The Mac mini is the Perfect Desktop Computer for Most People
The Mac mini is the Perfect Desktop Computer for Most People
Mini computer. Mini price. The best desktop for most?
The desktop computer market has always been a source of fascination for me. Since the days of Windows 3.11 for Workgroups and DOS, I’ve studied and loved learning about all the interconnected parts of a desktop computer.
When I first saw what we now call small form factor computers, I was amazed. Then, when Apple launched the Mac Mini in 2005, I was intrigued. No, the Mac Mini wasn’t the first small form factor computer, but it’s the one that had my attention. And I was fascinated.
But now, in the era of Apple silicon, I argue that the Mac mini is, in fact, the best desktop computer for most people. Not everyone, mind you. But for many, the Mac mini is exactly the right choice.
Here’s why I think that.
The perfect form factor and design
For those who need to get things done but don’t want a big, bulky box taking up a huge chunk of space on their desks or on the floor nearby, a small form factor computer is an ideal choice.
These machines are just a few inches wide, tall and deep and don’t take up much room - which is perfect for making sure it doesn’t take up desk space you might need for school, work or anything else.
HP, Lenovo and Dell have since caught on and now offer their own small desktop computers, designed to be tiny additions to your local desk without sacrificing much - if any - computing power.
My 14-inch MacBook Pro, for example, isn’t huge. But it does take up space on my desk, even docked. A Mac mini can fit neatly under a monitor stand or even mounted under the desk, with the proper support.
While there are certainly advantages to larger systems - like expandability and room for more powerful components - most people won’t need or care about those advantages. For them, a small system that doesn’t get loud or take up much space is ideal.
Enough power for professionals
More importantly for most of us, the Mac mini packs a punch. In years past, the Mac mini was designed to be a budget, low-end Mac that was meant for casual users who wouldn’t need much power - like those who needed something simple for typing homework assignments or just browsing the web.
Today, powered by Apple silicon, that’s no longer the case. With the launch of the M2 Mac mini, Apple surprised us with an optional M2 Pro chip. Now, the Mac mini can be equipped with the same powerful processor inside several of Apple’s professional computers - including the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros.
As never before, the Mac mini is a great option for those who need to edit video, create music, prepare photos in Lightroom and more - all while taking up a small area of the desk unlike a large desktop computer or even a laptop.
Simple enough for everyone else
For non-professionals though, the Mac mini still reigns supreme is a basic device. It doesn’t take much setup or knowhow. Plug in the power cord a monitor and and maybe a USB mouse and keyboard if you want - and you’re ready to go.
Think about how most home users use their computers. Most aren’t going to run high intensity design software or train AI models or the like. They just want something that will work and be reliable.
For all of its flaws and annoyances, macOS does that very well. And as a compact, simple desktop computer, the Mac mini fits the bill. Plug it in, push the button and you’re up and running.
Unlike a Windows computer, there’s no waiting for drivers to install or closing wave after wave of preinstalled bloatware.
The start of its own ecosystem
One of my favorite things about the Mac mini is everything that doesn’t come with it. The iMac - a great computer - comes with a keyboard and mouse. And that screen, while gorgeous, isn’t something you can detach and set aside. You’re stuck with it.
Apple makes some great accessories, of course (with the exception of the Magic Mouse which is the product of a board meeting from Hell, it seems.) I do love the Magic Keyboard with TouchID built in. But what if I don’t want to use that? Or what if I already have one?
If I buy an iMac, I get a keyboard and mouse with it. But what if I already have a keyboard, mouse and monitor I want to use? I’m happy with my MX Keys Mini and MX Master 3S mouse and don’t want to replace them.
If I bought an iMac, the accessories would just be taking up space in my office. And of course you know those accessories are factored into the purchase price of the iMac. So I’d be paying good money for something I wouldn’t use.
Pointless, right?
The iMac has a beautiful screen, but at 24-inches, it’s a bit small for many of us. I prefer a larger display.
A Mac mini, on the other hand, doesn’t come with anything extra. Buyers are expected to provide a mouse and keyboard and monitor. Those peripherals can be as fancy and expensive or as basic and cheap as I want. And one monitor? Two monitors? I get to decide. I’m not paying for any extra parts and accessories I won’t use.
An affordable Mac
Apple sells some expensive systems - eyewateringly expensive. But the Mac mini starts at just $599. Yes, there are cheaper computers out there, but $599 is reasonable for a desktop computer.
