I purchased the M4 Mac Mini after studying CNET laptop computer professional Joshua Goldman’s evaluation of the tiny machine. I used to be in search of a pc that will improve my productiveness and higher manage my workflow. Since then, I’ve discovered it to be one of the best worth for cash amongst Apple’s lineup. For lower than $600, you will get a extra highly effective laptop than the $999 MacBook Air.
The M4 Mac Mini, Apple’s smallest laptop, is a straightforward suggestion for me because it’s one among CNET’s picks for the greatest desktop computer systems of 2025. It is also our go-to for one of the best low-cost desktop different to a MacBook or iMac. Even higher, it is now promoting at Amazon for $60 off, which brings the value right down to $539. That is a improbable deal for work-from-home staff and creatives.
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The M4 Mac Mini has been my greatest tech funding this yr
The M4 Mac Mini plus Apple’s present crop of USB-C Magic equipment make for a very nice moveable computing answer. Add a conveyable monitor and also you’re set.
I have been joyfully stunned by the M4 Mac Mini’s worth proposition and the way great it has been for me to work from a desk. As a contract distant employee, I journey no less than 10 days each month, so I would like a conveyable laptop. Primarily based on my way of life, I needs to be recommending the M4 MacBook Air. Nevertheless it’s the remaining 20 days of the month that I must work more durable than traditional to place collectively new pitches, ship accredited tales, type admin duties, conduct analysis and extra. All this requires immense group and productiveness, and the M4 Mac Mini has helped make my life simpler.
This smallest of Apple’s computer systems would not compromise on energy. It encompasses a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 16GB of unified reminiscence and a 256GB solid-state drive for storage. It is very highly effective for a $599 machine and a discount at $500. You probably will not be capable to discover comparable reliability and energy on a Home windows machine for $500. I’ve tried and failed. And no, I am not forgetting that the Mac Mini would not include a show or a mouse and keyboard.
I paired my M4 Mac Mini with a 27-inch LG UltraGear monitor (at the moment right down to $249) and a Logitech mouse and keyboard combo — all for below $200. The UltraGear’s large display is kind of helpful for analysis and multitasking, in addition to watching films.
The M4 Mac Mini will be equally wonderful for each house workplace and content material creation wants. As CNET’s Goldman wrote in his evaluation, “The Mini can slot in your hand and be every thing from an on a regular basis house workplace laptop to a full-on skilled content-creation machine — and an simply moveable one at that — with help for as much as three 6K-resolution shows.”
My shopping for suggestion
The M4 Mac Mini was launched in November 2024, and it is now obtainable at a $60 low cost, which isn’t the bottom value we have seen however an honest low cost nonetheless. The small Apple laptop gives an excellent worth proposition for distant employees and content material creators alike. In case you’ve been on the fence about getting a PC for house, like me, I would say choose up a M4 Mac Mini and see the distinction for your self.
Wish to take a look at the competitors? We have rounded up one of the best desktop laptop offers from the likes of HP, Lenovo, Dell and, naturally, Apple. And if this desktop would not fit your style, you may take a look at the greatest laptop computer offers.
