I recently got my hands on the new Apple Mac Mini, specifically the entry-level model, to see how the base configuration measures up in terms of value and performance. You can see it in action in my latest review.
The new model, equipped with Apple’s M4 processor and 16GB of RAM by default, aims to deliver solid power at a more accessible price point. Priced at $599 (compensated affiliate link), the base model offers a capable setup for general consumer use, including tasks like moderate video editing.
For those who need more power, there’s a more powerful version with the M4 Pro chip, which might be more suitable for professional, high-demand tasks such as AI development and pro-level content production.
The new Mac Mini is quite compact but packs a lot of ports. There are two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front, along with an HDMI output, gigabit ethernet (a 10 gig option is available), and three Thunderbolt ports on the back. The Mini can output to three simultaneous displays using two dongles on the Thunderbolt ports along with the built in HDMI. The base model has Thunderbolt 4 ports while the Pro version has higher bandwidth Thunderbolt 5.
The power supply is conveniently integrated into the unit itself, avoiding the need for an external power brick and contributing to its streamlined form. One design quirk is the location of the power button, which sits at the bottom of the device, making it a bit awkward to reach. But its power consumption at idle is so low it’s really not necessary to turn it off.
Setting up the Mac Mini is straightforward, but it’s worth noting that it doesn’t come with peripherals, so you’ll need to have your own keyboard, mouse, and monitor. The Mac Mini comes with Apple’s standard suite of software, including iMovie, Photos, and productivity apps like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. Browsing on Safari is smooth, and for privacy-conscious users, browsers like Brave work well, too, leveraging Apple’s optimized silicon for efficient web performance.
When it comes to media playback, the Mac Mini handles 4K video smoothly on platforms like YouTube. However, it isn’t ideal as a home theater device, as its designed for desktop and not living room use. Apple does say the Safari browser does support some HDR formats on Netflix and other supported services, however.
On the productivity side, video editing is impressive, with smooth real-time performance on a 4K 60fps project in Final Cut Pro. I also experimented with AI tasks using GPT4all’s locally executing large language utility , which ran smoothly on the hardware. In the video you can also see how well the vast array of Apple’s included software runs on the hardware including Keynote, Pages and Numbers.
Gaming is possible but limited. Optimized games like No Man’s Sky perform exceptionally well, but compatibility issues arise with non-native games and Mac games not tailored for Apple silicon. For those interested in virtual machines, the Mac Mini can run Linux and the ARM-based Windows 11 using software like UTM, which offers free, accessible virtualization options.
Benchmark tests show that the Mac Mini stacks up impressively against Windows-based mini PCs, and it consumes very little power. The machine remains quiet even under load, with efficient cooling that keeps it from overheating. The only limitation on the base model is the slower SSD speed on the 256GB model, but for typical use cases, this doesn’t pose a major drawback. It still writes data at over 1.6 gigabytes per second.
Overall, the new Mac Mini provides an accessible entry point for users curious about the Mac ecosystem without requiring a substantial investment. With impressive performance for everyday tasks, video editing, and even some AI applications, it’s a versatile choice for those looking for a compact and capable desktop setup. This could be a great starting point for anyone considering a shift to macOS, especially if they’re ready to take advantage of Apple’s robust software offerings and Apple Silicon performance.
