**Apple’s Latest M4 Macs: Is the Mac Mini the Best Bargain?**
Apple has rolled out its newest collection of Macs powered by the M4 chip, and if you’re considering a new machine, the [M4 MacBook Pro](https://mashable.com/article/macbook-pro-m4-announcement) may have caught your attention. It’s undeniably a robust laptop, making it a great option for anyone needing top-tier performance. But what if you could obtain all that capability for under half the cost? Enter the [M4 Mac mini](https://mashable.com/article/mac-mini-m4-apple-announcement).
### Why Choose the Mac Mini: Cost Consideration
This week, Apple unveiled several new Macs equipped with its advanced M4 silicon, including the iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini. Each of these devices boasts remarkable power, but the Mac mini shines primarily due to its pricing.
For those who don’t require the mobility of a laptop, the Mac mini delivers the same capabilities as the MacBook Pro for a much lower price. Let’s examine the details.
The entry-level M4 MacBook Pro has a starting price of $1,599. It features a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of SSD storage.
On the other hand, the base version of the M4 Mac mini provides nearly the same specifications, apart from a slightly smaller 256GB SSD. The cost? Only $599. That’s a substantial $1,000 in savings.
If you wish to match the MacBook Pro’s 512GB storage capacity, you can enhance the Mac mini for an extra $200, totaling $799. Even then, you’re still saving $800 while enjoying the same performance.
You could even allocate those savings to further upgrade the Mac mini, making it more capable than the MacBook Pro you were originally interested in, all while staying within your original budget. And if the more advanced M4 Pro chip is on your radar, choosing the Mac mini over the MacBook Pro will still permit you to save about $600.
### Portability Versus Savings
The main factor contributing to the MacBook Pro’s elevated price is its portability. If you’re often traveling and require a laptop, then the MacBook Pro is a suitable option for you. However, if your work primarily occurs in a fixed location—like a home office or desk—the Mac mini is a much more economical choice.
While the MacBook Pro includes a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and display, which the Mac mini does not offer, many users have these peripherals already. If you don’t possess them, you can purchase them separately and continue to use them with future upgrades of the Mac mini, making it a worthwhile one-time expense.
### Savings on AppleCare+
The Mac mini also offers financial advantages when it comes to AppleCare+. This service provides coverage for damage, technical problems, and support for one year. AppleCare+ for the MacBook Pro costs $99.99 annually, while for the Mac mini, it’s only $34.99 per year.
In fact, you might find that the Mac mini doesn’t even require AppleCare+. Being a desktop unit, it will likely remain stationary, minimizing the chance of accidental damage such as drops or spills—common issues faced by portable laptops like the MacBook Pro.
### When the MacBook Pro is Justified
Of course, there are circumstances where the MacBook Pro is the preferable choice. If you travel often or need a mobile workstation, the M4 MacBook Pro fits the bill. Additionally, if you seek the most powerful Mac on the market, the MacBook Pro is currently the sole device that can be upgraded to the M4 Max chip—at least until Apple releases an updated Mac Studio with M4.
### Conclusion: The Mac Mini is a Steal
If you’re on the lookout for a potent, stationary machine and wish to save money, the M4 Mac mini stands out as the optimal choice. With performance that rivals the MacBook Pro yet at a much more affordable price, it is an outstanding option for those who do not require a laptop’s mobility.