Macintosh's retro-inspired docking station for the Mac Mini M4 debuts, featuring a helmet-like design and an integrated LCD screen, leaving me captivated.
```Unveiled on Prelaunch, the Retro Workstation for Mac Mini M4 incorporates a nostalgic Macintosh design with modern ports to create a unique docking station. But does it deliver more than just aesthetics?
Wokyis' Retro Workstation replicates the shape of the original Macintosh, boasting a matte casing, an embedded 5-inch HD LCD screen, and accommodating the Mac Mini M4 or M4 Pro. This setup turns the compact computer into a retro-styled workstation.
Measuring 145 x 131 x 154.3 mm and weighing 750g, the Retro Workstation is compact but potentially too tall for those opting for minimalist setups.
Functionally, Wokyis touts the device as a "13-in-1 Workstation," touting it as a versatile hub for everyday tasks, content creation, and storage expansion. It offers an M.2 NVMe SSD slot supporting up to 8TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2 port with up to 10Gbps transfer speeds, USB-C connectivity, SD 4.0 and microSD slots (UHS-II compatible), HDMI input, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
While the LCD screen serves a technical purpose, its limited resolution and lack of touch input suggest it's mostly decorative. Similarly, the inclusion of ventilation inside an enclosed structure might prove inefficient in terms of cooling.
Priced at $199, the worth of the Retro Workstation is debatable, especially considering the performance versus more affordable USB hubs with similar speeds and port availability.
Instead, consider the Acasis Mac Mini M4 Workstation, starting at $149 on Kickstarter. Made from aluminum to match the Mac Mini's aesthetic, it offers various ports, including two USB-A (10 Gbps), two DisplayPort (4K at up to 144 Hz), and a memory card reader. Moreover, the Acasis model supports up to two 8TB M.2 SSDs with RAID 0, offering speeds up to 2800 MB/s.
The versatility and functionality of the Acasis Mac Mini M4 Workstation make it a valuable addition for power users requiring more connectivity and storage options. While the Retro Workstation's worth can't be directly evaluated without more specific information, the Acasis model offers a solid alternative catering to those needs.```
Despite the Retro Workstation's unique retro design and promising 13-in-1 functionality, its questionable efficiency in cooling and limited LCD screen capabilities may raise concerns for some users. On the other hand, the Acasis Mac Mini M4 Workstation, with its aluminum build, diverse ports, and high-speed M.2 SSD support, could be a more practical choice for power users seeking a versatile and functional workstation.
