the best part What characterizes the Mac Mini has always been its simplicity. This small desktop PC is easy to add to any workstation – just plug it into your peripherals and go. Apple’s latest version maintains this reputation, albeit with a new look for the first time in over a decade. It also supports a couple of processors: the M4 or M4 Pro chipset.
It’s the most affordable way to discover what the latest and greatest Macs have to offer, including Apple Intelligence, the company’s artificial intelligence features. The base model with the M4 starts at $599, while the Mac Mini powered by the M4 Pro starts at $1,399. The only other desktop option from Apple is the new iMac with the M4from $1,299.
As is the case with most Apple hardware in recent years, the new Mac Mini features incremental upgrades over its predecessor. That’s not bad. This is still a great little computer and you can build an affordable stationary setup around it. But anyone who has a recent Mac Mini (2020 or later) shouldn’t feel the need to upgrade unless they feel a loss in performance.
miniature PC
The Mac Mini is a computer designed to remain stationary on your desk, but now that it’s smaller and more portable than ever, it’s a little tempting to just pick it up and put it in a bag for hybrid work setups. Maybe you have a monitor and peripherals in the office or the same at home; After all, this takes up less space than a MacBook (5 x 5 inches) and weighs only 1.5 pounds (up from 2.6 pounds).
However, it is a little taller, with vents that descend to allow airflow, but retains its cube shape. This shape still fits very well into the Apple base. studio screenIt’s not like you have to spend the absurd price on this lovely monitor. (We have many more reasonably priced monitor recommendations here.)
Many people compared the new look of the Mac Mini to an Apple TV box, but I think it looks more like a Mac Studio mini, especially with the new port layout. Apple finally added ports to the front (a complaint I had with the M2-powered version), which means I can spend less time stretching out the annoying back to plug in a cable.