Key insights

• 💻 Unboxing and benchmarking the rare Apple silicon developer transition kit, Apple's transition to its own silicon explained, including performance benefits and software compatibility
• 🍎 Features of the Big Sur update for Mac OS, Introduction of a Mac Mini with an A12Z processor as a developer transition kit
• 🔬 Significance of the developer transition kit and its survival despite being meant to be destroyed
• 🔩 Mac Mini's external features do not match its internal components, Disassembling the Mac Mini and commenting on its design, Thin and sparsely populated PCB, Small speaker in the Mac Mini
• 🤖 Sponsored segment about the Narwal Frio Z Ultra, a high-tech robot vacuum
• 🔒 Exploring the internals of a Fort Knox Mac Mini, Discovery of unique components and features, Bypassing Apple's security measures, Absence of Thunderbolt capability, Testing contacts indicating deliberate destruction by Apple
• 🔋 SMC batteries designed for iPads cause clock and web access issues in Mac Mini, Unusual behaviors of the SMC including automatic boot upon plugging in, 100% fan speed, and slow booting process, Apple silicon M1 supports 120Hz display and faces compatibility issues with certain apps, Cinebench R23 natively compiled for Apple silicon shows mixed performance
• 📊 M1 performance compared to developer transition kit is not great, App Store functions well, but DRM content is not supported, Mixed results in CPU benchmarks, Competent but not great real-world performance in Final Cut Pro, Steam does not work on the developer transition kit
• 🎮 Struggles with running games and software on an early Mac development kit for M1, Developers faced issues with bugs, crashes, and compatibility, Apple asked for the return of the machines earlier than expected, Offered only $200 towards the purchase of the new M1, leading to dissatisfaction and complaints

Q&A

• What were the struggles faced by developers using the early Mac development kit for M1?

  Developers encountered issues such as bugs, crashes, and compatibility struggles when running games and software on the early Mac development kit for M1, resulting in frustration. Additionally, there were complaints arising from Apple's early retrieval of the machines and the relatively low compensation offered for the transition to the new M1.

• How did the M1 perform compared to the developer transition kit?

  The M1's performance was reported to be not great in comparison to the developer transition kit. Although the App Store functioned well, DRM content was not supported, and the CPU benchmarks showed mixed results. While the real-world performance in Final Cut Pro was competent, it was not outstanding, and Steam did not work on the developer transition kit.

• What were the unusual behaviors and issues associated with SMC batteries and the Apple silicon M1?

  The SMC batteries in the Mac Mini, designed for iPads, caused frequent clock issues and exhibited unusual behaviors such as automatic boot upon plugging in, 100% fan speed, and slow booting process. Additionally, the Apple silicon M1 had compatibility issues with certain apps and supported a 120Hz display.

• What were the main observations about the external features of the Mac Mini?

  The narrator noted that the Mac Mini's external features did not align with its internal components. Further, when disassembled, it was highlighted that the PCB was unusually thin and sparse, and the Mac Mini had a small speaker.

• What are the features of the Mac Mini with an A12Z processor?

  The Mac Mini with an A12Z processor served as a developer transition kit for Apple's silicon transition. It featured unique internal components and lacked Thunderbolt capability, suggesting intentional design for testing and eventual destruction by Apple.

• What is the significance of the Apple silicon developer transition kit?

  The developer transition kit holds significance as it allows developers to design and optimize their apps for Apple's new silicon architecture before the official release of the new Mac systems powered by Apple silicon.

• 00:00 Unboxing and benchmarking the rare Apple silicon developer transition kit, Apple's transition to its own silicon explained, features of the Big Sir update, the special Mac Mini with an A12Z processor, and the significance of the developer transition kit.
• 04:20 The Mac Mini's external features do not match its internal components. The narrator disassembles the Mac Mini and comments on its design, stating that the PCB is unusually thin and sparse. The narrator also highlights the Mac Mini's small speaker. The video includes a sponsored segment about the Narwal Frio Z Ultra, a high-tech robot vacuum.
• 08:31 A YouTuber explores the inside of a Fort Knox Mac Mini, discovers unique components, and reveals how to bypass Apple's security features. The machine lacks Thunderbolt capability and has testing contacts that suggest intentional destruction by Apple.
• 12:54 The SMC batteries in Mac Mini are designed for iPads, causing frequent clock issues. The SMC has unusual behaviors such as automatic boot upon plugging in, 100% fan speed, and slow booting process. The Apple silicon M1 supports 120Hz display and has compatibility issues with certain apps. Cinebench R23 natively compiled for Apple silicon shows mixed performance.
• 17:07 The performance of the M1 compared to the developer transition kit is not great. The App Store functions well, but DRM content is not supported. The CPU benchmarks show mixed results. The real-world performance in Final Cut Pro is competent but not great. Steam does not work on the developer transition kit.
• 21:59 Struggles with running games and software on an early Mac development kit for M1, which was problematic and frustrating for developers. Apple asked for the return of the machines earlier than expected and offered only $200 towards the purchase of the new M1, leading to dissatisfaction and complaints.