DESIGN: A FAMILIAR FACE, AN AMPED-UP
CORE
The Mac mini remains the only true “small” Mac
desktop. Sure, you can still select between 21- and 27-
inch iMac models (which we’d expect to gain the M1
CPU before too long, as well). But if you want a
compact, macOS-based system that’s not a laptop to
attach to a TV, a spare monitor, or even just a public
informational display, the Mac mini has long been the
Apple alpha and omega.
That said, the fact that the Mac mini is equipped to
work as anything from an everyday productivity
churner, a home theater system, a little music- and
video-editing dynamo, or even just a digital-display
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It doesn’t take up much space, and it looks good
wherever you stash it.
The out-of-box experience is as straightforward as can
be. The 1.4-by-7.7-by-7.7-inch chassis comes in a plastic
wrapper. Under it, a two-socket power cable is coiled
with care in an elaborate paper carrier. That trim cord
is all the power gear there is; the Mac mini’s power
supply is internal.
Apple Mac mini
(M1, Late 2020)
PROS New, lower
starting price. Much
improved overall
performance from
2018 model.
Especially promising
bench results with
native “Universal”
apps. Surprisingly
quiet and cool
operation under load.
CONS Boosting RAM
and SSD capacity at
purchase time is
pricey. Fewer
Thunderbolt ports
than previous Mac
mini. Memory no
longer upgradable
post-purchase.
BOTTOM LINE With a
new lower starting
price and Apple’s
straining-at-the-leash
M1 CPU, the Mac mini
is far and away the
most polished, potent
tiny desktop in its
class.