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Apple has introduced a redesigned Mac mini featuring the M4 and M4 Pro chips. The entry level model, which I got to demo this past week, is going to seriously reset the balance of power in the mini PC market.
If you're not a mini PC user (or if you've never thought about the mini PC format), these are small (but full-featured) PCs suitable for desktop use, school, gaming, media centers, etc. They are awesome because they are very small, quiet, fit anywhere, and basically do anything a PC can do.
I don't work for Apple, and I have no financial dog in this hunt, but if you're in the market for a mini PC, the Mac mini is now at the top of my list. Here's why:
The new M4 Mac mini measures 5 inches by 5 inches – a reduction from the previous 7.75-inch square footprint – and weighs 1.5 pounds. This downsizing is achieved through an innovative thermal architecture that efficiently manages airflow, allowing the device to maintain performance without overheating.
It's equipped with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU and starts with 16GB of unified memory. Apple claims it delivers up to 1.7 times faster spreadsheet calculations in Microsoft Excel and up to 4.9 times faster panoramic image merging in Adobe Lightroom Classic (compared to the M1 model). For more demanding tasks, the M4 Pro variant offers up to a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, with memory configurations up to 64GB. This model supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and enhanced AI processing capabilities.
The M4 Mac mini includes two front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack. The rear panel features three Thunderbolt ports (Thunderbolt 4 on M4, Thunderbolt 5 on M4 Pro), an HDMI port, and a gigabit Ethernet port. The M4 Pro model supports up to three 6K displays or four 4K displays, enhancing its utility for professional workflows. Read that again: that's three 6K displays or four 4K displays… four!
There is one super-quirky thing about the new M4 Mac mini: the power button is on the bottom, not the back. I have no idea why Apple thought this was a good idea. I leave my mini PCs on all the time, so it doesn't matter to me, but a normal person – who turns their computer on and off – might care.
The base M4 Mac mini is priced at $599, while the M4 Pro model starts at $1,399. Pre-orders began last week, with availability starting this Friday. Notably, this Mac mini is Apple's first carbon-neutral Mac, constructed with more than 50% recycled materials and produced using 100% renewable energy.
One more thing… I'm enthusiastic about the entry-level models because they are an exceptional balance of price and value. As you add features, you get into the "I can't believe how much Apple charges for a stick of RAM" issue. At that point, good ol' fashioned PCs start making more sense.
As always your thoughts and comments are both welcome and encouraged. Just reply to this email. -s
ABOUT SHELLY PALMER
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named he covers tech and business for , is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular . He's a , and the creator of the popular, free online course, . Follow or visit .
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