However, it should be noted that for $599, you’re only getting 8GB of memory and a paltry 256GB of storage. For $200 more, that 256GB of storage can be bumped up to 512GB or the 8GB of RAM can become 16GB. That would leave you with either 16GB of RAM and 256GB storage or 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $799. For an additional $200, you can have 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage - putting you in the neighborhood of $999.
While that price point is close to that of the configuration with a Pro chip, it’s still not absolutely terrible all things considered.
And realistically, 8GB of RAM or 256GB of storage may in fact be plenty for your needs - especially if you’re fine using external storage or work mostly with web apps and services.
For $1299, you can get a Mac mini with a Pro chip - the same kind of Apple silicon available in a 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro, opening the door for creative professionals to enjoy a powerful Mac desktop without paying Mac Studio prices.
What is the Mac mini good for?
It should be understood that the Mac mini is not intended to be a replacement for a high end professional workstation with powerful graphics. However, it absolutely can be the best option for the right kind of use.
The base models - those without a “Pro” chip - are intended for more basic use. Those who don’t plan to get into much photo or video editing or 3D gaming will find the base Mac mini good enough for lots of things. Do keep RAM in mind, though as these start out with only 8GB of memory. But even a base model can be a powerful machine for lots of tasks.
built his business largely with a base M1 Mac mini. Impressive.The higher tier model - shipping with a “Pro” chip - can do everything a lower-end Mac mini can do while doubling as a powerhouse for editing video and photos and even doing some light 3D design work. While no Mac mini ships with a Max or Ultra chip, the Pro Apple silicon chips are excellent options for creative professionals. I’ve loved the M1 Pro chip in my 14-inch MacBook Pro, and even in 2024, it chews through video editing and everything else I need it to do.
The mini could be an ideal family computer or home office companion, tackling school work, content creation, office tasks, browsing the web and a bit of gaming - even if not on the same level as a powerful PC with a dedicated GPU.
Who shouldn’t buy a Mac mini?
As with most things in the tech world, a Mac mini isn’t for everyone. And despite the fact that it’s a strong contender for the desktop computing crown for the average user, there are strong reasons to not pick one up the next time you’re near your local Apple store or retailer.
The Mac mini runs macOS. I love macOS and think it’s a fantastic option for work, school, content creation or just having fun. But it’s not perfect. For some things, Windows is the far better choice. If you need Windows, a Mac mini is probably not the best option. Yes, you can use Windows in Parallels or a similar tool, but if you’ll be using Windows primarily, don’t get a Mac mini. Get something that will run Windows natively.
Expandability is important to you. A standard desktop computer can often be upgraded and repaired with relative ease. A Mac mini can’t be. Both the memory and storage are soldered to the board, so you can forget about adding more memory or internal storage. And upgrading your processor or GPU? Forget about it.
You’re a high-end gamer. While Apple silicon can play games, the Mac mini is just not the best machine for gaming. For that, you should look into a system that runs Windows and has a dedicated GPU, fast processor and plenty of RAM. Or, why not build your own?
You don’t want to have to provide all your own peripherals. I love the fact that the Mac mini is all you get when you buy the Mac mini - but if you’re looking for an all-in-one setup that’s crazy easy, an iMac is probably a better bet for you. With an iMac, you’re getting a nice screen, a keyboard and a mouse. All you need to provide is power, and you’re up and running.
Portability is important to you. Since the Mac mini is a desktop computer, I expect you’d get some strange looks trying to carry it around as a laptop. For portability and use on the go - or even just in a different room of the house - a MacBook or other type of laptop will be a better option for you.
Before you rush out and buy one, make sure it will actually fit your needs.
The perfect desktop for many people?
No computer is perfect for all people everywhere, certainly. But by all accounts, the Mac mini is an excellent option for those who want a reasonably affordable, stationary, customizable macOS experience without all the frills. The mini won’t replace a gaming desktop anytime soon, and it’s less than ideal for those who need lots and lots of storage and memory or who like to play AAA games, but for businesses, homes, schools and anyone who wants a solid desktop macOS system, it’s hard to go wrong with Apple’s least expensive desktop computer: the Mac mini.
On the low end of the spectrum, the $599 Mac mini is a great budget option for someone who won’t need all the specs and power of a higher tier but more expensive machine. And on the high end, the power of a Pro chip makes a properly-specced Mac mini a strong contender for the affordable professional workstation crown.
Personally, I’m looking forward to the M3 and M3 Pro Mac mini launch. It’ll be hard to resist that “Buy” button.