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Transaction alert: The new year is here, and you may be considering purchasing a new computer to help you achieve all of your professional and lifestyle goals. If you’re considering a desktop computer, the M4 Mac Mini is a great choice. Apple’s Mac Mini is a powerful (and portable) desktop model designed for a variety of tasks, and you can buy one at an absolutely bargain price. Right now this little computer is available for only $500 on Amazon. That’s a savings of $99 (or 17%) compared to the regular price of $599.
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CNET’s key takeaways
I bought the M4 Mac Mini after reading CNET laptop expert Joshua Goldman’s review of the little machine. I was looking for a computer that would increase my productivity and better organize my workflow. Since then, I have found that it is the best quality/price ratio among the Apple range. I would even say that it is a more powerful computer than the MacBook Air.
The M4 Mac Mini, Apple’s smallest computer, is an easy recommendation from me, as it’s one of CNET’s top picks for best desktop computers of 2026. It’s also our go-to for the best cheap desktop alternative to a MacBook or iMac.
The M4 Mac Mini was my best technology investment this year
I was pleasantly surprised by the value of the M4 Mac Mini and how wonderful it has been for me to work from a desk. As a remote freelancer, I travel at least 10 days a month, so I need a laptop. Based on my lifestyle, I would have to recommend the MacBook Air M4. However, it’s the remaining 20 days of the month that I have to work harder than usual to craft new arguments, deliver approved papers, sort through administrative tasks, conduct research, and much more. All of this requires immense organization and productivity, and the M4 Mac Mini has helped make my life easier.
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This smallest Apple computer doesn’t compromise on power. It has a 10-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, and a 256GB SSD for storage. That’s plenty powerful for a $599 machine and a bargain at $500. You probably won’t be able to find similar reliability and power on a Windows machine for $500. I tried and failed. And no, I haven’t forgotten that the Mac Mini doesn’t come with a screen, nor a mouse and keyboard.
The M4 Mac Mini and Apple’s current line of USB-C Magic accessories make for a very nice portable computing solution. Add a portable monitor and you’re all set.
I paired my M4 Mac Mini with a 27-inch LG UltraGear monitor (currently $240) and a Logitech Mouse and Keyboard Combo Down to $29 Right Now. The UltraGear’s large screen is very useful for searching and multitasking, as well as watching movies.
The M4 Mac Mini can be excellent for home office and content creation needs. Like CNET’s Goldman wrote in his review“The Mini can fit in your hand and be everything from a home desktop to a full-featured professional content creation machine – and an easily portable one at that – with support for up to three 6K resolution displays.”
My purchase recommendation
The M4 Mac Mini launched in November 2024 and is often available at a discount. Apple’s small computer offers great value for remote workers and content creators. If you’re on the fence about buying a home PC, I’d say get a Mac Mini M4 and see the difference for yourself.
Want to discover the competition? We rounded the best desktop computer deals from HP, Lenovo, Dell and, of course, Apple. If an office offer does not suit you, you can consult the best laptop deals.
