You can now pre-order the new M4/M4Pro Mac mini
On October 29, 2024, Apple unveiled the pre-order button on the new Mac mini product page. The device embodies much of what the brand stands for: its design is sleek, the insides are innovative, and specs are very intriguing. Let’s take a closer look at this marvelous piece of technology and see if it makes sense to buy one.
The Mac mini was first introduced in 2005 as a budget-friendly option for those wishing to enter the Apple ecosystem. Through the years, the company has released 16 models of the computer. Same as for all other products, Apple has been switching from Intel chips to its own silicon, and the new Mac mini powered by M4 chips is, arguably, the device that benefits more than anything else in the lineup from this transition.
M4 Mac mini: specs that matter
The new Mac mini can house M4 or M4 Pro chips inside, both making the small computer – it is only 5 by 5 inches! – comparable to serious desktops in terms of processing power and application performance. The RAM inside is of unified type, the hard drive is SSD, and the set of ports adds to the versatility of the device.
- The M4 chip has a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, while the M4 Pro variant boasts a 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU.
- The base M4 model starts with 16GB of unified memory, with options to expand to 32GB; the M4 Pro can have from 24GB to 64GB of RAM.
- Storage options – an SSD drive holding up to 2TB.
- Front-facing USB-C ports and upgraded Thunderbolt ports (Thunderbolt 5 on the Pro model) for simultaneously connected high-resolution displays.
- This is Apple's first carbon-neutral Mac, i.e., the greenhouse gas emissions associated with its lifecycle are minuscule.
Why buy the new Mac mini?
First off, it is faster than the predecessors: the M4 and M4 Pro chips offer substantial performance improvements that can enhance productivity, especially for tasks like video editing, software development, and graphic design.
Secondly, it’s still an entry-level Mac that starts at just $599. An affordable option, especially when you factor in that this one seems to have been designed without compromising on power or capabilities.
Thirdly, this Mac mini is future-proof: with advanced features like Thunderbolt 5 support and enhanced memory options, you’re guaranteed to enjoy it for years to come.
Lastly, it’s the Apple ecosystem, where everything is seamlessly integrated, and things are only getting better in this respect (iPhone Mirroring, AirDrop, Handoff, Universal Control are some of the apps worth mentioning in this connection).
Pre-orders are available now, with shipments starting November 8. The computer doesn’t have Mac Informer on board (yet), but you can easily grab your copy of the handy software updating and exploration tool here:
