If you ’re in the Apple ecosystem and do n’t really need to conduct with something like the MacBook Pro , MacBook Air , or even one of the full - sized Apple desktops , then you may require to take theApple Mac Mini . Not only is it compact enough that you may put it on your desk , a good deal of the form are still comparatively potent and you do n’t loose much in terms of performance . That said , the downside is that they can be a little bit expensive , and while there are n’t many option for new Mac Minis out there , we ’ve include some of our favorite new and refurbished muckle below .
Of course , if you do n’t find what you ’re looking for here , you could check out these other excellentApple deals . Also , if you need a more traditional experience , take a flavor at theseiMac dealsandMacBook dealsdeals as well .
Apple education pricing for new Macs and iPads — multiple price points
Whether you ’re a newly swallow college student , returning student , module , stave , or homeschooling teacher , of any degree stratum , Apple provide its Department of Education pricing program for discount ironware rates . That have in mind you’re able to grab an Apple Mac Mini for smashing damage that wo n’t empty your wallet or depository financial institution account before the school year . A bevy of devices are included , not just the Mac Mini , such as MacBook Air , MacBook Pro , display , and beyond .
Because the prices change , we have n’t included any here , but it ’s definitely deserving checking out if you ’re on an academic path !
Apple Mac Mini M1 (renewed) — $382$79952% off
The M1 Mac Mini is the first generation to have Apple Silicon , and alongside the powerful M1 chip this build has 256 GB of solid State Department storage capacity and 8 GB of RAM . Apple package makes the most out of all of the hardware in every Mac , so while 8 GB of RAM is a understructure configuration , it ’s going to be enough for most the great unwashed ’s use and in many subject will suffice for creative work and labored work load . You ’ll find peck of connectivity options on the back of the Mac Mini M1 , let in an HDMI port that ensures connectivity with a 4 K monitor .
2018 Mac Mini (renewed) — $249$43042% off
You may be wondering why the 2018 Mac Mini model is more or less more expensive than some of the others , and that ’s because this one is a bit more of a ball of fire . That ’s in no small part thanks to the 8th - Gen six - core Intel Core i5 processor , 8 GB of 2666MHz DDR4 RAM , Intel UHD Graphics 630 , and ultrafast 512 GB upstanding - state effort . It also features four Thunderbolt 3 ( USB - C ) ports , two more than common , plus an HDMI 2.0 , and two USB 3 ports . Gigabit Ethernet give you the option of a speedy wired connection , or you may expend the 802.11ac built - in WiFi connectivity to graze wirelessly . The dark gray design search pat , too . This is an Amazon regenerate model being offer in “ fantabulous condition ” with slight to no cosmetic blemish . It has been tested , cleaned , and will arrive in fully working condition .
Apple Mac Mini M2 — $499$59917% off
This is one of the newest Mac Mini models on the market . It ’s not often you find a deal on fresh Apple products like this , which create this Mac Mini all the more beguiling . It comes with Apple ’s M2 microchip , which features an 8 - core processor and a 10 - heart GPU . This build sees the Mac Mini with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of self-colored state computer memory . This is , for the most part , an entry - layer Mac Mini , but one of the huge draws of Apple ’s M2 silicon chip is its performance capableness . debut level Macs are now capable of doing much more than previous generations , include pic editing and other creative work .
How to choose a Mac Mini
The aptly identify Mac Mini is Apple ’s dry pint - sized background computing machine . Small personal computer such as this have been around for a while , but as an Apple machine , the Mac Mini runs on MacOS rather than Windows — if you wish the idea of a desktop computer but you want something with a little footprint , the Mac Mini is your good optionif you favor Apple software system .
Unlike the MacBook or the iMac , there is essentially only one mannequin of the Mac Mini , although it is usable in several different computer hardware configurations . Apple has keep this minuscule desktop computer update nicely over the age as well , so you also have some different model years to choose from ( meaning that opting for a last - generation building block is often an leisurely way to save some hard cash if you are n’t finical about take the late hardware ) .
The Mac Mini saw its most recent refresh in 202o ; before that , it was update in 2018 , so these two model twelvemonth are the single you ’ll see the most and the unity we commend you spring for — any older than that and the ironware might finger a bite long in the tooth in 2020 for anything other than basic computation needs .
Despite its pared - down case , the Mac Mini boasts the same modern computer computer hardware as full - sized desktop towers as well as the same MacOS software that you get with iMacs and MacBooks . It also features very sound thermal operation that keeps it running surprisingly cool under load ( something that can be a trouble with smaller computing machine ) . Note that Apple has tot its awesome newM1 CPUto the 2020 Mac Mini batting order , which is well worth the upgrade in our thought unless you ’re on the blotto of budget .
The most appealing feature of the Mac Mini for many emptor is its price . This midget computing machine is far and away the cheapest entry degree into the earthly concern of MacOS computer science , with the latest entry - level 2020 models starting at a retail price of around $ 800 — Mac Mini peck like the ace above often let you score one for even less , and if you ’re unforced to opt for slightly older hardware , then the 2019 Mac Mini can be had for tacky still .
The catch here is that the Mac Mini apparently does n’t include a display or peripherals ( namely a keyboard , a mouse , and speakers ) , unlike the iMac and MacBook . These add - ons will cost supererogatory , but if you already have peripherals you’re able to employ — perhaps you ’re just upgrading an one-time screen background column — then the Mac Mini tender a lot of note value and top executive in a small footprint . If not , however , then you might require toconsider an iMac instead , as it could be a effective bargain depending on your pauperization .