If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to jump into the Mac ecosystem (or retire an outdated Intel iMac or laptop), then this is the time for you. The latest Mac mini with M4There is 16 GB of unified RAM and 256 GB SSD $479which is an incredible value for a brand new Apple desktop “built for Apple Intelligence.” You get Apple’s latest chip, plenty of RAM for everyday multitasking, and the usual small footprint that can fit almost anywhere.
What you get
This Mac mini uses Apple’s M4 chipwhich delivers faster CPU and GPU performance as well as a more powerful Neural Engine for all new Apple Intelligence features. Paired with 16GB of unified storage, it feels fast for everyday things: dozens of browser tabs, productivity apps, light photo and video work, and running Mac apps at the same time without the system choking.
Storage is a 256GB SSD, which is fine if you live primarily in the cloud or use external drives for large files. For many people, this is the “do it all” basic: Connect it to a monitor or TV, add a keyboard and mouse, and you’ve got a quiet, energy-efficient device that takes up less space than most routers.
You also get plenty of ports for a compact desktop: USB-C/Thunderbolt, USB-A, HDMI for an external display or TV, as well as Ethernet and a headphone jack. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in, so it works well with AirPods, wireless keyboards, and everything else in the Apple ecosystem.
Why it’s worth it
At $599, the M4 Mac mini is already one of Apple’s most affordable products. At $479If you’re considering a desktop Mac, you should stop thinking about it. You get the latest chip, not last year’s model on sale, with enough memory to actually run smoothly for years, not months.
Compared to a similarly priced Windows Mini PC, the value lies in the performance per watt, app ecosystem, and long software support period typically found with Macs. Compared to a MacBook, you sacrifice portability but save a ton of money and get desktop-class connectivity. If you already own a decent monitor, this is a much cheaper way to improve your computing experience than buying an entirely new laptop.
The end result
If you’re looking for a Mac for work, study, or a clean home setup, this is the one for you M4 Mac mini for $479 is one of the simplest recommendations ever. It’s tiny, quiet, fast enough for almost any mainstream device, and now $120 cheaper than usual. Take it, connect it to the screen you already own, and you’ll have a modern Apple desktop that will last you for years to come.
