Neither Mac Studio nor Mac Pro. The Mac Mini with the new M4 chip boasts a compact size, fast cooling and a price that can surprise you. But there are also some tricks and traps hiding under the hood. Is this mini size really that revolutionary or is it all another Apple illusion?
There's something incredibly endearing about the new Mac Mini M4. Unlike others Apple devices, which look like they came from the experimental division of the tech army, the Mac Mini at first glance looks like it could be exchanged for a larger portable battery. But beneath these minimalistic measures hides a performance that we could not have imagined just a few years ago. First impression? Small, discreet, powerful, with an incredible price. But before you open your wallet, let's see what the little magician from Cupertino has to offer.
Last Updated 2024-11-13 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
When we hear the word "mini" in the world of computing, we often think of limitations. Not so with Apple's latest Mac Mini M4. This device is only small in size, as it is packed with surprising power and features that will satisfy even demanding users with a fresh M4 chip. The new Mac Mini M4 brings superior performance and an unusually low price - starting at 600 dollars, for students even 500. (around 600 euros) And all this in a device that is almost half the size of its predecessor. Will we fall in love with this powerful mini computer or are we in for some surprises?
1. Compact design, huge power
The new Mac Mini M4 packs a punch with its small size. Apple has kept the minimalist design, but the device now has an even smaller footprint, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a neat and compact workspace. Despite its small size, the device is surprisingly powerful - the M4 chip enables smooth and fast operation even with more demanding tasks. The grill design on the bottom ensures efficient cooling: cold air is drawn in from below and then released through the round grill at the back. It is an interesting solution that ensures that the device will be quiet and cool despite its high performance.
2. M4 chip: a small processor with big ambitions
Apple's M4 chip in the Mac Mini M4 brings the superior performance you'd expect from more expensive devices. The base model M4 allows fast multitasking, video encoding, photo processing and similar demanding tasks, while the M4 Pro adds even more power with additional CPU and GPU cores. Those who need extreme performance will be pleased, as the device can easily run multiple 4K cameras at the same time, which until recently was only possible on more expensive computers. Tests show that the M4 Pro can easily handle the editing of a large number of videos in real time - without noise and without overheating.
3. Connectors and Apple's eternal dance with adapters
Apple also followed its philosophy with this model - users will have to use adapters for older connectors. The new Mac Mini M4 has three Thunderbolt ports on the back (Thunderbolt 4 or 5, depending on the chip model) and two additional USB-C ports on the front. And USB-A? He isn't there. In practice, this means that those with older generation devices may need additional adapters. Found only on the M4 Pro, Thunderbolt 5 delivers high bandwidth for those using multiple displays or fast external drives. For most, however, Thunderbolt 4 will be more than enough for everyday use.
4. Great price, but be careful with upgrades
Starting at $600, the basic Mac Mini M4 offers excellent value for money, but upgrades quickly raise the price. An additional 8GB of RAM costs $200, and 16GB costs as much as $400—Apple maintains its tradition of expensive upgrades. Users who need more storage may therefore prefer to reach for external drives, as upgrading the internal memory in Apple's offer is quite expensive.
5. Gaming? Not exactly…
Although the new M4 chip promises performance that rivals some gaming consoles, the Mac Mini M4 still isn't meant for gaming. While users can customize the device for gaming endeavors with software like Wine, the Mac world still lacks the rich selection of games found on other platforms. For those who occasionally play less demanding games, the performance of the M4 will be quite enough, but it will not replace a real Mac Mini M4 console.
Last Updated 2024-11-13 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion:The new Mac Mini M4 is an impressive step forward for Apple. Despite its small dimensions, this mini PC offers performance that can rival much larger devices - and at an affordable price. If you are looking for a powerful computer for daily work and content editing, the Mac Mini M4 is an excellent choice.
