In the event you’re in search of a low-cost Apple Macintosh, the Mac Mini often is the machine for you. Though Apple is thought for premium pricing, particularly for its iPhones and iPads, the Mac Mini has at all times been an inexpensive choice, now much more so with Amazon promoting the newest (2024) mannequin for $499.
With its M4 chip, 16GB of reminiscence, and 256GB of SSD storage, it’s greater than sufficient for many customers. Those that want extra area will pay $712 for the 512GB model or just join an exterior SSD, such because the Micron Essential X10 1TB Transportable SSD, which sells for about $85.
In contrast to different Macintosh fashions, the Mini doesn’t include a display screen, keyboard or mouse. It does have a small speaker, but it surely’s tinny and monaural. You may add exterior stereo audio system for as little as $15. The remainder of the elements are additionally comparatively cheap. There are wi-fi keyboard/mouse mixtures for below $25 and 24-inch displays for round $75. And in the event you’re upgrading from one other machine, even an previous Home windows PC, it’s possible you’ll have already got a number of of those elements.
I haven’t tried the 2024 Mac Mini, however I do have a 2023 mannequin. Though mine has an older M2 chip and half the reminiscence (8GB), it’s been a terrific workhorse. I can run a number of applications without delay, together with a browser, Microsoft Phrase, Excel and some different apps—with strong efficiency. The newer mannequin can be even sooner. That doesn’t matter to me, since my present Mini is already quick sufficient for my wants, but it surely would possibly matter to individuals doing heavier duties like video enhancing.
In the event you’re in search of a laptop computer, I may suggest the 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch with the M4 chip, now on sale for $749 on Amazon (in contrast with $999 from Apple). Earlier than shopping for something this time of yr, test for Black Friday gross sales from Apple, Amazon and different retailers. Or, for a good higher deal, contemplate used gear from Walmart and different distributors. I used to be shocked to search out refurbished MacBooks at Walmart.com for below $200. Most sellers provide you with 30 days to return a pc in the event you’re not happy.
Home windows PCsI’m not suggesting you must essentially select a Mac over a Home windows PC. My most important laptop is a four-year-old HP All-in-One from Costco, and I’m extraordinarily proud of it. I’ve additionally been impressed with laptops I’ve reviewed from HP, Lenovo and different PC makers.
There was a time when one may credibly argue that macOS was extra secure and fewer error-prone than Home windows, however I not assume that’s true. The Home windows 11 machines I take advantage of are extraordinarily dependable. I maintain my desktop working 24/7 (in a low-energy sleep mode when not in use), and I’ve gone months with out restarting it with no efficiency degradation or crashes. It’s been years since I’ve seen the “blue screen of death” that after plagued Home windows customers.
One factor I want about Home windows is the provision of touchscreens. Apple reserves contact for iPhones and iPads, not Macs. Some Home windows desktops, just like the HP All-in-One on my desk, and lots of Home windows laptops have touchscreens that may make computing extra handy.
I additionally like that some Home windows laptops, together with the HP Omnibook I reviewed in June, have screens that may rotate all the way in which again so you should utilize them as tablets or put them in “tent” mode for shows. No Mac gives this flexibility.
CompatibilityOne of the arguments for getting Apple merchandise is their ecosystem, which permits iPhones, iPads and Macs to work nicely collectively. For instance, you should utilize iMessage on all of your Apple units, and you may simply entry your iPhone out of your Mac.
However there are additionally methods to combine iPhones and iPads with Home windows. Microsoft’s free Telephone Hyperlink app enables you to ship and browse textual content messages or make calls from an iPhone utilizing your Home windows PC. I particularly like that I can kind texts on my full-sized keyboard fairly than pecking them out on my telephone.
Working a Mac inside Home windows
My setup is admittedly uncommon, however I’ve even discovered a means to make use of my Mac Mini from my Home windows PC. Google’s free Chrome Distant Desktop enables you to join completely different computer systems on your private home community. I run my Mac Mini inside a tab in my PC browser. Regardless of its title, Chrome Distant Desktop additionally works in Microsoft Edge. I can do the whole lot I want on the Mac utilizing my Home windows display screen, mouse and keyboard, and I may even join my iPhone to my Mac and run iOS apps from the PC. I may copy issues from the Mac into the clipboard and paste them right into a Home windows App. The one limitations are that it may well’t entry the Mac’s microphone or speaker remotely, although because the machine is in the identical room, I can nonetheless hear its audio.
