The New Mac Mini: Tiny, Powerful, and Affordable

When it comes to tech, it only takes one groundbreaking feature to grab attention. However, Apple’s latest Mac Mini with the M4 chip doesn’t just have one—it has three insane standout features.

Rather than hosting an elaborate launch event, Apple opted for a series of press releases in late October to unveil its updated Mac lineup. Among them was this revamped Mac Mini. While the Mac Mini might not always steal the spotlight, this refresh is a game-changer, especially for those who crave performance in a compact form.

1. Unbelievably Compact Design

Let’s start with its size: this Mac Mini is astonishingly tiny. Measuring just 5x5x2 inches, it redefines compact computing. While other Apple devices have seen redesigns post-Mac silicon, the Mac Mini’s evolution was overdue. This model now resembles a shrunken Mac Studio, making it a marvel of modern engineering.

Despite its diminutive size, the Mac Mini still packs a punch. It includes Gigabit Ethernet, full-size HDMI, Thunderbolt ports, and even a headphone jack. Unfortunately, there’s still no SD card reader, and USB-A is now absent.

Apple’s obsession with shrinking devices to the extreme continues. This new model is smaller than an iPhone’s footprint and about the size of a roll of duct tape—perfect for users seeking ultra-portability without compromise.

2. Incredible Value for Money

The base M4 Mac Mini offers jaw-dropping value at just $599. Here’s what you get:

• M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU.
• 16GB of unified memory, double the previous base model’s 8GB.

These upgrades make it an ideal choice for everyday tasks like multitasking, web browsing, and even moderate workloads like coding and photo editing. However, for heavy-duty activities like 4K video editing or graphics-intensive gaming, you might want to consider higher-tier models.

Compared to the M4 iMac starting at $1,299, the Mac Mini offers unmatched flexibility. With the $700 savings, you can invest in a top-tier display or peripherals of your choice. Students can snag an even better deal with Apple’s education pricing, dropping the Mac Mini to just $499.

3. A Portable Workstation Powerhouse

For those needing more, the maxed-out version of the Mac Mini might just be the best portable workstation Mac available today. With the M4 Pro chip, 48GB of memory, and Thunderbolt 5, it supports up to three 6K displays.

Synthetic benchmarks showcase its power, with single-core performance topping Apple’s entire lineup, including the Mac Studio and Mac Pro. For multitasking enthusiasts or creators on the move, this Mac Mini delivers workstation-class performance in a form factor that fits in a backpack.

Why Stick to the Base Model?

Apple’s pricing for storage upgrades is notoriously steep. Adding a 1TB SSD to the base model costs an extra $400, which is almost the price of another Mac Mini. However, for basic users, the 256GB storage paired with external drives should suffice.

Final Thoughts

The new Mac Mini is a testament to Apple’s ability to innovate at both ends of the spectrum: performance and design. Whether you’re looking for an affordable entry into the macOS ecosystem or a portable powerhouse, this refresh is worth considering.

Stay tuned for more updates and comparisons in the upcoming MacBook Pro M4 review.

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