Mac mini
Apple’s cheapest desktop computer
Don’t be fooled by its size; the modern Mac mini is a powerhouse.
Image rights: Apple Inc, Western Digital Corp, Koninklijke Philips NV, Creative Technology Ltd.
Really need a Mac, but don’t have much money —or maybe space?
Then the Mac mini is perfect. Prices start at $499, and all current Mac mini models are powered by Apple’s own M2 system–on–a–chip (SoC).
The Mac mini is just 7.75 inches square and 1.4 inches deep, and weighs from 2.6lbs. This makes it very transportable. If you use a Mac in the office or from home, you could set up a screen and keyboard in both places, and carry the Mac mini between them. It’s powerful enough for most tasks, and it has two USB–A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, plus either two or four Thunderbolt 4 ports depending on the model you choose.