The Apple Mac mini has long been a favorite for those who want the power of a desktop computer without the bulk of a traditional tower PC. With the release of the Mac mini with the M4 chip, Apple has taken the compact desktop to a whole new level. In this honest review, we’ll take a closer look at the new Mac mini with M4, examining its design, performance, features, and whether it’s worth the upgrade. Let’s explore what makes this new Mac mini so special and why it could be the perfect desktop for both everyday users and professionals.
Design: Compact and Sleek
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Mac mini with M4 is its familiar, yet slightly refined design. The Mac mini has always been known for its compact size, and the M4 version is no exception. It’s a small, square-shaped device that will easily fit into any workspace without taking up too much space. The dimensions are almost identical to previous models, but it’s even slimmer, making it even easier to tuck behind a monitor or under a desk.
The new Mac mini is housed in a sleek aluminum chassis that feels premium. It’s built to last, and it looks as good as it performs. Apple has kept its minimalist aesthetic, with only the most essential ports and a subtle Apple logo on the top. It’s a machine that looks good and feels sturdy, which is what you’d expect from a premium product like this.
Despite its compact size, the Mac mini is solidly constructed and has the build quality you’d expect from Apple. Whether you put it on your desk or slide it into a cabinet, the Mac mini will blend seamlessly into your workspace.
Performance: The power of the M4 chip
The standout feature of the Mac mini with M4 is, of course, the M4 chip. Apple has been moving its Macs to its own silicon chip for some time, and the M4 chip continues that trend with even more impressive performance. The M4 chip is the next generation of Apple’s in-house processors and offers a significant increase in speed and efficiency compared to previous models.
With the M4 chip, you can expect faster processing times, smoother multitasking, and overall better performance for both everyday tasks and more demanding applications. Whether you’re working with large files, editing videos, or running multiple apps at once, the M4 chip can handle it all with ease. It offers performance that’s comparable to, and in some cases exceeds, traditional desktop PCs, making it a powerful option for anyone who needs a reliable machine for work or play.
The M4 chip is designed to maximize performance while being energy efficient. It’s a system-on-a-chip (SoC), which means that multiple components such as the CPU, GPU, and memory are integrated into one chip. This results in improved performance and faster processing speeds while consuming less power. For users who value both speed and efficiency, the Mac mini with M4 offers the perfect balance.
Graphics and display: smooth and crisp
For users who rely on excellent graphics, the Mac mini with M4 offers impressive visual capabilities. The M4 chip has an integrated GPU that delivers smooth graphics performance, making it ideal for tasks like video editing, gaming, and even professional design work. While it’s not on par with high-end gaming PCs with dedicated GPUs, it’s certainly powerful enough to handle most graphics tasks with ease.
The Mac mini with M4 supports up to two displays, which is ideal for anyone who needs extra screen space for productivity or creativity. Whether you’re working on spreadsheets, editing photos, or just enjoying multimedia content, the images are sharp, clear, and vibrant, making for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The Mac mini doesn’t come with a display, so you’ll need to connect it to an external monitor, but it pairs perfectly with any modern display.
Ports and connectivity: Flexible and future-proof
The Mac mini with M4 offers a solid selection of ports that will be useful for a wide range of users. On the back, you’ll find two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a headphone jack. This gives you plenty of options for connecting peripherals like external hard drives, monitors, or audio devices. The inclusion of USB-A ports is a nice touch for users who still rely on legacy accessories, while the Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports provide high-speed connectivity for modern devices.
In addition, the Mac mini with M4 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections for everything from browsing the web to connecting wireless peripherals. With these features, the Mac mini is ready for everything from everyday tasks to heavy-duty work like video conferencing or streaming.
For those who need even more connectivity options, the Mac mini also supports external storage and additional accessories. Whether you’re connecting a printer, external display, or camera, the Mac mini has everything you need for a smooth workflow.
Software: macOS at its best
Of course, a Mac wouldn’t be a Mac without macOS, and the Mac mini with M4 comes with the latest version of Apple’s operating system. macOS offers a smooth, user-friendly experience that’s perfect for both novice and experienced users. With a clean interface, intuitive navigation, and a wealth of built-in apps, macOS is designed to make your life easier.
The Mac mini is compatible with a wide range of software, from professional programs like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Cloud to everyday applications like Safari, Mail, and Pages. For those already in the Apple ecosystem, the Mac mini integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, enabling a unified experience across all your devices.
The Mac mini with M4 also offers all the benefits of macOS, including regular software updates, security features, and the ability to run both native Apple apps and third-party programs. Whether you’re working from home, editing videos, or simply browsing the web, macOS provides the perfect environment to get things done.
Price: Is it worth the price?
Like any Apple product, the Mac mini with M4 comes with a premium price tag. However, given the performance, design, and features it offers, the price is justified for many users. The Mac mini comes in a variety of configurations with different storage and memory options, so you can choose a model that fits your needs and budget.
For professionals and creatives who need powerful performance in a compact form factor, the Mac mini with M4 is a great investment. It offers performance that rivals many desktop PCs, while being more affordable than some of Apple’s other desktop options, like the iMac or Mac Pro.
Final Verdict: A powerful compact desktop
The Mac mini with M4 is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a compact, powerful desktop computer. With its sleek design, impressive performance, and solid connectivity options, it’s perfect for a wide range of users. Whether you’re a professional designer, content creator, or simply someone who needs a reliable desktop for everyday tasks, the Mac mini with M4 is for you.
It may not be the best choice for those who need the highest graphics performance or a dedicated GPU, but for most users, it offers more than enough power. The inclusion of Apple’s M4 chip ensures fast and efficient performance, and its portability makes it an excellent choice for small spaces or for people who are on the go.
If you’re in the market for a new desktop and want a device that offers great value for money, the Mac mini with M4 is definitely worth considering.
