Apple's M4 Mac mini: A Compact Powerhouse Unveiled

/ Apple, M4 Mac mini, Technology, Computers, Design

On October 29, 2024, Apple announced a significant redesign of its Mac mini lineup, introducing the new models powered by the M4 and M4 Pro chips. This latest iteration features notable improvements in design, performance, and functionality, aiming to cater to both casual users and professionals alike.

Design Overhaul and New Features

The M4 Mac mini showcases a dramatically smaller form factor, making it more compact than its predecessors. One of the key design changes is the relocation of the power button to the bottom of the device, which is a marked difference from previous models where the power button was positioned at the back among other ports. This new arrangement may require users to adjust how they interact with the device when turning it on or off.

Adding to its user-friendly design, the M4 Mac mini comes equipped with USB-C ports on the front and features 16GB of RAM as the standard starting configuration. Moreover, the power cord is now braided, providing added durability and a premium feel.

Enhanced Display Support

For those whose work demands multiple monitor setups, the new Mac mini provides improved external display support. Particularly, the M4 Pro version can handle up to three external 6K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate. This is a step up from the M2 Pro version, which supported two 6K displays and one 4K display. These enhancements make the M4 Mac mini a compelling option for productivity and creative tasks that require expansive visual real estate.

Specifications and Comparisons

The new M4 Mac mini is offered in various configurations to suit different needs:

  • M4 Mac mini: Capable of supporting up to three displays via Thunderbolt, offering resolutions of up to 6K and 5K at 60Hz.
  • M4 Pro Mac mini: Allows configurations for up to three 6K displays, providing substantial versatility and display capacity.

The redesigned Mac mini is notably smaller than the M2 Mac mini models:

  • M4 Mac mini Dimensions:

    • Height: 2.0 inches (5.0 cm)
    • Width: 5.0 inches (12.7 cm)
    • Depth: 5.0 inches (12.7 cm)
    • Weight: 1.5 pounds (0.67 kg) for M4, 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg) for M4 Pro
  • Comparatively, the M2 versions measured larger in both width and depth, weighing around 2.6 pounds (1.18 kg) for the M2 and 2.8 pounds (1.28 kg) for the M2 Pro models.

Pricing and Availability

The new Mac mini models maintain competitive pricing. The base model starts at $599, featuring 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM and can be customized up to 32GB of RAM with 2TB of storage. The M4 Pro Mac mini begins at $1,399, with a 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, paired with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, expandable to a 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 64GB of RAM, and 8TB of storage.

The revamped M4 Mac mini lineup represents Apple's commitment to innovation, offering an amalgam of compact elegance and robust capability fit for a variety of users.

For further details, visit Original Source from 9to5Mac.

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