The M4 Mac Mini Is Small and Fast, and It’s $100 Off for Prime Day
Prime Big Deal Days Alert: The Apple Mac Mini with the M4 chip is on sale for $100 off, bringing the Priced at $499. I considered it a good deal even at full price, and this deal makes it an even better value.
I bought the M4 Mac Mini after reading CNET laptop expert Joshua Goldman about the little machine. I was looking for a computer that would increase my productivity and better organize my workflow. Since then, I’ve found it the best value for money among Apple’s lineup. I’d even say it’s a more powerful computer than the $999 MacBook Air. The best part? The M4 Mac Mini just got a $100 price cut, hitting the price at $499.
The M4 Mac Mini, Apple’s smallest computer, is an easy recommendation for me because it’s one of CNET’s picks for the best desktops of 2025. It’s also our pick for the best cheap desktop alternative to a MacBook or IMAC.
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The M4 Mac Mini was my best technology investment this year
I was happily surprised by the value of the M4 Mac Mini and how wonderful it was for me to work from a desk. As a freelance remote worker, I travel at least 10 days a month, so I need a laptop. Based on my lifestyle, I would have to recommend the M4 MacBook Air. But it’s the remaining 20 days of the month that I need to work harder than usual to assemble new arguments, deliver approved stories, sort through admin tasks, conduct research and more. All of this requires immense organization and productivity, and the M4 Mac Mini has helped make my life easier.
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This little computer from Apple doesn’t compromise on power. It has a 10-core GPU, 16 GB of unified memory, and a 256 GB solid-state drive for storage. It’s very powerful for a $599 machine and a bargain at $499. You probably won’t be able to find similar reliability and power on a Windows machine for $500. I tried and failed. And no, I don’t forget that the Mac Mini doesn’t come with a screen or a mouse and keyboard.
The M4 Mac Mini Plus, Apple’s current crop of USB-C magic accessories, makes for a very nice portable computing solution. Add a portable monitor and you’re all set.
I paired my M4 Mac Mini with a 27-inch LG Ultragear monitor (Currently $247) and a Logitech Mouse and Keyboard Combo. The Ultragear’s large screen is very useful for searching and multitasking, as well as watching movies.
The M4 Mac Mini can be excellent for home office and content creation needs. As CNET’s Goldman wrote in his review, “The Mini can fit in your hand and be everything from an everyday home desktop to a full-featured professional content creation machine – and an easily portable machine at that – with support for up to three 6K resolution displays.”
My purchase recommendation
The M4 Mac Mini launched in November 2024, and it’s often available at a discount. Apple’s small computer offers superb value for remote workers and content creators. If you’ve been on the fence about getting a PC for home, I’d say grab an M4 Mac Mini and see the difference for yourself.
Want to check out the competition? We’ve rounded up the best desktop deals from HP, Lenovo, Dell, and, naturally, Apple. And if that desk doesn’t suit your taste, you can check out the best laptop deals.
CNET’s editors have also rounded up the best overall deals from the best Amazon Prime Day as well as the best big day deals on Apple products of all kinds.
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