If you’re looking for a low-cost Apple Macintosh, the Mac Mini may be the machine for you. Although Apple is known for premium pricing, especially for its iPhones and iPads, the Mac Mini has always been an affordable option, now even more so with Amazon selling the most recent (2024) model for $499.
With its M4 chip, 16GB of memory, and 256GB of SSD storage, it’s more than enough for most users. Those who need additional space can pay $712 for the 512GB version or simply connect an external SSD, such as the Micron Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, which sells for about $85.
Unlike other Macintosh models, the Mini doesn’t come with a screen, keyboard or mouse. It does have a small speaker, but it’s tinny and monaural. You can add external stereo speakers for as little as $15. The rest of the components are also relatively inexpensive. There are wireless keyboard/mouse combinations for under $25 and 24-inch monitors for around $75. And if you’re upgrading from another machine, even an old Windows PC, you may already have one or more of these components.
I haven’t tried the 2024 Mac Mini, but I do have a 2023 model. Even though mine has an older M2 chip and half the memory (8GB), it’s been a great workhorse. I can run several programs at once, including a browser, Microsoft Word, Excel and a few other apps—with solid performance. The newer model would be even faster. That doesn’t matter to me, since my current Mini is already fast enough for my needs, but it might matter to people doing heavier tasks like video editing.
If you’re looking for a laptop, I can also recommend the 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch with the M4 chip, now on sale for $749 on Amazon (compared with $999 from Apple). Before buying anything this time of year, check for Black Friday sales from Apple, Amazon and other retailers. Or, for an even better deal, consider used equipment from Walmart and other vendors. I was surprised to find refurbished MacBooks at Walmart.com for under $200. Most sellers give you 30 days to return a computer if you’re not satisfied.
Windows PCsI’m not suggesting you should necessarily choose a Mac over a Windows PC. My main computer is a four-year-old HP All-in-One from Costco, and I’m extremely happy with it. I’ve also been impressed with laptops I’ve reviewed from HP, Lenovo and other PC makers.
There was a time when one could credibly argue that macOS was more stable and less error-prone than Windows, but I no longer think that’s true. The Windows 11 machines I use are extremely reliable. I keep my desktop running 24/7 (in a low-energy sleep mode when not in use), and I’ve gone months without restarting it with no performance degradation or crashes. It’s been years since I’ve seen the “blue screen of death” that once plagued Windows users.
One thing I prefer about Windows is the availability of touchscreens. Apple reserves touch for iPhones and iPads, not Macs. Some Windows desktops, like the HP All-in-One on my desk, and many Windows laptops have touchscreens that can make computing more convenient.
I also like that some Windows laptops, including the HP Omnibook I reviewed in June, have screens that can rotate all the way back so you can use them as tablets or put them in “tent” mode for presentations. No Mac offers this flexibility.
CompatibilityOne of the arguments for buying Apple products is their ecosystem, which allows iPhones, iPads and Macs to work well together. For example, you can use iMessage on all your Apple devices, and you can easily access your iPhone from your Mac.
But there are also ways to integrate iPhones and iPads with Windows. Microsoft’s free Phone Link app lets you send and read text messages or make calls from an iPhone using your Windows PC. I especially like that I can type texts on my full-sized keyboard rather than pecking them out on my phone.
Running a Mac inside Windows
My setup is admittedly unusual, but I’ve even found a way to use my Mac Mini from my Windows PC. Google’s free Chrome Remote Desktop lets you connect different computers on your home network. I run my Mac Mini inside a tab in my PC browser. Despite its name, Chrome Remote Desktop also works in Microsoft Edge. I can do everything I need on the Mac using my Windows screen, mouse and keyboard, and I can even connect my iPhone to my Mac and run iOS apps from the PC. I can also copy things from the Mac into the clipboard and paste them into a Windows App. The only limitations are that it can’t access the Mac’s microphone or speaker remotely, though since the machine is in the same room, I can still hear its audio.
Whether you prefer Mac or Windows, or like me, use them both, the good news is that even the budget machines are powerful enough for the vast majority of use cases. These days choosing a computer is less about specs—and more about what fits your life and budget.
Larry Magid is a tech journalist and internet safety activist. Contact him at larry@larrymagid.com.