Apple 2024 Mac mini Desktop Computer with M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, Gigabit Ethernet. Works with iPhone/iPadEPEAT

My therapist says I'm too easily influenced. I always told myself I was a PC guy. Here I am now writing an Amazon review singing the Mac Mini's praises. Why is my therapist always right?But now, my Mac Mini is my therapist. It makes my life so much simpler.Dumb metaphors aside. I love this computer.I ultimately chose to get the Mac Mini M4 with 256 GB memory because I needed a computer that didn't occupy a lot of space on desk, but also had a decent power.Pros- Quiet: Is my Mac dead? Sometimes I have to check for a pulse. I'm reassured by a little white light that shines next to headjack port that my Mac is indeed alive. My Mac Mini is very introverted as I never once heard the fans kick on. It's the perfect computer for me for voice over as I never have to worry about the fans noise cutting into my recordings.- Size = WOW, this thing is SMALL. In terms of product dimensions, you'd sometimes have to get a magnifying glass for this thing because it occupies such a small space. It's a desktop, it's smaller than most laptops. On that note, you could easily throw this computer into your bag, bring a USB/HDMI dongle, and plug it into an external portable monitor along with a keyboard and you now have the same capability as a laptop.- Power = Powerful (for what I need) which is watching videos on YouTube at 4K. light editing of videos (Premiere Pro) and audio files (Audacity) for my acting and VO business, and shopping. Yeah, these tasks aren't too CPU intensive, but when running a bunch of tasks/tabs at once, I've never once had a slowdown.- Price: We're gonna ignore the internal storage matter for now (see below in Cons), but this thing has a blazing fast CPU, 16 GB of memory, a ridiculously small form factor, and a very reasonably priced Apple Care plan that you can buy separately. This computer is everything that most people will need for their everyday tasks. Would be a perfect computer for a college student or just someone like me who likes to have completely a completely overpowered machine to write a 500 word essay.- Quality: Despite it's small form factor, build quality of the Mac Mini is phenomenal and feels like it last a long time.Cons- The power button: Apple. Are you ok? I understand the phrase "power down", but I think you took it a little too literally by the power button down.......under the computer where you to physically pick up the computer to press it.- Gaming: This is not a Mac Mini specific thing. If anything, it's not even a question the Mac Mini's ability to play modern games. Rather the compatibility with games in general due to lack of support for the Mac OS. The "workaround" is to use CrossOver, but it's an additional fee and not compatible with all games. If you're a gamer, Mac is not really the ideal platform for that.- Storage: You will have to pay a high premium in order to get additional built-in factory storage for the Mac Mini. That's why I bought the 256 GB version..........I sometimes I'm sad I didn't pay the premium because a good chuck of your internal storage will be allocated to the Mac OS. Within a month of buying my Mac Mini, I was nearly out of storage space. The solution? Get an external SSD like SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD or even a hub like Satechi sells and add an SSD to that. Does it suck that you have to pay more money on top of what you did for your Mac Mini? Big broke sad face emoji. But...... for the money, you will get a lot more storage buying with a separate SSD compared to if you buy more internal storage at the time purchasing a Mac Mini (i.e. 512 GB vs 256 GB).

Such a good unit and computer I bought 2 of these!They are a c Compact Powerhouse for Everyday and Creative TasksThe Apple 2024 Mac mini with M4 chip delivers impressive performance in a compact form factor, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a balance between power and space efficiency.🧠 PerformanceEquipped with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the M4 chip offers significant improvements over its predecessor. Synthetic benchmarks reveal approximately a 20% increase in CPU performance and modest gains in GPU performance, ranging from 5% to 14% . The inclusion of a 16-core Neural Engine enhances AI and machine learning tasks, providing a 35% boost in AI performance compared to the M3 .Real-world applications, such as video editing in DaVinci Resolve and 3D rendering in Blender, perform admirably, with the M4 chip handling tasks efficiently . However, the base model's 16GB unified memory may limit performance in more demanding projects, necessitating consideration of higher memory configurations for intensive workflows.📦 Design and BuildThe Mac mini's compact design measures just 5 x 5 inches and weighs 1.5 pounds, making it significantly smaller and lighter than previous models . Despite its size, the device maintains a sleek aluminum finish and offers a range of connectivity options, including:Two USB-C ports (front)Three Thunderbolt 4 ports (rear)HDMI portGigabit Ethernet port3.5mm headphone jackNotably, the USB-A port has been eliminated, which may require users to utilize adapters or hubs for certain peripherals . Additionally, the relocation of the power button to the bottom of the device has been met with mixed reviews, as it may be less intuitive for users accustomed to its previous placement .🌐 Connectivity and Display SupportThe Mac mini supports up to three external displays, including two 6K displays and one 5K display simultaneously, thanks to the M4 chip's enhanced GPU capabilities . This makes it suitable for multitasking and creative professionals who require multiple monitors.🔋 Efficiency and Noise LevelsThe M4 chip's power efficiency contributes to the Mac mini's quiet operation, even under load. The device remains virtually silent during typical tasks, with the built-in fans rarely activating, making it ideal for quiet work environments .✅ Pros:Compact and lightweight designEnhanced performance with M4 chipSupports up to three external displaysQuiet operationEnergy-efficient⚠️ Cons:No USB-A ports, requiring adapters for certain peripheralsPower button placement may be less intuitiveLimited memory in base model may restrict performance in demanding tasks🏁 Final VerdictThe Apple 2024 Mac mini with M4 chip offers a compelling combination of performance, efficiency, and compactness, making it suitable for a wide range of users, from everyday consumers to creative professionals. While the base model's memory may limit performance in intensive tasks, the device's overall capabilities and design make it a strong contender in the desktop market.

Delivery: I paid $10 for overnight shipping & opted for signature delivery. I think it drizzled early morning. I found an Amazon box soaked in water next to fence(where any passer by could have just lifted off) around 7am when I went out for something. Really poor delivery experience.Product: I upgraded a 2014 Mac mini with i5 after running for so many years. It is on 12.6 & some of the packages I need no longer are supported on that MacOS version & I had no choice but to move up. I bought basic model with 16GB DDR & 256GB SSD. So far, I am finding it very good(esp the responsiveness)There are three thunderbolt ports next to HDMI & I dont know why Apple gave so many without USB-C built into them. There are just two USB-C in the front & you will need a USB expansion hub. This Mac Mini is thicker & smaller compared to what I had. But I like the silence it brings on my desk. The power button is placed in odd location(bottom) and I had to keep the mac mini on its side to make it accessible.If you are looking for a decent & affordable MacOS hardware this is the one. Since DDR is soldered on this as well, you cannot upgrade. But you wont need a lot because of high bandwidth between DDR & SSD(that the swap uses) I am running multiple applications along with VSCode & didnt find anything slow at all. Go for it.