The Mac mini M4 improves upon what was already a great mini PC with excellent performance, extra ports on both the front and back and a much more capable base model. Its smaller size also makes it a more compelling upgrade that takes up less space on your desk.

To be fair, both of those other computers have significantly more memory bandwidth than the Mac Mini, and both have better GPU performance. If maxing out as many GPU cores as possible is important to you, you’re probably better off with an M4 Max, which means either a MacBook Pro or waiting for an updated Mac Studio.

Apple wants the Mac to become a gaming destination, and it has the perfect machine to take on consoles from Sony and Microsoft in the form of the M4 Mac mini.

When it was introduced during the white plastic heyday of peak iPod-era Apple, the Mac mini was pitched as the cheapest way to buy into the Mac ecosystem. It was $499. And despite some fluctuation (as high as $799 for the entry-level 2018 mini, $599 for this year's refresh), the Mac mini has stayed the cheapest entry-level Mac ever since.

With the M4 Pro and Thunderbolt 5, the Mac mini supports up to three displays simultaneously at 6K resolution and 60Hz. It can also power one 6K/60Hz panel with a second screen up to 8K/60Hz or a 4K panel at up to a 240Hz refresh rate. These higher-end 8K/60Hz and 4K/240Hz display configurations require the HDMI port.

People have been puzzling over the decision to move the M4 Mac mini's power button to the underside of the PC, but Apple thinks the placement is "optimal."The Latest Tech News, Delivered to Your Inbox

In an interview to a Chinese content creator, Apple VP said that the power button was moved to the bottom of the new Mac mini because of size constraints.

However, there is one pretty controversial design choice with the new M4 Mac mini: The power button. Previously, the Mac mini was designed with the power button located on the back of the device alongside all of the computer's ports.