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Credit: Illustration by Ian Moore and product image courtesy of Amazon.
When you think of Apple computers, you probably imagine a MacBook (most people use their laptops as desktops, myself included), but there are still other options, even in 2024. The Mac Mini is a powerful and minimalistic desktop computer that will work well for most people (though you’ll have to supply your own monitor, mouse, and keyboard).
Starting at $479 for the M2 chip Mac Mini, the machine is matching the lowest price it has ever hit on Amaon right now, according to price-checking tools.
The M2 Mac Mini desktop is available with an 8‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage. Not crazy specs by any means, but considering it is a 2023 Apple desktop for under $500, impressive enough. The M2 is still powerful in 2024, even with 8GB of RAM, and will have more than enough memory and power for most people. (If you plan to work with videos, audio, and demanding software, consider the M2 Pro with a 512GB SSD for $1,150 after the $49 on-page coupon. Otherwise, save your money.)
Speaking of money, keep in mind that you will need a couple of basic things to round out your desktop, including a monitor, keyboard, and mouse (none are included with the Mac Mini). I also think it’s worth getting a hub, like this Satechi Mac Mini Hub, that fits perfectly under the machine, and an external SSD, like this SanDisk Extreme, to give yourself more storage.
I find Apple’s mouse and keyboard options to be overpriced and underperforming. You can get a Cherry keyboard for less than $100, or any choose any of our sister site PCMag’s picks best keyboards of 2024. The same goes for a mouse; the Logitech M750 is currently $32.99 and will work well. (Read more about your mouse options from PCMag here.)
When it comes to monitors, Apple’s are actually great , if you can afford them. But if you’re looking for a deal, this Dell 27 Monitor S2725H is $20 off and comes with a $75 Dell e-gift card. (See more monitor options from PCMag here.)
