Mac mini M4 (16GB, 256GB)

Compact Mac mini with the M4 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU), 16GB unified memory, 256GB SSD and Gigabit Ethernet — the cheapest way into Apple Silicon desktop.

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Our take

Verdict: Tiny, silent and shockingly capable — the entry Mac mini remains the value benchmark, 256GB caveat aside.

The problem. You need a real desktop Mac without spending big or filling a desk. Why it matters. Paying for power you’ll never use is the most common Mac-buying mistake. What it is. Apple’s M4 mini with 16GB unified memory and 256GB storage in a palm-sized aluminium box with front and rear USB-C.

Pros

Flagship-feeling speed for everyday and most creative tasks
Effectively silent and very power-efficient
Compact enough to hide behind a monitor

Cons

256GB is tight and soldered — no later upgrade
No display or peripherals included
Apple’s storage upgrades cost a lot

Who should buy it

Value seekers who want a fast, small desktop Mac and own peripherals

Who should skip it

Anyone keeping big local libraries — choose more storage up front

Bottom line. Hard to beat for the money; just buy enough storage the first time.