I don't think I can advance that any more. The machine under consideration is another Mini. M1 version with 16GB memory and 2TB from the factory.  About This Mac shows I'm using a fraction below half the capacity of the 2TB currently (1.15 TB remaining). I guess I'm looking for verification that I should probably continue with 2TB.
I also have 2 external 2TB drives for Time Machine and CCC.
Any opinions, suggestions, input are appreciated.

[Xairbusdriver]

You might want to check how it can use your current monitor. If it can use HDMI, you're golden! The M1 mini has an HDMI port. Other ports can be used for video but need an adaptor (Thunderbolt 2, DVI, and VGA output supported using adapters [sold separately] or DVI using HDMI to DVI Adapter [sold separately])

Perhaps you could list the most resource intensive apps you use?

Do you use any kind of external device other than the ones that simply use the standard ports, e.g., a serial to usb device that needs a System driver installed.

[sluggo]

You might want to check how it can use your current monitor. If it can use HDMI, you're golden! The M1 mini has an HDMI port. Other ports can be used for video but need an adaptor (Thunderbolt 2, DVI, and VGA output supported using adapters [sold separately] or DVI using HDMI to DVI Adapter [sold separately])

Perhaps you could list the most resource intensive apps you use?

Do you use any kind of external device other than the ones that simply use the standard ports, e.g., a serial to usb device that needs a System driver installed.

I currently use a 27 inch Phillips HDMI screen on the old late 2012 Mini. The two 2TB external drives and a pair of Altec Lansing speakers that plug into the headphone jack on the Mini are the total of external devices. No plans for further devices.
I don't think any of my uses taxes the CPU much. I guess I'm concerned about having enough space for future OS updates, adding more photos, etc. But I really only have probably less than 400 photos now. I don't game or really do any heavy duty stuff on it.

[Xairbusdriver]

I think your monitor should work, here's another link to Apple's info on a "mini" and video.

I usually suggest external storage for images. Hopefully, you don't often have too many images on screen (interal memory) at one time.

I don't like to upgrade the OS unless there is something I really want/need (note: those are two distinct things). Still running Catalina on my 2014 mini!

[sluggo]

Ended up buying a package deal even though I don't really need the keyboard and mouse. Slightly used M1 Mini/fresh Ventura install with 16GB/2TB packaged with brand new Magic Mouse and brand new Magic Keyboard. Not sure if keyboard is wired or wireless but it doesn't matter. I use a wireless Apple keyboard currently anyway. The Logitech wireless mouse I have works just fine also.
AppleCare coverage until 2/1/24.
Awaiting delivery by 12/17 or 12/19.

[Xairbusdriver]

Congrats! I love the trackpad! Haven't touched a mouse in years (except when working on Wife's MBP, those laptop track pads are simply too small! ). The Magic Trackpad is about the area I usually need on an iPad!

[sluggo]

Congrats! I love the trackpad! Haven't touched a mouse in years (except when working on Wife's MBP, those laptop track pads are simply too small! ). The Magic Trackpad is about the area I usually need on an iPad!

I think it's a mouse of some type judging by online photos (below). I do already have an Apple trackpad. It's OK but I'm more comfortable with the Logitech mouse with scroll wheel. But every now and then the mouse and the Mini go on non speaking terms so I break out the trackpad for a day or two until the mouse and Mini decide to communicate again.

[jchuzi]

The screenshot is definitely an Apple Mouse. Not only does it have the right shape but you can see the Apple logo.

[sluggo]

The screenshot is definitely an Apple Mouse. Not only does it have the right shape but you can see the Apple logo.

That and an Apple keyboard are included in this package deal. No idea if the keyboard is corded or not but it doesn't really matter because I currently use a wireless Apple keyboard. Plus I have another small Bluetooth keyboard as a backup that I used to use with the iPad on occasion.

[Paddy]

They're all wireless now - and rechargeable with a lightning cable as well. I love my Apple mouse. (after years of being a Logitech devotee).

You'll be very happy with the M1, methinks - it's a considerable upgrade from a 2012!!

[sluggo]

They're all wireless now - and rechargeable with a lightning cable as well. I love my Apple mouse. (after years of being a Logitech devotee).

You'll be very happy with the M1, methinks - it's a considerable upgrade from a 2012!!

Well, the training has begun. Once I determined how to migrate over from the 2TB SSD Carbon Copy Cloner drive that part went quickly. Then it was on to other things like moving backup bookmarks over to Safari & Brave from files on the CCC drive. Should have made more recent backups of those but I'm getting by OK.
Setting up Airmail and SpamSieve from scratch went relatively smoothly. Then onto the little things like desktop photo and screensaver images. But it hasn't been horrible and I'm gradually getting there.
The old 2012 Mini is on hand and it's data is still on a 2TB SSD CCC drive for now. I just ordered another 2TB external SSD for a new CCC backup storage. Easier to plug the old CCC in if I need something from the old system than plugging in the old Mini.

[sluggo]

As a side story - I was going to donate the old 2012 Mini to the local shop that does work on any of my Apple stuff on the rare occasions they need anything. I did that with a previous Mini. But after thinking it over I decided to hang onto it for a while.
I'll be taking a one month vacation soon. Instead of shelling out big money for a Macbook to take along for a "real" computer to use I decided to bring the old Mini along with me. It's been updated with SSD and max memory so it's still a very viable machine. I can use the new Mac keyboard that came with my new Mini along with a $109 24 inch monitor from Sam's Club. It'll be almost like home.
I'm driving to the vacation and have ample room for the stuff.