Apple’s late 2024 M4 Mac Mini refresh delivers three truly remarkable features: its incredibly small size, the exceptional value of the base model, and its surprising potential as a portable workstation.
Unbelievably Tiny Design
The new Mac Mini is unbelievably small, measuring just 5x5x2 inches. While Apple has been pushing the boundaries of miniaturization for years, this M4 Mac Mini takes it to a new extreme. It’s smaller than many everyday objects, yet it still packs a punch. Despite its size, it includes a variety of ports: Gigabit Ethernet, full-size HDMI, three Thunderbolt ports, two USB-C ports, and a headphone jack. While an SD card reader and USB-A ports are absent, the available connectivity is impressive for such a small device.
The placement of the power button on the bottom back corner has generated some humorous criticism. While not ideal, it’s a minor inconvenience in an otherwise well-designed machine.
Despite its small size, the Mac Mini’s thermals are well-managed. The single fan keeps the system cool and quiet, even under heavy load.
Base Model: An Unbeatable Deal
The base model M4 Mac Mini offers incredible value, especially with the doubled unified memory (16GB) and the powerful M4 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU). This makes it one of the best deals in tech, and certainly the best among Apple’s current offerings. The M4 chip handles everyday tasks like web browsing, music streaming, and multitasking with ease. It’s also capable of handling medium-grade activities like coding, photo editing (Pixelmator runs smoothly), and managing numerous browser tabs.
The base model’s price of $599 (or even $499 with a student discount) makes it particularly attractive. Consider that the similarly equipped M4 iMac starts at $1,299, making the M4 Mac Mini a much more affordable option, especially since you can choose your own display.
While upgrading storage or adding 10 Gigabit Ethernet is possible, the cost of these upgrades makes the base model even more appealing. Upgrading can quickly approach the cost of a second M4 Mac Mini.
Portable Workstation Potential
The maxed-out M4 Mac Mini with the M4 Pro chip offers a compelling option for those needing a portable workstation. It’s currently the most portable way to get an M4 Pro chip, making it ideal for professionals who need powerful computing on the go. A similarly spec’d MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro starts at $2,000, while the M4 Pro Mac Mini is available for $1,399. The M4 Pro Mac Mini also includes Thunderbolt 5 ports, supporting three 6K displays.
Benchmark tests show the M4 Pro Mac Mini achieving the highest single-core CPU score of any Mac, even surpassing the Mac Pro and Mac Studio. Multi-core performance is also impressive. GPU benchmarks show performance comparable to the M1 Max, highlighting the generational improvements in Apple silicon.
Design and Build Quality
The M4 Mac Mini retains its familiar, minimalist design, now even more compact. The aluminum unibody construction feels premium and durable. The small footprint allows it to fit comfortably on any desk. The absence of an integrated display gives users the flexibility to choose their preferred monitor setup.
Performance and Everyday Use
The M4 chip provides a significant performance boost over previous generations. Everyday tasks feel snappy and responsive. The 16GB of unified memory in the base model is ample for most users. Even demanding applications like photo editing and coding run smoothly. The Mac Mini is also remarkably quiet, even under heavy load.
Connectivity
Despite its small size, the Mac Mini offers a wide range of ports, catering to various needs. The inclusion of Thunderbolt ports provides high-speed connectivity for external displays, storage devices, and other peripherals. The Gigabit Ethernet port ensures stable network connections.
Value and Upgradability
The base model M4 Mac Mini offers exceptional value for its price. The powerful M4 chip and 16GB of unified memory make it a compelling choice for both casual users and professionals. While storage and Ethernet upgrades are available, they are relatively expensive, making the base model even more attractive. Unfortunately, like other Apple silicon Macs, the memory and storage are not user-upgradable after purchase, so it’s essential to choose the configuration carefully at the time of purchase.
Target Audience
The M4 Mac Mini appeals to a broad range of users:
- Casual users: The base model is perfect for everyday tasks, web browsing, media consumption, and light productivity work.
- Students: The affordable price and powerful performance make it an excellent choice for students.
- Professionals: The M4 Pro model offers the performance needed for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and software development.
- Those seeking a minimalist setup: The small footprint and clean design make it ideal for minimalist workspaces.
Conclusion: A Powerful and Versatile Machine
The 2024 M4 Mac Mini is a testament to Apple’s focus on performance, efficiency, and miniaturization. Its compact size, powerful M4 and M4 Pro chips, and attractive price point make it a compelling option for a wide range of users. Whether you’re a casual user, a student, or a creative professional, the Mac Mini offers a powerful and versatile computing experience.