Apple's M4 Mac Mini Is Bringing Me Back to the Desktop

I’ve owned my share of desktop computers but, like a lot of people, I drifted away from them over the years. Laptops just made the most sense every time I needed a new computer. The new Mac Mini, though, is finally bringing me back to the desktop.

A Long-Awaited Refresh

I nearly took the plunge earlier this year with the previous Mac Mini model (which is still worth considering), but this latest refresh seemed like the rare non-incremental update that was worth waiting for. The Mini hadn't received a major redesign in 14 years, and the reports in advance of the announcement suggested this update would be a full revamp, with a much smaller enclosure and a big leap forward from an M2 processor to the M4.

As it turns out, Apple had even more surprises in store for the new Mac Mini than expected, including a now-standard 16GB of RAM in the base model, which had for years been a $200 upgrade. That, along with the other upgrades, makes the new Mac Mini by far the best value among Apple’s current Mac offerings, especially for people who already have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse they’re happy with.

Unfortunately, the upgrade from 256GB to 512GB of storage still demands a hefty premium, but that can at least be offset by opting for external storage instead—something that’s far less practical with a laptop. RAM upgrades beyond the base 16GB are also still costly, but that's now less of an issue than it was when 8GB was standard.

The Desktop Difference

Apple

The value of the Mac Mini is what tipped me over the edge to pre-order one, but I’m also eager to have a computer I can build a true desktop setup around—not just a monitor and a few peripherals that I occasionally connect to my laptop.

The versatility of a laptop is undeniable, but they can sometimes be a little too versatile. More often than not, I’ll end up using mine sitting on the couch surrounded by distractions instead of at my desk. I do intend to keep using a laptop that I can easily move from place to place with when I want a change of scenery, but I won’t have to be concerned about being able to do everything on that laptop.

That means I can get by with something like a lightweight, convertible Chromebook as a portable option—which is ideal for some tasks but not others—and build a more capable desktop setup around the Mac Mini.

Apart from simply having more power, I think there’s also a real benefit of having a completely separate desktop setup that’s essentially always ready to use. My audio interface and other peripherals can always stay connected, and I can sit down and start working without having to worry about wrangling cables and rearranging things on my desk.

Making It Your Own

Apple

Much of that is true of any desktop computer, not just the Mac Mini, but the new even smaller size only helps to further differentiate itself, especially among Apple’s other Mac desktops and laptops.

While it’s not quite as small as an Apple TV (as was rumored), the new Mac Mini’s five-inch square and two-inch tall design is still remarkably small and can easily be tucked under a monitor or hidden entirely on a desk. It may not have a proper VESA mount, but there will be no shortage of accessories or homebrew solutions for mounting the Mini on the back of a monitor or under a desk for those who want as clean a setup as possible.

That small size, combined with the entirely bring-your-own nature of the Mac Mini means that your complete desk setup can be tailored to suit your own preferences and needs.

You can get a Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and even a Studio Display if you want a complete Apple experience, or you can kit out your setup with a fully customized mechanical keyboard, an ergonomic mouse, or other accessories that Apple would never make themselves.

Upgradeable In Some Ways, But Not Others

Apple

Unfortunately, the Mac Mini does lack one of the biggest advantages of traditional desktop computers: upgradeability. It would be ideal if you could simply add more RAM or swap in a larger SSD a few years down the road, but you’re stuck with the internals you choose when you buy the Mini.

The good news is that even the base model Mac Mini is plenty capable and should last a good number of years and, even if the RAM isn’t upgradeable, you can always add more external storage.

Just as importantly, you can also continually upgrade the rest of your setup over time. I’ll be using my current, somewhat dated monitor with the Mini to start with, but I’ll likely be looking to upgrade to a 4K model sooner or later. You can do the same with your keyboard, speakers, and other accessories, which can help to make your setup feel fresh without having to buy a whole new computer.

The affordability of the Mini also means you can more carefully consider those options, since you’re not spending nearly as much upfront as you would with an iMac or MacBook. When you finally outgrow the capabilities of the Mac Mini, you can continue to use many of those accessories with your next computer.

Room to Experiment

There’s no question that a MacBook will still make more sense than the Mini for a lot of people, and I could well end up getting an M4 or M6 MacBook Air a few years from now if I end up needing a more capable laptop for one reason or another.

But the affordability and sheer value of the Mac Mini makes for a welcome opportunity to try something different and, after so much sameness with each new laptop and smartphone in recent years, that’s no small thing.